_________________________________________________________________________
BIBLIOTECH SOFTWARE
Betty Howell
Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro
San Francisco
Pillsbury, Madison and Sutro, a firm of 621 attorneys based in San
Francisco and having four branch offices, selected BiblioTech library
management software. Considerations included the need for firmwide
access and that each location be able to customize their own copy records
and accounting records. The catalog would have central standards and be
administered in San Francisco.
BiblioTech is an integrated library information management system for the
DEC VAX. Modules include Catalog, Serials, Authority, Circulation,
Thesaurus, Acquisitions/Accounting, Report Writing and additional special
needs options. It can support over a million catalog records, each with
many fields and each with multiple copy records. It is real time,
turnkey software developed for special libraries and has virtually
instant response time for searching and updating. It is produced by
Comstow Information Services and is written in the DRS, DBMS language.
The Serials/Routing module particularly attracted us. We receive nearly
2000 periodicals, many of them daily and many having routing lists. It
was imperative that an automated system work as quickly as a kardex.
Interestingly, many online systems do not. Route list capabilities
including the ability to globally delete staff departures from all
routing lists simultaneously was imperative. This module works very well
for this.
The catalog record has 40 fields and the attached item and periodical
records linked to each have many more. Many fields are searchable by
browsers, and all are searchable in a command/report language. There is
flexibility in how the information will be displayed to patrons in
various formats, depending on local needs.
The accounting module is the least sophisticated of the ones we've used.
It is being totally reworked in version 5.1, due out this fall, so
comments about the current version are irrelevant. One disadvantage of
the current version is that someone can unknowingly delete a record that
has your accounting on it. It can be recovered but it is a nuisance. We
continue to hope that additional security levels for staff will be added.
The report writer requires substantial training and ability to use the
DRS command language. It has been successful in meting our needs.
We have not used the circulation module. It contains possibilities for
inter-library loan records. Because, like most law firm libraries, we
are open at all times whether staffed or not, our circulation is
difficult to monitor. There are ten satellite collections in San
Francisco, again making circulation difficult to control. BiblioTech
will support bar codes. We plan to implement bar codes and the
circulation system one day.
Standard BiblioTech is delivered with a spine label program. Comstow has
written a customized label program for us that creates card and pocket
labels to encourage check-out when the library is not staffed. We
generate labels as needed and staff members operate this program
successfully.
Authority and Thesaurus modules work will with the catalog records and
the cataloger on our staff loves her title of the "The Authoritarian."
She says it cuts no ice at home, however.
THINGS WE LOVE:
BiblioTech has, what I suspect is, the ultimate HELP LINE. We have a
very happy, ongoing relationship with the trainer/liaison who has been to
our offices several times. We plan and problem solve with her. The HOT
LINE handles emergencies immediately. Calls are logged, bugs are REALLY
attended to. Comstow takes this very seriously. The documentation is
complete and very useful, but there is nothing like a live body who is
concerned about your needs when a crisis arises.
The system is easy for staff to use and we continually train new people.
Official training was conducted by a BiblioTech staff member at our site,
a requirement of purchase. We have had introductory and command language
training and one person has had advanced report writer training.
There is a very interesting and useful User Group meeting annually,
planned by the BiblioTech staff (held in the city where SLA is meeting --
the week prior). It includes training opportunities, discussions, the
chance to meet and chat with other users and voting on a previously
published "Wish List" for future enhancements to the system. Again,
BiblioTech staff are extremely responsive to user wants, needs and ideas
and these ideas REALLY get implemented. We have seen several from our
location added. BiblioTech Bits is a quarterly newsletter put out by the
BiblioTech Staff. It is valuable and feels like a commitment to keeping
users informed.
BiblioTech is both word and phrase indexed; some fields have both.
Boolean searching, keyword searching and phrases searches are available.
Browser (patron) searching is fast, effective and easy. The system is
menu driven and is easy for a browser to work through without
instructions. A bit of training adds to the browser's effectiveness.
BiblioTech is more than ten years old. It was started by, of all things,
a LIBRARIAN, not a techie or a marketing person. The Comstow staff is
extremely approachable, knowledgeable and responsive. They really
understand what goes on in libraries and the system is designed with that
in mind.
LIMITATIONS:
The most limiting feature, for which we have found satisfactory but not
perfect work-arounds is the handling of copy records. The system is not
able to automatically replicate copy records incrementing volume numbers,
as one would do with large sets of reporters. It is also cumbersome to
view copy records for big sets because one cannot skip or move backward
when paging through records. Some of this will be addressed in the new
version.
THE FUTURE:
Comstow's new and future releases will emphasize interfaces to other
databases (online and CD-ROM), images and full text, and the development
of comparable software for the UNIX operating system.
I would be glad to speak with anyone seriously considering purchase of
this system to answer specific questions about how it has worked for us.
---------------------------------------------------------------
BiblioTech Software
Comstow Information Services
249 Ayer Road, P.O. Box 277
Harvard, MA 01451-0277
Telephone: 508-772-2001
Fax: 508-772-9573
Contact Person: Lynda Moulton
Number of Sales to Law Libraries
Academic......0
Court.........0
Firm..........1
Government....0
Other.........*
* Many of their clients are corporations and governemnt agencies
with a significant legal collection
Hardware Required
VAX/VMS operating system
SunSparc Station (under development)
Software Required:
VMS or UNIX operating system
_________________________________________________________________________
CARLYLE SYSTEMS
Steve Hunt
Los Angeles County Law Library
Ease of use is the distinguishing characteristic of the Carlyle Systems
online catalog software. It uses an intuitive, command-driven user
interface. The system provides context-sensitive help, and can guide
neophyte users through the search process. Users can refine searches
using boolean "and," "or," and "not" operators.
The Carlyle OPAC provides for three main keyword indexes: author, title,
and subject. In addition, there is an "exact title" index, which
provides title-phrase like searching. Truncation is supported in all
indexes with the use of the # symbol.
Following are some examples of OPAC search queries:
find subject _law mexico_ not _new_
find author _holmes_ or subject _holmes_
find title _rico_ not _puerto_
lim date 199?
find xt _law of debtors and cre#_
find subject _law germany_
lim lang _eng_
Search commands are usually abbreviated by the experienced user, so find
subject becomes f s, find title is f t, and so on. After a search is
entered the system responds with the number by using various limiting
indexes such as language, date, or material type. The system also
provides a "back" command so the user can go backwards through a search
history step by step.
Libraries can specify unique indexes depending on the needs of their
users. The Los Angeles County Law Library has indexed the publisher
field (260 $b). Users can do a search such as:
find subject _probate_ and pub _west_
From the librarian's point of view, the Carlyle system's ability to
export records in MARC format is important. This makes possible
transfers of selected records or of the entire database to other systems.
In addition, CATIE, a PC-based editing program, makes the local editing
of OPAC records possible. It has a sophisticated global change
capability with word processor-like features. CATIE can be used to
import bibliographic and authority records from RLIN or OCLC, either by
floppy disk or through a direct serial port to serial port connection. A
tape drive is also supported in the Carlyle hardware configuration for
batch loads.
Carlyle Systems is currently in the process of completing its integrated
system, called IS/90. The company is moving from proprietary hardware to
Sun Microsystems equipment. Concurrent with the hardware change, the
OPAC software has been rewritten in the C language to run under the Unix
operating system. An authorities control module is now available, and
the Carlyle circulation system has just come out of beta testing. CASS,
the Carlyle Acquisitions and Serials System, will go into beta testing in
late 1991, and be in wide release by the second quarter of 1992. It will
use the Sun X-Windows graphical user interface for maximum ease of use.
It will support the MARC holdings format, and will be able to exchange
data with the circulation module.
While Carlyle Systems was in some financial difficulties several years
ago, it has now regained stability, and, with the signing of several new
customers in recent months promises to continue its expansion and growth.
If you have a PC and a modem you can try out the Carlyle online catalog
at the Los Angeles County Law Library by dialing (213) 617- 1475 (2400 or
1200 bps, 8-N-1) If you have Internet access you can telnet to Boston
University's Carlyle system at library.bu.edu.
---------------------------------------------------------------
IS/90 Series
Carlyle Systems, Inc.
2000 Alameda de las Palgas
San Mateo, CA 94403
Telephone: 415-345-2500
Fax: 415-349-3874
Contact Serson: C. Patrick Franklin, Sr. VP, Sales
Number of Sales to Law Libraries
Academic......0
Court.........0
Firm......... 0
Government....1
Other.........0
Hardware Required:
Sun Microsystems workstations and servers
Software Required:
UNIX operating system
Ingres RDBMS User License (provided with application)
_________________________________________________________________________
DATA TREK LIBRARY SOFTWARE
Linda Register
Baker & McKenzie, Chicago
Data Trek (DTI) is a library automation software package that includes
four primary modules: Acquisitions, Serials, Catalog, and Circulation.
Each module can be run individually or in combination. At Baker &
McKenzie we use the Acquisitions, Serials, and Catalog modules as well as
DTI's Databridge (a MARC record interface) and Universal Search Module
(USM). Our library has multiple nodes connected through a Novell LAN.
In reviewing DTI, I will discuss ease of use, system response time,
integration of the modules, strengths, weakness, quality of
documentation, customer support, and hardware/software recommendations.
EASE OF USE, SYSTEM RESPONSE TIME, INTEGRATION OF MODULES
All of the modules, including the Online Catalog for patron use, are
easy-to-learn, menu-driven systems with average response times. However,
movement between the modules is slow and sometimes cumbersome (i.e., in
order to exit the Online Catalog and access another module, you must
reboot and re-logon to the network).
STRENGTHS
All of the modules display good basic records that are easily updated.
The Serials and Catalog modules also feature several multifunctional
options. One of these is compilation and generation of reports from
stored data (i.e., Overdues in Serials and Shelflists and Authority files
in Catalog). Another is production of labels from Catalog data and
routing tags from Serials data.
The Databridge function offers a unique interface between the Catalog
module and MARC records that are downloaded to disk from OCLC. It
transfers these records into a New Entry file and arranges them according
to your catalog's record format so that they may be edited before being
processed into the Catalog itself.
WEAKNESSES
The USM, while having lightning-quick search capabilities and the ability
to search for any word in a record, does not display cross-references,
which is a major drawback.
The length of certain fields in the modules, notably staff notes in
Serials and added entry and subject headings in Catalog, is too short.
In Acquisitions, you cannot toggle between order and account screens and
only the vendor file has validation tables to insure accuracy of entry.
In Catalog, you can check authority files, but can still produce
duplicate or incorrect entries. Keyword title and subject searching
often produces lists of records that do not seem to be in any order
(numerical or alphabetical) until you discover the program's logic.
In Serials, frequency choices are limited, irregular serials can generate
overdues, and routing tags may appear for items that do not route.
DOCUMENTATION
The manuals are generally well written, but occasionally instructions for
functions are not clear and complete. The hierarchy of terms in the
indexes can be confusing.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
DTI does have a convenient 800 number. The quality of service depends on
which representative answers your call. While service is helpful and
polite, you may get several different answers for a problem, or incorrect
information. Also, sometimes calls are not returned in a timely manner.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE RECOMMENDATIONS
DTI recommends IBM compatible (286 or 386) processors, DEC VAX VMS 5.0 or
greater, and MAC operating system 6.0.2 with 6.1 Finder software. A
Novell LAN, version 2.15 or higher, is also recommended.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, DTI furnishes a useful tool which is a great improvement over
manual systems, particularly in the areas of card and label production,
report generation, and serials check-in and routing. The system could be
improved by: (1) enabling toggling between modules and screens; (2)
streamlining authority validation and correction; (3) correcting
peculiarities in keyword title and subject searching; and (4) reducing
errors in serials routing and generation of overdues.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Data Trek Library Software
Data Trek, Inc.
5838 Edison Place
Carlsbad, CA 92208
Telephone: 619-431-8400
Fax: 619-431-8448
Contact Person: Kim Gates
Number of Sales to Law Libraries
126 law libraries total
Figures not available by type
Hardware Required:
IBM Compatible (286 or 386 DOS), Digital Equipment Corp. (DEC) VAX,
Macintosh
Software Requires:
IBM DOS Novell Local Area Compatible Network,
or VAX VMS 5.0 or greater,
or Macintosh Operating 6.0.2 system, 6.1 finder
_________________________________________________________________________
INMAGIC
Robert E. Riger
Kronish, Lieb, Weiner & Hellman
New York, NY
With over 10,000 users in 45 countries, INMAGIC is one of the leading
library-oriented software packages in use today.
Unlike some other packages, INMAGIC does not consist of separate and
distinct modules for specific applications (e.g. cataloging,
acquisitions, etc.). Because it does not have preprogrammed functions,
it can be used to develop almost any conceivable bibliographic or text
application from online catalogs to legal brief banks.
-- INMAGIC is actually a family products. The focal product -- INMAGIC
itself -- is a database management system (DBMS), specifically
designed to handle large volumes of text. Although INMAGIC
resembles a traditional DBMS in some ways, its unique "textbase"
structure supports variable length repeating fields, variable length
records and databases whose number and size is limited only by the
capacity of your computer's storage media.
-- SearchMAGIC is INMAGIC's optional menu-driven, search-only interface
to databases created in INMAGIC. It is designed to simplify database
searching for both veterans and new users, and is ideal for the
library patron or casual user. The ability to combine the ease of
searching key terms from any field (e.g. title, author, subject),
with the power and flexibility of full Boolean retrieval, makes
SearchMAGIC the perfect vehicle for an online public access catalog
(OPAC).
-- The MARC Adaptor is a companion product for converting Machine
Readable Catalog (MARC) records to INMAGIC format. The MULTI
Adaptor converts data in a wide variety of other formats, including
dBase files, downloaded searches, ASCII comma-delimited files, etc.
INMAGIC's greatest strength is its versatility. It's easy to add new
fields to an existing data structure, or to modify existing ones.
Printed outputs and screen displays are also easily changed or can be
created from scratch to reflect a library's unique reporting needs.
For example, at my firm, Kronish, Lieb, Weiner & Hellman (a mid-sized New
York law firm), I have created an acquisitions database that tracks
library expenditures according to a professionally sanctioned model. It
was relatively easy to adapt the database to conform to the model and
generate various financial reports for management.
I created databases called BORROW (for items we borrow from other
libraries), and ILL (for items we lend to other libraries), to maintain
better control over interlibrary loans. In addition, BORROW is used as a
resource to record and track sources for titles that are difficult to
locate. This can significantly reduce the amount of staff time spent on
interlibrary loans.
Finally, I use the same software to maintain our public access library
catalog, which is available to our attorneys and paralegals, through a
Novell LAN.
INMAGIC's power is demonstrated in its native search and retrieval
language, which includes the traditional Boolean operators (AND, OR,
NOT), arithmetic operators (<, >, <=, >=), word and phrase stem searching
and alphabetic, date or numeric range searching (to.. from..). Search
results can be sorted hierarchically up to five levels (i.e., by author
then title then date), or sorted fields can be interfiled to produce, for
example, an author/title/subject catalog. Because the data is indexed
immediately upon entry into the system, the search response time is very
fast -- less than 1 to 3 seconds is typical in INMAGIC's native search
mode. SearchMAGIC reduces the number of keystrokes, but at the expense
of flexibility and retrieval speed.
Data entry and modification get mixed reviews. Pluses included: a full-
screen editor, "default value" templates that allow you to assign text or
numeric constants to particular fields, automatic record numbering and
strong global add, change and delete capabilities. Minuses include the
absence of data validation and authority control in the current version.
(These needs can be met with a third-party add-ons such as Productivity
Software's PRD Plus).
INMAGIC may not be as easy to learn and use as some of its competitors.
The library staff should have no trouble learning how to conduct searches
with either SearchMAGIC or the native INMAGIC. However, such tasks as:
obtaining MARC records and converting them to INMAGIC format,
programming, data entry, and designing both data structures and report
formats, are a bit more complicated, and may even require some on site
training.
These "complications" should not be viewed with concern. Help is
plentiful, and available in the form of built-in tutorials and help
screens. "Teach" commands are accessible at each operation (e.g.
searching, data entry, etc.). Customized help screens on SearchMAGIC
allow librarians to prepare their own instructions and incorporate them
directly into SearchMAGIC. Users can then get help for specific
applications.
System support is excellent. There are four levels of support: (1)
telephone assistance form INMAGIC headquarters in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, (2) telephone and personal attention from local dealers,
(3) general and special interest group (S.I.G.) users groups, and (4) a
quarterly newsletter. I have found both the local dealers and the S.I.G.
to be particularly helpful. My local dealers are professionally trained
librarians/consultants who bring years of experience and insight to the
job. As librarians, they can appreciate issues that ordinary
sales/support personnel may miss.
Legal Special Interest Groups (S.I.G.s) are open to users of any level,
and provide a forum for the exchange of informations, questions,
comments, resources, and help with applications and technical points.
Documentation is very good. INMAGIC provided both a _User's Guide_ and
an optional _Biblio Guide_, a book accompanied by a disk or tape,
containing six database models, more than 80 report designs for setting
up databases for online catalogs, serials, loan and order management.
The models are ready to use as they are, or are easily customized.
Hardware requirements are minimal. INMAGIC works on all IBM-standard PCs
and MS-DOS compatible local area networks. It needs only 384K of
available RAM. A hard disk or other mass storage device (optional disk,
CD-ROM, WORM) is required, but actual storage needs will depend on the
size of your databases. The basic software itself requires less than 1MB
of disk space. INMAGIC has no special graphics requirements, and works
in both color and monochrome.
INMAGIC, the Biblio Guide and SearchMAGIC are also available for the
Digital Equipment Corporation VAX and MicroVAX running under VMS.
INMAGIC was developed by INMAGIC, Inc., based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. The company has been in business since 1983 and is one of
the most respected and reputable software companies serving the library
market. The company's co-founder, Elizabeth B. Edison, is a professional
librarian and currently a Director in the SLA. The INMAGIC product line
is supported by a worldwide network of authorized dealers, who also
provide on site training, consultation and applications development.
Telephone support is available from both INMAGIC, Inc. and its dealers on
a subscription basis (about $300 per year). Additional support comes
form 35 user groups and a quarterly newsletter.
Pricing for the PC and LAN versions is shown below. Discounts are
available for multiple-copy purchases and for government, nonprofit and
educational institutions.
Single Network
User Version
INMAGIC $ 975 $1,520 and up
SearchMAGIC $ 395 $1,150 and up
Biblio Guide $ 145
MARC Adaptor $ 125
MULTI Adaptor $ 175
A trial version of INMAGIC, called TestMAGIC, complete with full
documentation, is available for only $45. A trial version of SearchMAGIC
and a Biblio sampler are also available.
INMAGIC continues to evolve and expand with new features. A recently
announced enhancement is INMAGIC IMAGE, which allows you to attach
digitized black and white images (e.g., photos, drawings, faxes) to
database records.
---------------------------------------------------------------
INMAGIC
Inmagic Inc.
2067 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02140
Telephone: 617-661-8124
Fax: 617-661-6901
Contact Person: Kathy Gerber
Number of Sales to Law Libraries
Total -- aprox. 400 Law Libraries
Academic......2%
Court.........5%
Firm.........80%
Government...10%
Other.........3%
Hardware Required:
IBM PC-Compatibles running MS-DOS
or DEC VAX, MicroVAX
Software Requried:
Appropriate operating system for hardware chosen
_________________________________________________________________________
This is the end of Part 2 of a 4-part file.
_________________________________________________________________________
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 03/07/00 PST