If I might elaborate just a bit on Margie Axtmann's explanation of
SISAC and its work, tremendous progress has been made in recent
years. As SISAC is primarily a group of publishers, serial vendors,
and database producers along with library association
representatives (like AALL), they not only have the technical
expertise needed to accomplish the task, but a financial incentive
to make it work.
In addition to formulating the SICI (Serial Item and Contribution
Identifier) barcodes for automatic check-in and circulation that
Margie mentioned, SISAC is also working on the standardization of
formats to allow for computer-to-computer transmission of business
transactions. In other words, orders, claims and cancellations
will all be done with the wave of a wand (eventually).
Needless to say, the cooperation and support of library automation
systems is also crucial to the success of this venture. Several of
the major library automation vendors have pledged their willingness
to work with SISAC on a means to accommodate the SICI Barcode.
As Margie mentioned, AALL members have been involved in the project
for some time. A subcommittee of the TS/SIS Serials Committee,
under the leadership of Norma Feld and Cecilia Kwan, contacted
editors of law reviews and their printers to solicit their support.
Journals were selected first since they are among the most "normal"
serials law libraries receive. The committee's work is starting
to pay off as the most recent issue of our very own "Law Library
Journal* has a SISAC Barcode on the cover! Other types of
materials are also being investigated (i.e. advance sheets,
legislative services, etc.)
So, while "instant check-in" might not be right around the corner,
I can say in all honesty, "No Brian, you're not dreaming."
Nonie Watt
AALL SISAC Representative
Head of Technical Services
Indiana University Law Library
Bloomington, IN 47405
812/855-9666
inet: wattn@ucs.indiana.edu
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