Page 56 - DLIS007_LIBRARY AUTOMATION

Unit 3: Basic Knowledge of Library Software

OPAC in the library or via the Internet and Stock rotation through branch libraries. Notes
Work in progress: Z39.50 searching, Virtual Bookshelves, French and German
versions, NCIP self-checking, Port to other operating systems so that it will run
natively, New themes, Additional book information (e.g. covers), Web based reports,
Mozilla chromed OPAC integrated with Greenstone digital library system,
Integration with Internet “gateway” system and bill to patron card, Printing spine
labels.
In most cases, Koha users either undertake the development themselves or contribute
the changes back to the project, or they commission a developer to undertake specific
enhancements.

The Koha project uses a number of channels to allow members of its community to
communicate with each other – there is a general mailing list, as well as separate
ones for developers, Windows users, French-speaking Koha users/developers, and
German-speaking Koha users/developers.

!

Caution The developers use Internet Relay Chat (IRC) for real-time scheduled meetings
and conversations.
4. Virtua ILS: Virtua ILS (Integrated Library System) is a sophisticated, internationalised
library automation solution that addresses the full spectrum of library activities. This
LMS is designed and developed by VTLS Inc., Virginia, US. It uses off the- Shelf UNIX
hardware and the Oracle RDBMS to guarantee continued availability and support. The
important features of this world-class software are enumerated here in the form of a list.

It is fully a parameterised software i.e. libraries can configure the setting to achieve
maximum flexibility;

Supports national and international standards for data interchange;
Basic system includes modules for OPAC, circulation, reserves, cataloguing,
acquisition, serials control and reporting;

Basic system may be supplemented by companion products like RFID, MARC data
processing suite, ILL manager and patron self-check system;

Provides support for excellent security options at different levels of access;
Supports UNICODE and thereby enables the input and display of different languages
in their native scripts. In fact Virtua ILS ensures true multilingual catalogue database;

Helps designing web-enabled digital media archiving and supports development
of digital library database (delivery options include CDROM, DLT, DVD and DAT);

Provides ‘security bit’ enabled RFID solution to serve both inventory and theft
deterrence functions;

Provides comprehensive customisation parameters (over 1000) for global settings
and each subsystem (OPAC, cataloguing, circulation, acquisition, serials control
etc.);

Provides extensive and precise control over user activities and helps creation of rich
and customised web interface for various collection components for each patron
class;

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