Auto Librarian™ SE Companion Software

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Note: Auto Librarian™ Newsletters traditionally have been mailed in the Spring and Fall to all users in our customer database.  Future newsletters will be posted on this Internet site instead of the traditional mailings. 

AUTO LIBRARIAN™ 

Newsletter

Vol.10/Issue 1                                                             Fall 2004
Special Points of Interest:

NEW V.4 UPGRADE...Order AUTO LIBRARIAN™ SE Upgrade and Internet Catalog and receive an additional 3 months of Internet Catalog free.   The new upgrade to Auto Librarian Library Server V.4 will be available in early October, 2004. 

Why Upgrade to Auto Librarian™ SE? We've incorporated some of the features of our Internet software Auto Librarian.net and brought them to the Windows desktop and they help to  make this version better than ever.   

Librarians have asked for preset due dates, more reports, more book fields and skip fine dates - all included. Read on to learn about all of the many useful enhancements included with this upgrade. 

Fall Barcode Promotion save 10% with order of Auto Librarian companion software see details below.

Auto Librarian™ SE

New Upgrade to Auto Librarian Library Server V.4

(available October, 2004)

Library automation for the future...at work today!

FEATURED PRODUCT: 

Auto Librarian™ SE

Why change a good thing?

Only for important reasons...to make it better, easier to use, more informative, more useful and, we think, special...to offer AUTO LIBRARIAN™SE 

We know that some software companies stay in business solely as a function of how often they offer software upgrades to generate income. We aren’t that kind of software business, never have been. But every so often we have to bring features to our software either because our users have asked for them or because new innovations in programming allow us to do so. Now is that time and we are pleased to announce a special edition of Auto Librarian—Auto Librarian™ SE.                                   There are features inherent to the Internet that bring a whole new dimension to library database management and these are included in our Auto Librarian.net software for the Internet. Some librarians however, do not want to give up the feature richness of their trusted Auto Librarian V.4 Windows desktop software. Which way to go has become the yin/yang decision many software companies are deliberating over: how do we keep the best features of a reliable, time tested Windows application yet bring the excitement and accessibility of the Internet to bear? A dilemma to some but an opportunity for MC˛ SYSTEMS to incorporate the best features of both platforms Auto Librarian V.4 for Windows and Auto Librarian.net for the Internet into an enhanced version of Auto Librarian and a new member of the Auto Librarian family…Auto Librarian™ SE.

A bit of history...Auto Librarian was created in 1989 by MC˛ SYSTEMS to fill the needs of many small libraries who wanted to automate without the large costs involved in high end library automation systems. We’ve had three major upgrades to the software to increase reporting capabilities and to take advantage of laser printers for our reports and bar code label production, and finally to create Auto Librarian V.4 for Windows. Auto Librarian V.4 for Windows has proven itself over the years to be not only user-friendly but reliable and affordable.

Along the way librarians have recommended certain reports and features be added to the Windows version and we’ve tried to incorporate many of these into this new special edition. But just as the move to Windows was a bit of a leap from the dark age days of MSDOS so now too is the added dimension of Internet capability within the Windows desktop platform at the click of a button. To interact between the two platforms seamlessly and effortlessly is the main reason for this upgrade and we think you’ll love the end result.

So exactly what is included in this new enhanced “special edition” of Auto Librarian? 

Here are the major features included:

bulletMARC record Internet search by ISBN# with easy step by step retrieval/download/import into existing book database. Eliminates the need for other software for search and import when entering single ISBN numbers into database.
bulletWeblinks in book record. Link to known related websites to enhance book searches.
bulletAmazon.com link in book record for more information, reviews, and includes preview of book cover and often sample pages as well as listing of other titles by same author. Adds a new dimension to book searches. Requires ISBN # in book record.
bulletEmail address links in borrower record for easy reference and quick launch of email.
bulletAdded book record field: location.
bullet4 due dates set by preset time intervals—eliminates the need to set due dates each day at startup.
bulletAdded book reports including:
bulletBibliography
bulletMost/least used—great for keeping collection in line with user’s needs.
bulletSorted by booknum with isbn#.
bulletSorted by booknum with isbn# and title.
bulletSorted by callnumber with count (see at a glance what callnumber categories have the most/least books).
bulletSorted by callnumber with cost count (great for insurance reports) listing value of entire collection at a glance.
bulletCheckins by date range—evalute your library’s circulation by time period.
bulletProgram Reindexes databases at startup and prompts for backup to designated drive at exit. Simplifies database management—less to remember, more reliable data.
bulletSync book data with Internet Catalog. Updates book circulation status including due date if flagged as checked out and refreshes database with newly entered books. No need to send backups to MC˛ SYSTEMS for database conversion and upload. Saves money—no charge for uploading database to Internet server. Database is current making it more useful for patrons searching the database from home, work, anywhere there is an Internet connection.

Pricing:

bulletAuto Librarian™SE upgrade: $129.00
bulletAuto Librarian™SE new user: $369.00
bulletAuto Librarian™SE Internet Catalog one-year contract: $150.00

See all of the features of Auto Librarian™ SE in an Overview Video Tutorial online.

Just click on the Auto Librarian Library Server Version SE webpage and click on the video.  You'll see at a glance why this new upgrade is called special edition.

TECH SUPPORT TIPS

Remember to place an extra backup of your Auto Librarian/Tables folder off site for insurance purposes and replace it with new backup disks periodically.  This information will be quite valuable if you need to produce a list of books in case of fire or flood.  We have had several Auto Librarian™ libraries which have been glad to have a backup off site for this purpose.

If you are unable to print reports because the print icon is disabled (dimmed), and your printer is connected and functioning in other programs, be sure that Report Printing Capability is not checked in the Password User and Access Form (located in the Utilities, Setup, Information Editor, Password Selection (click Close).  Click Accept Selections if making a change and Close.  Try printing the report again.

Go to the first record when searching by Title, Author, Subject and Callnum to see if there are empty spaces before titles, authors and subjects which will keep these headings from indexing properly. If so, edit the record(s) and run Key Words Build when all records are edited. Edit borrower records in the same way (searching by last name). 

If you prefer a total Internet solution to library automation  Auto Librarian.net is the answer:

Now Auto Librarian.net is better than ever!  The following features have been added making this software an even greater value. Unlimited access from any computer with Internet access - no additional licenses needed for student search stations.  Try the demo and see for yourself how Auto Librarian.net is...Library automation for the future...at work today!

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Book Reviews and More Information Button added to Materials Search allowing access to reviews on a 1-5 scale from other readers, a picture of the book, links to other works by the author, and a More Details link to access even more product information, 10-50 page excerpts of many texts which can be read online and more reviews of the book. The reviews and more information are accessed from a web service provided by Amazon.com. Note: the ISBN number must be in the ISBN field of the material record for the additional search features. Auto Librarian.net materials searches are now better than ever and packed with great information for users.

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Timeouts are now virtually eliminated by changing the way session variables are stored so that logins are not required when the system is idle for 20 minutes.  Logout is needed when leaving the system or when closing the library.

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An autologin page can be created for libraries giving one-click access to material searching bypassing pin#s and logins.

bullet

Check out list and Overdue lists can now be printed sorted by Department Name in addition to borrower last name. 

bullet

A Callnumber Inventory has been added to Auto Librarian.net.  The report will count the number of materials in each of the Dewey Decimal as well as alphabetical categories. This report is useful when filling out reports for regulatory agencies.

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Circulation Statistics are now tracked by callnumber category.  Checkouts and Renewals are tracked.  In addition to the Dewey Decimal callnumber categories one category can be added for each letter of the alphabet.

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Advanced Materials Reports are now available in Auto Librarian.net including Prebuilt and Filtered Material Reports.  Reports can be built within a specific data field range and filtered with another field.  For example, a report can be built specifying all Callnumbers between 200-300 with Copyright dates of greater than 2000 to see at a glance the newer titles in the collection in the 200 callnumber category range.

The bottom line is this: Unlimited patron access as well as unlimited desktop library access from any Internet computer ...No extra software required...no extra fees to pay! 

Auto Librarian.net™ software will provide all of the library management functionality your library will need for the future with one critical difference over most library automation software—you will begin using it now! No waiting for software to play “catch-up” with the technology that is currently available.

Auto Librarian.net™ software will be updated as needed seamlessly at the network server without affecting your library’s day-to-day operation. Your databases are maintained on our server, not your hard drive, therefore backup and all other database maintenance is done by MC˛ SYSTEMS, not you!

Auto Librarian.netsoftware is leased not purchased giving you the assurance that you will always have the most current up-to-date software application available. New features and enhancements are automatically made available to all users instantaneously when the software is upgraded at the server. Technical support is via email from a link in the software at no additional cost.

Auto Librarian.net™ software is ideal for rural libraries with patrons spread over a wide area or mobile libraries which need to access their library database from long distances.  All that is needed is a fast Internet connection and access to the library database is at your fingertips!  Patrons can search from the comfort of home or office and view the contents of the library, place items on their bookshelf for later reference, or place checked out items on reserve - all while on the Internet.  

Auto Librarian.net

System Requirements:

DESKTOP LIBRARY—(librarian) and eMedia Center—(patrons)

All 3 Requirements must be met

bulletEmail address
bulletComputer with Internet Connection: DSL (highly preferred), cable modem or high speed connection (librarian); 56K modem (patron).
bulletMicrosoft Internet Explorer 5.x or higher

Auto Librarian.net Pricing (subject to change):

Auto Librarian.net Monthly Service Fee: $35.00

Includes all features described including patron searches from any Internet computer, desktop library from any Internet computer with proper authorization, database maintenance and all software upgrades. (1 year minimum contract)

(Additional fees will be charged for data conversion from non-Auto Librarian databases, or other services)

Initial Database setup fee: $100.00

Includes database setup and website setup and optional autologin page to link to from your organization's website. 

MARC Records searched by ISBN# and added to the database with the click of a mouse button at no additional cost!

Try the Auto Librarian.net demo today.

HOW?...It’s Easy! Click the link below or the Internet browse to: http://www.autolib.com Click on the Internet link. 

Auto Librarian.net demo

Click on the link to the Auto Librarian.net demo then the Book icon for more information. 

Click the Here link on the information page and fill in the request form. Information will be emailed to you along with the pin# and password to access the demo.

Remember if you don't find the answer you need in the Auto Librarian Help file or in the Support portion of the website you can get an answer via email at:  techsupport@autolib.com.

 

Please Email updated contact information including email address, phone#, fax#, librarian's name to: sales@autolib.com so that we can keep you informed.  

 

Auto Librarian™ SE Companion Software

There are several add on software programs available as companions to your Auto Librarian™ Ver. 4.0 software for Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP. A brief description of the add on software follows:

Remote Card Catalog SE: allows searching of the book database from a remote computer networked to the server. Patrons can reserve checked out books from the remote computer. Keyword searches and searches by title, author, callnumber and booknumber can be performed. Patrons can access their own checkouts, fines, reserves, history records. Price: $139.00 each computer license or a 3-computer license pack for $329.00.

Remote Circulation SE: allows user to perform all of the functions on the Circulation file folder of Auto Librarian: Check In, Check Out, Renew, Fines, and Reserves from a remote computer networked to the server. Price: $159.00 each computer license or a 3-computer license pack for $400.00.

Auto Librarian SE Internet Catalog: the ultimate searching of Auto Librarian book databases - on the Internet! Patron searches of the Book database from the comfort of their home/office. An autologin webpage can be created for your library to link to from your organization's home webpage for one-click access to the Materials Search page by your patrons. Includes Book Reviews and More button in Material record to add a new dimension to searching accessing the Amazon.com database for book reviews, ability to read excerpts, see book cover graphic, links to other titles by author, and much more.  A great add on service for your patrons.  Price: $150.00/year.

MARC/AL Interface Utility SE & Ver. 4.0: allows importing of MARC records. One time purchase of utility enables user to import MARC records from newly purchased books into the Auto Librarian database without typing! Saves hours of data entry. Price: $89.00 (per site).

MARC/LOC Utility: streamlines the process of downloading MARC records from the Library of Congress Internet website and saving to disk for later importing to book databases.  Auto Librarian V.4 users purchase MARC/AL Interface Utility V.4 for data import. Other databases use MARC import utility specified by manufacturer. Price: $89.00 (per site). 

MARCExplorer: retrieves MARC records using the Internet browser via ISBN number(s) from the Library of Congress as well as many other online catalogs. Records are downloaded and saved to file for import.  Auto Librarian V.4 users purchase MARC/AL Interface Utility V.4 for data import. Other databases use MARC import utility specified by manufacturer.  Price: $120.00 per year.

MARC Trio: All three MARC utilities above (includes 1 year of MARCExplorer) at a savings of $50.00.  Price: $248.00

Remote Data Entry SE & Ver. 4.0: allows for remote entry of book data at any Windows 95/98/NT computer. Disks are created from the main computer given to data entry personnel and downloaded to their hard drive. The program allows the data entry personnel to enter data, save to disk, and bring floppy disks in to the main computer to add to the existing book database. This is the only way to enter book data remotely in Ver. 4.0. Price: $89.00 (per site).

See our website for more information on these products as well as detailed information on all bar code units available from MC˛ SYSTEMS priced from $284.00 and now discounted 10% for a limited time to existing AUTO LIBRARIAN users (see below). 

Fall Newsletter Software/Barcode Promotion

Order any Auto Librarian™ software module before 12/20/2004 and save 10% on any bar code unit!  Now is the best time of year to order a bar code unit for library circulation and spring or year-end inventory. See the price sheet click Pricing for current prices. Deduct 10% from the listed price when ordering. For example: the TricoderTM portable bar code unit sells for $849.00 less 10% for a discounted price of $764.10 (+ $14.00 shipping/handling) = Total price: $778.10. Your savings: $84.90 when accompanied by an Auto Librarian™ software module. Tricoders now ship with the LI-50 triggered gun linear imaging scanner for easier, more reliable scanning at no extra cost!

Purchase order or check needed to secure the order. Purchase order or check (made payable to MC˛ SYSTEMS) must be received by 12/20/2004 to qualify for discount. Mention code: fall2004nl when ordering.  Invoices must be paid within 30 days or price will revert back to normal retail pricing plus a 10% late fee added to the invoice. Add $14.00 for FedEx shipping/handling for each bar code unit ordered. Bar code units ship via FedEx 2-day service within 3 business days of receipt of order. Offer for existing AUTO LIBRARIANTM customers only. Use the printer-friendly order form or your own purchase order form when ordering.

MC˛ SYSTEMS Fall, 2004 Newsletter software promotion

Include an order for the Auto Librarian™ SE Internet Catalog and you will receive 3 additional months (15 for the price of 12).

Add 3 additional months of Internet Catalog service with my order of a 1 year Auto Librarian™ SE Internet Catalog.  

Purchase Order or check made payable to: MC˛ SYSTEMS, 115 Oregon Lane, Boca Raton, FL 33487-1523 must be received by 12/20/2004 to qualify for discount. Sale ends at 5:00pm (Eastern) on 12/20/2004.

(Print and clip coupon and attach to order)