THE OPAC SYSTEM ON CDS/ISIS
The current Moi library OPAC system does not operate on any network system. This is because when new materials are acquired, they have to be entered one by one into every computer system as they are not connected to a single database in a server from which the rest of the computers can access. This means that one cannot search the library catalogue if he/she is not using one of the terminals in the library. The OPAC system only shows those materials which the library has acquired and does not show the searcher if an item is out of the library on loan. This current OPAC system is run by CDS/ISIS (controlled database system/integrated set of information systems) which is a software developed by UNESCO in 1985 to meet the expressed needs of libraries to be able to streamline their information processing activities by using modern technology in a less expensive way. The Moi library previously used DOs before switching to Windows. Other libraries using CDS/ISIS have the capacity of running the software on other multiple web based platforms like Unix, Linux, Mac OS X or on C-ROM.STEPS TAKEN IN IMPLEMENTING THE OPAC SYSTEM
1. The library began by identifying the need for library automation.
2. Determining the relevant requirements installing the OPAC system i.e. hardware, software, human resource and finances.
3. Drawing a plan for the work flow of the system.
4. Real installation of the system. The library hired about 60 skilled personnel who were specialized in different library activities like cataloguing, acquisition and circulation. This also included retrospective conversion of the old card catalogue format to machine readable format. This was done by temporary personnel who typed the entries into computer databases which took about a year to complete.
5. The process of cataloguing new collections and retrospective conversion of already catalogued materials was done co-currently
This whole process of installing the CDS/ISIS system took about two years.
THE OPAC SYSTEM ON KOHA
However, the Moi library is in the process of installing a new open-source Integrated Library system (ILS) called KOHA that is currently distributed by Strathmore University in Kenya. This will allow the Moi library catalogue to be searched online. The KOHA software system was previously developed in the New Zealand by Katipo Communications Ltd and first deployed for use in Jan. 2000 according to koha.org.
FEATURES OF AN IDEAL ILS
A COMPETENT ILS system is vital in the process of carrying out library automation. It may include features such as:
- Simple and clear user interface.
- Circulation and borrower management system.
- A full acquisitions system including budgets and pricing information with supplier currency conversion.
- The ability to cope with an unlimited number of branches patrons, item categories, currency and other varied data.
- Serials control system.
- Reading list for patrons
- Search the library catalogue online.
- Reserving or putting a book on hold online.
- Checking when a book is due for returning or extending time for overdue books online.
- Checking out accumulated debt for long overdue books.
For logged in librarians the software will allow them to:
- To do copy cataloguing and classification, If subscribed, from the library of congress
- Send mail to other staff members using the same system
- Maintain user profiles for better service delivery e.g. seeing a readers borrowing history.
- Maintain an automatic charging system for long overdue books by each user.
The OPAC system is vital in the carrying out the various functions of the Moi library. It has become easier for users of the Moi library to retrieve materials from the library by only keying in the fundamental characters. But in Moi library the CDS/ISIS is the most used since it is easily available and most users are conversant with use of computers.
No comments:
Post a Comment