Date: Fri, 11 Nov 1994 13:37:00 -0500 (EST)
From: jb8 <Jeanne_A_BAKER@UMAIL.UMD.EDU>
Subject: RE: Serials Check In Software

>I am fairly new to internet and this listserv so I am sure this is an old
>question, but I would sure appreciate your assistance on this one.
>
>I work in a medium sized public library using CARL for automation.  We
>are considering using CARLs serials modual but have been told it can be
>less valuable to libraries with smaller subscriptions.  Do any of you use
>a stand alone software for serials check in and claiming?  We use only
>IBM compatible PCs and would like to do away with cardex and the manual
>check in.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Mark Rose               Automation Systems Manager
>MROSE@CSN.ORG           Mesa County Public Library District
>                        Grand Junction, Colorado
>
Hello Mark,

>       We use the CARL serials module for our 19000+ current subscriptions
and 30000+ dead serial titles.  While this is a very large database and CARL
handles it very nicely, the features of the serials module I would think
could be valuable for a much smaller serials collection as well.  We have
eliminated our Kardex and manual claims procedures and our payments records
are now automated and acceptable to state-required accounting procedures.
We are rapidly finishing retrospective conversion of all our serials files
including entering summaries built according to NISO standards and item
records for every serial volume, microform, etc. that we own.  So we will be
eliminating our shelf list and have closed our printed serials list.  The
serials module does such a good job of tying all serials information
together that I think you should give serious consideration to acquiring
it.  I'm sure there are other software packages which could do the job but
it is do nice to have all serials information in the same database as
monographs, audiovisuals, microforms, etc.  A second database to look up
serials information would now drive me nuts.

Jeanne Baker
Head Serials Cataloging Unit
McKeldin Library
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
301-405-9328
Jeanne A. Baker@umail.umd.edu