2 messages, 94 lines:

(1)-------------------------
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 11:04:17 CDT
From:         Patty Nicholas <LBPN@FHSUVM.FHSU.EDU>
Subject:      Summary of automated systems

Good morning - I'm finally getting around to summarizing the responses I
received to my post of asking about several automated systems. The systems
that I mentioned included Sirsi, Innovative, Horizon, and VTLS.

Sirsi

* Serials module is backward. It takes 2 steps to create checkin records and
also have to go through several screens of confusing information. Irregular
patterns cannot be established easily. * Cataloging module is not very good
because editing of bibliographic records required paging through many screens.
* The authority control is not that great. * OPAC is wonderful. (This person
no longer works with a SIRSI system, so the system may have improved over the
last couple of years.)

Horizon

* Circulation and Cataloging Modules have had many glitches. * Tech Support
from Horizon leaves a lot to be desired. * Serials Module presents many
problems when inputting information into the system, especially when setting
up prediction patterns. * Requires running OS/2 for non-OPAC functions. * "We
like both Horizon in general and Serials in particular." * Serials checkin and
control modules are used for check-in, prediction, claiming, routing, etc. *
No bindery module but things can be worked around that aspect.

I'll put the observations about VTLS and Innovative in a later note today,
since I've got some other work that needs to be done now.

Patty Nicholas
Forsyth Library
Fort Hays State University
E-mail: lbpn@fhsuvm.fhsu.edu

(2)--------------------------
Date:         Wed, 24 Apr 1996 13:40:29 CDT
From:         Patty Nicholas <LBPN@FHSUVM.FHSU.EDU>
Subject:      Summary of automated systems: pt.2

A continuation of my first note - this one will focus on VTLS and Innovative
Innopac.

VTLS

* A long learning process when serials collection was automated, but well
worth it. * Most items can be coded; check in works beautifully; and problem
titles which cannot be predicted can be posted as extra issues. * A very
helpful feature is the "remind" function - each check in screen has an
expected date which can be used to determine whether an issue needs to be
claimed or the date can be modified. * The number of phone calls from people
asking questions about serials is down dramatically. * One library is working
on ways to integrate VTLS for the online catalog and cataloging modules with
the Innopac acquisitions and serials modules, as they are not pleased with
those formats on VTLS. * VTLS is fine for check in only, but not with
management reports and payments.

Innopac

* A system that is well integrated and easy to use for both staff and patrons.
* One person said the check in "card" boxes are small, and all the information
cannot be seen without going to "line display format" (the other check in
screen option); line display is very difficult to look at; difficult to enter
all the information needed. * The company is very good at listening to their
customers and working on the problems. * Another person says the only place
that is cumbersome is the claiming process; cannot adjust the check in record
from claiming - have to exit claiming to adjust the record. * Bindery module
indicates items out at bindery and will automatically update when items are
returned to library. * Another person said that the password system made
things kind of awkward in that it could lead to problems of meddling, whether
it be well-meant or malicious. * The system is easy to access and to use, it
is hardly ever down, does very nice reports, and more people are enthusiatic
about this system then other systems. * Easy to tell what types of records are
attached to each bib record. * The transfer feature is very easy to do. * The
serials module allows one to see what issues have been received and checked in
at a glance. * The checkin parameters are easily set up. * Users manuals are
excellent - well indexed and clearly written. * Some other comments are as
follows: "We are very pleased with the way it handles serials; in fact the
system was originally designed to do serials checkin, etc." "We like Innopac A
LOT." "I highly recommend it." "Checkin and ordering functions are about as
good as one can expect."

I appreciate the responses that were received, and I know that they will help
in the decision making process.  Thank you!

Patty Nicholas
Forsyth Library
Fort Hays State University
E-mail: lbpn@fhsuvm.fhsu.edu