Library Resources Newsletter

School library automation systems aren’t what they used to be – and that is good information. The earlier library automation software in the Anchorage School District was a decentralized library index compiling a school library collection into a single unified cataloging tool known as Follett’s Circulation/Catalog Plus. It would list the items found in each library collection ranging from 10,000 items to 35,000 items per site. Library Resources made an effort to keep a union catalog of all holdings in digital format via the bibliographic utility (first the Western Library Network and ultimately to OCLC that is in use today) within an Alaska Library Network system long range goal.

In late winter of 1999 Library Resources implemented the SIRSI software recommendation of the Anchorage School District (ASD) library technology committee which established an integrated library system of all library holdings of the institution. It was a very ambitious project that gathered together all library collections in ASD into a single, unified information retrieval tool. It keeps tabs on millions of holdings, including books, sound recordings, CDs, videos, DVDs, web sites, e-books, kits, maps, filmstrips, magazine titles and reference materials. Local access to this information is readily on ASD’s WEBCAT http://dewey.asdk12.org/. Interoperability of library holdings has now expanded to include information about library holdings of all libraries in a given geographical area such as Anchorage city or Alaska in OPEN WORLDCAT using the internet. For an example of OPEN WORKCAT citation:

http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/oclc/50915823&referer=brief_results.

This new trend means that items in one individual’s school collection can be requested from anywhere in the district or region. ASD’s use of SIRSI software offers remote access on any computer and the ability to manage a greater amount and variety of resources. This includes electronic materials of all types such as school lesson plans, teaching tools, reading guides, and licensed databases with password access.

This past year ASD upgraded the platform of the library system from UNIX to a WINDOWS based capability and we are in the process of updating more of the software features. Training for all the software upgrades is offered several ways: release of SIRSI technical bulletins, visits to site based libraries upon requests; visits to area library meetings upon on request and all software version updates are routinely offered in the LIME ROOM at the Anchorage School District Education Center. Registration is online through MLP.

Information retrieval is readily available from any hardwired computer, wireless computer or cell-phone today. We are making strides on the new library automation capability in ASD libraries. The challenge remains to help the school librarians, teachers/staff and student library users be well trained. Staff members at Library Resources do work on this primary task every single day.

The future does hold a continuing challenge in library automation upgrades. Training is a necessary component as new features are released. The perfect library automation system has not yet been designed – acknowledgement of continuing change is a constant in this activity.

Please direct any questions or comments regarding these pages to Ruth Jean Shaw, Library Resources Manager.