Automation Systems

Web-Scale Management Services

A cooperative management service for libraries.  Functions like acquisitions and circulation is moved to the web, and libraries can share costs and resources, this will also allow collaboration with all libraries.

Using the WMS, libraries will be able to lower cost of buying an Integrated Library System on their own.  It will eliminate format-specific operations, simplify routine operations, reduce support cost for different systems, open up the ability to using new applications & services available from an open platform, and free up staff time.  Using the Web-Scale network makes use of cooperation by sharing catalog records.  For management services, they might share policies, acquisitions activities and trends, vendor information, or local library highlights. 

This product has completed its pilot program and has since been implemented into several libraries in Ardmore, OK, North Carolina, Idaho, and in California, allowing them to discontinue the use of the integrated library system they once used. 

I think it would be worthwhile for a school district to look into this product, especially in a larger district with several school libraries.  At this time, it has only been implemented into district libraries, but I’m sure it will soon be looked at by public schools.    

Library Website

There are just so many important things to include on a webpage that I found it very difficult to pick just five. 

All websites should include their name, address, phone number and hours as a general rule.  So of course that is the top priority.  I also think that a link to the school webpage or vise versa is also a priority. 

Up at the top of the list is the grade/age approriate search engines and the on-line databases which are important for easy access to followers.  My favorite is the recommended reading lists for reading levels and the online tools to help with research.  I also feel that there should be a link for teacher resources so they know what is available to them.  Let us not forget to include the new materials list so everyone knows what is available to them.  I also like the idea of including a link for webquests and learning games to help reinforce the students learning in a fun way.  This might just get more students and parents to access the website.