Home | Developments in Integrated 
Library Systems (Summary)
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GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES

The traditional functions of an ILS were outlined above; but many libraries now also require and expect the following additional modules:

• Web enabled OPAC.

• Voice Renewals and Telemessaging.

• Stock management.

• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems.

• Interlibrary loans and document supply.

• Serials control.

• Management of local information in digital form.

• Z39.50 searching on OPACS.

• Management Information System.

Web enabled OPAC
Most ILS systems will have an OPAC (online public access catalogue) module and where OPACs are not already available their provision should be a high priority. Many libraries also make their catalogues available over the web for remote searching and most ILS suppliers have a module to enable this. (See also resource description.)

Voice renewals/telemessaging
Developments in the field of telephony, the use of recorded messages and links between telephones and computers mean that telephones can now give and take messages from the public without the intervention of a human being.

Incoming calls can be handled by a system for dealing with voice renewals. Users receive a recorded message asking them to press particular buttons on their touch-tone phones for particular options. In this way they are guided through the renewal process and asked to key in the ID numbers of borrowed items as well as their own ID numbers at the appropriate point.

Outgoing messages to readers are handled by telemessaging. A telemessaging system will conduct regular scans of the circulation module to identify those library users who need to be contacted. The system will dial the users telephone number and deliver the appropriate recorded message, for example, it can be used to inform people about overdue items or items waiting to be collected. Outgoing telemessages will be run from a dedicated PC connected to the library network and to as many telephone lines as may be required. Should there be a delay in delivering such a message by telemessaging it must be possible to send the message automatically by post.

It may be necessary, because of Data Protection legislation to ask members for members of the public to opt in to a telemessaging system. There is a brief account of such as system in use. Examples of commercially available systems with modules of this kind are: the Galaxy system of DS Ltd, the Dynix system by Epixtech, and Talismessage.

Home | Developments in Integrated 
Library Systems (Summary)
Full Text: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4