This MacNews Category Review looks at part two of our round-up library management software for the Mac. Products covered include Koubi, Library, Library Pro, Library 4, LibrarySoft, LibraryWorld, Magnolia, Readerware, SIRSI and Spectrum. Part one can be found at http://www.macnews.com/content/macsimum-migration-kit-library-management... .
Koubi
Koubi is an integrated management package for schools, colleges and private or public vocational institutions. It features the management of teachers' and library resources, accounting, stock control, contacts, correspondence, user accounts and much more. Both standalone and client/server versions are available. Koubi works with Mac OS X and Mac OS 8.6-9.x.
Library
Library is a collector's database application. It can store many kinds of items (such as books, movies, music, and games) and includes an autofill feature that lets you enter item ISBN or UPC codes. After entering, Library will search online resources (behind the scenes) for the data you want, and include the data in your entries. Library will find information such as titles, prices, descriptions, and even cover images for your items. Library works with Mac OS X 10.3 and higher.
Library Pro
The Library Pro library automation system that gives librarians the ability to customize collections for special student projects, to assign MARC records to Web sites and multi-media documents and manage them like other resource materials, and to see what resources are available throughout the entire district. Library Pro 2's administrative functions manage circulation, reports, patron management, serials and acquisitions.
Library 4
Kelowna Software's Library 4 bundles all the basic library functions --acquisitions, serials, cataloguing, circulation, and online public access -- in one, fully integrated, cross platform package. The L4U Centralized Advanced Bookings Module offers shipping lists, copy management, visual calendars, pick lists, authority control and automatic shipping labels and more. Central Resource Centers allows you to specify shipping days, holiday management, and Globally Circulate records with the single click of a button. Library 4 is compatible with Mac OS X (10.3 and higher).
LibrarySoft
LibrarySoft is library automation software that features: a report generator; Web access; a complete list of modules, including the ability to import US MARC data; and a Data Transfer PLibrarySoft works with Mac OS X and Mac OS 7.x-9.x.
LibraryWorld
LibraryWorld is a library automation system based on standard MARC format. The Bronze Edition features a catalog database program for creating, importing, exporting and reporting on a database with either full or brief MARC record. It supports printing of AACR2 cards, spine labels and bar code labels. The Silver Edition also incorporates a circulation system which handles patron records. The Gold Edition adds serials control and acquisition functions, as well as a digital document management module. It incorporates vendor records, prints purchase orders, generates claims, and automatically maintains budgets.
Magnolia
Magnolia is a free, open source, J2EE deployable content-management-system (CMS). It's written in Java and uses the API for Java-based content repositories to access its content. It has a Web browser interface and a custom tag library for easy templating in JSP and Servlets. Its main goal is ease of use for all parties involved in running a CMS. Magnolia features a flexible structure and is platform-independence through the use of Java and XML. It's actively been developed by Obinary and is available free of charge as an open source product.
Readerware
Readerware will automatically catalog your library. Scan in a bar code and the software does the rest, searching the Internet and cataloging your books, including cover art, in its SQL database.
SIRSI
SIRSI claims to use the most advanced technology available to provide easy-to-use information systems for libraries, businesses and archives. The company says it's established its Unicorn and Hyperion Digital Media Archive products as the leading client/server library information systems in the world.
Spectrum
Spectrum is a cross-platform, client/server library technology solution for both Mac and Windows. It offers security for search stations, patron photos, reports, material and patron custom indexes and more. Features include: reading program searches, custom font-sizing for printing bibliographies, toolbar buttons for quick connection to Sagebrush’s BenchMARC collection development tools; and Français and Spectrum Español add-ons that allow French and Spanish-speaking students to view search screens in the language of their choice.