PETRONAS Integrated Library
Systems Engagement Session
2 March 2009 : Le Meridien
Kuala Lumpur
UM LIBRARY : EXPERIENCES
& EXPECTATIONS
Nor Edzan binti Che Nasir
Library
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur
edzan@um,edu.my
EXPERIENCES
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Decision has to be made for automation
of library processes
Once decision is made, define our
specifications
Identify an ILS that can meet all or most
of our specifications
Invite vendors to dem their products
Evaluate
All done by LIBRARIANS with advice from
systems personnel
EXPERIENCES
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Late 1980’s – USM - Dobis/Libis automated library system written in PL/1,
running in CICS on IBM mainframe
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very powerful
not very user friendly
reserved to big libraries which can afford a
mainframe
vendor, Elias, went to bankrupt about five
years ago.
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Early 1990’s – UM - DRA – Data Research
Associates
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Early 2000’s - SirsiDynix : LINK
http://www.sirsidynix.com/Solutions/Pro
ducts/integratedsystems.php
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At the heart of SirsiDynix's technology offerings for libraries and
consortia is the integrated library system (ILS). For our ILS
customers, SirsiDynix delivers superior technology, outstanding
customer service, and the backing of a worldwide organization in
place to help ensure they make the most of their investments in
the ILS technology infrastructure. What we really provide is an an
enterprise solution – open, industry-standard, versatile, scalable
technology for managing all technical and public services within
libraries and consortia. With SirsiDynix ILS technology, libraries
and consortia aren't just buying a product, though our ILS
products offer n-tier architecture, open APIs, leading-edge
security and authentication, and other leading technologies such
as Java. In reality, our users are investing in the future of their
institutions when they choose a SirsiDynix ILS.
SirsiDynix's flagship offering is SirsiDynix Symphony, a
comprehensive, integrated library and consortium management
system. It is built on the proven SirsiDynix Unicorn architecture
that is in use by more library organizations around the world than
any other single integrated library system.
With SirsiDynix Symphony leading the way for the future,
SirsiDynix continues a 25-year commitment to providing libraries
and consortia of all types and sizes a backbone system they can
and do rely on to run their operations better and smarter, while
and serving their users.
http://www.sirsidynix.com/Solutions/Pro
ducts/integratedsystems.php
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Types of libraries served: public,
academic, school, special,
corporate, government, consortia,
and state and national
Countries served: 70
Client served: 4,000
Library locations served: 23,000+
Year that Sirsi was founded: 1979
Year that Dynix was founded: 1983
Growth is best charted by exemplifying
features - key features added to Unicorn
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1995:
1995:
1996:
1998:
1998:
1998:
1998:
1999:
1999:
1999:
2000:
2002:
2002:
2002:
2002:
2002:
2003:
2003:
2003:
Web-based OPAC
Hyperion Digital Media Archive
Academic Reserves module
Outreach module
Frames version of Web OPAC
Windows-based staff client
Server on Windows NT
Materials Booking module
Support for Oracle database
Enhanced Serials Control module
iBistro e-Library with content
Acquisitions module update
Enhanced ILL functionality
Extensions to Unicorn for DRA users
SIP, SIP2, and NCIP interfaces
Support for URSA 2.6 via NCIP
SVA automated telephone notification
Acquisitions selection lists and 9XX ordering
Interface with B&N.com for book purchase
Growth is best charted by exemplifying
features - key features added to Unicorn
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2004:
2004:
2004:
2004:
2004:
2004:
2004:
2004:
2005:
2005:
2005:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
2006:
PocketCirc handheld circulation unit
Collection Exchange Module
Java-based staff client
Unicode compliance
Server on Red Hat Linux
Support for credit card payment
PDA/wireless devices
Director’s Station online analytical tool
e-Resources management capabilities
Updates to consortial ownership and scoping
Support for enriched EDI
Server on SUSE Linux
Portal-based user-experience functions
Content management in EPS portal
SchoolRooms content and portal
Acquisitions selection list loader
Links to Serials Solutions ERMS
NCIP enhancements to support many ILL tools
Placing holds against entire search result sets
Additional options for federated searching and OpenURL
resolution
EXPERIENCES
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So far – ok but slow but have
upgraded our server but still slow
(user’s comment)
There are things that we would like
to do but will incur huge additional
costs – eg. federated searching
Customisation – highly dependent
on the vendor
After sales service – incur payments
EXPECTATIONS
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What UM Library is all about currently:
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Annual budget for information sources = more
than RM8 million
Collection size of 1.4 million titles with 1.9
million volumes (2007)
41,845 volumes added (2007)
Subscribes to 41 electronic databases (2007)
460,355 logins (2007)
Registered users 9,183 (2007)
487,058 users entered the Library (2007)
EXPCTATIONS
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What UM Library plans to do:
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Move from print media to electronic –
digitisation of collection
Develop IR for
 UM Publications
 UM Photographs
 Manuscripts
 Examination papers
 Thesis & Dissertations
Develop Music Library – digitisation of collection
EXPECTATIONS OF A LIBRARIAN
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We expect an ILS that is :
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Robust
Fast information retrieval regardless of volume of
records or user traffic
Adaptable to changing needs & technology
Easy to understand
Easy to use
Minimal maintenance
Minimal upgrading over x number of years
(where x = reasonable number of years)
Dependable after sales support with minimal cost
Would not cost us an arm and a leg