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1999 Issues

[October 99]
[Summer 1999]
[May 99]
[April 99]
[March 99]
[February 99]
[January 99]

This month’s stories

[DRA results]
[Amlibs Summer '98]
[Talis win C. Lancs]
[VTLS new sites]
[CARL Singapore]
[Sirsi UK sites]
[Turkish delight]
[Amlibs sold]
[Celtic Voyager]
[Aleph continues]
[Software Supermarket]

San Jose Public Library Installs Horizon

And Westchester installs Dynix as New AMLIBS Web Store opens

PRESS RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999

PROVO, Utah – The San Jose (Calif.) Public Library has gone live with the Horizon system from Ameritech Library Services (Amlibs). Along with Horizon, the library installed Amlibs’ WebPAC so now patrons can access the library’s collections via the Internet for the first time.

San Jose is the largest public library in North America to install the Horizon system and it joins the growing family of public libraries that use Horizon,” said Lana Porter, president of Amlibs. “Because San Jose Public Library serves a highly technical and culturally diverse population, the multilingual capabilities of the Horizon system and its flexible client-server architecture make it an ideal choice for meeting the present and future needs of the city.”

The Horizon system is popular with patrons because it is easy to use. It offers point-and-click navigation, pull-down menus and online help screens. It also enables library staff to customize screens, and its client-server architecture provides a foundation for future developments. WebPAC is another popular product that permits patrons to search the library catalog and place requests over the Internet from any personal computer.

“Our customers are already actively using the self-service features of Horizon and enjoying the convenience it represents,” said Jane Light, city librarian. “The demand for Web access to the library catalog here in San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley, has been very strong. So much so that even preceding a formal announcement of its availability, hundreds of people are already searching the catalog from home and work.”

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the San Jose Public Library (www.sjpl.lib.ca.us) has a main library, 17 branches, an annual circulation of more than 7 million items, and serves a culturally diverse and high-tech population of 900,000.

Westchester Selects Ameritech Library Services

PROVO, Utah – The Westchester Library System (WLS) in New York has chosen Ameritech Library Services (Amlibs) as its library automation partner. WLS (www.wls.lib.ny.us) is a state-chartered, cooperative library system that serves all 38 Westchester County public libraries and their users. WLS utilizes state-of-the-art online library services through WESTLYNX, the online circulation and catalog system.  The member public libraries of WLS underwrite almost the entire cost of WESTLYNX operations, which is managed and operated by WLS.

WLS will migrate from its current CARL system to Amlibs’ Dynix system to offer patrons additional services, including greater access to their personal library records and WLS’ library catalog via the Internet.

“We chose Dynix,” said Dr. Maurice J. Freedman, director of WLS, “because of its rich functionality. Patrons will enjoy the ability to review their library records via the Internet from their home computers, as well as reserve items.  Dynix will also enable patrons to use a touch-tone phone to renew books and review their records.”

“We’re looking forward to working with WLS and are pleased they selected us for their automation partner,” said Lana Porter, president of Amlibs. “Our balanced approach to library automation lets the Westchester Library System build on their current infrastructure and offer their patrons the services they need today. At the same time, it also lays the foundation for future technology.”

WLS has an annual circulation of more than 7 million, serves a population of 870,000 and has 720,000 bibliographic records.

Ameritech Library Services Launches Web Store

Monday, July 12, 1999

PROVO, Utah -- Ameritech Library Services (Amlibs) has launched a new Web store, making it the first library automation vendor that enables customers to place online orders for a variety of products such as Dell workstations, peripherals, software and supplies.

The new Web store is part of Amlib’s newly designed Web site which makes it easier to navigate. Customers can easily access online support services such as Log Express on the Web, which allows them to log service problems, track problem resolution and get information on how similar problems are resolved at other libraries.

“Our decision to open a Web store was based on input from our customers who wanted the ease and convenience of online shopping,” said Lana Porter, president of Amlibs. “Customers will be able to browse the Web store, get information on the latest promotions, and place orders for hardware and supplies from their personal computers via our secured site. And, our customers will have access to the latest prices and specials, and the Web store will expedite the purchasing process.”

Ameritech Library Services (www.amlibs.com), a subsidiary of Ameritech, is the world leader in library automation systems with installations in more than 5,200 client libraries worldwide. ALS library information management systems meet the needs of research, public, corporate, medical and K-12 school libraries. Headquartered in Utah, ALS has offices in Illinois and Canada and throughout Europe and the Pacific Rim.