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Sirsi comes in small package
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Contents
Quick Start system , Easy digital Media Archive package, recent Sirsi sales news
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The smaller libraries now coming into the market for library automation are a problem for the system vendors since although their budgets are
smaller and their staff are fewer and maybe less experienced, their needs and the effort to get a system up and running remain the same.
Sirsi has addressed this problem by applying some technology to make configuration of systems easier, moving to NT, and even supplying a “free”
NT server with the system. Note also their use of “Wizards” to automate the complex and expensive aspects of system implementation.
Another candidate for special packaging is the Hyperion Digital Media Archive which is attractive to many more libraries now that the cost of
disc has sunk so low.
Two press releases follow here to give more detail on these initiatives which other of the larger vendors must follow if they are to expand their traditional markets beyond the richer institutions.
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Unicorn Quick Start
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 14, 2000) Sirsi Corporation announced today the launch of a new integrated library system packaged specificallv for small libraries. The turnkey system, called Unicorn QuikStart, includes a free WindowsNT central server and special hotline, and provides the same full-function software that SIRSI installs at larger libraries.
According to Jim Young, SIRSI's Chief Executive Officer, the price for QuikStart Is considerably lower than that of any previous SIRSI
system and is particularly affordable to small libraries. "Until now, smaller libraries have had to settle for incomplete PC-based systems with partial function," Young commented.
"QuikStart enables them to enjoy all of the functional capabilities of very large systems at a price they can afford." QuikStart includes complete Unicorn Library Management System functions for bibliographic and inventory control,
authority control, WebCat (Web-based Online Public Access Catalog) with ReferenceLIBRARIAN, circulation control and SmartPORT (Z39.50 capture cataloging).
QuickStart, is made possible by two recent breakthroughs in SIRSI's research and development program, Young said.
The first is the development by SIRSI engineers of an advanced artificial intelligence program called QuickStart. It employs the same advanced Windows technology used in SIRSI's well received WorkFlows staff interface. This program makes the set-up and implementation of Unicorn QuickStart much faster and easier than for other systems. Users are guided by WorkFlows-like Wizards through a simple online question and answer parameter program that enables them to quickly install and bring the system live, while accommodating all local policies and requirements.
The second breakthrough occurred last year when SIRSI developers integrated the Unicorn client/server software with the WindowsNT operating system,
enabling libraries to take advantage of the more cost effective WindowsNT servers.
SIRSI has packaged the QuickStart set-up programs with the NT server, preloaded all the necessary software and data and established a special
QuikStart Hotline to provide extra installation and implementation assistance.
Unicorn QuikStart orders are being taken now for immediate delivery.
For a free, no-obligation quote, visit SIRSI's web site at www.sirsi.com.
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Easy Digital Media Archive
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HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Jan. 14, 2000) Sirsi Corporation has announced the introduction of a new digital media archive package called Hyperion™ 2000. This new version of SIRSI's Hyperion Digital Media Archive provides all the basics a library needs to mount an online digital media archive, including essential software, both client and server; complete configuration and installation services; a three-day implementation and planning seminar; a three-day training workshop; and complimentary hardware configuration assistance for integrating scanners, servers, clients, and data storage devices.
This unique package makes it easy and straight-forward for libraries to provide online access to a variety of material in digital format, such as
historical and technical documents; newspapers and newsletters; audio, video, and multi-media items; and images of photographs, art works, and other important resource material.
Hyperion has now been installed in more than 20 libraries of various sizes and types to provide immediate online access to digital images via local
area networks and the Internet. "With this new package, libraries receive everything they need to establish a true virtual library for their users," Alan Johnson, SIRSI's Hyperion Account Manager,
commented. "Now libraries and archives don't have to piece it all together on their own. Hyperion 2000 includes everything they need, from planning to implementation, to make a digital library or archive a
reality today."
To acquaint libraries with Hyperion 2000, SIRSI also announced it will host a series of seminars throughout the U.S. on "Creating a
Digital Library Using Hyperion." A list of seminars is posted on the SIRSI web site at www.sirsi.com.
Sales note
Cranfield University (UK) has selected Hyperion to add to its Unicorn system. Hyperion will be used to access archives, image databases,
learning materials and University documents.
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Other recent sales
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Royal Institute of International Affairs Selects UNICORN
The Library at the Royal Institute of International Affairs has chosen the Unicorn Collection Management System to provide an Integrated Library
Management System to replace their existing Tinlib library system.
The Unicorn system will be installed under the Windows NT operating system and will provide access via a Graphical User Interface (WorkFlows with
Z39.50) to Cataloguing, Authority Control, Circulation, Acquisitions and Serials Control. Access to the OPAC will be available worldwide via WebCat running over the WWW.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, is one of the world's leading institutes for the analysis of
international issues. The Institute is a membership organisation, incorporated under Royal Charter and independent of the Government. Its activities bring together people of all nationalities from government,
politics, business, the academic world and the media. The Library is at the heart of the Institute. Head of the Library, Catherine Hume, explained that: "Unicorn will provide the much needed Internet access
which will allow our collection and services to remain truly international."
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