LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Hi LM_NETers,
I was going to send this only to the people who responded, but
thought that others looking into circulation programs may be
interested. The first few paragraphs are my comments to them.
Thank you for your helpful responses to my question about the Mac version
Marge & Karen were interested in the responses. I thought the rest
of you would be interested in the other responses. Most were favorable,
several gave good equipment information. I had talked to Winnebago
many times for a year, but until I told them that I wouldn't trade
in to receive $600 for my DOS program and I had heard I could get
the Mac disks free if support is current, they wouldn't budge from
their original statement. Thanks Vanessa. I did not name people or
schools, but quoted what you said and also said if I couldn't get a
bigger discount, I may look for a different program. The cost was
more than the difference between the IBM & Mac versions, but much
better than the catalog price.
Although I like the DOS version, it seemed like networking would be
a problem. Because of the good price, the hope that Winnebago would
improve the program, and to be able to network more easily with
the classrooms when we retrofit our school for a LAN, I am purchasing
the Mac circ/cat from Winnebago.
Below are the responses from David, Vanessa, Catie, Karen, Kristine,
Shelley, Alan, and Marilyn. Thanks for the specific info about how
the program works in your school. Marilyn, if I did not purchase a
Mac, I would be excluded from the school LAN that was being planned.
As long as I was getting the equipment, I felt I should get the
software so classes could access the library catalog from any room
connected to the LAN. My choices were Follett or Winnebago.
Pat Bain (pbain@kalama.doe.hawaii.edu)
Waialua Elementary School, 68-020 Waialua Beach Road, Waialua, HI 96791
From: David Sparks <dsparks@VAX1.Mankato.MSUS.EDU>
We helped pilot the Mac version for Winnebago Software. Currently I am in
a 9-12 high school and we are using a Mac Quadra for a file server and have
around 12,000 titles in our database. (We did purchase a Workgroup server
95 for the file server but we are having some problems and temporarily
moved our Winnebago software to the Quadra until it's checked) We are
using LC 475's as search stations, for the most part. Our K-8 school uses
a Workgroup Server 65 for the file server and uses SE's and LC's for search
stations.
The search strategy is very typcial of a Mac and easy to use for elementary
and high school students. With the newer hardware the search time is fine,
especially with the Ethernet network. We have had some updates that has
changed the program and added features, but I don't know what the dos
program has as features that the Mac doesn't.
We are satisfied with the CircCat program and have had good support when
we've needed it. I'm sure part of the key to success is having a good file
server, faster stations, a fast network, and clean records.
David Sparks dsparks@vax1.Mankato.msus.edu
From: "Vanessa R. Toyokura" <toyokura@csn.org>
In response to your LM-NET ? about MAC vs. DOS (IBM) Winnebago...
Your hesitations about the Mac Winnebago program may have been
well-founded in the past (version 2.0 or lower), but we have been very
satisfied with the new version (3.0). As hard as it may be to believe a
vendor, I think the Winnebago rep had it right when he said the program's
features are basically the same, they just have different strong points.
We have found the MAC to be _slightly_ slower when processing large
batches
of records, but we feel the MAC version is easier for batch edits in
general. The MAC supports laser printers for barcodes -- a huge plus in
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our book :-) .
My understanding is you can export your data to disk and load it into the
MAC using a program called Apple File Exchange which comes standard with
the Mac. Also, a Winnebago sales rep told me that rather than charging
for the new Mac software, they would just send the Mac disks instead of
the DOS version if your customer support contract is current. Better
check and get that one straight from the horses mouth, so to speak. That
would save thousands of dollars in replacement software costs.
By the way, you are not alone. Many of our libraries automated when
there were not many Macs in use in our district. Now Macs are the choice
of most of our schools developing new networks. The pioneers who
automated with IBMs are now facing the switch to MAC. It seems easier at
the current time than having to span the two platforms by bridging Mac
and DOS servers. As the tech support for our district libraries (132
schools), I have a networked IBM at my right elbow and a stand-alone Mac
94and DOS servers. As the tech support for our district libraries (132
schools), I have a networked IBM at my right elbow and a stand-alone Mac
at my left elbow. Both run Winnebago and we are satisfied with both.
The biggest transition will probably be getting used to the MAC platform
itself. Things look and "feel" different, even if you are a Windows
user. This has nothing to do with Winnebago, though. Truthfully, we are
real DOS fans here, but the Mac Winnebago program has improved so much,
we just don't have the negative feelings we used to have. Your best bet
is to see the Mac version 3.0 in operation or at least get a demo from
Winnebago.
Vanessa Toyokura toyokura@CSN.ORG
From: SomersC@aol.com
I am running a Macintosh networked Winnebago library system in San
Diego. I
have 7 ethernet Mac's running with full capability to catalog, run electronic
card catalogs for the students and check out books and textbooks. I am
running it on a Power MAC 6150 group server. I have gotten better results
now that I am on the power Mac than before on a MacVX server. We are happy
with the Winnebago program except for the report formats. Winnebago has
promised to update them and let us do customized reports on the new version
soon. The program runs very well and we have had fewer problems installing
and maintaining the system than other librarians who have installed IBM
networks on novell. We came over to the Winnebago Mac from Apple IIe systems
two years ago. We are a reference site let me know what you need.
Catie Somers
From: kchepko@garnet.acns.fsu.edu
I would be interested in seeing the responses you get to your question.
I am in the process of setting up a single user Mac Winnebago system
which will eventually be networked. Since I am new to this software, I
can't give you firsthand experiences but I can say that when our county
media center had several companies demonstrate their systems, the Mac
version of Winnebago appeared to be far and away the best of the lot! It
is _never_ easy to switch from one package to another (just ask people
who are asked to go from "Word" to "WordPerfect"!!) There will always be
things you liked better about the one you first use but the new one will,
hopefully, have some features that will help to tip the scale in its
favor. You also have to factor in compatibility. I have worked in a
computer lab for several years and can honestly say that it is a huge
headache to try to combine Macs and Dos machines. My suggestion at this
time is to go for the Mac version but I may exercise the option to change
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my mind at any time. Good luck with whatever you decide!!
Karen Chepko
From: Kristine Cole <kcole@llwnet.ll.pbs.org>
After using an automation system on IBM for 9 years, I set up a new school
library with Winnebago on the MAC using an Ethernet network and I am in
heaven. I love working with MACs, I am delighted with the format and
program Winnebago has developed for MAC, and the speed and hassle-free
nature of the Ethernet network is a joy. My old network ran like molasses
and froze frequently, but with the Ethernet my 5 library computers all run
efficiently and at top speed whether multiple users are accessing the same
part of the program or 5 different parts. My school is installing a
school-wide network at the end of this year, and a wide-area network to
allow dial-up modem access from home next year, and I am anxious to see how
those networks work -- with Ethernet, I think they will be fine.
That has been my experience--all positive, so far.
Kris
From: s_lochhead@mentor.unh.edu
We have a 4-zone appleshare internetwork, and it runs very smoothly.
Further, Winnebago runs smoothly on it. It uses a proprietary
server system developed by c-tree, so you will not have to have
appleshare to run on a single (library) zone.
Students from all over my school can use the catalog.
It is very easy to administer.
The students have been happy as clams. I feel that Winne has the
best user interface around. Clear, simple, and with enough onscreen
prompts. We selected it over follett for that reason, since it has
been adopted k-12 and we thought it far better suited to the k-4
kiddies.
I have met no one using winne that dislikes it, in more than a minor
way. By minor, I mean that it doesn't do what someone wants it to.
As opposed to that it is uniformly unsound.
Shelley
From: Alan Olson <washngtn@po-1.star.k12.ia.us>
Last year we installed Winnebago on a Mac system in our jr. high. I think
you are correct in thinking that there are less features on the Mac side.
I am not real familiar with the software but it seems to be pretty good
anyway.
I do have to say that it is a lot easier to administer than the dos. I am
not sure how much different it is for students but the library staff will
have an easier time with the mac version. I think you will find the world
of computers a little less stressful if you do go to a Mac. I am a Mac
user myself but I have a strong philosophy that the DOS side has a place
also and that educators should accept that.
In your case it seems like the only DOS machine in the place is yours so
you just as well give up and just go with the Mac platform.
You should not have any difficulty transfering the information you have in
your current DOS system. We have Winnebago on the DOS side in three
buildings and on the Mac in just one. We have been able to move all the
data back and forth using Apple File Exchange which comes with the mac.
New macs come with PC Exchange which is a piece of software that allows the
mac to read DOS files. It may work to transfer the files also but I am not
sure.
If you need more specifics, let me know and I will be glad to visit in
depth with our jr. high librarian about particular questions you have.
I wonder what Winnebago will do as far as price if you change platforms.
You can buy a license for up to 14 stations for $1000 for either platform.
Even with a school full of macs on a network, I would be surprised if you
would have more than 14 people who would want to sign on at one time.
100would have more than 14 people who would want to sign on at one time.
Good Luck.
Alan Olson, Media Specialist
From: mkiefer@wildcat.novi.k12.mi.us
In response to your TARGET LM_NET. I have been using the Mac version of the
Winnebago program for over a year now. I do not recommend it. I feel the
program was not ready for release yet. I continue to have serious problems
with it - mainly it just doesn't do what a library circulation program should
do. I have been online with circulation/card catalog since 1985. We had the
Winnebago program then - for the Apple. Actually, that program did more than
this Mac version does. Some of the problems I encountered last year have
been
taken care of with an update. Others persist. Batch entering and
deleting are
a problem; inventory was a huge problem for me, they still have not helped
here; printing out of overdues is very awkward, etc. etc. You said you
are new
to Mac so I don't want to ramble and confuse you. At first, I thought it
just
couldn't handle a school of our size - approx. 1200. But, our elementary
media specialists have complained also. If I can help with more
specifics, let
me know. Good luck!
Marilyn Kiefer
LM_NET
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