LM_NET: Library Media Networking
These are the replies I received concerning the advisability of converting from
Follett to Dynix.
This was VERY helpful!
Thanks to each and every one of you.
Gary Childers
Dynix Versus Follett
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From: dyahne@isbe.state.il.us (Dan Yahne)
Two years ago we switched to Dynix from Follett--mainly because our
regional library system began a regional network. There are now 50 some
libraries on the network. Dynix allows us to view and place holds on each
other's materials. I believe Dynix is a good system; but we are
experiencing some unique things in trying to work with
public/academic/school libraries using the same system and having so many
individual patron types and needs. Overall it is working extremely well.
I believe you will find that Dynix also has offerings beyond the circ/cat
modules that you will find interesting beyond those of Follett.
We used Follett for many years and were *very* pleased with the product;
therefore, I don't mean to degrade their product at all. But the fact that
Ameritech owns Dynix says something about the communications aspect of the
system. Dynix can do a lot of tayloring to individual needs and
circumstances--but it always carries a pretty hefty price as well.
I really can't make a recommendation not knowing your circumstances, but at
this point I do not regret going with Dynix. We have had some problems,
but I believe those are a distinction of our network administrators rather
than Dynix. One thing I am very unhappy about is that I cannot do a fine
listing or a lost book listing hardcopy without calling our network
administrators and they have to mail it to me. You might want to ask about
the kind of report you can generate to be sure everything you want can be
generated on site. This is the only major problem I have encountered.
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From: Deborah Chaney Coordinator for Library and Media Services
Birdville (TX)ISD chaney@tenet.edu
PLEASE-send to me any responses you receive. After being with Dynix for 4
years, I moved to a district where they have Follett in place. As we
aregoing to a WAN, I want the bid to go to Dynix, if possible. I feel
I'll need some "ammunition". Please forward responses. Why Dynix?
Excellent client support. Outstanding product. Constantly beta-testing
new developments. Light years ahead fo Follett, which doesn't even have a
central client server developed yet.
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Nancy Curran Coordinator of Instructional Material District Learning
Resource Center
1100 West Sunset Decatur, IL 62522 217-424-3091 ncurran@isbe.state.il.us
Gary, In our district of 25 libraries, all had been on Follett Circ+,
Apple IIE platform. I began a union catalog in the district office with
Dynix, and last year was able to add three elementary libraries so that
we now have a shared system among the four of us. One other elementary
librarian was also interested this fall, and the quotation from Dynix was
less that it would cost to be a stand-alone circ & cat with Follett.
Among other things, Dynix has an extremely powerful search engine. With
keywork searching, the program simultaneously searches all words in the
title, series, contents, annotation and subject fields. As an example, I
used the search term promises, a whole language theme term. Using the
catalog in the same way as a paper catalog, I found one citation, when I
changed to keyword, the number of hits accelerated to 62. The support
from Dynix is fantastic. If you have specific questions, please call or
e-mail me. Nancy
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From: Angus Saunders <saunders@NorthNet.org>
Dynix can serve multiple schools on one UNIX server. It handles Union
databases, ie your whole district, subdivided by building, mcuh better.
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Julie Anderson, Librarian (206) 813-7301
Kentwood High School janderso@kent.wednet.edu
25800 164th Ave SE Kent, WA 98042
Hi, we switched from Follett to Dynix Scholar this year and I highly regret
it! There are a number of things which are really stupid in the
programming. For example, it is not possible for each school to customize
its own overdue notices. You must use the generic one. We also have to
call Utah in order to switch the printer configuration from laser to ink
jet to dot matrix - *every time a different school wants to print!* In
addition, if the printer messes up part way through the printing of
overdues (for example), you must start over at the beginning. The calendar
must be updated and you must put in a closed day for the next calendar year
even if you have to make it up. For example, we have a workshop day for
staff at the end of the first semester. This date differs every year and I
don't know what it is for next year yet. But I have to guess and put
something in the computer because after a week or so it won't let you
operate the system if you don't. This is something I feel the program
should be able to handle. When I call Utah for help, they often tell me
it's not possible to do something or that you can't program a computer to
do such and such - when the Follett program did it! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.
My students are quite dismayed and frustrated at seeing every school in the
district's holdings. Many of my teachers do short research projects - 3-5
days. Resource sharing does nothing for these projects. Searching is
extremely cumbersome. It takes several steps to accomplish what it took us
one or two steps with Follett.
We have also had a great deal of trouble getting Dynix to deliver on their
promises. Our system was up and running in September and to my knowledge
we have not yet paid them because the problems haven't been cleared up.
Their rep would talk to us and say, yes, they would take care of things,
but nothing seems to be happening too fast... :/
I have a lot more I could tell you about Dynix and if you have some
specific questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Send me e-mail or call me
at the number below. I would stay as far away from Dynix as I could....
Hope this helps.
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From: Beverly Pop <bpop@tenet.edu>
All I have seen are demonstrations, so I am not speaking with much
authority here. The Dynix version for primary schools is outstanding!
Even a little kid could quickly master using the computer to find books
and the concept of subjects.
I also hear that Dynix has built-in an over-the-phone diagnostics unit,
not this call and wait on hold for 2 hours for a technician to tell you
too bad business.
Price is substantially higher as well.
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From: Mary Ann Robbins <mrobbins@potlatch.esd112.wednet.edu>
Beacon Hill Elem. Kelso, WA
I am a great supporter of the Dynix system, as I have been using it as a
stand alone system for the last four years. I have limited knowledge of
Follett, other than our neighboring school district (Longview) is using
it and there always seems to be a glitch, problem, etc. going on.
Upgrades seem to be a real stress.
The best thing about Dynix is its technical support. I call whenever I
have a question or problem and they walk me/talk me through the solution,
or if need be they dial into my system via modem and fix it themselves.
No blaming the software or hardware for the problems as both are from
Dynix. You don't have to be a "techie" to work this system -- very
non-threating. It is an expensive investment, but one I feel is worth it
in the long run. Our hope in the not so near future is to be networked
throughout the district. If you are ever down this way (Kelso, WA) feel
free to stop by and check it out. Hope this helps.
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Joyce Conklin jconkli@ed.co.sanmateo.ca.us
Hillsdale High School San Mateo, CA
While I can't make an informed comparison between Unison and Dynix, I do
know that when we upgraded, Unison wasn't even ready for the light of
day! We'd had CircPlus in two schools, but wanted a system which would
provide hand-holding for those timid types (BTW - didn't do any good,
they're all gone cuz couldn't move into the 20th let alone 21st century!)
plus the advantage of a union catalog for our 6-school district.
I have found the service/support from Dynix to be superior to that at
Follett, and can second the recommendation you have received. Dynix can
convert Follett data directly (at least that's what I understood at the
time - I would think that's a question to ask your Dynix rep. Who, if I'm
not mistaken, might be the same as ours -- CA and WA aren't _that_ far
apart! --if so, you'll be very fortunate, cuz our sales rep still keeps
in touch to find out what's happening. If you've gotten to the stage of
talking with a Dynix rep, let me know who yours is.)
Why are you "being encouraged to consider converting to Dynix"? If it's
because of "compatibility" with nearby public systems, etc. that's
another good reason. In our county, it's my understanding that the public
library, the county office of education _and_ (almost?) all the schools
who are automated are all on the same system, which will open the
possibility of a GIANT union catalog, or at least easy access via dial-up
to other systems.
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Linda Hicks Portage H.S. (Indiana)
E-mail: lhicks@dodo.crown.net (Linda Kelso Hicks)
Our media center has Dynix and the one in which I did my practicum had
Follett but was
switching to Dynix. Part of the reason for their change was because of the
greater
flexibility of Dynix. Having worked some with both system, I'm happy with
Dynix. They
are now a part of Ameritech which has caused some problems--you don't get
the "small
business, I'm really concerned for my customer" feel any more. When we
upgraded to
the 150 release, we discovered a lot of problems that hadn't shown up in
Beta testing.
But then we are one of their larger academic clients at the K-12 level. We
have a union
catalog with 13 schools attached. The most recent module we've added is the
media
bookinbg module (so far, we're not convinced that we like it). Other than
that, we're
fairly happy.
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Kathy Koenig, The Ellis School, Pgh, PA
I left a Dynix automated academic library to come to a Follett automated
school library (not as dumb as it sounds; the college is in deep
financial trouble and the school job has better pay and better
bennefits!) and I would endorse Dynix wholeheartedly. I wish to goodness
we could migrate here!!!__
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Jenna Bailey jebailey@isbe.state.il.us
I am currently using the Follett system and are trying to switch
over to dynix. In our case it is to our advantage to change because by
changing we can hook up to the dynix system throughout the county.
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From: Kristi Denis <skdenis@esd114.wednet.edu>
South Kitsap High School Librarian
Gary; I would be hesitant to change from any program to another if I
were you. Make sure that you know the agendas of the people who want you
to change.
A few years ago, SK school district opened three new
elementary schools. While the libraries could have gone on Cat+ at that
time, the librarians were persuaded to go with Columbia's system. They
were led to believe that it would be far superior to Follett. But the
hidden agenda was simply that Columbia had the office management system
which every school in our district used and the sales people agreed to
"throw in" the library system free of charge. And, (I might add) the
three people who had to use Columbia hated it. It was not at all
librarian user friendly; they really had problems.
Just beware!
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From: LINDAG@bnk1.bnkst.edu
We are a Dynix library - a grad school professional collection plus
a children's library serving N-8. We love it - the children's
collection can be accessed separately from the adult or together.
The screens are very user friendly. You can keyword search in any
field or get an alphabetical display (for the nonspellers!). New
York Public Library also has a Dynix catalog. You can visit our
catalog by telnet to 149.70.1.181 or on the web at
http://www.bnkst.edu
You can visit NYPL by telnet to NYPLGATE.NYPL.ORG and login as NYPL
The Bank Street Library page on the web also has a link to NYPL.
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Mary Kraft Noblesville, Indiana mkraft@iquest.net
I am a retired director of media services (and prior to that, most
joyfully, an elementary school library media specialist). When I
started Noblesville Schools' Media Services Office my first priority
was to automate & network the whole system. At that time, we had
Follett in three of the 7 schools. I studied 12 different systems
(actually went and used them & talked to users) and chose Dynix Scholar.
It is VERY comprehensive and sophisticated, and infinitely adaptable to
local situations. If you have questions, call my friend Mike Kelly at
1-800-288-2080 (I think! That's a number I haven't dialed since I
retired last June. I'll check on it & let you know if I'm wrong!) Even
tho' he is an employee of Ameritech (which now owns Dynix) he is just
brutally honest about EVERYTHING (and has become an extremely good friend
of mine) and has the highest integrity. He will NOT lead you astray. I
will send him a note telling him to expect a call from you. I can't
sing Dynix's praises enuf!!! The folks in Provo, who helped me before
Mike came on board, are capable wonderful people. Mike adds the personal
touch, as he lives in the midwest & makes trips over from SE Ohio to see
the Noblesville folks every couple months. Anyhow, if this isn't enuf
info, let me know & I'll "talk" more! If you want to speak to a librarian
about it call Joan Morgan, Noblesville High School librarian at 317-773-4680,
or email her at Joan_Morgan@mail.nobl.k12.in.us, or Holly Beaver, Hinkle
Creek Elementary librarian at 317-776-0840, or email her at bookheart@aol.com.
Hope this is helpful.
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From: Mary_PURUCKER@SMMUSD.K12.CA.US (Mary PURUCKER)
We have had Dynix for about three years. We had Follett before that. No
comparison. It's a company with high end research and development because big
Dynix/Ameritech is in big public library systems, universities, etc. (New York
Public Library for example.) So schools get the advantage of all that down the
line. The very best thing is the service. There is always someone there to
help you. You have a modem on your file server and if they need to they dial
in and fix it. You can access databases over the internet that are accesible
to students from the public access terminals (extra charge) and more. We love
it and we're so happy we chose it.
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From: Paul Christensen <nkviking@esd114.wednet.edu>
It is definitely a couple of steps above Follett--it is what our county
is using for a Public Library System--and it 's good--there are so many
things that it can do--it's ability to work district wide and area
wide--it is one of the big players in automation of libraries-Mulkiteo
Schools have it--it has developed a system that is more standarized
according to library standards while follett developed their own
barcoding system, partial marc record format and difficulty in running on
wide area networks and probalems in downloeading records from anything
other than their own CD-ROM
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From: "Rudolph, Judy" <rudolj@grantpo.ptsd.wednet.edu>
I am the librarian at Grant St. Elem. in Pt. Townsend. I've worked at
all levels, though. Our local public libraries wrote a grant a few years
ago to
automate with Dynix and the basis of the grant was that
they would resource-share with the public schools. Our district opted out,
and we're still fighting it. Many of the reasons we didn't want to join
were because of the time needed to share that we don't have and the fact
that we're really curriculum-based and don't want our materials out to the
public when staff need them, etc. However, since they've switched, I've had
a chance to use Dynix at the public library, and compared to UNISON it is
extremely non-user-friendly. This is not Dynix Scholar - perhaps it's
better, but there's no comparison between the two. Dynix is B & W, and you
need to use a lot of codes - both letters and numbers, rather than mostly
ENTER and ESC. The worst is that there is no universal Keyword search. You
can separately search with keywords the subjects, authors and titles, but
not all at once and not the annotations. I think it's worthless, and the
clincher is that it is very very expensive. The yearly upkeep costs, not to
mention the cost of switching, are what finally convinced our district not
to join the C.L.A.N. (acronym for the other library network), despite public
pressure to do so.
If you want to look at it, I'll bet your public library uses it.
If not, stop by the Jeff. Co. public lib. sometime. Better yet, come to our
next WLMA mtg., a technology workshop here in P.T. on Sat. March 16th,
and talk to other librarians. Love to meet you. Judy Rudolph
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From: "Teresa D. Evans" <tevans@mail.orion.org>
My district has been using Dynix since 1990, I think, with great
success. We have almost 60 buildings, and all are linked via our
district's mainframe, which uses PRIME. Dynix was one of our only two
choies because of PRIME, but I believe everyone has been happy with the
program and with the level of service. In fact, our public library
system had automated before with a simply dreadful, user-hateful program,
and when they upgraded, they switched to Dynix, too. Although we are not
yet truly linked together, it's beneficial to students that the formats
are very similar. One of the nicest things about Dynix has been the
flexibility we've been able to have; while some choices have to be made
as a district or as a level (elementary, etc), some can be left to the
individual librarian. Good luck!
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Marguerite K. Ashford Cooke Library, Punahou School Honolulu, Hawaii
mashford@punahou.edu
We have Dynix, and never had Follett, but we're happy w/ Dynix. One
anecdotal note: another private school here in Honolulu has had Follett
for years (Circ Plus only, no automated catalog). They've been unhappy for
various reasons. In Jan. their system died. They've been looking around
and have come to visit us, as well as other libraries with Dynix and other
libraries with other systems. Their librarian told me last week that they
wanted to go with Dynix. FWIW
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Mark Williams Colton High School Library WillmsMark@aol.com
Our local public library uses the Dynix system, and I use Follett -- I much
prefer Follett's user interface. There is much switching back and forth on
the Dynix screens, less of that on Follett. Since I don't work at the
public, I can't vouch for any problems or advantages in data entry, patron
creation, etc.. The Dynix system at the public uses scanners almost
identical to the CCD ones Follett has been selling for the last six months.
They work very well on both systems. Also, Dynix uses propriatary hardware -
the keyboard is customized to their system commands. So, from a patron's
standpoint, Follett wins, I think. See if you can talk with someone who uses
Dynix -- better yet, see if they'll let you enter some data so you have an
idea how the system will respond to you before a choice is made. Be sure
streaming tape for backups is an option with Dynix.
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Julie A. Walker District Media Center Director, Library & Media Services
13401 Pond Springs Rd. Round Rock ISD Austin, TX 78729
jawalker@tenet.edu 512-331-6697/512-331-1811 (FAX)
It all depends on what you are looking for. Follett's market and product
are geared toward individual libraries in small to medium size
districts. They do not offer many of the options that Dynix does (eg
their system is not as sophisticated). In case you are curious, we are a
district of 30 campuses and we are Follett customers. As we look to
future networking possibilities, we, too, may be moving up to a more
comprehensive system.
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Mark Williams Colton High School Library <WillmsMark@AOL.COM>
Our local public library uses the Dynix system, and I use Follett -- I much
prefer Follett's user interface. There is much switching back and forth on
the Dynix screens, less of that on Follett. Since I don't work at the
public, I can't vouch for any problems or advantages in data entry, patron
creation, etc.. The Dynix system at the public uses scanners almost
identical to the CCD ones Follett has been selling for the last six months.
They work very well on both systems. Also, Dynix uses propriatary hardware -
the keyboard is customized to their system commands. So, from a patron's
standpoint, Follett wins, I think. See if you can talk with someone who uses
Dynix -- better yet, see if they'll let you enter some data so you have an
idea how the system will respond to you before a choice is made. Be sure
streaming tape for backups is an option with Dynix.
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This appears to be a tough question. We in Salt Lake are looking at other
library automation packages. We have Dynix Scholar but on the pick
platform which soon will no longer be supported by Ameritech. If you
switch, make sure you use their (Ameritech) equipment. It might help if you
just set up a chart. Follett on one side, Dynix (Ameritech) on the other.
List things that are important to you in a system: Customer service; updates;
network capabilities, loading of data, terminal licenses, etc. It is
such an individual decision. Was your conversion done in full MARC
records? It helps when you tranfer you data. This may be much too basic
to answer your request which struck a cord with me. Regards Christine S.
Christine Stang cstang@east.slc.k12.ut.us
east high school 840 south 1300 east slc ut. 84102 tel. 801 583-1661 ex 408
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Ina Bray <brayina@u.washington.edu> Ina Bray St. joseph school Seattle
Seattle Publ.Libr. was on Dynix and was rather unhappy. There were soooo
many bugs! My school (k-8) is on Follett, it is extremely user-friendly
so that evern 1st graders are now finding books. The one major drawback
so far was the support service. They grew too quickly. Particularly when
they also upgraded we were left hanging for days.
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Pat Wamsley (patw1@muskox.alaska.edu) Colony HS Library (907) 746-9538 |
hm: 3700 Spruce Top Circle Wasilla, AK 99654 (907) 376-8854
I have had a standalone Dynix Scholar LAN system in my school for about 5
years, and next year we are upgrading and putting 5 other sites on the
system and moving it to the district level. One of the really great
things about Dynix (Ameritech now) is that they have experience at all
levels of networking, small to large. The system has a modem connect and
if anything goes wrong, they dial in and fix it if I can't. Service is
phenomenal. And you can run it on any computer you can network.
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~ Alicia M. Astorga aastorga@cccbi.chester.pa.us ~
~ Director of Libraries Ursuline Academy ~
~ 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, Delaware 19806 ~
~ phone (302) 658-7158, ext. 235 fax (302) 658-8832 ~
I dont know that I could justify switching after just completing
automation, but there is no question that Dynix is far superior to
Follett. We had Follett in the lower school library on an apple II. After
we automated the upper school library with Dynix 2 yrs ago, we were so
pleased with both the product and the support, that when it came time to
upgrade the lower school library, we chose to migrate to Dynix. I you
have any specific questions, feel free to email me.
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Mary Marguerite Ludwick <ludwick@tenet.edu>
Head of libraraians at Irving School District.
214-253-1449 or P.O. Box 152637, Irving Tx. 75015-2637
As I understand it, Dynix works best with large systems vs some
systems that are better for small systems. Dynix has many lovely
features, especially one that allows children to misspell word
in the search and still be successful.
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From: Mark Williams <WillmsMark@AOL.COM>
Good to know. I was aware that Dynix would run on other servers, but the
keyboard at the public here in town is a Dynix product, and the key layout is
different, with some usual keys assigned different functions. With your
experience, its obvious that it can run with an ordinary keyboard.
My experience with Follett tech support has been generally very good, but I'm
not running Unison, and I hear that some Unison problems are still stumping
tech support. On the other hand, read a message posted on LM-NET just before
yours that speaks of some truly 'personal' service from Follett tech!
LM_NET
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