TARGET: Automation Systems

[Elizabeth Letterly <eletterl@ABELINK.COM>]

We are beginning to think about automating our elementary school library.
Our middle school/junior high and high school libraries have been done; we
are currently using Folletts.  With their upgrade to Windows with some
delays and their determination not to support the DOS program after a
point, I'm wondering if we would be wiser to look at a change.  We have
also had problems with our one building that they have been unable to fix,
with different advice each time it gets corrupted (six times this year)
requiring a complete rebuild.  We also have yet to EVER see their
salesperson for our area (after he sold us the software 4 years ago for the
junior high/middle school) -- that figures into the re-evaluation, also.

An issue entering into this is that our state library and online automation
system and library systems' software are all DRA, and the grant offerings
here for automation are really pushing this software.   I like the little
bit I've seen (although it doesn't seem very well-suited to schools), but
it is ferociously expensive and requires a dedicated workstation in each
library.  Does anyone out there beyond Illinois use it?  Are you happy with
it as a school library software?  I'm afraid I'm approaching this from a
point of ignorance and could use some advice without a lot of sales
pitches.  Thanks.

Please post to me directly.
Elizabeth Letterly, District Librarian (Libby)
Williamsville CUSD #15, Williamsville, IL  62693
eletterl@abelink.com          eletterl@roe51.k12.il.us

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