HIT: Small automation systems (late and long)

[jhyde <jhyde@CHRISTSCHOOL.ORG>]

Many thanks to all who responded to my request a while ago.  I'm sorry
to be so slow, especially to those who requested information.  The field
is large and confusing, and we are still exploring it here, with no
answers yet.  But I will list here the systems that were recommended to
me, with their web addresses and phone numbers, any comments I've
gotten, and a rough estimate of the cost of the software package and the
annual maintenance fee.  This cost information should be taken as a
general indication; of course, you'll have to confirm it on your own.
Unfortunately, I don't have much more than names of systems and would
LOVE to hear from any of you that have used some of these
less-well-known products. And I'll be happy to keep in touch with anyone
who is going through the same process, so we can compare notes. Note
that a couple of the entries are not really budget items, but they've
been recommended as appropriate for small schools.

        Calico Lion (and Lamb, for really small schools):
http://www.calicolion.com  1-800-367-0416  About $2000; $100-240 ann.
maint.   Several people mentioned this and like it.

        Alexandria (Alex):  http://www.companioncorp.com  1-800-347-6439  Less
than $2000 for a school of under 200.  Many people mentioned this.

        Athena:  Nichols Technology.  http://www.nicholsinc.com

        CASPR's Library World:  http://www.caspr.com  1-800-282-9988  $2400
site license, $450/yr.

        Concourse for Windows, Master Library Systems for DOS:
http://www.booksys.com  <$2500

        Bookmark:  http://www.nexus.edu.au/bookmark/  This is an Australian
product, developed for and used by schools all over the country.  It's
used in otther countires, but not yet in the U.S.  They sent me a nice
email, suggesting I look at it.  It's $650 in Australian dollars.

        Librarysoft:  from New Generations in Seattle.
http://www.librarysoft.com  1-800-661-7112  (in Brodart catalog, p.73)
$495; $150/yr.  One respondent said she wished she'd known about this
before choosing her system.

        Kelowna's L4U:  http://L4U.com  1-800-667-3634  This one is a complete
package, including serials and acquisitions.  A Canadian product,
speciafically for schools.

        MicroCAT: from TKM (Total Knowledge Management) 1-800-565-6272  Another
Canadian product.

        Surpass for DOS and Safari for Windows:
http://www.precisionservice.com

        These are the ones I'm gathering info. about.  Some have downloadable
demos, others will send you a demo program.  You can get details from
thge websites.
        Please email me if you know more about any of these or if my typing is
wrong here.
--
Jane Hyde, Librarian            828-684-6232
St. Dunstan Library             jhyde@christschool.org
Christ School
500 Christ School Rd.
Arden, NC 28704

When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food
and clothes.   --  Erasmus

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