[LM_NET] TAR: Automation-where to start

[Rachel Lewin <rachel@WORDANDROGERS.COM>]

Hi All,
 
I have recently made the switch from academic to school librarianship, and
have just begun working in an elementary  library of a small independent
school.  The library is about 6500 volumes, but has not yet been automated.
The principal and board of directors are all for it, (don't need to convince
them that it s money well spent). My job now is to evaluate various programs
so I can present the hard numbers to the principal, and we can figure out
how much we need to raise.  I am a bit overwhelmed by the research process,
and I feel as if we are 15 years behind the times! 
 
1) What are some popular packages? I get the impression that Alexandria,
Destiny, and Surpass are very common. What are some others that people use
and are happy with?
 
2) What was the actual process like to get everything automated? Obviously,
we will weed, weed, weed, but what can we expect?
 
3) I am not even sure what features we should be looking for in software.Any
suggestions for what you've found useful/what you can live without? 
 
I'd be very greatful to hear about others experiences in going from a paper
catalog to automation, especially if you're coming from a limited budget
independent school and within the past few years, but all comments are
welcome! 
 
 
Rachel  Lewin
Elementary School Librarian
Talmudical Academy 
Baltimore, MD 
 
rachel@wordandrogers.com
 
 
 

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