I have been looking into Librarycom [http://www.librarycom.com/] (and one of these days hope to actually start using it!). It gives you the basic services of cataloging and circulation, and makes the catalog available online. It also allows you to import records. If your collection is like ours - a general synagogue collection, you will probably find most of the records you need through the Library of Congress, whose records are in the public domain. It only runs around $300 a year.
As to what classification system to use, that depends on your needs. Others here can speak to the Weine or Elazar system. We have had Dewey forever in ours, which makes life easier when I need to look up a call number at LC. However, we have 3 or 4 sets of shelves that are 296! Since we are not yet automated, we are still using cards and pockets for circulation. In order to do checkouts on Shabbat, we instituted a new circ system where every congregant family has an envelope. All patrons have to do is put the book card from the back of the book into the envelope, put the envelope in a basket on the desk, and take a date due card and put it in the pocket. Since our hours are limited, we make all books due 3 weeks later on Sunday. In other words all books checked out during a particular week have the same due date. I hope that gives you someplace to start from. I know it's a challenge when there's very little money available. Amy ______________________ Amy Wissoker Graham, MLS and volunteer Library Committee Chairwoman Congregation Ohev Shalom Wallingford, PA [EMAIL PROTECTED] ========================================================================== HaSafran - The Electronic Forum of the Association of Jewish Libraries Submissions for HaSafran, send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org/
