I thought it might be useful to post an update about my temple library's search for a catalog platform. The short version is that we've selected Libib, based on reasonably rigorous testing and evaluation of a selection of competitive systems.
http://tbeaptos.libib.com/i/temple-beth-el-aptos Our overall assessment is that Libib is a good fit for a small library without an existing catalog, and limited resources for managing a system, loading records, or any of the other tasks involved in building a catalog from scratch. To be clear, Libib is not a full-featured system and is missing some components and functions we'd like to have, but it is ok (ok enough) for our needs. I think it falls somewhere between LibraryThing and LibraryWorld in the spectrum of functionality. Pluses/Minuses: - easy loading of records; it accepts bulk-loading ISBNs (CSV file), a mobile-device app (IOS and Android) loads records scanning barcodes or typing in ISBN, or the Web interface adds records via ISBN, LCCN or keyword search, or you can manually enter records. The scanning feature works particularly well and, backed up by typing in ISBNs when barcodes aren't available, we added all but 20 books on four shelves in about an hour. In an unscientific comparison to LibraryWorld, they accept bulk uploads only of MARC records and one-by-one additions via ISBN alone. Trying the ISBN method, LibraryWorld found and added only one book of more than 20 attempted. - poor quality control: one reason Libib has a high rate for loading records is that it searches very broadly in databases, including sale catalogs. (Notes sometimes attached to records are clearly for sale purposes.) The accuracy of some of these is below standard and libraries will want to double-check every record. This might not be a fatal flaw, since you will probably need to review all system-provided records in order to assign call numbers and subject headings anyway. But there is an extra burden added to an already tedious and time-consuming process. - simple user interface: this is mostly a minus but also something of a plus; There is just a search box, no field (Author, Title, etc.) designations and no Boolean operators: Therefore there is no field search nor any tools for refining or revising searches. The system searches terms with implied OR. But this means users don't have to learn a fancy system interface and they retrieve more than they probably intended (which is better than retrieving less, right?). - navigation issues: There are no obvious tools (buttons) for moving around the system after you've searched records. Folks who tested our implementation commented on not knowing how to get back to the beginning or move forward. You can enter a new search or used the Tag feature (more about this later) at any point. Though Authors appear in blue text they are not clickable. Some of the navigation and control features are a bit obscure, rendered in faint colors or positioned too far away. Again, correspondents complained that there was no way to sort by author (it's there) or change sort order (also there). Note: We've been in touch with Libib's management about the above points and they have informed us that a interface redesign is in the works and that many of the points we raised have been addressed already. They expect the new interface to be available in a matter of weeks. Clean, readable design: Users liked the presentation of information. There is a small degree of customization available. For instance, we can (and did) suppress DDC and LCC numbers from the displayed records, in order to highlight our assigned call numbers. You can change the banner color and add your own logo, and provide a link to your institutional homepage. Subject Headings as Tags: Libib does not have a subject heading field, as you'd expect in a full-featured catalog, but it more than makes up for it with a robust Tag feature. Tags are entered in the editing mode and can take any form you wish (as long as it doesn't include a comma, used as a delimiter). Therefore standard subject headings can be entered as Tags. Once you have created a Tag, it will appear as a suggestion when you start to enter a similar text string. In public mode, Tags appear prominently in orange blocks. Clicking on a Tag brings up every other record with the same Tag. There is also a Tag List option at the top of the screen that allows users to browse and select headings. The combination of broad keyword searching with the ability to follow Tags makes for a powerful search strategy. Excellent Tech Support: We've filed several error reports with Libib and have been very pleased with the speed and quality of the response. In one case, one of our testers actually deleted our entire database (!) and Libib was able to restore the whole thing from a backup from the previous night. They welcomed our interface suggestions and have responded very quickly (often in a matter of minutes) to our questions. Miscellaneous: We've had some possible problems with record permanence, maybe. In other words, items we thought we'd already added or edited revert to an earlier state. But we're not sure sure. We haven't established the problem definitively. One of our crew is very hot on updating book covers to match the volumes on the shelf and has reported that on several occasions the cover she posted ended up on another book. (She fixed the problems before reporting it and I haven't been able to reproduce the problem.) If any of these problems are happening at all, it might be traced to sharing account logins, a practice we have curtailed since. Generally, we do find that it helps to refresh screens or use the App's Sync feature periodically. Pricing: There is a free version of Libib, but this is missing some key features. The basic paid version is $5/month ($60/yr) for up to 100,000 records. This includes one owner account. Additional manager accounts cost another $1 /month each. (You don't want to share the owner account, unless you don't mind someone deleting your database.) This is a hosted system, meaning you don't need to run any software locally. Portability: If you can get your records out of an existing system in CSV format, including ISBN, you have a fairly good chance of uploading the bulk of your data into Libib quickly. There will be a significant workload to edit them into final form however. In reverse, Libib easily allows you to download your records in a CSV file, which could mean you can port your data to another system should you want to in the future. We have not looked at the circulation component, as it is not a priority for us at the time. With all the pluses and minuses, we think this adds up to an overall positive assessment for our situation. You mileage may vary but, if you are in the market for a catalog system, I recommend you check it out. Lee Jaffe Temple Beth El, Aptos __ Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) ================================== Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: [email protected] To join Ha-Safran, update or change your subscription, etc. - click here: https://lists.service.ohio-state.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran Questions, problems, complaints, compliments send to: [email protected] Ha-Safran Archives: Current: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.service.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html Earlier Listserver: http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org -- Hasafran mailing list [email protected] https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/listinfo/hasafran
