I don't know what alternatives that you have, but I am in the beginning
stages of developing a simplified ILS that would allow for basic
cataloging (not MARC compliant) with the idea that with instruction
bibliographic records could be created by non-librarians. In the case of
my test client, a LGBT lending library, cataloging is done by
volunteers. For your purposes, it might be by trained prisoners working
in the library. Either way there is a need for an ILS that doesn't
assume the people working the system have had an introductory cataloging
class.
I am also planning an online search interface, and a circulation module.
Right now the project is in planning, and is essentially vaporware, but
I expect to have a prototype in around 12 weeks, and start running it by
my test client. I think prison libraries are one environment that might
really be able to leverege this software, which will be Java based, and
could be run on older hardware that one might have on hand.
If you're interested, I'd like to hear more about your requirements so I
can have some additional ideas when I design my system.
- David
---
David Cloutman <[log in to unmask]>
Electronic Services Librarian
Marin County Free Library
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Jonathan Rochkind
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 8:55 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CODE4LIB] low-cost software for prison libraries?
Hi all, this is forwarded from a prison librarian listserv. Does
anyone know of any very low-cost (or open source?) library systems
that would be suitable for small and/or low-staffed libraries? I'm
thinking something like Koha or Evergreen would probably be overkill
and/or too hard to install without much/any tech/systems staff, but I
could very well be wrong, I don't know much about either system. I
also don't know much about the needs of that kind of small library.
If anyone does have ideas, could you send them directly to Mary (in
addition to CCing the list if you want, because I'm interested too
and I bet other list members would be.).
I've been curious for a while about solutions available to the very
small/limited-resource library in the way 'automation', but know
almost nothing about it and am not sure if there's an easy way to
find out. If anyone happens to know something about this (or is
interested in researching it), I personally think the Code4Lib
Journal would be a great place to publish an essay or survey on that
topic.
Jonathan
Begin forwarded message:
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Date: January 30, 2008 9:12:19 PM EST
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [prison-l] Library automation software
>
> Greetings:
>
> Last month there was some discussion here about cheap/free/
> reasonably priced automation software for correctional libraries.
> I am on a statewide committee which has just been formed to
> research and recommend a software package to replace Athena
> (formerly by Sagebrush, now Follett) in most of the correctional
> libraries in Virginia. After years in public libraries I am very
> familiar with some of the big vendors, but they are simply
> financially out of the question for our agency, not to mention web-
> based.
>
> I have looked at the websites for LibraryThing, Auto Librarian, and
> ResourceMate, which were recommended here in the previous
> discussion. If you know of or have a circ/cat system that is
> reasonably priced (or dirt cheap) and works well for you, please
> share the information with me, with pros and cons if you like. All
> replies greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance.
>
>
> Mary Geist, librarian
> Dept. of Correctional Education
> Brunswick Correctional Center
> 1147 Planter's Road
> Lawrenceville, VA 23868
> 434.848.4131, ext. 1146
>
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