McHENRY, IL - May 3, 1999 - Bermuda's Ministry of Education has chosen Follett Software Company to automate seven school libraries after its initial attempt with another vendor ended unsuccessfully. The schools' new Follett Software system is partially installed and scheduled for completion this fall.
The Ministry began its initial library automation undertaking in 1996 in an effort to provide students with better access to library materials, as well as to expand access to electronic resources. When the initial project fell off track, the Ministry put the project on hold to search for a new vendor.
Choosing a New System - A Team Effort
"Together, our administrators, librarians and I investigated our options thoroughly before selecting Follett Software Company," said Harrichand Sukdeo, Comptroller and Project Manager for Bermuda's Ministry of Education. "I was very impressed with Follett Software's products, staff and support. They seemed as interested in our goals as we were. And our librarians felt Follett's products were the easiest to use and learn."
Maximize Time & Access to Resources
The Ministry believes the new system will make its libraries more efficient while providing students better access to the libraries' resources and increasing their interest in the libraries. Sukdeo explained, "Our students are already searching the Internet and making good use of that information. They need the same type of easy electronic access to our library resources, so they can maximize their time while obtaining the best information."
Simplified Collection Management, Powerful Online Searching, Quality Data
Bermuda has begun installing Follett Software Company's Windows-based Circulation Plus, Catalog Plus, Alliance Plus and BookWhere 2000 software in its five middle schools and two secondary schools. The Circulation Plus software automates and streamlines manual tasks such as checkout and holds with point-and-click ease, saving library staff time and improving their efficiency. The program is seamlessly integrated with Catalog Plus, the company's cataloging management and online searching solution. The Ministry will use the Alliance Plus program to update and add records to their database on an ongoing basis. And BookWhere 2000, the company's Z39.50 client, will enable the librarians to retrieve additional MARC records that aren't available on Alliance Plus. BookWhere 2000 also gives students access to resources in other libraries around the world.
Immediate Benefits for Students Staff
Completely installed in some schools, the Follett Software system is already making its mark. "Follett's programs are making our libraries more user-friendly, and students are spending much more time in them as a result," said Sukdeo. "The programs have also simplified many tasks required of our librarians. New reporting options help them keep their collections up to date and make inventory much easier. There's a more positive attitude toward the libraries in general."
Logic Communications Limited of Bermuda has partnered with Follett Software Company to implement Bermuda's automation system. Logic is fulfilling hardware and networking elements of the project.
About Follett Software Company
Since 1985, Follett Software Company has provided school, public and special libraries with leading-edge library automation, Internet and curriculum resource software and services. Its Circulation Plus software, with more than 29,000 installations worldwide, is the number one selling library automation system in the K-12 marketplace. Follett Software Company is a division of Follett Corporation, and is headquartered in McHenry, IL. The company was recently ranked among the top ten largest software companies in Chicago. For additional information, call (800) 323-3397 or go to www.fsc.follett.com.
