October 25, 2000. Complutense University of Madrid (La Universidad Complutense de Madrid, or UCM) announced that it has implemented the Millennium Web OPAC from Innovative Interfaces. The name of the catalog, CISNE ("Swan"), was selected as a symbol of Cardinal Cisneros, founder of the University.
Cristina Gállego Rubio, UCM's Central Services Coordinator said, "The Complutense library is comprised of 34 branch libraries with a central database of 2,500,000 items, and more than 1,300,000 loans, so we chose the only system that could handle and respond to these needs. CISNE has already proven to be invaluable.
"We chose Millennium because of its Java-based software and the fact that it is one of the most impressive developments in integrated library systems, with the greatest implementation in major institutions and consortia. Its advanced technology simplifies the computer administration in the library, which is comprised of 500 different positions.
"CISNE will allow our library to offer a substantial and beneficial improvement in its services. The integration of all the information-related features (bibliographic materials, scientific databases, electronic journals, and electronic resources accessible through the Internet) will enable us to offer the university and scientific community an indispensable tool to access information."
The library, which serves the largest and most prestigious academic institution in Spain, is comprised of 34 branch libraries with approximately 3,472,946 patrons. The library's collection contains over 2,500,000 items, including Ancient and Rare books, which holds manuscripts, incunabula and printed books from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, and an expansive dissertation collection.
UCM, founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, represents five centuries of academic excellence in Europe. Linked to the Renaissance and Golden Age and long considered a haven for free thought, the institution continues to be one of the pillars in the upbringing of Spanish professionals and humanists. The Complutense University of Madrid's library catalog can be found at cisne.sim.ucm.es.
