December 4, 2000. Innovative Interfaces, a leader in information technology for libraries, will install its Millennium library automation system at Brown University, a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a not-for-profit membership organization comprising the leading research libraries in North America.
Howard Pasternack, Library Systems Officer at Brown University, said, "Innovative was the vendor for our previous system that was acquired in 1994 and has consistently served us well. Continuing our relationship, we decided to upgrade to Millennium, which integrates effectively with Web-based technologies.
"Millennium represents a major re-engineering of our current system to use Java and Web browsers, providing enhanced functionality to both users and staff. After evaluating the existing products on the market, we believe that we will be well served by Innovative's Millennium system."
The Brown campus houses seven libraries containing more than three million volumes. This includes rare books, manuscripts, special collections, archives, art slides, music, and electronic resources. The special collections at Brown, particularly the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays, are of international repute. The Brown libraries serve approximately 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Founded in 1764, Brown University was the third college in New England and the seventh in America--and the only one that welcomed students of all religions. A commitment to diversity and intellectual freedom remains a hallmark of the University today. Brown University's library catalog, Josiah, can be found at library.brown.edu/.
Brown University is the 23rd ARL library to have chosen to upgrade to Millennium. Others include: Dartmouth College, Michigan State University, New York Public Library, University of New Mexico, and the University of Washington.