epixtech, Inc., the world's leader in library automation systems, has assisted another Scottish Public Library in attaining the goal of automating their library services. epixtech has been instrumental in bringing Scottish Borders Library Service fully online via its Dynix library system. Scottish Borders Library Service migrated from a BookshelF Library Management system, but has also brought the epixtech system to branches that were previously manually operated. Implementation began with the Council's headquarters going live at the end of 1999 and other branches coming on stream throughout the past year, according an agreed schedule.
The implementation of the Dynix system has brought many benefits to Scottish Borders Library Service, providing features not previously well supported electronically, and speeding up other activities that were not easy to administrate due to manual operation in some libraries, including automated and streamlined circulation capabilities, electronic compilation of statistics, reporting options to analyze data, and automated placing, processing and notification of reservations.
The implementation of epixtech's PAC for Windows Public Access software allows users to access the library catalogue in a ‘state of the art' environment, allowing enquiry on stock availability at all libraries. Self-service circulation enquiry features will be made available shortly, allowing users to check on their own loans, place and track reservations and monitor other circulation activity, all protected by PIN number. Internet access to the library catalogue is also due for implementation once the new system is bedded in. The use of PAC for WindowsÔ also allows the library to present existing ‘ access to computer services via a single interface. Libraries already offer access to word processing, spreadsheet and desktop publishing facilities and these can now be offered via a single interface by embedding them in the PAC for Windows launcher.
Lana Porter, President and CEO of epixtech, added her pride in the epixtech UK Office's and the Scottish Borrders' achievement. "epixtech is proud to be able to launch yet another Scottish Library into the arena of advanced electronic service provision and happy to be instrumental in providing enhanced information access to the local community. The provision of books and other information material remains a prime focus of the libraries, and the introduction of epixtech-powered automation greatly facilitates and streamlines this process."
Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders Council is the local authority responsible for the provision of all local government services to over 106,000 people who live in an area of approx. 1,800 square miles of Southeast Scotland. The area is one of outstanding scenic beauty and is internationally recognized as Scotland's leading short break destination. The Scottish Borders Library Service of 12 public libraries, six mobiles, school libraries, a hospital library and Scottish Borders Archive and Local History Centre together provide the full range of services from lending books, music CDs, video and CD-ROMs, to browsing the Internet, and locating business, local history and tourist information.
epixtech, Inc.
epixtech is the leading provider of automation technologies, solutions and services for more than 7,600 libraries worldwide. epixtech's award-winning library automation systems, ConnectLib solutions for patron self-services, desktop management and interlibrary loans and its new Web-based solutions and services empower libraries and their users. epixtech's library automation solutions meet the needs of academic, research, public, corporate libraries. Headquartered in Utah. epixtech's UK Office is based in Chesham Buckinghamshire. For more information about epixtech, visit www.epixtech.com.
