Libraries in Queensland and NSW are among the first to commit to using an enhanced version of the Spydus library management software, from Civica, which incorporates the Microsoft SQL Server database.

Townsville Library in Far North Queensland was the first to sign for the new system, although northern Sydney's Ku-ring-gai Library will be the first to implement the technology. Thuringowa Library will implement the existing version of Spydus before upgrading to the SQL Server version in six months' time.

The new version of Spydus is the first fully integrated library management system to be completely designed around web technology and modern relational databases.

Townsville Library

Seeking a more powerful system to cater for increasing capacity and replace its BookPlus system, Townsville Library called tenders and selected Spydus after a searching evaluation process.

“Spydus had most to offer technically, and our selection was also based on price as well as Civica's proven capabilities in training and implementation,” said Library Manager Annette Pike.

She is confident the new technology will enable the Library, which serves the capital of Far North Queensland, to continue its expansion seamlessly. Already more than 48,000 borrowers use library facilities in central Townsville and outlying Aitkenvale, as well as two mobile libraries and extensive home delivery services.

According to Annette, the organisation is moving towards becoming a more interpretive type of library, with reference collections that give more focus on social history. Library members will be able to access these from home or office, via the Web.

Ku-ring-gai Library

The strong online capabilities of Civica's new version of Spydus were a key attraction when Ku-ring-gai Library chose technology to replace its long-standing BookPlus system.

According to Library Manager Jennifer Borrell, borrowers are technology-savvy and have high expectations of the library's systems. Some complain about the existing technology and suggest ways of improving it. With 64 per cent of residents using a computer at home – the third highest percentage in Australia – many customers make their reservations and renewals via the Internet.

“Perhaps the most important factor in our choice of new software was the online catalogue,” says Jennifer. “Our existing catalogue is far from satisfactory, so we looked particularly closely at vendors' products and believe that the Spydus catalogue is the best. In particular, we like its ease of use.”

However, the choice of new technology encompassed a careful evaluation of four systems from vendors that responded to the Library's tender. These were checked against specifications and Library staff attended demonstrations and visited other libraries using the various solutions on offer.

“Essentially library management systems tend to have similar core functions, though some have more bells and whistles. I was looking to make sure we lost no functionality by moving from our old software, and any new functions would be a bonus.

“We liked other aspects of Spydus too. We will be using all the modules, including Acquisitions.”

A municipality with 109,000 people, Ku-ring-gai has four libraries, a central library plus three large branches used by 60 per cent of all borrowers.

Use of the library's young adult collections of books and DVDs is running at high levels, since Jennifer believes that somehow staff have made the library ‘cool' without quite realising how! About 20 per cent of the library's users are under-15s. So many young people use the facilities that Council has introduced a Resource Centre for teens in the same building. Placing a high importance on services for older borrowers, Ku-ring-gai offers a home library and a bus service for seniors.

Jennifer Borrell expects Ku-ring-gai Library to go live with the SQL server version of Spydus in April 2004.

Thuringowa Library

Day-to-day usability of the Spydus solution was the clincher when Thuringowa Library made its final decision on choosing new technology. A truly innovative library, rated among Queensland's top five for service delivery in a recent survey, Thuringowa is recognised as a leader in the use of information technology.

According to Geoffrey Burnett, Manager Information Services, vendors' responses were pared down to two after careful evaluation in the quest for a new system. Then library staff talked to their counterparts at other libraries, both new and long-standing users of Spydus and its rival product.

“The librarians' comments swung our decision in Civica's favour as they were far more favourable towards Spydus than the alternative solution,” said Geoffrey. “We felt that the functionality and usability of a system from a librarian's point of view, sitting at the Circulation desk and doing day-to-day work that our patrons could see, was critically important. That quality of usability helped us to finalise our decision.”

An early adapter of technology, Thuringowa became one of the first integrated library management system users in Queensland when it installed Dynix in 1990. The library was one of the first to make PCs available for CD-ROM access, and created a web site as early as 1997.

Management decided to evaluate alternative software offerings when it was obliged to replace its outmoded hardware. Implementation of the new SQL Server version of Spydus fits in with Council's strategy of keeping the number of relational databases to a minimum, since it uses SQL technology for a number of other applications.

Compared to the old system, Spydus will offer patrons far more flexibility and usability because it is Web-based, according to Geoffrey Burnett. Its strong Internet capabilities mean that customers will see exactly the same screens at home as they use on terminals in the library. Also the screens will feature Thuringowa Library branding rather than that of some other product or place.

“From a management perspective, it's a lot more modern system and will allow us to produce far more meaningful statistics,” said Geoffrey. “Moreover, it gives us more interfaces to external databases.”

Implementation began in early October with the purchase of hardware, and the beginning of training, which will continue until Christmas. The project team will be setting up parameters and workflows associated with Spydus, then hands-on training will resume before the go-live date in March 2004.

In line with its pledge to deliver services that enliven the imagination and broaden horizons, Thuringowa Library's strategy for the future sees a progressive development into a virtual library. Web access will play a key role, and the library recently updated its web site, simplifying navigation and making all information and services available from the home page.

A number of additional databases will give virtual borrowers access to a range of journals, articles and other information. Thuringowa is one of only two Queensland participants in the Australian Public Libraries Portal, to be called Information Australia, which will give users access to APAIFT full text information. Additionally, Thuringowa was the first regional library to join Picture Australia, making local images available on the Web.

Ron Store, Manager Library Services, a post he holds jointly with Susan Coker, attributes Thuringowa Library's continuing innovation to support from Thuringowa City Council's CEO, Lynn Russell, a Qantas Manager of the Year.

Lynn says: “Without doubt, we have one of the most innovative public libraries in Queensland, if not in Australia, which is remarkable for a municipality of 54,000 residents. We will continue to use cutting edge technology, such as Spydus, to pursue our vision of evolving into a virtual library.”

About Spydus 8

Civica's development strategy has been to progressively evolve its Spydus library management system to take full advantage of advances in technology as they become available. The adoption of the Microsoft SQL relational database management system (RDBMS) is just one step in this evolution process.

Spydus 8 features a comprehensive range of functional development including support of original cataloguing, indexing and retrieval at the key word and phrase level in any language. Libraries will also have access to powerful reporting tools including the benefit of easy integration with third party software products like Crystal Reports.

According to Phil Barr, General Manager Library Solutions this strategy has protected customer's investment in IT and delivered a seamless migration path.

“Whilst some of our competitors chose to build new products from scratch, we decided to follow a path that would allow us to progressively evolve Spydus. In doing so, we offer our customers a solution that fully meets their functional requirements, whilst providing seamless access to the latest technology as it becomes available.”

In early 2004 Spydus 8 will be available via the DB2 platform to protect existing customers investment in IBM database technology. With a view to Spydus retaining its platform independence, support for other Tier One RDBMS will be rolled out over the course of next year.