BOCA RATON, FLA. - - SIRS, Inc. will be providing a preview of its newest SIRS Mandarin Library Automation System, SIRS Mandarin M3, at the American Library Association (ALA) Conference held on June 27 through June 30 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center, SIRS booth 1832.

SIRS Mandarin M3 features 32-bit client/server architecture, Windows functionality, Z39.50 compliancy, configurable Circulation and Cataloging functions, a true MARC record engine, a Web Gateway OPAC and a children's Web OPAC. Additionally, this powerful and flexible system is year 2000 compliant.

With Mandarin's Z39.50 modules - ZServer and ZSearch, library collections can be searched by other libraries. Using a standard Internet browser, users can search library collections from the convenience of their homes. SIRS Mandarin M3's highly configurable Circulation function enables bulk renewal, self-service checkout, backdating check-in and includes a flexible calendar interface. The system's true MARC record engine allows any MARC tag and subfield combination to be indexed. The SIRS Mandarin M3 Web Gateway also supports URL field 856, allowing patrons to search sites on the Web. Acquisitions and Serials modules, that can be purchased independently, assist library professionals in managing their libraries in new ways.