Geac Libraries Division are pleased to announce that The City of Turnhout has selected Vubis Smart Library Automation System.
Geac's library system, Vubis Smart, is one of the mainstays of the Turnhout Public Library's project to improve facilities for its customers, including a fundamental extension of opening hours, without any increase in the number of staff.
The project depends on the following corner stones:
- The website of the Public Library of Turnhout (for more information, see their website www.warande.be/bib) gives access to the on line web catalogue, a Vubis Smart WebOpac. It is the permanent link between end user and library. The library customer can consult the on-line catalogue night and day; check the status of items on loan; renew and reserve; check personal data, financial and loan history; keep a personal view on interested periodicals and bibliography; reserve a computer and send e-mails. In the near future, the user will also be able to define profiles of interest in the WebOpac. The user will then be informed automatically by Vubis Smart when the library has catalogued materials that match the profile.
- RFID is used for security and media treatment. The Turnhout Public Library has tagged its complete collection (books and audiovisual materials) with RFID and made terminals available to the general public that communicate via SIP/2 with Vubis Smart.
- Automated management of public access computers. All public computers are managed centrally and secured through an application that communicates via SIP/2 with Vubis Smart.
- Automation of cash flow with payment terminals. Vubis Smart has been linked to a terminal so that customers make payments independently (membership fees, fines, reservation costs, print-outs, etc.).
- of check-in deposit boxes.
The combination of these projects is unique in Belgium and proves that the openness and flexibility of Vubis Smart was an important advantage for the Turnhout Public Library in realizing this project.