DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, Sept. 4, 2001: Endeavor Information Systems announced today the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), Montgomery, AL, will employ the Voyager integrated library management system. Celebrating its centennial this year, the ADAH holds the distinction of being the oldest state-funded department of archives and history in the United States.
The archives had been pursing an electronic system for some time, culminating their search with Voyager over several other products, even systems specifically created for historical materials. Voyager was the only system that met all of the Archives' specifications regarding a Windows™- based, flexible system that would allow the collections to be accessed online.
"We were searching for a product to run in-house as a facilitator to place information on a website to let people know what we have. We're looking for Voyager to open that door for us," said Tracey Berezansky, Assistant Director for Government Records at the ADAH.
"We really liked that Voyager could handle the size of the collections," Berezansky said. "It was an added plus that most of the major academic libraries in the state had purchased or were in the process of purchasing Voyager systems. With the Alabama Virtual Library Network, it is easier for everyone to share if we are all using the same software." There are currently 19 Voyager libraries in Alabama.
Endeavor's experience in working with more than 17 museum and archival sites was also valuable to the ADAH. "We were impressed with Endeavor's interest and concern to work with our archival group and meet the needs that are different or special," she said. Berezansky also noted the potential of the relationship with other Voyager users. "We have technical support from the other Voyager libraries in the state, plus an archival community that has the product as well."
"Collections are carefully cultivated, so presenting those collections clearly is one of the strongest features of Voyager," commented Jane Burke, Endeavor's President and CEO. "With the ability to display electronic items straight from the OPAC, Voyager allows researchers around the globe to access the collections of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. We're proud they selected Voyager and look forward to helping the staff share 100 years of archival work with an expanded audience."
About Alabama Department of Archives and History
The ADAH was founded in 1901 to ensure the preservation of Alabama's historical records and artifacts and to promote a better understanding of Alabama history. Collections available at the ADAH include comprehensive documentation of the state's beginning in 1819 through the current government administration, historic newspaper collections documenting life in cities and counties across the state, local government records, and a wealth of artifacts documenting Alabama's material culture. The current aim of the ADAH is "to preserve the records of its past and to serve the information needs of future generations of researchers." Visit www.archives.state.al.us for more information.
About Endeavor Information Systems
Endeavor Information Systems, based in Des Plaines, IL, was founded in September 1994. More than 850 academic and research libraries of every size have chosen Endeavor's high performance Voyager library system. Visit Endeavor at www.endinfosys.com for more information on Voyager, ENCompass, LinkFinderPlus and Endeavor's complete suite of products for today's changing libraries.