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Offline system just the ticket for library users 27 November 2009 BOOK-KEEPING on board the Department of Education’s Mobile Library has been made more efficient following the installation by Access-It Software of an offline issue system that keeps track of loans and requests. Education Minister Anne Craine MHK officially launched the system when the library made its regular fortnightly call at Ballagarey, Glen Vine, on Wednesday. Sandra Henderson, Librarian-in-Charge of the Mobile Library, said: ‘The system was designed specifically for the Isle of Man and the Department of Education’s Mobile Library Service is the first in the world to use it.’ She explained: ‘The Mobile Library Service has been using the Access-It system in-house at our base in Noble’s Hall, Douglas, for five years for computerised cataloguing and some issuing of our 37,000 items of stock. ‘We needed to be able to issue items to borrowers via a laptop while out on the road, so Access-It Software Ltd was contacted and this specific off-line mode was created for us. | | |
‘Using the system on board the library enables customers to not only research and reserve publications from the library’s entire catalogue but also to check which titles they have already borrowed,’ Sandra said. ‘This helps the customer and also gives the service accurate statistics on borrowing, which enables the budget to be better allocated.’ Once the Mobile Library, a 28-foot Mercedes van, returns to base, the transactions that take place away from the network are synchronised with the live system, Sandra explained. The Minister commented: ‘The Mobile Library provides a first class community service that is now about to become even better. There is nothing more frustrating than getting home from the library and finding that you have already read the book you have just picked. I know that customers have, in the past, pencilled their own identity mark in the back of books to be able to check whether they have had them before or not. Now they will be able to check on the spot. ‘Our staff do a fantastic job of remembering what the choice of reading is for our membership but this new computer programme will mean that their job has just become easier as, instead of having to remember everyone’s tastes, they will now be able to document their preferences. ‘The development of this software programme strikes another first for the Isle of Man and delivers as efficient a service as can be found in any static library – only out on the road!’ Martin Neyland, Chief Executive of Access-It Software Ltd, said: ‘It has been a delight to work with the Mobile Library Service. It approached us with a problem and by talking through a range of options we were able to put forward a software solution to meet its requirements. It means that Mobile Library users have the benefits of the Access-It system even when the system is off-line. ‘This is a great example of what can happen when suppliers are prepared to listen to their customers and Access-It was delighted to provide the Mobile Library Service with its own unique solution. As its needs change we are happy to work alongside it to keep delivering powerful and effective software solutions.’ Notes for newsdesks: Attached is a photo showing Education Minister Anne Craine MHK (right) and Librarian-in-Charge of the Mobile Library Service Sandra Henderson scanning in books chosen by John Stevenson, of Glen Vine, a regular user of the Mobile Library. Contacts for further information: Anne Craine MHK, Education Minister – 01624 685801 Sandra Henderson, Librarian-in-Charge, Mobile Library Service – 01624 673123 Useful links: More stories >>>
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