Microcomputer-Based Integrated Library Systems, Character-Based Systems
Joseph R. Matthews · Library Technology Reports · 1997
Mandarin Vendor: SIRS, Inc. P.O. Box 2348 Boca Raton, Florida 33427-2348 (800) 232-SIRS; fax (561) 005-4065 SIRS Canada 9630 Trans Canada Highway Montreal, Quebec H4S 1V9 Canada (800) 361-1407; fax (514) 336-8217 [email protected]; http://www.sirs.com Demo Available: No. On-site demonstrations can be arranged. Version: 2.71 Number of Customers: 1,800 Modules/Prices: Circulation, OPAC, cataloging, barcode printing, report generator, inventory, statistical analysis, MARC editor, data spindler, and library management software is $3,500 per site. SIRS will also sell a complete turnkey system (hardware and software) if desired by the library. PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS Micro: IBM or compatible personal computer Operating System: DOS 5.0 + LANs Supported: NetWare, Windows NT Z39.50 Compatibility: No FUNCTIONALITY [GRAPH OMITTED] FEATURES Mandarin, from SIRS, is a comprehensive integrated system that provides circulation, OPAC, cataloging, and library management. Designed to appeal to school and other types of libraries, Mandarin can be purchased as software only or as a turnkey solution (SIRS provides both hardware and software). Mandarin is a character-based, function key oriented system that provides a considerable amount of flexibility to the customer library. While Mandarin is an IBM PC-based system, libraries may also use a Macintosh as an OPAC workstation when linked to a local area network. Mandarin is a multi-lingual system. The prompts and data labels can be displayed in English, French, Spanish, or German. A GUI-based OPAC is planned for release in spring 1997 with other GUI-based modules to follow. Online Catalog Mandarin's OPAC has two levels of guided search as well as an expert search mode. All indexes are keyword indexes. The guided search options allow a patron to search by three primary indexes, e.g., subject, author, or title; or by five primary indexes, e.g., subject, author, title, call number, and type of media. At the library's option, any indexed field can he included in the OPAC. Users can browse the entries and highlight a desired word and then move the word into the search request field. Users can also use truncation and a wild card symbol to find relevant records. Search results can be sorted (eight possible sort configurations) and Boolean operators (AND, OR, and NOT) are available and searching can be performed across indexes. Using the enhanced search mode, users enter a search request by typing the search using the Standard Command Language (239.58). Users can create sets of search results and then combine sets, if desired. As seen in Figure 1, the user enters a subject search request, e.g., United States History. The system will display brief records, as seen in Figure 2 or, alternatively, the system will display any cross references associated with the search request (see Figure 3). Note that these cross references are not authority control records. They are informational only. The user cannot select these cross reference headings and then view the documents (bibliographic records). [Figure 1, 2 and 3 ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Records can be displayed in a brief or full record format. The records are typically displayed using a blue background with white characters. Users have the option to configure other color choices. The title is displayed in yellow while the search request terms are identified in a reverse video format. The user can select all or some of the results to be printed. The search results can be sorted by call number, author, title, type of media, author/title or as configured by the library. The user can also determine the current status of the item. Cataloging Mandarin is able to import, create, edit, and export MARC-formatted records, including the leader, fixed fields, tags, indicator bytes, and subfield indicators. …