--- Forwarded Message from Karl Fisher <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Wed, 9 Oct 2002 14:25:37 -0500
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Karl Fisher <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6848.3 Item Checkout Database Software (!)

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Another idea:

Alexandria from Companion Corporation works well under the Macintosh OS.

It was designed for school libraries.

They waived the startup fee ($2000) under a promotion and then the
subscription is $399 per year.

We will probably move to something else to track attendance & handle
circulation in the future, but for the present time it is ideal for
administering our small lab & material library.

We use a wand reader and "smart" bar codes for the materials (as opposed to
meaningless sequential numbers). (For example, 10FV is French Video #10 in
our catalog.)

The registrar's class lists are imported as the patron list at the
beginning of the semester.

We look up the students' names in the system as they arrive (so we don't
have to swipe ID's or send them back to the dorm when they forget). When
they leave, the system "remembers" who checked out the material and
finishes the transaction.

The system can produce reports of who has checked out what (patron history).

It is also possible (though not easy) to use the log to prepared detailed
use reports.

Feel free to contact me off list if this sounds like a possible solution
for your lab.

Best,
Karl



Karl W. Fisher
Director, Language Laboratory
735 University Avenue
The University of the South
Sewanee, TN 37383

Lab: (931) 598-1468
Fax: (931) 598-1145