Re: binding software Jill Brungardt 14 Apr 2005 13:58 UTC
Hi Beverly and Hi Rienne My library just switched over to ABLE, I we too experienced a few *mistakes* BUT over all, I really like the program. It is fairly easy to use once you figure out how. That brings me to Rienne's offer about a manual. I would REALLY love to see it, if you don't mind sharing. Off list is just fine. The manual I got with ABLE really doesn't help very much and I still have some questions about it's capabilities. All things considered, the ABLE program is wonderful. It allows me to access my information directly, change it and save it. I don't need a paper list anymore, so we save on paper. I can do bindery stuff much faster than before, and that saves my time and the university's money. It is really a good program. I definitely recommend it!! Jill Jill Brungardt Periodicals Assistant Collins Library Baker University 518 8th St. Baldwin City, KS 66006 785-594-8427 jbrungardt@bakeru.edu -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Johnson Rienne E Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 4:25 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: Re: [SERIALST] binding software Beverly - Reinert has used both of these softwares while I have been doing bindery for our library. LARS is very much a early Windows-style program, with a single interface for each task, adding/deleting titles, making jobs, running reports, etc. Each title must be permanently added to the collection, and then removed when it's not used anymore. The LARS program needs to be on a single machine, so that all title/jobs will be present when you go to bind. In addition, each time, the job must be transferred via diskette for our bindery. On the plus side, it is a very simple program, once the user is accustomed to navigating the different panes. We transferred from LARS to ABLE last fall, and I personally like it better. I have two workstations, and I can do binder yat either one. ABLE is a web-based program, which requires a Java plug-in (attention computer tech) to run properly. After the plug-in is configured on a machine, it will run on that machine. It has a single interface for all tasks, as well as an internet transfer ability, if your binder allows for it. In addition, monograph titles can be added as item records and not stay as part of your database. My downside with ABLE is that we had a messy transition (our library being the first for our binder to transfer records from LARS to ABLE, with some color and line configuration problems). We transferred in October, and are still catching some problems as we bind materials each month. I would still recommend ABLE, however. I think the single pane interface is much easier to use, and the accessibility from the different workstations. In addition, our database resides on our binder's server, and not our own, which aids in program speed. LARS is quite slow, and while it's easy to use, updates are few and far between. My advice, if you have a previous program, is to print out a copy of your database, note the cover colors, and levels of print for each title, and make the comparison before sending each item off. I have a short manual that I've created for ABLE use. If you think it would be helpful, I'd be happy to send you a copy. Best of luck! Rienne Rienne Johnson Library Associate - Serials/Processing Reinert/Alumni Memorial Library 2500 California Plaza Omaha, NE 68178 "The libraries have become my candy store." Juliana Kimball -----Original Message----- From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Beverly Dowdy Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 12:06 PM To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [SERIALST] binding software I would like to hear from those who have experience with LARS, or ABLE, two bindery software programs. We are being offered these by our bindery. Any opinions on which is better to use? Beverly A. Dowdy, MLIS Serials Librarian Chambers Library University of Central Oklahoma 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 bdowdy@ucok.edu 405-974-2901 voice 405-974-3874 fax