News from DS

Citation

(2002), "News from DS", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 36 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prog.2002.28036bab.003

News from DS

News from DS

Northern Ireland Libraries implement Galaxy

The Northern Ireland Education and Library boards have undertaken the first public private partnership (PPP) contract in the UK for library services and the DS Galaxy system has been chosen to manage the library collections in all 148 libraries.

Under the Electronic Libraries for Northern Ireland (ELFNI) agreement, Amey plc (lead partner in this project), in conjunction with its partner DS, will provide IT and related services, which will include online search and request services, Internet services, multimedia storage and retrieval services, and online public access facilities to libraries in Northern Ireland. The cornerstone of this architecture will be formed by the implementation of the DS Galaxy system across all five boards during 2002. The contract includes a £10 million investment by Amey plc in IT infrastructure within the first 18 months of the term.

At the contract signing, Pearl Valentine, Chief Librarian, North Eastern Education and Library board, said:

We are going to deliver leading edge information services here in Northern Ireland, one that would have been impossible to deliver without the involvement of DS and Amey. People will be able to see and use the public library stock, use their ticket in any branch, e-mail, fax, photocopy, videoconference and so on. Even the mobile libraries will be connected to the network.

New Millennium Library, Norwich and Galaxy

Heralded as the most advanced regional library in the UK, the New Millennium Library in Norwich, Norfolk opened in late 2001 and is designed to act as the centre for community activity and access to information. DS worked closely with staff in the library to provide the skills, software, equipment, support and systems integration to help make this project a reality.

The most essential task for DS was to extend Norfolk's existing Galaxy system to include the New Millennium Library, upgrading the library system and providing additional terminal hardware and network connections.

DS also installed the new cash management module, which saves library staff valuable time in handling cash transactions. The software is fully integrated with Galaxy and uses built-in till drawers to provide stream-lined cash processing from cash payments to bank reconciliation.

Open access is an important feature of the new library and DS has provided CounterPoint self-service terminals and integrated the latest technology to provide essential security for circulation self-service functions.

One of the most futuristic aspects of the New Millennium Library is its electronic guiding system, helping users locate subject areas within the library. DS has integrated this with the Galaxy OPAC (ViewPoint) so, having retrieved an item, it will also provide a map showing exactly where to find it in the library.

To meet the requirements of the People's Network, delivery and maintenance of client images directly from the server permit the centralised and automated rollout of software updates to all desktops.

For further information please contact Marketing Dept, 2 Cedar Office Park, Cobham Road, Ferndown, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 7SB, UK. Tel: +44(0) 1202 877188; Fax: +44(0) 1202 871297; E-mail: marketing@ds.co.uk; URL: www.ds.co.uk