Improved LOUIS coming this summer!

New technologies bring changes to many aspects of our lives every day. Our library systems are no exception. Librarians and systems vendors continue to exploit new technologies in order to improve library services. As a result, today's integrated library systems support sophisticated gateways to all types of information. Here at the Brandeis Libraries, we are implementing a new library system which will give us the platform we need to build a gateway to a full range of information sources.

While changes in the online catalog will be the most noticeable to our users, an integrated library system provides the backbone for much of the work done in the library. Our new online system will be the ALEPH 500 integrated library system developed by Ex Libris. ALEPH is currently in use at 500 customer sites in 40 countries, with an installed user base of 17,000. Many of the Ex Libris sites are located in Europe, but the customer base is growing in North America, with new sites such as Notre Dame, Boston College, and McGill.

We anticipate that the transition to the new system will be smooth, and will have little impact on our users. All of the catalog records are stored in a standard format and will transfer easily to the new system. User, circulation, and acquisitions records will require a more customized conversion process but should also transfer to the new system.

What will affect me?

• The new, improved LOUIS will feature:
  • Faster and more intuitive searching
  • Advanced features for sorting, mailing, saving records
  • Full display of Hebrew character set
• Because of possible delays in processing new materials, we are asking faculty to submit fall reserve lists as soon as possible!

What will NOT change?

• Basic capabilities for author, title, subject searching
• Content of the online catalog database

Timeline

• May. Please submit fall reserve lists as soon as possible to ensure processing by the beginning of the fall semester.
• May 31. Faculty and graduate student telnet access to Libinfo will be eliminated. FirstSearch databases currently on Libinfo will be moved to the library web page: http://www.library.brandeis.edu/. The current version of the online catalog will also be available at this web site, as will the new, improved catalog.
• June. The online catalog will be available at all times during the conversion to the new system. During the actual transition, the online circulation and acquisitions systems will be unavailable for approximately two weeks. This is currently scheduled for June 15-July 1. During this time you will not be able to access your own borrowing record online, and charge-outs will be handled manually at the circulation desks, so there may be some delays. There will also be minor delays in processing new materials.
• July 1. New, improved LOUIS goes live!
• August/September. While the new, improved online catalog will be easy to use, we will offer drop-in workshops to introduce you to its advanced features.

How can I get more information?

Please contact:

• Ann Frenkel, Reference Librarian/Technology Coordinator (64679)
• Sue Swanson, Head, Access Services (64620)
• Sally Wyman, Head, Science Library (64722)