see Informer

oming soon to a screen near you,

Capilano College Library’s
electronic catalogue, replacing the
current microfiche!

After two years of planning and
preparation, the Library is in the final
stages of implementing an integrated
library software system. The Library
moved into high gear,
once the contract was

Library Automation Will
Ensure Expanded
Access to Resources

Yet, in appearance, it is smaller than
most current PC's.

Integrated software refers to the
fact that all the modules, including
the catalogue database and
associated management functions,
OPAC (online public access
catalogue), and circulation

(including reserves)
share the same

signed in early June, to
provide the College
community with state-
of-the-art access to
information for the fall
term. Summer activities
have included hardware
and software delivery
and implementation,

database and interact
with each other. This
means that when an
item is catalogued and
appears in the OPAC,
users can see where it
is located in the library
system (at the main
Library, Sechelt or

activating network

Squamish, on

The exact date of replacing the
microfiche readers with terminals
depends on the arrival of the new
terminal servers and will be
announced.

Much deliberation went into the
choice of Innovative Interfaces Inc.'s
INNOPAC software. The INNOPAC
system stood out because of its ease
of use, 24-hour availability (backups
are performed while the system is
running and available to users), speed
of operation, outstanding report
generation capability, excellent
reputation for service and low
maintenance demands. The
INNOPAC catalogue sits on a DEC
Alpha 3000/300L minicomputer
running Unix; it has 2.1 gigabytes of
hard disk storage and 64Mb of RAM.

2

connections, circulating
database shelves, on
preparation, == reserve, in
barcoding 0 ee a reference, or
library OE a STE OT OT a/v) and
materials, and whether it has
staff training. been checked

out or not. Users will be able to
place holds for desired items, and
look up which books have been
checked out to them.

Access to the catalogue from any
computer on the campus network
and dial-up from external computers
is planned for the near future. Other
modules such.as acquisitions, media/
equipment booking, and serials
management are planned for future
purchase and implementation.

Library classes in research skills
will now include live
demonstrations of INNOPAC to
ensure that everyone is able to take
advantage of all the search features
of the new system. A new Key to the
OPAC will provide written
instructions.

Department
Changes to
Meet the ‘90s

apilano College’s Department of

Office Administration has
completely revamped its programs and
has even changed its name to reflect the
changing times.

Diane Blaney, chair of what is now
called the Department of Applied
Business Technology, says, ““We’ve
designed our programs to accommodate
technological needs. With our programs,
students are ready in 10 months.”

Also new at the College is a program
which combines ESL and skills training
into one comprehensive package.
Supported by the government’s Skills
Now initiative, the ESL Office Assistant
program will focus ESL training on
employment-related language skills
combined with job skills training. The
program will be 36 weeks in length,
including four weeks of on-the-job
training in May. O

rs xe: Informer

The Informer is produced
monthly by the Capilano College
Public Relations Department.
Your submissions are welcome,
but please be aware that space
limitations may prevent
publication. Material may be
edited for brevity and clarity.
Send all correspondence to:
Shelley Kean, Editor
Informer
Public Relations
Capilano College
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5
Tel: 986-1911, loc. 2088
Fax: 984-1714
Deadline for the October issue:
the first Monday of the month

Next issue date is October 21