Only a few of the modern day society can actually appreciate just how much work is saved in libraries by using ICT. Back in the time when there were no computers, a brown 5cm by 3cm card was associated with each book; every time a book (obviously there were no CDs, DVDs etc) was lent, the staff would have to take the card out of its slot in the book, and look through an alphabetic file system until they come across the borrowers name, and then place the card into his or her ‘slot’; finding different names took, literally, hours. Now all it takes is a swipe of a scanner!
Library Management System
The Liverpool Central Library uses a comprehensive management system developed in Birmingham, called The Talis Library Management System. It is a functionally rich, highly effective manager of library resources, enabling the library to deliver excellent customer services.
Under their FM (facilities management) model, Talis also hosts and manages most of the library’s hardware; their technical engineers provide extended services like server hardening to protect the library from hacking and facilities management to reduce the costs of managing the system. The Library Management System itself is managed and run on their hardware.
Support can be received via the TalisSolutions web service, this internet-based service compliments the manned help desk and provides staff with a full, paperless, call logging and tracking service as well as access to a solutions database.
The Talis Library Management System is a package of smaller sub-systems, combined to form the Talis Information Environment. All of these systems are linked seamlessly to one and another, and the Internet. These systems are:
- TalisPrism
- TalisList
- Signpost
- Talis Message
TalisPrism
The Central Library offer resources well beyond the confines of their own shelves; and library staff and users are confronted with a growing range of resources to search (eg other libraries' catalogues and external databases). This is especially true in the case of City of Liverpool Libraries, as each ‘branched’ library has its own catalogue.
This is where TalisPrism comes in; it provides the Liverpool Central Library with access to a wide range of electronic information, in this case to all other library catalogues.
TalisPrism makes it easy to find external and internal resources. Searching across multiple databases in different locations and formats is simple and uncluttered. TalisPrism brings the results of all searches together in one place.
Borrowers can move easily from information searching to viewing their own account information - loans, reservations and charges, and carrying out transactions such as bulk renewing all books on loan.
TalisPrism is connected directly to the World Wide Web, which means the library member can access all of the functions mentioned above on the City of Liverpool Libraries and Information Services website. Each member can access their own account, and account history simply by entering the 8-digit code found on the back of their membership card.
TalisList
TalisList is a web-based system designed to manage collections of resources, such as reading lists associated with a particular course, module or subject. TalisList makes it easy to create attractive, user-friendly lists of links and references, which directs users straight through to the library catalogue.
This system is linked flawlessly to TalisPrism, and the City of Liverpool Libraries and Information Services website; lists are compiled online as the users search via a friendly web interface, and can immediately be made available (printed, saved for future reference); this basically means all results returned from the TalisPrism searches has already been edited with TalisList.
This system aggregates recommended information sources within a unified, structured and searchable hierarchy of headings, enabling students to access their list of recommended resources any time, anywhere, at the click of any reference in the list to navigate straight to the resource.
It encourages exploitation of selected electronic resources by allowing linking from the access point which is most logical to students (the subject), to the level which is most useful to them – the article, image, or site.
It also includes a unique ‘harvesting’ facility which allows staff to browse their local library catalogue, or any other web site, and import reference details into resource lists without the need to manually entering the details, meaning error-free addition of bibliographic records as ‘entries’ in the lists.
As a web-based editing tool it can allow enabled academics and even library staff to create their own reading lists in a system which is available to, and is managed by, the library. The traditionally labour-intensive process of compiling, producing and circulating lists of resources is simplified, so the academics and library staff can work together more effectively.
Because it’s a fully ‘bookmark-able’ system, it’s also possible to create hyper-links straight to specific resource lists in TalisList from other systems (eg Internet Explorer).
Guided access to appropriate resources is increasingly important as the proportion of teaching and learning delivered over the Internet increases. TalisList represents a standalone, centralized gateway to those recommended resources.
Signpost
Signpost is again a web-based system, designed to create and manage searchable online subject collections. Signpost makes it easy to create attractive, user-friendly lists of links and references which promote the best local resources and allow them to be presented in conjunction with selected electronic and web sources. Each reference directs the user straight through to titles in the library catalogue.
This system enables the library to easily create a local subject gateway customized to meet the needs of the local community, draw together quality resources across a diverse range of materials, support lifelong learning by hosting and co-ordinating centralised access to recommended reading for all community courses and promote reader development by drawing together fiction titles for specific interest groups. The system also provide a guided introduction to the wealth of information available on the Web, by allowing staff to select and annotate the ‘best’ and most relevant web-sites and present them alongside books and serials.
TalisMessage
TalisMessage is a recent addition to the Talis Library Management System which allows library users to renew their loans automatically using a touchtone telephone. The outbound option allows overdues and notifications to be sent by telephone.
Library staffs are freed from the need to process telephone renewals and library users are given an improved renewal service. Files are updated immediately and the service can be made available 24 hours a day, whenever the Talis Library Management System is available.
All branch libraries are serviced from a single central TalisMessage installation. The product runs on a dedicated PC connected to the library’s telephone system and linked to the Talis Library Management System via the Self Issue (SIP2) protocol.
Although it only has 8 concurrent telephone lines, TalisMessage allows library borrowers to use their home or mobile telephone to renew library loans. Callers to the service are asked to enter their library membership number using the telephone keypad.
By calling the TalisMessage system, members can renew all books, with an option to hear which books have been renewed, renew a specific book by entering its barcode, hear a list of books and renew specific ones from the list, hear a list of books currently on loan with their due dates, listen to a standard message giving library information, and if all else fails TalisMessage can transfer the caller to a human operator, or if outside normal hours, to a mailbox.
Simply for management, the library used to have to produce a gigantic catalogue of up to 30 thousand pages, every single year, on which brief details were recorded about each book. These huge (crusty and old, with age) catalogues are still kept in the library, which funnily-enough became part of the library’s collection, which means you can go and borrow the 30-thousand-page-long ‘list’ of the books owned by the library in 1978. Just imagine the amount of time and effort saved due to the development of ICT.
Security Systems
The security systems used by all of the City of Liverpool Libraries are provided by 3M, this is the same 3M Company that provides the library with the hardware mentioned in the lending system.
The main systems in security are the detection system and cameras
Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Systems
EAS is a technology used to identify articles as they pass through a gated area in a library. This identification is used to alert someone that unauthorized removal of items is being attempted. EAS systems are useful anywhere there is an opportunity for theft of items of any size. Using an EAS system enables the library to display items where they can be seen, rather than putting them in locked cases or behind the counter.
Tattle-Tape
Tattle-Tape security strips offer protection for all of the library materials, including magnetic, 3M's archival-quality adhesive will not degrade library materials. It de-sensitizes completely to eliminate false alarms and re-sensitize to 100% signal strength for the highest level of security.
There are several types of Tattle-Tape security strips; these are the one used by the Liverpool Central Library:
DS-B1
Designed for hardcover books. Easily and quickly inserted into book spines. Strip is completely concealed.
DS-B2
Between-the-pages application to books and periodicals. Ultra-thin strip fits deeply into gutter. Extra-long liner makes insertion easier.
DVM
Easily applied to top edge of unboxed videocassette. Cover-up label hides strip and allows imprinting of title or other information.
DAC
Easily applied to unboxed audio cassette. Cover-up label hides strip and allows imprinting of title or other information.
DCD
Protects audio CDs and CD-ROMs. Precision-balanced placement of strips allows use on even sensitive CD-ROMs. Two strips are integrated into a clear film overlay for easy, one-step application.
Circulation System
As there are different Tattle-Tape Strips for magnetic and non-magnetic materials, there are also different circulation accessories. The circulation accessories are used to de-sensitize and re-sensitize the tags.
2011 Re-sensitizer for Magnetic Media
It re-sensitizes security strips for audio and videocassettes with an easy sliding motion. It is small and portable.
966 Bookcheck for Books and other Print Material
De-sensitizes and re-sensitizes security strips for non-magnetic materials, switch between both functions at the simple flick of a switch. It is mounted flush in the counter for greater work space and greater placement flexibility. It provides staff with smooth, ergonomically correct re-sensitizing motion because there is no need to lift print materials to process them. The green light indicates readiness to re-sensitize.
Tattle-Tape Detection System
3M Detection 2300 System is used with 3M Tattle-Tape Strips. The 3M Detection System helps safeguard library media and may be configured to protect a single or multiple entrances or exit door. Its computerized electronic design ensures consistently accurate response to sensitized 3M Tattle-Tape Strips, and it is safe for all types of non-magnetic or magnetic media, even computer disks. The 36" wide corridor comfortably accommodates most wheelchairs, and the unit complies with occupational safety and health guidelines to avoid adverse effects on hearing aids, pacemakers and other sensitive electronic devices. The single corridor system consists of two detection panels mounted directly on the floor and an accompanying floor mat. It is used on a dedicated single-phase electrical circuit and is hard-wired permanently to the floor.
All of the items above belong to one of the three main types of Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Systems - The Electromagnetic (EM) System. This is commonly used by libraries around the world. In this technology, a magnetic, iron-containing strip with an adhesive layer is attached to the item. This strip is not removed, but simply deactivated by a scanner that uses a specific highly intense magnetic field. (One of the advantages of the EM strip is that it can be re-activated and used at a low cost.)
What most people refer to as an electromagnetic tag is actually a metal wire or ribbon that has high permeability, making it easy for magnetic signals to flow through it.
Look at the diagram showing the EM system with its receive coil and transmitter on either side and tag in the middle. When the tag goes from active to saturated, the receiver detects the change in the amount of the signal picked up from the transmitter. If you look at the receiver signal, you'll see a bump when saturation occurs. Saturation occurs twice each cycle-once on the transmitter's positive cycle and once on its negative cycle. What is happening is the system is checking for the special material used to make the tag. (In scientific terms, the permeability of steel is much lower than the metal used to make the tag. In addition, when steel goes to saturation, it tends to do so slowly, not abruptly. So the EM system uses these differences to differentiate between a still-active tagged item leaving the store and a wrench in someone's pocket.)
A magnetized piece of semi-hard magnetic material (basically, a weak magnet) is put up next to the active material to deactivate it. When you magnetize the semi-hard material, it saturates the tag and puts it in its inactive saturated state.
The EM system works by applying intensive low frequency magnetic fields generated by the transmitter antenna. When the strip passes through the gate, it will transmit a unique frequency pattern. This pattern is, in turn, being picked up by an adjacent receiver antenna. The small signal is processed and will trigger the alarm when the specific pattern is recognized. Because of the weak response of the strip and the low frequency (typically between 70 Hz and 1 kHz) and intensive field required by the EM system, EM antennas are larger than those used by most other EAS systems, and the maximum distance between entry pedestals is 40 inches. Also, because of the low frequency here, the strips can be directly attached to metal surfaces. That's why EM systems are popular with hardware, book and record stores.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Surveillance Systems
The cameras are usually in a prominent place so that people know they are being watched. Later, the security staff could review the tapes, observe people behaving suspiciously (sometimes even stealing) and note the vulnerable displays or areas in the library. The problem with this record-and-review system is that some shoplifters get away with stealing. On the other hand, the system has merit in that it allows for possible recognition of repeat offenders. By reviewing these tapes, the library can also learn about theft patterns and get ideas about ways to deal with them. The camera images are constantly monitored by a security guard, but because the images are always changing from one camera or another, some activities may be missed.
High-speed, high-resolution digital cameras are sometimes mounted in smoke detectors and sprinkler heads. It's popular to mount cameras in ceiling tile domes (they're bubble-like and tinted so no one can see where the camera is pointed). The library has 17 cameras distributed across the premises. They all static, meaning that only one corner can be monitored. They all produce live, coloured video images. All cameras are connected to a single TFT monitor at the entrance of the library, where the images are rotated over a 5-second time cycle. The security guard constantly watches over the monitor, and communicates using a hands-free walkie-talkie when in the need of assistance.
The security systems are an important aspect of the Liverpool Central Library, high security means that fewer books are damaged or stolen; the money saved can then be used to purchase more books.
