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OPALS

OPen-source Automated Library System

 

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OPALS  Open-source Automated Library System FAQ

A cooperatively developed, Web-based, open source program providing Internet access to information databases and library collections. There is no need to install software or purchase expensive computer hardware for this powerful Internet accessed system.

What is “open source” software?

How is “open source” software developed and is there any technical support for it?

How can small libraries (that do not have budgets to support servers, or pay for network licenses) implement an open source automation program?

How often is the program updated?

Where can I find electronic records for my library

What does OPALS Include?

What equipment do I need?

How much will it cost?

What about training?

Where can I learn more about the software?

What license is OPALS released under?

Can the source code be downloaded


What is “open source” software?

Open source software is developed and owned by the users of that software.

How is “open source” software developed and is there any technical support for it?

Generally, open source software users fund its development and maintenance. This support can be in the form of a maintenance fee that supports technicians and through contributions for development of desired features. It is like owning a condominium and contributing cooperatively to its maintenance.

How can small libraries (that do not have budgets to support servers, or pay for network licenses) implement an open source automation program?

Although the OPALS program can be implemented on a local server, libraries that cannot support the purchase and maintenance of such a server, can subscribe to a hosting service. The remote server that houses the software and the local library database can be accessed using the Internet. Local libraries do not have to master software management tasks (…server maintenance, software updates, backups, etc.).

What does OPALS Include?

Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) (Click for more information)
The online catalog provides a Web based Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). The system provides: 
  • Keyword, and Boolean searches, with Left and right truncation,
  • Three optional search interfaces: standard, advanced and beginners. 
  • Federated (“Meta”) Searching of other choice databases
  • Bibliographies can be created in MLA, APA formating
  • Authorized users can reserve items on-line
Cataloguing (Click for more information)
Complete MARC records  can be stored, edited, imported, merged, and exported.
  • Stores most Unicode supported characters (ex. Arabic, CJK, Hebrew)
  • Integrated Z39.50 client / server
    • Easily Import MARC data from any designated Z39.50 server database (ex. Library of Congress, Access Pennsylvania, National Library of Canada, etc.).
    • A simple click will bring the record into the OPALS editor where it can be modified, saved and used immediately.
    • OPALS Marc records can be searched by others using Z39.50.
Circulation (Click for more information)
Circulation management functions use barcodes and barcode readers to manage loans, returns, reserves, renewals, etc.
  • Ability to Return, Renew, or mark items as lost from the loan screen
  • Opening and Closing day and Holiday calendars
  • OPAC searching available from Loan page
Inventory (Click for more information)
An inventory program is available to scan the collection barcodes then list and mark items that are missing, and not in circulation.
  • Manually scan items or upload files from portable devices
  • Item status can be changed from within the Inventory error lists. (No need to edit the item status manually.)
  • List of invalid barcodes that were scanned, and relative shelf location

Member / Admin Database  (Click for more information)
A member’s database includes functions that permit manual data entry or data import of demographic information.
  • Add, Edit, Delete, and Import user records
  • Update groups of users with a global editor
  • Unlimited User Types
Reports & Notices (Click for more information)
Dynamically created reports give important relational data for system wide information
  • Handy reports allow selectable record status updating and multiple queries
  • Overdue notices and lists can be generated dynamically and printed. 
  • Excellent Circulation Statistics reports dynamically created on request.
Union Catalogue (Click for more information)
OPALS can be used as a union catalog, providing options to focus a search within a district or even on a specific school.
  • Manage multiple buildings & multiple regions
  • Search results display location codes and library names
  • Retains building level multiple copy barcodes
  • Manages inter-site duplicate barcodes
Inter-library loan Management (Click for more information)
Support interlibrary loan services (requests, responses, packing list printouts, and tracking) in a region or among affiliated locations.
  • Launch ILL request to multiple buildings
  • Item requests are made simultaneously to selected locations
  • Requests emailed to contacts
  • Email notification includes a hyperlink to ILL details
Preferences (Configuration) (Click for more information)
Each OPALS Library can make their own choices for how the circulation and OPAC system operates.
  • Any number of user types or item types can be created. 
  • Advanced Search options are configurable. 
  • Other databases can be added for federated searching. 
  • Select your imported records from any z39.50 server in the world

Operational Requirements (Click for more information)

Usually nothing need be purchased to start using OPALS. It is web-based and can be accessed using an Internet browser. (We officially suport FireFox version 2x and above, and Internet Explorer browser, version 7x and above.) It is available to any Windows, Linux or Macintosh system. Computers installed within the last 5 years should be adequate.

Workstations
OPAC
Any Workstation that has an Internet connection and is able to use the FireFox (version 2x and above) and Internet Explorer browser (version 7x and above) is a likely candidate for the OPAC terminal. 
Circulation
Circulation can be more demanding for the system. We recommend that the circulation workstation have minimum 1GHz speed and 512M of RAM. The video system should be able to handle a 1084 x 768 resolution on a minimum 17 inch monitor. Adobe Reader (version 8x and above) is also needed on the circulation station.
Server
The easiest and least expensive way to bring your library onto the OPALS system is to let us Host your Library on one of our own servers. Or if you wish, a server may be purchased and operated in your own area also and we are available to install OPALS and your libraries whenever it is convenient for you.

Program Updates

A small yearly subscription fee lets us maintain and update your servers via a secure Internet connection on a ongoing basis. Program updates, fixes and enhancements are sent to your server five to ten times each year.

How can a library catalog the collection?

If you have never had an automated library system and need electronic (MARC)  records you can search the Internet for each of your holdings and import them into OPALS catalog easily yourself.
Z39.50
Use OPALS’ built-in Z39.50 client / editor to do this. Library staff would search reputable locations such as the Library of Congress, add the local information to each record then save it into their OPALS library system.
Reconversion services
Libraries can send their shelf list records or collection data to a company that specializes in providing reconversion services. These MARC records can then be loaded into the OPALS program, wherever the program resides. You may wish to ask someone else to reconvert your data.

What is the cost for implementing OPALS?

Implementation costs for OPALS will depend on factors and packages offered by the school library system or agency hosting your OPALS library package. There is no charge for software and usually nothing to install onto your workstations. The complete system is hosted and maintained over the Internet thereby freeing your computer services department of any added burden. A yearly subscription is required which is within the budget of even very small libraries. Fees can also be negotiated to respect the needs of the subscriber.
  • A site can be setup for your library for no charge. In most cases, we can setup an evaluation system using your data in a matter of hours. If you decide to keep the site and use OPALS in your library, a small one time setup fee will apply. 
  • There is an annual subscription fee for "one on one" technical support and user-prioritized updates, with many cooperative subscriber advantages.
  • A hosting fee may be included in your subscription or billed separately depending on how you have chosen to host the system (see the School Library Systems listed below).
Media Flex supports OPALS with reasonably priced subscription fees and Internet hosting services customized to meet the needs of small and large libraries. Please email us to learn more. More Information Please!

The following NYS BOCES School Library Systems also offer OPALS hosting services:
  • Broome-Tioga SLS, Cayuga-Onondaga SLS, 
  • Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Ostego SLS, 
  • Otsego-Northern Catskills SLS, 
  • Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga SLS, 
  • Franklin-Essex-Hamilton SLS, 
  • Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington SLS, 
  • Oswego SLS, 
  • St. Lawrence-Lewis SLS, 
  • Rockland SLS, 
  • Southern Westchester SLS

Is there Training available for OPALS?

If you have automation experience you will need very little training. Our staff will guide you through the basics. However if you require formal training, we can tailor a variety of formats the conform to you IT knowledge context. Educational cooperatives that support OPALS also offer user training.

Where can I learn more about the software?

Use this link to to request more OPALS information: More Information Please!

What license is OPALS released under?

This program is free software and is made available under the terms of "The GNU General Public License."  Please read and conform to the conditions of this and other open source components used in or in conjunction with this software source code (Apache, Red Hat Linux, Perl, Zebra, MySql, Mozilla/Firefox).  (Click for more information)

Can the source code be downloaded

Please email our technicians and provide the information requested. Inform them that you desire a copy of the OPALS source code.

The OPALS-NA Development & Support Cooperative provides fee-based services and consulting related to this initiative.

May 9, 2007.