COMPanion Corporation is planning a Carbonized version of its Alexandria library automation software for Mac OS X. Currently in beta testing, it will be released this spring.
“Alexandria users running on Mac OS X will enjoy its groundbreaking enhancements including Aqua interface, a robust protected memory architecture, pre-emptive multi-tasking, and faster standards based networking,” according to Matt Moore of COMPanion. Alexandria is the first Library Automation program that is Carbonized to run natively on the Mac OS X. Alexandria is also 100 percent cross-platform for both client and server. Many library automation programs have a cross-platform interface but require the server to be on a Windows platform.
Alexandria offers built-in library, Web and e-mail servers. The integrated servers allow users to instantly access on-line and network tools without having to configure a server. Alexandria 5’s client/server technology also gives librarians faster network speed by eliminating filesharing (5 is the current version).
On-line features give Alexandria users the ability to receive instant on-line upgrades, without having to visit COMPanion’s Web-site or wait for the upgrade to arrive in the mail. Updates and upgrades are easy to load and keep librarians current on versions that make it easier to use and support, Moore said.
As part of the integrated system, users can access the Full MARC Editor, which gives librarians the flexibility needed to keep records accurate and easily changeable, he added. Many librarians currently use the EZ MARC Template to create and edit bibliographic records. Alexandria 5’s MARC Template caters to the MARC Cataloger, giving users an easy format to add MARC records.