Talis launches library management system

---

Retiring Librarian Adrian Peasgood and his successor Deborah Shorley were among the guests at the launch of a new Web-based library management and catalogue system on 27 September.

Also enjoying the drinks and nibbles were senior staff from Talis Information Ltd, which has been developing the system over the last year in collaboration with Library staff. "This new product has generated real interest from Talis customers in other higher education institutions," said Maggie Fieldhouse, who was responsible for overseeing the project.

The new system is accessible from any networked computer via the Sussex website http://catalogue.sussex.ac.uk/home. It offers a more user-friendly interface and a number of significant new features:

• A more sophisticated search system enables users to search the Library catalogue by author and keyword, and by author and title. The keyword facility has also improved: the system will search for a specific word anywhere in the catalogue record, i.e. including subject information and subtitles.
• Members of the University can access personal information by entering their Library card number. Once in this section, they can see details of books out on loan, place reservations, renew books and check outstanding fines.
• Staff and students can now search for reading lists by course or tutor. Direct links then take them to the catalogue record to check availability of course material or, from terminals within the Library, to external Web resources on campus.