NLS Factsheets

NLS Automation Activities 2003

The NLS Automation Office's function is to improve the services of NLS and its network of cooperating libraries through the application of information technology.

The Automation Office sets goals and policies, initiates and reviews projects, provides consultation and guidance, and contracts for systems development and support. The Automation Office staff consists of an automation officer and two information technology specialists.

NLS Centralized Systems

The Automation Office is responsible for NLS systems that automate internal functions. Some systems are operated and maintained by the NLS staff, some by outside contractors.

Production Information Control System (PICS): tracks books selected for the NLS collection from initial consideration through distribution, with network libraries ordering books through the copy allotment subsystem.
International Union Catalog System: creates bibliographic records of books in the NLS collection and books submitted by network libraries and other organizations, including Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic RFB&D) in the United States and the National Library of Canada. It is accessible online.
Machine Inventory Control System (BPHICS): tracks the location of all audio playback machines in the network.
Comprehensive Mailing List System (CMLS): maintains the names and addresses of all NLS patrons and provides labels for direct mailings of magazines and catalogs.
Excess and Redistribution System (XESS): facilitates exchange of excess copies of books in the NLS collection.
Inventory Management System (IMS): maintains inventory information for materials distributed from NLS and its multistate centers.

The Automation Office also oversees the use of more than 120 PC workstations.

Automation at Network Libraries

The Automation Office consults with and advises network libraries on a wide range of automation issues and coordinates common file and report formats for the network. The office has developed and supports systems to assist network libraries.

READS: a microcomputer-based system to support automation in network libraries. NLS provides software and technical support. The network library provides hardware. READS supports circulation, maintenance of patron and book information, playback-machine inventory management, and production of statistics and management reports.
Network Library Services Site: a web site that allows the transfer of data among NLS, network libraries, and contractors. The site provides for book ordering, bibliographic data download, interlibrary loan, ordering of supplies, statistics reporting, reports to libraries, and forms submission.

The Automation Office coordinates an Automation Advisory Committee of representatives from network libraries. The committee meets regularly to help NLS collect input on automation and automation policy from the network libraries.

For more information, contact the Automation Officer, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542, (202) 707-9313.

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Posted on 2010-08-25