Library solution provides easy and quick access to relevant information resources
Edutech, a leading provider of technology-enabled learning solutions, announced that it has successfully completed an 'Integrated Library System' (ILS) implementation at the Sur College of Applied Science in Oman using 'Virtua' integrated library system from VTLS (USA) and 'Elims Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Security System' from ST Logitrack (Singapore). The automation initiative is expected to revolutionise the research experience of students and faculty by providing convenient access to relevant information resources. This follows an earlier partnership between Edutech and the Oman Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), which involved the deployment of a centralised learning platform within six colleges across the Sultanate that is now facilitating information sharing and dissemination among 10,000 students.
Hosted locally at the campus, users at College of Applied Science-Sur are finding the new integrated library automation system effective for its ability to provide quick and easy access to relevant information resources. Virtua's integrated functionality between modules, including the system's cataloging, acquisitions, serials, circulation and reporting functions, has also helped the library meet its demand for increased operational efficiency. Furthermore, using RFID technology provided Sur College a complete solution for circulation management, security and inventory control in a library operation. Edutech oversaw the entire integration process - from data migration to software configuration, and is set to provide technical support to ensure optimal results from the solution.
"Prior to Virtua LMS and Elims RFID, we were confronted with problems related to the the speed and the administration of the old system," said Mohammed Al Hajri, Head - Learning Resource Centre, College of Applied Science, Sur. "Our library patrons found the system very slow and we often ran into problems connecting the system with other applications in our library. We started looking for a partner to provide us with a solution that could offer customization capabilities to suit our users' needs with powerful search capabilities, multimedia capability and flexibility to integrate with other library applications. Edutech, with its rich expertise in handling high stakes library projects, has exceeded all our requirements."
The complete library data from the earlier library management system, including bibliographic holdings and patron records were converted to MARC21 (Machine-readable cataloging) format and imported to Virtua without any loss of data. The data migration was completed in less than a week. Sur College also added the iportal, which provided an easy-to-use and fully configurable Web interface to the users. A testament to the solution's excellent performance is its growing repute among libraries in the Sultanate, with Edutech completing similar implementations for other universities and government agencies including the University of Nizwa, Dhofar University, the Ministry of Higher Education, and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).
"Edutech's solutions are known for its proven capabilities, which have set new standards of excellence for libraries across the globe. Our successful implementation at the Sur College of Applied Science in Oman is further proof of our expertise and capabilities in the library management space," said Raghavendra Manbol, Head of Information Solutions, Edutech.
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About Edutech
Edutech is a global provider of learning solutions. We facilitate skills enhancement and knowledge enrichment, and enable organisations - both academic and corporate - to improve performance. As 'Education Specialists', Edutech assists government agencies, academic institutions and private businesses to make learning, innovative, and outcome- oriented. Leveraging its deep industry, technology and products expertise, Edutech has completed large-scale implementations for global corporations across the globe. For more information, please visit www.edutech.com.
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© Press Release 2009
