Access-It Library and Resource Manager
Access-It Library is a single solution to all your library and resource management needs.
Incredibly fast, flexible and easy to use. Both web-based and powerful SQL client/server with unicode support.
To contact Access-It Software for a presentation or more information, please email to helpdesk@accessitsoftware.com.
- Overview
- Products
- Primary School Libraries & Whole-School Resource Management
- Secondary and Further Education
- Colleges and Higher Education
- Specialist and Corporate Libraries
- New and Events
- What Users Say ...
- Why choose Access-It Library
- Technical requirements
- Integration Partners
- Interoperability with Learning Platforms
- Integration with MIS & SMS and much more ...
- Biometrics & RFID
- Data Migration
- Installation
- Training
- Support
Give your users the opportunity to connect to your library from anywhere, anytime - with a solution they will love.
Run your library professionally with software that’s tried and tested, that runs first time, everytime.
"Without question, the best I've ever used"
The modern library is not just about books ... so let Access-It also manage your electronic documents; podcasts; e-books; PDFs, websites, and all other multimedia for you.
Features that other systems need to boast about just come as standard with Access-It Library.
Designed to cater for wide range of libraries ...
As a company with a superb international reputation over many countries, Access-It delivers technologies that are so flexible and portable, ensuring the greatest level of future-proofing possible.
Powerful, fast and flexible
A delight to use
SQL client/server and Web-based
Windows; Macintosh; Linux
Interoperability with Learning Platforms
Integrates with literacy programmes
Scheduled tasks, such as automated emailing
Integrates with MIS
Superb networking technologies
In-house or hosted solutions
Z39.50 Live automatic cataloguing
Single sign-on and LDAP/Active Directory
Federated Searching
InterLibrary Loans
Whether single or multi-campus; hosted server or in-house; single platform or complex network - Access-It delivers seamless integration and deployment with ease.
Access-It Library comes with some special features that make using the system very satisfying for librarians, staff and students.
"Even though it is so powerful, it's also so easy that I can get the students involved with checking books in and out - and they love it"
"We use it for whole-school resource management. With all our teacher resources catalogued, along with favourite websites, library books, textbooks, digital cameras and laptops, and PDFs and electronic files, we know where everything is - and how to access it, anywhere, anytime."
Some of the key reasons cited by primary schools include:
Searching accepts alternative spellings, such as "elefant"
Students can approximate words with multiple part-words eg. "astr so hem" will find "Astronomy in the Southern Hemisphere" - makes searching incredibly easy
Visual search options that are easy and flexible to set up
Jacket cover images clearly displayed
Ability to integration Access-It into writing & literacy programmes
Manage teacher resources; podcasts; e-books; electronic docs
Manage whole-school resources such as digital cameras, textbooks
Students can access it from anywhere, anytime in the school and home
When systems are replaced with Access-It, library usage increases
Not a "cut-down" version that is insulting to users
Powerful and flexible, fast and clever
Keeps track of spending
Lets teachers monitor reading habits to encourage students
Allows students to search by age range
Very easy to turn features on and off for different users
Enhances teaching and learning
Share resources seamlessly with clusters of other Access-It sites if you wish
To run a library professionally, you need professional software - and that's exactly what you get with Access-It Library.
"Anytime, Anywhere access"
"I just love using it, and the students do too"
"Our students are using the library more"
"They just click on the library link that's on our website, and they are taken to our own library home page (which I use to profile the author of the week, and new titles). There they can search; create citation reports; view a graphical map of where the items are stored; reserve and make bookings; send a web message directly to the librarian; view their borrowing details; publish their own views on a topic and so on. If one of the records is a website, they can connect directly to that; if a teacher is searching they will find the teacher resources as well; it can link to video and audio files stored on our network; it manages the inventory that we lend out (such as digital cameras); and it can link to and download electronic documents and PDFs that we have on our network, and link to online resources as well."
"This has been the most important and useful software purchase for our shool - no question. This is for 3 main reasons: it assists in teaching and learning for our students; it provides easy access to learning resources anywhere, anytime; and it is now the sole solution for managing library books, websites, electronic documents, textbooks, podcasts, inventory and so on. And if I needed any further evidence, I just need to look at the ways in which the students engage with it."
Some of the key reasons cited by secondary schools include:
"Searching is so easy, powerful, & flexible - the best on the market"
"Z39.50 Live automatic cataloguing is so good and effortless"
"Integrates with Learning Platforms such as SharePoint and Moodle"
"Integrates with MIS & SMS for automatic updating of student info"
"Supports Single sign-on for integration with LDAP/Active Directory"
"I can manage teacher resources; podcasts; e-books; electronic docs"
"We use it to manage whole-school resources such as digital cameras, textbooks"
"Web-enabled so users can access it from anywhere in the school and home"
"When previous system was replaced with Access-It, library usage increased"
"Excellent customer support"
"Incredibly fast, powerful and flexible - and yet so easy to use"
"So many wonderful features, like scheduled emailing of overdues"
"Saves so much time over the previous system"
"I don't have to rely on IT staff - it just sits on the network and runs"
"Can be hosted externally or as an in-house deployment"
"Our learners love the SDI, auotmatically emailing them when new itemss match their chosen interests"
"The Federated Searching is fantastic"
"We combine with a cluster of Access-It sites - if we don't have a resource, we can just search our public library, or other Access-It stes, all from within Access-It"
Access-It Library comes with some special features that make using the system very satisfying for librarians, staff and students.
"Not only empowering the learners - I'm also in total control - I can do so many things now that would previously have required IT staff intervention."
Some of the key reasons cited by librarians include:
Powerful, fast SQL
Very flexible searching
Integrates seamlessly with our MIS and Learning Programs, such as SharePoint and Moodle
SIP2 compliant
Web based and powerful client/server for the best of both worlds
Multicampus support
Unicode and multilingual support
SMS texting, automated emailing of overdues
Support for RFID
Biometric support
Powerful authority files
Great customer support
With SDI, users are automatically emailed when new items match their chosen interests
Fully integrated Federated Searching
Access-It Library is flexible enough to cater for a wide range of requirements and environments.
This can include libraries within government departments; architectural and property management companies; accounting and legal firms, and many other organisational sectors.
Some of the key reasons cited by librarians include:
Powerful, fast SQL
Very flexible searching
Integrates seamlessly with exisiting organisational structure
SIP2 compliant
Web based and powerful client/server for the best of both worlds
Multicampus support for offices in different locations
Unicode and multilingual support
SMS texting, automated emailing of overdues
Support for RFID
Biometric support
Powerful authority files
Great customer support
Fully integrated Federated Searching
NZ, UK and AU Roadshows 2013-2014 - including training (existing customers) and presentation series (for non-customers).
This roadshow will provide a very important professional development opportunity for your staff.
How it works .....
If you are one of the several thousand Access-It users within NZ, UK and Australia, you are invited to attend the very popular annual roadshow - providing 3 hours of top-up training; a look at many of the exciting new enhancements being introduced over 2013-2014, and a chance to network with other users. Each of these events rins from 9-12noon.
With high demand for these events, it's important to RSVP as soon as possible after event details are released. RSVP: roadshow@accessitsoftware.com
For any schools and other organisations not currently using Access-It, you are invited to attend our special Access-It Presentation Series 2013-2014
The presentation series is an opportunity to see Access-It Library in action. You will see how Access-It can fit withi your organisation, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have.
Access-It users are our best advocates. That's because the Access-It development team work closely with our users to provide the features and functionality they wish for.
IT Department's View:
“I really like Access-It because it’s a well written and clever SQL solution, and once it’s set up on the network, it just looks after itself.
The students can search it from anywhere, and the librarian has the flexibility to tweak it the way she wants it without needing our input - so I’m really very happy with it.
And it backs itself up, it updates itself automatically, and it connects to everything we need.”
Librarian's View:
“Actually, the students are now using the library more - they really like it.
I love the way I can just scan in ISBNs and Access-It automatically checks libraries around the world and catalogues my books for me - and gets the cover image as well.
The web-browser access is fantastic and it’s so easy for me to modify it in real time.I would estimate I’m saving 50% of my time since I moved to Access-It.”
End-user Views:
“It’s so good to be able to connect from home, and our librarian puts fantastic resources and links on the library homepage. It helps me a lot with my studies.”
“As professionals working in an architectural company, I need access to all information, including the electronic documents, research papers and historical physical documents that our company has - and Access-It makes it so easy to find these.”
Librarians around the world choose Access-It Library for many different reasons. Here is a list of the top 12 reasons:
Rich and powerful feature set, with functionality not seen on other systems
Flexible and easy to use
Web-based AND powerful client/server
Fast and robust SQL solution
Excellent customer support
Seamless integration with MIS and Learning Platforms
Can manage all resources, including electronic documents
Virtually zero demands on IT department
Backups and updates are automatic
Unicode compliant and multilingual support
Backed by a company with an international reputation
Single sign-on (SAML2/Shibboleth), and synchronises with LDAP/Active Directory
Features that other systems need to boast about just come as standard with Access-It Library. In addition to the above, these include:
scheduled tasks (such as emailing overdue letters)
Z39.50 live automated cataloguing
SSO (single sign-on)
easily design and manage library webpage
operates on a mixed network (Windows, Macintosh & Linux)
very fast
manages textbooks, teacher resources, electronic files
available in English, Arabic and Chinese
support for RFID; SIP2 and SMS texting
SDI
Inter Library Loans
Federated Searching
Enhances teaching and learning
Access-It supports Windows, Macintosh and Linux platforms - including a mixed platform environment.
Access-It is an SQL solution, supporting both MS SQL (MS SQL 2000; MS SQL 2005; MS SQL 2008) and also the open source (and cross platform) Firebird SQL.
If your organisation already has support for MS SQL, Access-It Library would normally be deployed within this environment. Otherwise, Firebird SQL is a good alternative for those sites that do not currently run MS SQL.
The best of both worlds
Access-It Library is designed to take advantage of the raw power and speed of a well written client/server application PLUS the convenience of a web-based solution. This provides the best of both worlds - high performance and flexibility for the power users through an easy to use client application, and AJAX-style web-based access for the 99% of other users.
Zero demands on IT staff
And of course, all backups and updates happen seamlessly on a scheduled basis - so once Access-It is installed on your network there's virtually nothing for the IT department to do. Any client applications are updated authomatically, and the library database is optimised and backed up without any IT intervention. It just runs, and manages itself.
Hardware and Operating System requirements
Windows
Windows 2000, XP, Vista; Windows Server 2003; Windows Server 2008
Minimum spec: (Dual Core highly recommended)
Server - Pentium P4 2.4 GHz; 2 GB RAM.
Client - Pentium P4 2.4 GHz; 1 GB RAM.
Macintosh Server OS
OS X 10.4.4+; OS X 10.5+; OS X 10.6+ (recommended)
Minimum spec: (Intel Core 2 duo+ recommended)
Server - Intel Mac; 2 GB RAM.
Client - Intel Mac; 1 GB RAM.
Linux x86
Typical distributions include Suse 10; Ubuntu 8.04+; Debian; Centos. Please contact our team for more details
Minimum spec: (Dual Core recommended)
Server - Pentium P4 2.4 GHz; 2 GB RAM.
Client - Pentium P4 2.4 GHz; 1 GB RAM.
As a company, Access-It Software works closely with a wide range of companies to deliver library solutions that connect to a diverse set of hardware and software environments.
Through these integration partners, Access-It is able to offer a broader and more global perspective to ensure you receive "best of practice" integration.
Some examples include:
Biometrics - with partners such as BioStore
RFID - working with 2CQR, 3M and D-TechDirect
SERCO
ClickView
SCIS
Clickatell
SIP2 with D-TechDirect
Wide range of MIS integrations
Diskovery Education
IQRA Trading
Access-It Library adheres to an extensive range of industry standards and protocols to ensure an extremely high level of interoperability and integration.
And this is not 'clunky' integration - Access-It aims for seamless integration that can be in real time or synchronised so that IT staff don't have to be involved. Once it's set up - it just runs!
Some of the key areas of integration and interoperability include:
VLE (and other Learning Management Systems) seamless integration means that when a user logs into the VLE it can automatically display the items they have on loan, display books that are overdue or waiting on reserve, and so on
Web Parts - to provide extensive interoperabilty components
SOAP services - provides flexible wide-ranging interoperabilty options
Integration with Active Directory/LDAP andSingle Sign On - SSO (SAML2/Shibboleth)
Integration with MIS & SMS and much more ...
Access-It Library adheres to an extensive range of industry standards and protocols to ensure an extremely high level of interoperability and integration.
Some of the key areas of integration and interoperability include:
MIS synchronisation - seamlessly update your library borrower or patron records, including borrower photos so that your library records are always up to date
VLE (and other Learning Management Systems) seamless integration means that when a user logs into the VLE it can automatically display the items they have on loan; books that are overdue or waiting on reserve; and so on
Integration with Active Directory/LDAP and Single Sign On (SSO)
Integration with IIS
Integration with ClickView
SIP2 integration
Z39.50 integration
SMS Text integration to notify users of overdues; reserves, and recalls
Integrated emailing
Integrated URL checking
Integrated document management
Integrated web serving
Integrated Fedeated Searching
Biometrics & RFID
Access-It Library supports biometrics for fingerprint recognition across both Windows and Macintosh platforms.
And if you would like a system that can support RFID, then Access-It Library can deliver this integration.
Some of the key reasons cited by librarians include:
BIOMETRICS
"Security"
"Convenience when users lose their cards"
"Students like the technology!"
"Many overseas students whose names I find difficult to spell"
"Works in well with the self-issue module"
RFID
"Convenience"
"Time saving"
"Integrated with security system"
"I like the technology"
Our in-house team of data migration experts means that you do not need to lose any data or re-barcode your books.
The process normally takes about a week, and our data migration team will transfer your data, build Access-It installers, and arrange for installation and training at your site. We take the hassle away from you.
"Actually, my data came back in better condition than when I sent it."
"Access-It has so many ways for me to globally manipulate data - it's so easy for me to tidy things up now that weren't correct in our old system."
"We couldn't close our library - so Access-It provided us with a neat application that allowed us to keep checking in and out while the data was away being migrated - so I could operate the library, and didn't lose any circulation data. And when Access-It Library was installed, all the week's transactions were simply imported."
Commonly asked questions ...
Q: Will I have to re-barcode?
A: Absolutely not - Access-It will be able to use your existing barcodes
Q: Will I lose my circulation data?
A: The Access-It data migration team are very experienced and are normally able to retain ALL your data
Q: How long does it take?
A: Usually the migration team can turn your data around in 5 working days
Q: Do I have to close the library?
A: Access-It can provide you with an application to record your circulation transactions while the data is away being migrated. So you can keep the library open. Of course, you cannot make cataloguing changes, but at least the library will be operational for checking items in and out.
Q: I don't think my library data is that perfect anyway - should I try to fix it up first?
A: It might be a good idea to clean up what you can do easily. But remember that Access-It Library has so many features that will allow you to globally change records, and manipulate data - so it might be easier to wait until you have Access-It installed rather than spending too much time trying to tidy things in your old system. People often say "I can now see and access data in a way that just wasn't possible before."
Access-It can offer on-site and remote installation, depending on the needs and requirements of your organisation.
Access-It can be installed within an existing MS SQL deployment, or within Firebird SQL (open source SQL database).
"Installation was a dream. We weren't using MS SQL, so Access-It staff installed Firebird SQL. And the Access-It installers virtually made it a one-click install, including the web server.
Together, we just then entered the proxy settings within Access-It and a few other configuration set ups, and I haven't had to touch it since."
During the installation, the Access-It engineer will help test your setup, including the popular features such as Z39.50 gateway; automatic updating; syncronised backups; automated URL checking; automated emailing; and discuss and/or potentially implement a range of other integration options such as MIS synchronisation; web parts, and so on.
By the end of the installation process, your system should be fully operational and ready to go.
Note: It is necessary to have one of your IT staff available during the installation process so that correct access rights can be granted.
Access-It has trained librarians on its staff who will put together a training programme for you. Training is a very important component and will set the scene in terms of your on-going knowledge and efficiency.
"They have qualified librarians who do the training. It was so good to get it all set up the way I need it to operate - and I was amazed at how flexible it all is. But the training is very important - I learnt so much, and it saved me so much time in the long run."
How does it work?
Access-It can offer remote or on-site training. Initially, this will help you get the system configured the way you want it, and the experienced trainer will talk you though what the options mean and show you which ones you might want to turn on or off. It will save you hours of time pouring through the manual.
What does it cover?
Our trainers are experienced in that art of delivering meaningful training to meet the demands of our customers. The initial training is so important because it will:
(i) allow the trainer to quickly set any one-off configurations to reflect the individual needs of your organisation. While you could spend your own time working out where to configure all these settings, it will be so much easier to have an experienced practitoner discuss your needs and quickly configure everything to the way you want them. While these are generally one-offs, you can of course always tweak these at a later date if your needs and requirements change.
(ii) provide you with a very good overview and grounding in the system, including its basic functionality, so that you feel very comfortable with the general operation of the system. This is the major training component. This will include keyboard shortcuts, and other time-saving tips and tricks.
(iii) provide you with a good overview of the 'self-help' features within Access-It
(iv) confirm that you know the contact details for on-going help and support, including options for additional training (either on-site or remote) as and when required.
Our customers rate our customer support very highly. Whether by phone, email or fax, our dedicated support staff are ready and eager to hear from you - so that they can assist with any questions you may have.
"They were able to quickly connect to my machine remotely and see what I was doing wrong ... it was so efficient, as it would have been very hard to describe. But they could see immediately and recommend a better way of doing things."
Remote support sessions
If you wish, we can connect remotely (and securely) to your machine so that you can actually show us what your issue is. Sometimes librarians find this so much easier than trying to describe the issue over the phone or in an email.
Video clips
Many of the commonly asked questions are explained via our knowledge bank of video clips. These provide a great way of catching up on new features, or perhaps existing features that you have never yet explored.