From CALM to CALM 2000
| Pages | 50-60 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb040536 |
| Date | 01 February 1994 |
| Published date | 01 February 1994 |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
From CALM to CALM
2000
Documedia's new system
is
designed
specifically
for
the Windows
environment.
It
provides the full
range
of
library management
functions,
all
using
the
same graphical user
interface.
CALM 2000 was developed
in
partnership with
Blackwells,
using
the
Idealist
information retrieval
software;
full
text retrieval
can
therefore
be
offered.
The article provides
an
overview
of
the
system,
and highlights
interesting
or
unusual
features,
such
as the
range of
cataloguing screen
templates.
Introduction
CALM 2000 is one of the latest library systems to
be launched in the UK marketplace. The new
Windows product from Documedia Systems (part
of the DS group) appeared for the first time at the
Computers in Libraries Exhibition in London this
February. It is designed to replace their former
DOS-based package, CALM. Its particular signifi-
cance lies in the fact that it is the first new library
management system to function entirely under
Windows.
An article in VINE 90(1) described the design
philosophy behind the new systems then being
developed at Documedia. Although this article
reported mainly on the university system, many of
the same principles apply. (This system, now in
revised form, is scheduled for 'official' launch
under the DS Galaxy 2000 banner at LibTech in
September). It was aimed when developing CALM
2000 to incorporate and build on the graphical
environment research that has been carried out at
Documedia in the last few years.
Background
To provide a little background, the original CALM
(Computer Aided Library Management) system
was developed in Israel and introduced to the UK
by Pyramid Computer Systems. The company was
subsequently taken over by the DS group and
renamed Documedia Systems.
CALM 2000 has been developed in partnership
with Blackwell Software and incorporates the
Idealist retrieval engine. It thus offers the advan-
tages of full text retrieval in addition to library
management functionality. The original intention
was to develop a cataloguing and retrieval system
with basic housekeeping only. However, after
discussion with existing customers, it was decided
to include more extensive housekeeping features.
The Documedia products are widely used in the
UK, with around 160 installations in total. There
are 12 CALM 2000 customers to date. Like the
previous CALM, CALM 2000 is designed mainly
for special libraries. The systems have not so far
been used outside the UK, although there are plans
to market the new systems overseas, in conjunc-
tion with Blackwells.
DS is known primarily for public library systems
and the incorporation of Documedia achieved a
diversification into smaller PC-based systems. DS
has recently launched the new Galaxy 2000 system
for public libraries, part of
the
same range as
CALM 2000. All products in the range intercon-
nect.
Documedia plan to release a special version of
CALM 2000 for college libraries in autumn 1994.
This will provide enhanced loans management in
particular. In addition, a modified version of the
product for school libraries, called CLASS 2000,
is already available. Its basic design and function-
ality are broadly the same as CALM 2000, but it is
appropriately tailored for schools in terms of
record types, layouts, reports and notices.
Therefore together with DS, Documedia is now
offering a very comprehensive range of library
systems, with seemingly something for everyone.
With the myriad system name changes that have
occurred in the last few years, it may appear that
there are even more Documedia systems than
actually exist!
The Windows appeal
As CALM 2000 is one of
the
first systems to be
based entirely in the Windows operating environ-
ment, for those organisations moving towards a
complete Windows operation it is a very welcome
addition to the marketplace. Although there are now
several systems offering OPAC access using Win-
dows,
the only other package in the UK currently
offering a complete Windows environment is Key
50—VINE 95 (June 1994)
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