Welcome to e4libraries
E4libraries is a BIC project to improve the efficiency of the library supply chain through the application of technology and commitment to standards. Its remit covers both public and academic libraries and its focus is on printed books and reading resources delivered digitally.
The project is overseen by a steering committee of librarians and library experts and is chaired by Martin Palmer of Essex Libraries and its project manager is Simon Edwards, whose 2008 scoping report can be accessed here.
Two new accreditations for 2012
Leicestershire Libraries and systems supplier SirsiDynix are the first new organisations to be accredited under the e4libraries scheme for 2012. A further 32 organisations, which were accredited in 2011, have also been reaccredited for the new year: 22 libraries, 5 stock suppliers and 5 systems suppliers.
The awards, which are judged by an independent BIC review panel, are now entering their fourth year, and show significant improvements in the performance of virtually all the accredited organisations over the past year, enhancing technical functionality in all areas and enabling them to provide a better service to their users.
For a list of accredited organisations, application forms and full details of the scheme, click here.
Coming soon: UK Standard Library Categories
We shall shortly be publishing a revised version of the e4libraries Subject Headings under this new name, reflecting the experiences of early implementers. Watch out for them here.
New guidelines for RFID users
September 2011: BIC has published two new user guidelines for RFID implementers: Implementing ISO 28560, by Mick Fortune and Simon Edwards, aimed at explaining the options for migrating to the new standard available to libraries which have already implemented RFID systems; and SIP and the BIC Library Communications Framework, by Mick Fortune, designed to support the publication earlier in the year of a draft version 0.9 of a new set of library interoperability standards, which provide a free, robust alternative to SIP2 for the communication of data between self-service devices and other library terminal applications to and from library management systems.
Tendering for RFID Systems
June 2011: BIC and the National Acquisitions Group have jointly published this indispensible checklist for libraries planning to implement RFID technology.
See it here.
