Increasing demands for electronic access to information has seen the APA Library get the most up-to-date system available TO KEEP pace with the rapid developments of information technology, and to meet the growing demand by users for electronic access to information resources, the Academy Library has acquired the Innopac Integrated Library System (ILS). It is designed by Innovative Interfaces Inc of the United States and will replace the old IBM Book System. The automation system migration project began last March and was completed in December 1994. The new system, nicknamed BRAVO, is up and running, side by side with IBM/Book system for the next six months, till it is fully implemented and settled in. By June, the old system will be phased out. BRAVO is a modern 'open system' utilising UNIX platform which has outstanding networking capabilities with other computers. The system is fully integrated with several modules such as Bibliographic database and authority control, Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), circulation, acquisitions and serials control. The Database is built and maintained by both down-loading records from bibliographic utilities and by keying in through the terminals. The BRAVO system is organised in a hierarchy of menus. The main menu leads to other menus, which in turn provides access to the complete range of functions available through BRAVO. It supports ALA as well as Chinese - Japanese - Korean (CJK) and Thai character sets. With the installation of Eten (Big 5) and CCCII (CJk) software, users can change the language of the menus from English to Chinese and vice versa. The Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is set up in bilingual (English and Chinese) and is easy to use. Access to library holdings is provided through PCs inside the Academy Library or office/home with dial access capabilities. The full database contains about 53,000 volumes of books, journals, and audio video media. All books, journals (not journal articles) and AV titles can be searched by any number of access points, such as author, title, subject, keywords, or in a Boolean fashion by combining a word or words using 'and', 'or', 'not'. Cross-references are included in all heading searches. Each item's shelving location within the library, call number, and availability are listed below the bibliographic description. OPAC also provides online help (searching tips) and library information (for example, library hours, borrowing policies, news, etc.) Users can make suggestions on library matters, place holds, request specific items, and see their own circulation record directly on a public terminals. The library is networked with other colleges and universities in Hong Kong and overseas via the Hong Kong Internet and Gateway Service and Internet respectively. Users have instant access to library catalogues of local institutions: HKU, CUHK, HKUST, HKP, CPHK, HKBC, Lingnan. In addition, through the Z39.50 interfaces BRAVO has the capability to connect to other library systems/databases overseas. The online circulation module provides efficient check-out and check-in of library materials. All circulation transactions are immediately recorded in the system, and are reflected in the public catalogue. Ordering information can be entered on the system by down-loading from bibliographic utilities, keying on a PC, transmitting over telephone line (dial into vendors computers), or via FTP (file transfer protocol) function of the Internet. The system maintains vendors profile, financial files and produces accounting reports as desired. BRAVO provides excellent report generator. The management reports encompass the activities of every area in the library. With the new system, library services will be more efficient, effective and user friendly. The Academy Library continues to improve and expand its collection of books, journals, electronic products and media in order to meet the needs of our students and faculty. We are taking advantage of technological development to build a library of performing arts that will put the academy on the world map. Ms Lee is Librarian at the APA
