Aut. contact person: Gabor Stiegrad
Computer consultant
Phone: (36)-1-118-3260
Fax: (36)-1-118-0109
E-mail: stiegrad@omk.omikk.hu Aleph configuration:
As the first library in Hungary, OMIKK launched the Aleph serials module in January, 1996. As a preparatory work, bibliographic records with appropriate issue information from 1981 to 1994 were loaded into Aleph from the National Periodical Database maintained by the National Library. All functions of the serials module are in use with the exception of binding.
Generally the module proved to be satisfactory all library functions required by us were in place. For minor changes and additions we have filed some development requests. At present there are about 7,700 bibliographic records of serials in the database; records of titles acquired before 1981 and their relevant issue information are continuously added.
Version 3.2_5.11 was loaded and thoroughly tested. The conversion to this version is expected in the near future.
Unfortunately, we are still not in the position to start our shared cataloguing system on an everyday basis. The main reason for that is that the CHAIN-FIND command still does not work properly. With the new version we hope all bugs have been removed and shared cataloguing can start.
We plan to add the GUI version of OPAC to our reference department on a trial base.
OMIKK was given a temporary license to use the WWW-server. We adopted it to our needs and are currently using on a trial base and hope to install it permanently provided we can find funding for purchasing the module.
We are considering the use of the Union Catalogue option and investigating the feasibility of applying the ILL module. We are preparing the use of the CLA library because we need real authority records in spite of the very cumbersome character of the parallel application of ACC and CLA.
Our biggest problem with Aleph is still and again the CHAIN-FIND command. Although this command was especially mentioned in our contract with Ex Libris, it was realised with a long delay and is still not fully functional. For version 3.2_5.11 we could not test it thoroughly because of the lack of partner using the same version. We do hope that all errors have been corrected and there is no need for us to wait for the next version.
Erik I. Vajda