- ALLA Victoria has a new online union list known as HAL = Holdings ALLA Vic Libraries.
- They weren't happy with their first generation Prosentient service. Approached vendor with concerns - updating of records took too long (sometimes 15 minutes per record).
- Decided to design own site after limited support from vendor - mates rates $10,000 for new service.
- All they needed was a library catalogue with a request system. Looked further and found a different vendor seeking a non-profit discount. FIRST decided to do this for no costs
- Product of collaboration between ALLA Victoria and FIRST software solutions. FIRST provided the platform free-of-charge.
- Called the system HAL - paid a graphic design co $300 to design a logo - that was the only expense.
- Demo of service: it is an effective, functional and stylish inter-library loan and document delivery system.
- Keeps a record of titles requested for collection management.
- Can generate reports on incoming and outgoing requests.
- Print pdf of entire union holdings or browse by title.
- Can export holdings to platform via Excel spreadsheet.
- Libraries can subscribe to directory service only (where they can see the holdings of other libraries, but they cannot request to borrow).
- Other states are now using HAL systems. WA is building a version of HAL adopting the Victorian system.
- They hope to develop a national network with the ability to make/receive requests from other states. Interstate requests could be turned off or on (big firms with offices in different sate mightn't want this).
- Q. Does Hal have the ability to provide fee-based requests?
- Yes although in Victoria it is a free service. There is a code of conduct for use is on ALLA website; internal clients always take precedence, HAL should be used as a last resort.
- Q. Why reinvent the wheel - why not use Libraries Australia?
- HAL is way more useable
- Q. Does HAL provide for rotation?
- No but they are monitoring this to see if it may need to be added.