LIBRA.NET - the cutting edge of todays library management systems
LIBRA is a library system which has been well-established on the market for many years. The predecessor for LIBRA was called Bibs and was the first local library system in Sweden. LIBRA is used by 180 libraries in Sweden and Finland. Of these 180 libraries, 150 are municipal libraries and 30 special libraries. In 30 of these municipalities, Axiell's school library system FreeLib is connected to LIBRA.
At the moment, the LIBRA libraries are increasing in numbers making the transition from the old LIBRA III to the new, modern LIBRA.SE. In Finland, the system is called LIBRA.FI
LIBRA.NET is the cutting-edge of today's library management systems
In 2006, the distribution of the new LIBRA.NET was initiated. This is the most modern library system available today. LIBRA.NET is developed to meet the requirements of the modern library where the ability to provide quick and relevant service for users of the library, regardless of whether the information is available in your own library, in specific external databases, or online.
The LIBRA.NET of the library users is more than an OPAC – it's a place for interaction. The users have access to their own services and become part of the system. Separate parts of OPAC, like for instance a search window, are easy to place on the website, and the result is also displayed on the website.
LIBRA.NET is using the standard MARC21 catalogue format.
The search engine is extremely fast. The database provide powerful tools for information, reports, and statistics.
The system is a client/server solution. The system consists of a database server with system software and database, a web server with the shared application installed together with a PC having client software for the personnel installing.
To ensure rational media handling in LIBRA.NET, equipment applying bar codes or RFID is used. However, when it comes to the small LIBRA.NET library there is no need for bar codes or chips for handling for instance the circulation and returning of books. In terms of handling copies, LIBRA's internal copy handling is used. The library card is not a prerequisite either.
LIBRA.NET is developed using the cutting-edge of today's Microsoft .Net technology. The database is Microsoft SQL server based on a relational database and the server part of the LIBRA.NET is installed on a server using the Windows 2003 server operating system. The personnel use Windows as user interface. Users apply a web based interface.
Both the personnel and the OPAC (the shared part) calls stored procedures. The catalogue feature of the system is developed as a web service on the LIBRA.SE server. The new technology, SRU/SRW, is used for external communication and record import as MARCXML.
The development tool in LIBRA.NET is Visual Studio.Net. The programming is carried out in VisualBasic.Net, C#, and C++. The web services are used for requests internally as well as externally. XML and XSD are used in web services for formatting data. ADO.Net is used for access. The new shared part of the system, OPAC, is written entirely in ASP.Net.
Central operations
LIBRA.NET – easier with centralized operations
Axial Bibliotheca may also provide centralized operation of LIBRA.NET. This includes full access to the LIBRA.NET user interface for local preferences; however the operations central manages server monitoring and backup. Many small Axiell libraries use this service today. The service may be used for the entire system or just for the database part or the OPAC part.
An interactive meeting place – LIBRA.NET OPAC
