Winnebago Spectrum

Developed for and marketed to school libraries, Winnebago Spectrum CIRC/CAT enjoys a powerful presence in school libraries throughout the United States and over 40 other countries. Ask a school librarian to recommend software for libraries and the response will almost always include a recommendation to look at Winnebago. Spectrum, the most recent version of the Windows release was developed by Winnebago Software Company, founded in 1982 by Pam and Jeb Griffith in Caledonia, MN. While it got its start in schools, Winnebago software is also being used in public and special libraries.

System Requirements* for Winnebago Spectrum include:

• Windows NT 3.51 or later, Windows 95, Mac OS 7.1 or later, or Windows 3.11 (patron access catalog only). Update 8/11/98 - Now available for Windows 98.
• Installation on a single stand-alone computer or on a local area network. If installed on network, a server with the following operating systems is required: Windows NT 3.51 or later, Windows 95, Novell Netware 3.11 or later, or Mac OS 7.1 or later. Update 8/11/98 - Now available for Windows 98.

System Features include:

A Windows or Mac interface that allows library staff to:

• Define patron types, material types and a calendar that will be used with circulation.
• Setup options for how the catalog will be viewed including:

• Add a news function that allows library staff to post news or messages as needed or on a regular schedule.
• Choose to provide users with a simple or advanced search page and defining a default.
• Add a message or title to the bottom of the OPAC window.
• Choose which fields to display in the result set.
• Choose to display the bibliographic records in MARC format, as a card image, as an itemized list, with or without copy information.
• Define whether or not thesaurus (called cross reference) will be enabled.
• Setup how circulation will work (i.e., appearance, fines)

• Import, export, and edit patron records.
• Import and export MARC bibliographic records.
• Add holdings records.
• Edit bibliographic records (add, delete, modify in non-MARC template).
• Run reports including:

• Material reports. Includes a report of all materials within a specified range (by author, title, call number, etc.), a report that shows the number of records alphabetized by subject, and a report that shows the number of records alphabetized by keyword.
• Circulation reports. Includes reports for patrons, expired patron cards, overdues, fines, reserves, and materials checked out.
• Circulation statistics. Includes statistical reports on checkouts, fines and system status.
• Circulation notices. Includes overdue, fine and reserve notices.
• Labels. Includes material barcode labels, spine labels and patron barcode labels.

• Search and retrieve materials.
• Circulate materials (checkout, checkin, place items on reserve, and manage fines).
• Perform inventory.

A Windows or Mac interface that allows library patrons to:

• Connect via the Internet and TCP/IP or Z39.50.
• Use a simple search form to search using one search term or phrase in the keyword, author, title or subject field.
• Use an advanced search form to specify up to three search terms or phrases in the keyword, author, title, subject or call number field.
• Use of the Boolean AND, OR , AND NOT.
• Browse the subject, author, title, keyword, and (in advanced search form) call number.
• Use the See Also feature (thesaurus) to display related search terms. This is a separate product called Cross Reference (based on Library of Congress USMARC subject headings).
• Display and print results.
• View details of materials record.
• View copy or holdings information.
• Toggle between the easy search form and the advanced search form.
• Use help.

Pros

• A clean, colorful Windows interface makes using the different components of Spectrum easy for both staff members and library patrons. The intuitive interface leads users along as they maintain the database or perform searches in the OPAC.
• Easy installation and setup makes getting started a fairly simple process.
• Comprehensive on-line help supplements a printed user's manual. Additionally, Winnebago Tips and Ideas offers specific information on a variety of topics.
• Integration with the Winnebago Resource Collection, an integrated database that provides access to Facts On File, UMI Abstract records, UMI Full Text, and Pierian Press databases. (A separate product not included in the Spectrum purchase price.)

Cons

• No serials or acquisitions functionality. However, some libraries create holding records as serials arrive to check-in and circulate subscriptions. Additionally, a separate product, Winnebago LAMP (Library Acquisitions Management System) can be used for tracking on-order materials and performing budget analysis.
• Libraries not using MARC are limited to using the Easy Entry screen which has the basic fields (author, title, publisher, subject, etc.). Some libraries may find the data input forms for catalog records limiting. Additionally, there is no authority control or validation while adding records interactively.

Costs

* See the Winnebago web site for additional information on requirements.

**A Multi-user network license is also available that allows libraries using Winnebago to pay for the maximum number of concurrent users they expect to access their system at one time.

Winnebago Software Co.
457 East South Street
Caledonia, MN 55921
Telephone: 800-654-3002 ext.260
Facimile: 507-724-5530
E-mail: sales@winnebago.com
http://www.winnebago.com/

Winnebago Spectrum users please note: Send your comments about the software to the e-mail address listed below. We will update this review with user comments as we receive them. Please note that you are sending comments about Winnebago Spectrum. Thank you.

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Copyright © 1998 Mary Dzurinko & Nina Platt
Last revised: September 07, 1998.

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