SWU News:

June 8 , 2007

SWU Library plans new computer system

Improved system a collaboration
with six other institutions of higher learning

Southern Wesleyan University’s library is scheduled to launch a new, improved computer system.

A new computer system being developed for Rickman Library at Southern Wesleyan University will enhance the level of service offered to patrons.

The new system will replace SOAR, the library’s current system, and enables students at any college or university in the state to request materials owned by any other institutional library. According to Robert Sears, director of Library Services, the III System is a more dynamic system than SOAR, offering noticeable improvements in the publicly-viewed catalog, circulation, periodicals, library acquisitions and other areas.

“We are very thankful for the Winnebago Spectrum system (SOAR) that we have had in place for about eight years,” Sears said. He noted that SOAR enabled the library to dramatically improve access to its materials by offering a Web-based catalog, but the system has its limitations. 

“The III System will give us greatly enhanced capabilities, both for our local usage and for interaction with the statewide borrowing system,” Sears added. 

Southern Wesleyan will share the new system with Benedict College, Columbia International University, Coker College, Erskine College, North Greenville University and Voorhees College.

The III System will be operated on behalf of the seven institutions by the Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries. PASCAL was formed to provide consortial opportunities for South Carolina academic libraries, including the statewide borrowing program and the provision of electronic databases made possible through state funding support. The III System is currently used by many colleges and universities in South Carolina, including Clemson and Furman.

The Rickman Library will transition to the III System at some point during the fall semester or Christmas reak, Sears said.