ABLE Library & Bindery Configuration

The Internet is the foundation upon which the ABLE™ 6 is built. The future is clear - the Internet is here to stay. It is a free high-speed network. It will be enhanced to be even better. It is time to take advantage of this ubiquitous resource.

ABLE™ 6 Architecture / Configurations

ABLE™ Library	Web Access (Internet)
	LAN or Intranet
	Standalone
ABLE™ Bindery	Intranet Architecture

ABLE™ 6 Internet Access Architecture

The Internet is a major architectural component in distributed system architecture for many progressive businesses. The same is true for the library binding industry. All major libraries are connected and many library services can be accessed over the Internet. Reference the New York Public Library site (http://www.nypl.org – go to Catalogs, then Leo via the Web) and Carleton University (http://www.carleton.ca – go to Academics, Library, and then Carleton University Library Catalogue).

This means that libraries already have the tools to access the Internet and the experience of using the Internet. A PC with a browser (e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer) is a common tool used to access the Internet. Library binding personnel can use their Internet browser to access their binding information and processing programs.

The library binding services are provided without any new PC’s, on-site installation, nor on-site support. Training is also reduced since the user interface will be simpler and ABLE™ 6 reference material is available on the Internet. E-mail is used as the primary trouble reporting mechanism.

ABLE™ 6 Standalone, Network and Web Access Architecture

A conventional ABLE™ Library 6 standalone and network system configuration are --- as per v5.1. The standalone system allows libraries without Internet Access or limited Internet Access to use ABLE™ Library 6. The minimum standalone version still requires an Internet Browser but the Internet is not required. The web access configuration allows for the libraries database to be accessed over the Internet.

Architecture Overview

Figure 1 shows the ABLE™ 6 web access.

Figure 1 - ABLE™ 6 Architecture

The library requires only a PC running a browser. This assumes Internet access is available, as it is at all major libraries. Nothing else is required at the library. A library needs no special equipment to do library-binding preparation. The library-binding program is at the bindery and is accessed over the Internet. The library database is at the bindery and, therefore, easily maintained by the binder. Each library still has its own database but it is not physically at the library.

A library user connects to the binder's Internet site as any other web site. The user logs-on for security purposes. The proper library database is automatically selected. The Title Composition screen is then presented. All library-binding preparation operations are accessible (e.g. create lot, add items, edit title, add title, print binding slip, etc.).

Operations no longer required are diskette creation, diskette restoration, and check in/out (since the Lot is available at the bindery). The user simply has to indicate that the Lot is closed and the work is ready to be processed for binding. All associated problems are eliminated; e.g. cannot read diskette, lost diskette, damaged diskette, wrong Lot on diskette, etc.

Multiple user access from the same library is supported by having each user access the same web pages. Special procedures or installations are not required.

Bindery System

The ABLE™ Bindery 6 architecture requires web hosting for libraries while supporting previous versions of ABLE™ (e.g. v5.x). Figure 2 shows an expanded view of the ABLE™ 6 architecture including the bindery architecture.