Aleph

Working with You to Maximize Library Efficiency

Today’s libraries are facing the challenges posed by a diverse and rapidly expanding information universe. Increased user expectations for faster and easier access to relevant information go hand in hand with institutional demands for increased operational efficiency.

The Aleph® integrated library system provides academic, research, and national libraries with the efficient, user-friendly tools and workflow support they need to meet the increasing requirements of the industry today and in the future.

For over 20 years Aleph has been the integrated library system of choice for libraries and library consortia worldwide that require the ultimate in configuration flexibility. Aleph system configuration can be tailored to meet virtually any library policy or procedure, enabling the creation of unique policies and workflows.

Delivering Excellent Services and an Enhanced User Experience

The flexible system features a variety of staff modules that maximize the efficiency of the library. Patron empowerment features ensure that users enjoy a fulfilling library experience.

Patrons access library materials of all types via a link in the catalog record. Integration with the ExLibris™ SFX® context-sensitive link server enables users to access dynamically created library-defined services, including links to citation databases, Web-based resources, local information repositories, full text of e-journals, and a range of other services from within the Aleph system.

The Aleph Digital Asset Management (ADAM) Module enriches library services by enabling the management of and access to digital assets—audio, video, image, and sound—and their associated metadata within the Aleph environment. Using the Aleph Cataloging Module, staff can attach the library’s fullrange of digital objects to MARC records, create associated bibliographic data in the MARC format of their choice, and add technical metadata with ease. Aleph system capabilities can be further extended through a variety of features such as X-services and documented APIs.

Libraries that choose to integrate Aleph with the Primo discovery and delivery solution by Ex Libris, provide their users with a universal solution for the discovery and delivery of all material types—print, electronic, and digital—regardless of format and location.

Providing Rich Functionality in a Variety of Different Modules

The flexible Cataloging Module offers institutions a choice of employing standard Aleph cataloging templates or creating customized, institution-defined versions.

The sophisticated, easy-to-use Web Open Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is the user’s gateway to the Aleph system. The Web interface can be effortlessly customized by your library to meet its needs and reflect its image.

Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) functionalities offer patrons the option to self-register for alerts. SDI e-mail notifications include a direct link to the bibliographic record in the library catalog.

The Aleph Acquisitions/Serials Module makes the ordering, invoicing, claiming, and receipt of materials easy and efficient. The Serials function provides staff with seamless access to bibliographic and holdings data as well as information on orders, funding, and vendors.

The flexible, comprehensive Aleph Circulation Module supports an endless range of circulation policy profiles.

Course Reading and Reserves functions provide public access to both traditional and electronic course reserve materials as well as tools for the management of course reserve collections and for the creation and modification of course reading lists.

Speaking the Language Your Users Do

Unicode-based, Aleph provides multilingual and multiscript support in 20 interface languages. Users can interact with the system in any of the languages supported by their library and can change their interface language preference at any time. These robust multi-language capabilities ensure easy and efficient management and discovery of materials in all languages.

Sharing Resources in Many Ways

Aleph offers multiple resource sharing methods that support the various partnership agreements that exist between libraries. These methods enable institutions to offer patrons with the most efficient path for obtaining the material they seek. Separate Aleph systems that share a Union Catalog have common access to patron data and status via the Direct Consortial Borrowing component.

Enabling Library Administrators to Make Informed Decisions

The Aleph Reporting Center (ARC) is a user-friendly, Webbased reporting, querying and statistical generation environment, providing your staff with ad-hoc statistics regarding virtually any aspect of the library derived from information contained within the Aleph system.

ARC comes complete with over 100 predefined reports and statistics which draw on information from data sources within the Aleph system modules. An intuitive set of tools provides staff with the required environment to create and generate library-specific reports and statistics. Staff members creating these ad-hoc reports need not have knowledge of the Aleph database table structure nor of SQL programming. All saved reports can be shared across the library, consortium, or with other institutions running Aleph

Key Benefits:

Flexible: Customizable components are tailored to accommodate the requirements of institutions of all types and sizes, from single-branch libraries to the largest of consortia and national libraries.

Easy to use: User-friendly workflows and intuitive graphical interfaces increase staff efficiency and enhance the patron experience.

Scalable: Growth and expansion features enable libraries and consortia to continually re-envision and recreate their unique working environments.

Open: Built on an Oracle® database, Aleph runs on a range of operating systems. System-wide XML technology offers integration with third-parties through an XML gateway. Like all Ex Libris products, Aleph is based on industry standards, offering the ultimate in resource-sharing capabilities, full connectivity, and seamless interaction with other systems and databases.

Multilingual and multiscript: Full Unicode support provides multidirectional and multiscript text capabilities. Users can interface with the system in their preferred language, and libraries can create new language interfaces.

Future proof: The inherent multi-tier client/server structure and conformance with the latest industry standards guarantees that Aleph will meet your needs today and in the future. Our software design continually evolves to include products and components aimed at enhancing your system and ensuring that it continues to meet the changing needs of your library.