Mandarin Library Automation, Inc.
Mandarin Library Automation, Inc. is a US-based technology company specializing in providing Integrated Library Systems (ILS), also known as Library Management Systems (LMS), and related services to a diverse clientele of libraries, schools, and other institutions. The company???s core mission is to deliver comprehensive, user-friendly, and cost-effective automation solutions that enable librarians and staff to efficiently manage all aspects of their collections and patron services.
The company's primary focus is on digital management of library inventories from a single workstation, whether for a single library location or a multi-site school district or system. A hallmark of their products is support for Unicode, which ensures that librarians and users can catalog and search their collections effectively in virtually any language.
Continue…Products and Integrated Library Systems
Mandarin Library Automation offers two principal library management platforms, each designed to meet varying needs, budgets, and technical environments.
Mandarin M5
The Mandarin M5 platform serves as the company's flagship library management system. It is a modern, fully web-based solution built on a new SQL server software architecture. This design allows for accessibility from any internet-connected computer and facilitates quicker and more frequent software updates. The M5 system is customizable for each library and is specifically engineered to cut costs and save time for both single-site libraries and those with multiple branches or school districts due to its one-point installation, maintenance, and update structure.
Key Functional Modules within M5 include:
- Cataloging: Features a Picture Manager, both simple and advanced editors, customizable templates, and the ability to import and export MARC records. Optional modules include Authority Control and an Equipment database.
- Circulation: Handles essential functions such as loaning, returns, renewals, reservations, and booking. It manages fine calculations, processes refunds, tracks item and patron status, and sends automated email notifications for overdue items and fines.
- Inventory & Reports: Facilitates full or partial inventory management. It includes a robust Report Generator that allows for custom reports, selecting details by date range, and offers a Report Tool with over 900 pre-existing reports that can be displayed, printed, or saved as a file.
Mandarin M3
The Mandarin M3 system is presented as a flexible and affordable, award-winning software solution, catering particularly to small libraries with limited budgets or those with less reliable internet access. M3 still offers a powerful and sophisticated feature set and can be seamlessly upgraded to the M5 platform.
Optional Modules and Specialized Features
To further customize the core ILS, Mandarin Library Automation offers a comprehensive suite of optional and integrated modules:
- Web OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog): This allows libraries to publish their collections on the web, giving patrons an intuitive interface to search for resources. The M5 Web OPAC includes modern features like autocomplete in search bars, recommended readings, a digital gallery, and advanced search filtering.
- Kids OPAC: A specialized version of the online catalog designed with an engaging interface to make searching the library collection a fun experience for younger readers.
- Textbook Module: A dedicated tool for schools and institutions to manage and inventory textbooks, which assists with easy tracking and cataloging.
- Library Usage: A self-service program, often deployed on touch screens, that helps libraries track patron visits and the specific activities they engage in while at the library. This data provides concrete evidence for usage reports and analysis.
- SIP2 Authenticator: This fully integrated component provides a standard SIP2 interface, enabling the Mandarin system (M3 or M5) to communicate with third-party devices such as 3M??? SelfCheck??? systems for self-service transactions and patron authentication services.
- ZServer: This component allows a library???s Mandarin database catalog records to be accessed and copied by other libraries globally through a Z39.50 client, facilitating union catalog participation and efficient "copy cataloging."
- Syndetic Solutions: Integration with Syndetic Solutions provides patrons the ability to view richer content data and cover images for items directly within the collection catalog.
Professional Services
In addition to software products, the company offers a complete range of services essential for system implementation and ongoing support:
- Web Hosting: Provides centralized, Cloud-based management for the web-based library automation software.
- Data Work and Electronic Data Transfer: Specialists work with the client to convert and enhance all existing data types, ensuring a smooth transition to the new Mandarin system.
- Union Catalog: Services focused on providing complete automation solutions for consortia and multi-branch systems.
- Label Services: A dedicated Barcode Label Printing Service for fast, reliable, and high-quality production of barcode labels for library materials.
- Technical Support: The company offers round-the-clock, 24/7/365 technical support via a toll-free number, email, and chat, including remote computer connectivity for troubleshooting.
- Training: Both online and onsite training options are available when purchasing any of the core systems or optional software modules.
- Hardware: The company also delivers turnkey library automation solutions by offering a variety of hardware packages.
