A&M International's Killam Library Introduces New "Voyager" System

Texas A&M International University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library is replacing its current mainframe NOTIS system with a new state-of-the-art library automated system.

Rodney M. Webb, Killam Library Director, said the new system is on the leading edge of information technology.

"Our new management system, the Endeavor Voyager System, is better suited for the library of the 21st century. Voyager will provide better access to information and will more fully integrate electronic resources. The Voyager system integrates and gives access to the full range of resources that we have now and many that are to come, whether they are print-based, on the Internet, or in forms that we cannot even begin to imagine. Perhaps this is why the Library of Congress and the National Library of Medicine selected Voyager," said Webb.

Webb noted that when the NOTIS system was first installed in the Killam Library to replace the paper card catalog system, it provided a good, solid system. However, technology has since changed dramatically, as have the needs and expectations of library users.

"Voyager is more powerful than NOTIS, but easier to use. It will look familiar to users of the Internet and typical Windows-based programs. Voyager will integrate the resources of the World Wide Web into the local electronic catalog of the Killam Library Collection. The system accomplishes this by embedding hot links in the cataloging record that can launch a connection to a related site on the Web. Voyager offers a strong base to continue building and managing the electronic collections of the Killam Library and delivering enhanced services to our users," he stated.

Webb added that there will be opportunities for the University community and the community at large to learn the new system.

Beginning September 7 and continuing through the Fall Semester, a series of free mini-workshops will be held at the Killam Library. The schedule is as follows: "The Voyager Online Catalog" -- Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays, 6 p.m.; "Basic Internet" -- Tuesdays at 6 p.m.; "Advanced Internet" -- Thursdays at 2 p.m.; "Full-Text Journal Databases" -- Wednesdays, 2 p.m.; and "Selected Special Topic" -- Thursdays at 6 p.m.

The mini-workshops are free of charge, do not require any kind of reservation or sign-up, and last 20 - 30 minutes on average.

For more information on the Killam Library's Voyager system or free mini-workshops, please contact the Killam Library Reference Desk at 326-2138.

Killam Library hours are 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 12 noon - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu