ACCLAIM AT DERBYSHIRE Available to Purchase

Derbyshire one of the pioneers of the turnkey systems approach to library automation is again making the news in its library systems development. In one way, it can be seen as going against the predominant trend to buying in software by developing its next generation of system in house: Derbyshire is, as far as I am aware, unique amongst UK public libraries in writing inhouse software for an integrated stand alone library system. Though some might see this as a step backwards towards the preturnkey climate of the early 70s, Derbyshire's developments can also be viewed in a positively progressive light. Many libraries are talking now of a new breed of integrated systems — of integrated information systems embracing the whole organisation, with the library ‘stand‐alone’ housekeeping system merely one component in this larger whole. This broader view of the integrated information system is very much to the forefront in Derbyshire's planning and was a major factor in the decision to develop in house. The system is known as ACCLAIM: Automatic Centralised Control of Libraries and Inter‐Related Materials.