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The Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) is an integrated library system (ILS) designed to meet the distinctive needs of special libraries.

Overview of KLAS v7

KLAS v7 is a full-featured general library management system based on professional cataloguing and circulation practices, with a foundation based on USMARC standard formats for bibliographic data. It manages the broad functions needed for specialized libraries operations, such as:

  • Book and circulating magazine inventory control.
  • Magazine subscription control.
  • Tracking patron requests and reserves.
  • Staff-assisted book selection.
  • Automatic book selection for appropriate patrons.
  • Materials check-in and check-out.
  • Generation of mailing cards.
  • Collection review and weeding.
  • Machine inventory control and assignment.
  • Managing overdues and notices.
  • Generating collection and patron activity reports.
  • Facilitating bulk mailings.
  • Queries for retrieving specific database records or sets of records.

In addition, KLAS has been designed to allow each library to control how the system does its job in their setting. Its screens and functions have been designed to interface effectively with assistive technology.

KLAS WebOPAC

The KLAS WebOPAC v3 enables patrons and the general public to conduct online searches of the library's catalog via the internet. Featuring password-protected patron access and self-service, each library may customize what information is presented, how it appears, and which online services to allow. WebOPAC has been recognized for its accessibility with commonly used screen readers and screen enlargers.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf Software

KLAS is commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) that has been developed and refined in direct response to customer needs. Modular based licensing allows libraries to purchase only the functions needed for their operations. By installing KLAS, the library and its patrons gain a cost effective solution developed for and based on the needs and experience of current customers.

  • Focuses on specific needs.
  • Improves the value and timeliness of service.
  • Builds a powerful community resource.

Link People and Information Resources

KLAS has proven its reliability and adaptability in supporting the needs of organizations which specialize in linking people with materials.

  • Borrowers to books.
  • Members with reference material.
  • Students with textbooks.
  • Subscribers with community-based information.

What is an ILS?

An integrated library system (ILS) is an automated system used to manage library holdings, store patron information and track circulation transactions.

From wikipedia.com:

An ILS usually comprises a relational database, software to interact with that database, and two graphical user interfaces (one for patrons, one for staff). Most ILSes separate software functions into discrete programs called modules, each of them integrated with a unified interface. Examples of modules might include:

  • Acquisitions (ordering, receiving, and invoicing materials)
  • Cataloging (classifying and indexing materials)
  • Circulation (lending materials to patrons and receiving them back)
  • Serials (tracking magazine and newspaper holdings)
  • OPAC (public interface for users)

Each patron and item has a unique ID in the database that allows the ILS to track its activity.

Libraries use an ILS to order and acquire, receive and invoice, catalog, circulate, track and shelve materials.

How is KLAS different from a standard ILS?

KLAS is a fully-integrated product combining power with simplicity to offer users enormous functionality, flexibility and ease of use. Written in Progress, a fourth generation relational database manager, KLAS provides a reliable, versatile data storage and retrieval system. The software's modular design allows customers to implement only those applications currently needed, with the option of expanding always available.

In addition, KLAS gives customers the power to customize many system parameters, code fields, and menu options. Other system-wide features include: consistent screens, menus, and function keys; extensive online help; standard reports and a custom report writer; unlimited free form notes; comprehensive statistical information; and system security.

Utilizing the latest technology, KLAS supports a wide range of printers, barcode readers and adaptive workstations. Keystone has extensive experience in providing the full range of automation services and support our customers require to meet their hardware, software, conversion and accessibility needs.

Supporting Your Library

In our years of working with libraries we have found that no two organizations operate in the same manner. Each has its own needs determined by issues such as staffing, physical space, political pressures, service models, etc. Our support focus goes well beyond step-by-step instruction. We dig deeper to understand the responsibilities and time demands your staff face. When providing answers to their questions, we encourage them to take full advantage of system features that can simplify their workflow and enhance your operations.

Taking Library / Information Services to a new level

KLAS helps organizations take their information and make it available in a whole new way.

  • Maintain a profile of interests for each reader
    • In KLAS, you can easily build a profile of the kinds of materials that each person wants, and what formats they want to receive them in. With this information, a whole new level of service and value can be reached.
  • Actively match materials to a reader
    • Because KLAS can learn what subjects are of most interest to each user, when new materials matching their interests are added, the user can automatically be alerted.
  • Allow users to submit information to the collection -- leveraging everyone's knowledge and experience
    • Your organization isn't the only resource for information, and your staff don't have to be the only ones to enter information to the collection. With KLAS, you can allow others to submit content into the collection -- whether it be information on useful resources on the Internet, documents they authored themselves, or simply public information. With your users submitting and rating content, it adds a whole new level of value to the information being provided -- because your users are building and sustaining it themselves.
  • Bring visibility to your organization by letting readers search, find, and download materials on their own.
    • By making the process of finding and downloading material as easy as possible, your users gain a better appreciation of the value that you and your organization provide.

Primary Markets:

Talking Book Libraries

Keystone started serving libraries in 1982 when we started working with the NLS network of Braille and Talking Book Libraries. This experience helped us develop a library system to help not only catalog their collection of titles and track their inventory, but also track the profile of likes and dislikes of each individual reader and match books to their preferences.

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Instructional Resource Centers

Keystone built upon the strength, flexibility, and out-of-the-box solutions developed for the Talking Book Libraries and began working with Instructional Resource Centers. With the Resource Centers, they needed the personal profile capability, accessibility, and very flexible cataloging system that was already in place -- but also needed more detailed tracking of their acquisitions process.

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Associations

In our work with Associations, we have built upon the personal profile capabilities, cataloging flexibility, and robust platform for web services data integration KLAS is built upon. On top of that, KLAS has tools to help create an online community where members share information resources and share their opinions. Adding in e-commerce controls to some categories of content, KLAS can help your association become "The place to go" for information within your industry.

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Evolution of KLAS

KLAS began as a product to serve the needs of the Talking Book Library network. This community required accessibility and patrons service features that were not offered by other ILS systems. KLAS has gone through several generations of refinements since our initial product release in 1983. Because we have focused our efforts on implementing their specific needs and providing outstanding customer support, KLAS is the system of choice as these libraries upgrade their existing systems or automate for the first time.

As the needs of these libraries changed so did KLAS. Because our customers are committed to providing the best possible service to their patrons, KLAS features have been specifically developed to expand patron service options. We also developed online patron access with community feedback options and digital document management. Developing and refining these capabilities led us to create a products which not only served the unique needs of those libraries but also built a strong platform on which to add features for Instructional Resource Centers. We now provide the same level of commitment, support and development to specialized products for IRCs.

Features originally developed for libraries serving persons with disabilities are in demand from our Association customers as well. Keystone is committed to giving every customer the information and technical support they need take advantage of all KLAS features, functions and enhancements. We support our libraries by providing the ongoing technical assistance that they need to maximize their resources and improve their operations.

KLAS is a constantly evolving product. In addition to supporting the existing systems software, we regularly provide program enhancements to our customers, custom programming upon request, and work on the evolution of the product to keep it cutting edge, state-of-the-art. As we continue our development of new products, we keep the interface needs of accessibility and adaptive technology in our development criteria. We are committed to continuing to develop new features and incorporate new technologies that allow libraries to grow and adapt to the challenges brought by changes in technology, resources, and patron expectations.