Agenda - 09-20-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion: MediaAutomatzon The media center is the hub of information in a school. A major reason for schoolwide networking is to better provide information to all areas of a school. Providing automated resources in a media center is a key element to effective school networking. With an on-line catalog, students can more easily find a variety of information for their research projects or recreational reading. They can access text, audio and video information on laser disks and on CD-ROM. They can search on-line atlases and encyclopedias. It makes good sense to begin networking a school by fully automating the media center. The Media Specialists developed basic and exemplary standards for media automation as indicated in the following chart: Media Automation Standards Assumptions: • addresses media automation hardware that remains in the media center for circulation,catalog and research purposes by patrons • does not address hardware that is for"general" use by students—for example,computers for students to use for assignments or for whole or small-group work are not included • does not address video resources • does not address software such as computer programs, laserdiscs and CD-ROM materials • assumes a networked media center running a media automation system such as Follett or Alexandria .. . Basic Exemplary ....:......................................... . Item > :............. .... Elem MS HS Elem MS HS Notes Search Station (catalog) 4 4 5• 5 8 8 •exemplary: able to serve as search or research station Check-out Station 1 1 1 2 2 2 File Server 1 1 1 1 1 1 •MS and HS:could also serve as check-out station Research Station 3 4 4 5 9 10 •all with CD-ROM • all levels:one dedicated to encyclopedia •MS and HS:one dedicated to index Printer 4 5 6 5 9 9 • exemplary: one high speed; others determined by application Modem and Phone Line 1 1 1 2 2 2 LaserDisc Player 1 1 1 1 1 2 Barcade reader 1 1 1 1 1 1 CD-ROM Changer - - 1 - • plus one for every 250 students over 1250 The Committee recommends that all schools be upgraded to these basic media automation standards by the beginning of the 1995-96 school year. Currently only CHHS, Culbreth, and Carrboro have an on-line catalog in place. All schools have an automated circulation system. The Media Specialists have identified two software packages for media automation, including Catalog Plus (Follett)and Alexandria(Companion). Each school should choose one of these two programs when they are scheduled for their media automation upgrade. 7