Winnebago Software Announces Spectrum 4

Volume 16, Number 6 • June 1999

Winnebago Software Announces Spectrum 4

Winnebago Software Company has announced the new capabilities of Winnebago Spectrum 4, its comprehensive, fully integrated 32-bit, client/server library automation program for Windows and Mac OS. Spectrum 4 incorporates more than 40 new features, including the following:

Patron photos at the circulation screen, providing patron identification and added security
Access to the online catalog from both Windows and Mac clients
Twenty-six new reports with paper-saving formats, improved appearance, and readability
Material entry screens that include multiple tabs to facilitate easy entry of different material formats such as books, video, audio, and computer files
Local authority control for consistency in titles, authors, and subject headings available on the material entry screen
Enhanced, larger, more colorful graphics on buttons throughout the program

Senior product manager for Spectrum 4 Linda Eppelheimer said: “I believe our customers and new users will be thrilled with the many new features and new look of Spectrum 4. We’re pleased to respond to customer requests—and to surpass their expectations with this update. Software development involves our entire company’s efforts in setting priorities and meeting demands.”

Spectrum’s Internet capabilities can increase the libraries’ information resources and access to those resources through MARConnect, WebConnect, and HyperSearch functions.

According to the announcement, Spectrum’s MARConnect function allows librarians to add to their collections without adding to their budgets by cataloging Web sites in USMARC format in within the Spectrum database. Patrons will find these sites along with other library resources when they search the OPAC. The benefits to librarians include the ability to increase their resources at no cost; no need to inventory Internet resources; and because Internet resources are not in circulation, no need for reshelving, sending late notices, checking in or out, or levying fines.

Spectrum’s WebConnect feature enables users to highlight a URL cataloged in the USMARC 856u tag, click the WebConnect button, and access the selected Web site through a Web browser. Students and patrons will therefore find more information relevant to their searches, according to the announcement.

Spectrum’s HyperSearch allows users to highlight and search on their choice of words and phrases within a material’s record to launch another related search for materials.

Like all programs sold by Winnebago Software, Spectrum 4 is Y2K-safe. Anticipated release was last month. Spectrum users with a current customer support agreement plan will automatically receive the new program. Winnebago Spectrum CIRC/CAT is $3,490.

Source: Winnebago Software Company, Caledonia, MN, 800/533-5430; http://www.winnebago.com.

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