FEATURE
How to Use This Directory
Back in 2005, we revamped the Computers in Libraries Buyer’s Guide from start to finish. Now that it’s online, vendors can update their product, service, and address listings from their own desktops. We invited old and new Buyer’s Guide vendors to visit our dedicated Web site at http://bg.computersinlibraries.com and to make changes.
For buyers, the new front end makes it easier to search by keyword, company, or category. What’s more, vendors can now log in to their records anytime and update their listings. So our online version will always be more up-to-date. Right now, what you see in print is all of the listings that vendors updated by our print-production deadline in May; by the time you’re reading this in July, there may be more listings online than there are here.
Both versions have these sections:
Products and Services by Category
Various types of hardware, software, supplies, and services related to library automation are listed in the first section. We’ve also listed many types of information that are sold or licensed. Got an idea of the general type of product you want? Look here to find out who sells or distributes it. The categories are extensive, so you should be able to find whatever you need. If not, be sure to drop a line to CIL editor Kathy Dempsey at kdempsey@infotoday.com.
Products and Services by Vendor
This is an inverse listing of the previous section, which collates all of the products and services offered by one company under its name. Look up vendors alphabetically to find out everything that a given company has to offer. To help you navigate the lists of products and services under each vendor name, we’ve broken them down by subcategory.
Addresses of Companies
This section is the heart of the Guide—the complete and up-to-date listing of addresses, phone/fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and URLs for all the companies, distributors, and suppliers that list in the Guide. Once you’ve found something you want to buy, use this section to figure out how to contact the company.
Consultants Listings
One aim of the Buyer’s Guide has always been to draw attention to consultants. This section lists only companies that do consulting work, so it may come in handy when you are contemplating change, seeking outside help, or writing a technology plan.
Old and New Disclaimers
We gather new data directly from companies, using online survey forms. With our current system, whatever vendors enter online becomes part of our database, without any intermediaries doing data entry or fact-checking. So what the vendors enter is exactly what you get.
All companies in this industry are welcome to have free listings printed here and entered in the online version. We make every attempt to ensure accuracy and completeness, but human (or computer) error is always a possibility. If you find any inaccuracies, please let the vendor know.
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