Algoma University launches two new online databases

The Arthur A. Wishart Library at Algoma University has recently launched two new online databases to make it easier for the public to access archival resources, and student and faculty-driven research.

The first database holds records for the university's Archives and Special Collections. Behind the scenes  the software used is DB/TextWorks and WebPublisher PRO from Inmagic, Inc., along with the Archives Online and Archives Starter Kit add-on packages from Andornot which are specifically designed for managing archival descriptions. Both a quick search and an advanced search option are provided, and canned searches display Archival Finding Aids dynamically from the database for selected fonds.  Andornot assisted with the design and with integration of the Algoma template into the search and results pages.

The second database is an institutional repository called DigitalAlgoma designed to hold new student and faculty driven research, often referred to as “born-digital” research. Included in the DigitalAlgoma archives are over two hundred honours theses from past Algoma University psychology and computer science students.  The same template and the archival databases and forms were used as a basis for designing the web interface for DigitalAlgoma, allowing this to be created in-house quickly and effectively. 

The Archives and Special Collections interface also includes an iGoogle gadget to allow users to add a search box to their iGoogle home pages. (see our Developer blog post for more information on how to set these up.)

Check out the press release or contact us for for further information.

Andornot ownership change

Kathy Bryce and Denise Bonin are delighted to announce that Peter Tyrrell is now a director of Andornot and an equal shareholder.  Andornot was founded by Kathy and Denise in 1995 and has grown steadily over the years.   Peter started with the company as a contractor in 2000 and most recently was employed as a senior consultant.  Peter will assume the position of Chief Technology Officer with responsibility for our datacenter infrastructure; management of selected projects; and hiring and supervision of additional programming staff.

This change in ownership will allow Andornot to expand our capabilities and services, especially with regard to SQL database application design, as well as providing continued support and enhancements for Inmagic software.

Peter has a BA in English and Classics and an MLIS degree. Since starting work with Andornot he has discovered that he loves programming and application design, and has become proficient with Microsoft .Net and JavaScript. He is thus able to marry his knowledge of library and information management systems with the technical aspects of web interface design.

Contact us for further information.

@Inmagic August newsletter now available

Check out the latest issue of the @Inmagic newsletter. This issue mentions the release of selected Andornot scripts under an Open Source license, and the Tech Tip is an entry from our Developer Blog.

Contents:

• President's Message
• Product News
  • Genie Now Available as an Upgrade to DB/Text
  • Andornot Releases WebPublisher PRO Scripts Under Open Source License
• Tech Tip
  • OPAC Query Screen Enhancements in Inmagic Genie (link to Andornot Developers blog)
• Featured Customer
  • Rock Star Librarian
• Education
• Press
• Events
  • Internet Librarian 2008

Please contact us if you would like further information on any of the products or topics mentioned.

Power outage affects Andornot datacentre

The Andornot website and websites hosted by Andornot have experienced some downtime today due to a major power outage in downtown Vancouver caused by an explosion of an underground transformer and subsequent fire.  (see news story).  Our datacenter is hosted at Peer1 in Harbour Centre and their back-up generator was affected and power has therefore fluctuated on and off during the day.  Issues with the Peer1 generator appear to have been resolved as of 4pm PST and all our sites are back online.   The downtown area around Harbour Centre is still without power and BC Hydro are estimating it may not be restored until late tonight.

We will provide an update to our hosted clients once everything is back to normal. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Images added to Pennsylvania Railroad Museum archives site

Andornot has hosted the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Inmagic databases for the past three years.  This past month approximately 4,500 images from the H.L. Broadbelt collection of Baldwin Locomotive negatives have been uploaded and added to the archival records database.  We have edited the search interface to add an option to limit records returned to just those that have images.

"Andornot's skill in fine tuning search procedures to reflect the particular needs of our clients has been a real plus. They go the extra mile in extending Inmagic's already strong capabilities." (Jim Alexander)

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania maintains an extensive and significant Library and Archives of railroad history materials, including thousands of railroad history books and serials, several hundred thousand original negatives from rail fans, railroad companies and railroad equipment manufacturers, priceless collections of photographic prints, lithographs, timetables, original builders’ drawings and other historic ephemera. A general description of these holdings may be found on their web site.

The availability of the searchable web interface has resulted in an increase in public inquiries and praise from visitors to the site. Researchers can now perform initial searches for materials to help with research requests, photographic print orders and on-site visits. This outreach has greatly enhanced the usefulness and popularity of these unique railroad history resources.

In the Museum request for fourth year funding it was noted that Andornot’s “hosting has been highly stable, and their initial work in creating user-friendly search screens has been exceptional.”

We are looking forward to making continued enhancements to their site as funding permits. Please contact us for further information.