Services - Data Work including Union Catalogs

Mandarin M3 and Oasis users can create, maintain and communicate using Classic and Virtual Union Catalog models. You will need a wide area network (WAN) or dedicated Internet connection for each library site in order to set up a union catalog.

Classic Union Catalog

A Classic Union Catalog controls the single library software database environment of M3 and Oasis. From this you can create a fully integrated union catalog. Ideal for: Libraries that use centralized cataloging.

Virtual Union Catalog

A Virtual Union Catalog allows libraries that have separate client and server installations of M3 or Oasis to make their collections searchable through a single interface. Virtual Union catalog configurations provide numerous ways for sharing library collections with your catalog users. Ideal for: Districts that keep cataloging and circulation functions localized at the library level.

The Z39.50 Server module can be added to allow non-Mandarin users to search your Virtual Union using Z39.50 client software (such as BookWhere®).

How does it work?

• The library software system is configured using location symbols that are translated by the system into meaningful library names.
• You can restrict searches to one or more libraries.
• A security system is in place to prevent unauthorized editing of another library’s records.
• Administrators at the district level decide whether to allow circulation across libraries.

Both Union catalogs can be custom-configured to your specific needs. Please contact a Mandarin representative for a consultation on which Union Catalog option best suits your library’s needs.