"The service first began as a basic catalog and circulation system, but the way we continue to add features, it won't be long until LibraryCom starts competing with systems costing thousands of dollars," said Norman Kline, president of CASPR. "This latest version includes many new features, including book-spine label printing and circulation activity reports."

According to the company, LibraryCom is a unique online library automation program developed specifically to take the high cost out of automating a library. With a standard Web browser users can search, catalog, or circulate items from anywhere on the Internet. The data is always backed up and secure. LibraryCom includes modules for cataloging, circulation, union collection management, and online patron access.

Pricing is based on the size of the collection and support services required. The first 10 megabytes (roughly 5,000 records) are free with e-mail support. Additional storage and 800-number support are available in service plans that start at $300 per year. An unlimited number of users can access the library regardless of which service plan is chosen. To help catalog, over 2.2 million MARC records are made available for either pulling into the collection or downloading into a local system. Many libraries use LibraryCom for the MARC service, or to place their collection on the Web for patron access.

According to the announcement, CASPRis one of the leading library automation companies, producing the software products LibraryWorld, LibraryWorks, and LibraryNet.

Source: CASPR Library Systems, Inc., Saratoga, CA, 800/852-2777, 408/741-2320; http://www.caspr.com.