The Library of Congress launched a new era in automation May 15 when it awarded a contract to Endeavor Information Systems of Des Plaines, Illinois, for a comprehensive, millennium-ready, integrated library system (ILS). The Voyager system will replace many of the library's older, independent systems--some of which date back to the late 1960s and early 1970s--with a client/server system that supports acquisitions, cataloging, serials control, circulation, and retrospective conversion.
Project Director Barbara Tillett said, "Over the next 18 months, about 300 staff members on 66 project teams will move the library from our present systems to the new ILS. We . . . look forward to having all operations up and running by our target of October 1999."
A Congressional appropriation of $5.6 million for the project in fiscal year 1998 will cover the startup costs.
Posted May 25, 1998.