LARS

Library Automated Retrieval System

Houchen Bindery has been a LARS bindery since 1990. This software allows us to produce consistently matching book covers for periodicals and other recurring publications. LARS records all of the static information for a title:

LARS for Windows-Library

LARS Library is a software package that Houchen Bindery, Ltd. makes available to its larger libraries. It eliminates the need to file paper tickets by giving the library the ticket database, allowing editing of variable information. Therefore a bindery preparation / library operator can call up any given title, edit the variable information on the screen, and print a ticket containing all relevant information and notes.

The software also allows the library to add, edit, or delete its permanent records, track binding histories, track monographs sent, print lists, etc. Besides allowing the library user those timesaving functions, the program also can allow a library user control over many aspects of the stamping of a cover. Critical to some is the line break in titles, call number placement, left justified calls and font control. The library users not only print a ticket, but also transfer the data, via floppy disk or FTP, that the bindery uses to stamp any given shipment. This makes bindery preparation easy, and ensures that the library's accuracy goes straight to the stamping. One key to LARS Library's popularity is that the customer can dictate many aspects of the program. You may control the lettering or notes concerning leaf attachment. You may also choose to print tickets on plain white paper on a laser jet or three-part tickets on a dot matrix printer. *Blank Houchen binding ticket download and instruction page.*  Houchen Bindery Ltd. supports over 100 libraries on LARS Library, and the most common comment made by the library customers about LARS is "I don't know how we ever did bindery prep without this program". The second most common comment is "it saves so much time".To run LARS Library requires any Windows PC. Naturally, faster PCs will run this program more effectively than the older and slower models. But any version of Windows, and all types of networks, run LARS successfully nationwide. Data conversions from other systems, and other binderies into LARS, are usually available as an option.LARS is now operating in almost 20 binding facilities. In addition, these users are joined by members in the library community who have special or large needs, such as the Library of Congress and the disaster recovery program at Colorado State University.LARS Ver. 6

Houchen Bindery Ltd has been a LARS user since 1990 when the only version available was in DOS. After its initial birth by a bindery in Ohio, it was then developed by nine different library binderies, and the Library of Congress. It has become the most dominant library/binding interface software in use. Since it is in use in about 20 of the largest binderies in North America, it is processing about 60-70% of the library binding done on the continent.The recent release of version 5.03b, is intended to make the necessary changes to incorporate the new AT-1 cloth trimmer, in conjunction with use of the System3 stamping machine. This is another step in the total integration of book production. The version does not incorporate any noticeable changes on the library version and it is not necessary to upgrade library users of LARS, just the bindery side.LBUG (LARS Bindery Users Group) has been meeting and developing specifications for the next upgrades. Under development at the present time is LARS Ver. 6. Indications are that the release dates could be as early as January 2005. There are several significant changes and upgrades, not the least of which is the change to 32 bit architecture and a complete modernization of the databases and data transfers. One of the goals in the new program was to streamline and simplify the user’s task of manipulating anything within the program. Ease of data transfer via the internet and reporting tools rather than just printed reports, are also featured.The two main improvements will be the capability to link the ILS system to LARS Ver. 6 to make data entry of monographs much easier than today. By capturing a screen, that the ILS has called up via a wanded barcode, and importing that data into LARS is a large labor savings, and error reduction tool.The second improvement will be the beginning of the long awaited tie between the "bindery module" and your ILS circulation system. The duplication of effort in this area is one of the last remaining large labor reduction possibilities in the ILS field. As an outside software provider, LARS cannot solve the problem without the direct change of code within your ILS system, which of course LARS cannot do. However LARS Ver. 6 will export the shipment data via the ANSI/NISO data transfer protocol, ASCII, Excel, XML or whatever other formats the national customer base might demand. If only the ILS programs would change themselves to import and use such data. LARS Ver. 6 will also be capable of receiving data from any ILS that would happen to write a bindery module exporting via the ANSI/NISO protocol.Those libraries currently running LARS will have very little difficulty making the transition into LARS Ver. 6 as the procedures and protocols of the new program will be similar to the older versions. Database transfers between your current data, and into a Houchen LARS database would also be very easy transition.Finally. LARS Ver. 6 will be using the internet connection at the library to send and receive the shipment data, allow the bindery remote update and maintenance access, and instantly and seamlessly incorporate updated versions without the library users interference. These features will reduce the necessity of visits by the bindery computer staff to the library and make the process much more efficient.

For current LARS users, and for those libraries interested in the product’s development, please check this site frequently for updates, or contact the bindery for more information.