Here is the summary of responses rec'd about EOS Int'l GLAS software. Thank
you to everyone who responded. All responses have been "sanitized", so as
to protect those who freely shared their views. Happy New Year to All!
* We are using GLAS. The main office has been using this for a
number of years and is more or less happy with it I think. However, in
several months in the branch there have been lots of problems and downtime,
including one stretch during which NO library functions (check-in, routing,
acquisitions) could proceed. Training and support seem to be virtually
non-existant. While the system does seem to be able to do some pretty good
reports, the fussyness of entry and all the other problems make me give it a
big thumbs-down. Do keep in mind that this is based on only a few months of
personal experience with it, though.
* I like the GLAS software but I have real issues with their customer
service. When you get the right person things go well but it may take
days/weeks to find that person. They suppposedly have recognized that
problem and are working on things. Right now all is well except they can't
make the portable bar code reader they sold me work with their software.
* I have always used the serials module throughout my career, and have
found it to be very satisfactory.
* I'm not a heavy user of the modules of the system, but as Computer
Services Librarian, I can tell you that it doesn't run well across a network
wider than a LAN. Even within the same metropolitan area, the ability to
use the software for checking in serials is virtually nil. In fact, we're
converting to Q Series for that reason. That may not be an issue for you.
Otherwise, I would mention that GLAS is not an integrated system. In other
words, the bibliographic information in the catalog isn't drawn upon for use
in Serials or Aquisitions.
* We use GLAS here. I have only been with this firm for a few months,
but my fellow library staff members have used it for some time and have been
satisfied with it. A lot of people have not, however. I even think there is
a listserv devoted just to GLAS or EOS products. Many complaints have
circulated and there was a meeting of frustrated GLAS users at the last AALL
meeting (so I hear). I'm pretty sure you will hear from some of those
disgruntled users. As for my own experiences, I am in a branch office here
which is quite a distance away from our main office. My GLAS connection is
over a T1 WAN. With the most recent upgrade of GLAS, I was unable to pull
the program over the network. Evidently, the upgrade used more bandwidth
than before, which prevented me from opening the Serials and Cataloging
modules. To solve this problem, both modules were placed on a thin client
server. This seems to work alright. However, the point is that if you are
planning on staff using GLAS from a distance, it might be a problem. In such
a situation, I would recommend looking into their Q series which can be
accessed over the Web (this is an option we are investigating).
* I been using Glas for over 5 years and love it. Works well together
with Serials, Acquisitions, and the Catalog modules. Windows based. We are
working on updating our catalog and introducing it to our users through
WebPac in the Fall 2001. Easy to use. Takes about a week to get it set up
the way you would like to use it. You can also run reports. Can set up to
run reports by searching on note fields, practice groups, amount of
purchase, etc. A few negatives: technical support from Glas sometimes is not
good. And, the Glas modules do take up some running space on your computer.
We get errors when we have more than 3 programs opened at a time. The errors
are supposed to be corrected in the newest version. Eos offers onsite
training or training at their facility in Carlsbad, CA. We had the onsite
training because it was a little cheaper, plus I could have my whole staff
trained at one time. Training takes about 2 days.
* We use the EOSI Glas cataloging and serials modules. We are not
that happy with them. We find that both modules lose data often. Our IT
people work closely with EOSI to resolve this problem but it still reoccurs.
I am not certain they would be my first choice if I had it to do over again.
We do like the OPAC in the cataloging module, but we find the serials module
to be a bit more difficult. These are just my thoughts and experiences.
Perhaps others had better ones. Good luck!
Joelle V. Gresham
State of Georgia Law Librarian
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 656-3468
Joelle.Gresham@law.state.ga.us
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Wed Nov 14 2007 - 20:36:12 PST