LexWin and Lexifile...Search, Cataloguing, and Circulation software 

LexWin is a Windows based  on-line public-access cataloguing and circulation-control system for IBM-compatible microcomputers. It is used largely in special libraries, school libraries, and smaller colleges. It is network compatible: Novell and and Windows Networks are most common.  

When referring to both products, we will use the term LEX.

Search and Cataloguing Module

Record handling

Lex products handle  records in a variable field length database system. No character space is reserved for data fields. Data is stored in one compact file, which receives minimum manipulation. This has proved wonderful for database security and ease of conversion. 

Indexes are built from the data file; they can easily and quickly be rebuilt. The system prompts for backups. Data added since the last backup is backed up on your hard-disk drive. File size is limited only by disk space.

Record import and export

Lex does not truncate or eliminate fields on input, and it EXPORTS all the data you put in. This is an important feature. Occasionally we encounter librarians who cannot export data from their current system without paying their original vendor an additional fee. 

Multiple-database access

Lex is designed to access two or more databases at one time. This permits records to be inspected in one database, modified and then transferred to the other. Some users like to reserve one database for a union catalogue of some sort, the other as a local database. 

Editing MARC records

The term MARC refers to the industry standard for storing "Machine Readable Cataloguing." In LEXIFILE, MARC records can be created online. TAGS , that identify MARC fields, can be changed from the standard ones provided. Special code numbers, called indicators, can be manually entered. Whole fields can be copied, or cut and pasted from other records. The cataloguer can "zoom out" from a record, copy data to buffer, zoom back to the edit screen and paste in the copied data. Alternately, the indexes can be searched and data transferred to the append screen. New append screens can be constructed from a complete list of MARC tags. 

Searching the database

Lex will allow you to search by indexed and non-indexed fields.  Fields with descriptive text in them are combined in a keyword index.. 

Printing or saving data

Data can be output to screen, printer or disk in these formats: MARC records in ASCII, MicroLIF or USMARC DISPLAY format, with field headings down left column LIBRARY CARD format, individually or in a set SPINE LABEL format (laser or dot-matrix) BIBLIOGRAPHY FORMAT, with titles underlined or italicized 

Importing data

Data can be imported to the database if it is in MARC record format: ASCII, USMARC or MicroLIF. There is no additional charge for a MARC interface module. Global changes can be made in the database during import. 

Circulation Control

Integration with Search and Cataloguing

All LEXIFILE modules and operations are totally integrated: when patrons search for items, they can check on the availability as of that instant. While in CIRC, the operator can see changes just made by a cataloguer. Without leaving CIRC, item and patron records can be edited. While taking inventory the system is aware of what material has been checked out, removed for repair, or marked as missing. 

Searching CIRC control

Patron records can be located by phone number, barcode, first name or last name. If more than one hit is found, a list of alternatives is provided. Items can be found by barcode, author or "word in title". 

Reports in CIRC

Overdue messages can be one-per-form, or by class list. Messages are locally configured. Different loan periods can be set for item and patron categories. Holds can be set and renewals made. Patrons can ask for an immediate printout of their current transactions, fines, overdues, etc. From the patron's record, fines can be paid and receipts issued. 

Circulation Statistics

A summary screen keeps track of loans per day, previous day, past month, past year and total to date. All transactions are logged, and the log can be sent to a printer one transaction at a time. 

Inventory

The Inventory can be taken in call number ranges, so that it can take place over a considerable period of time. The inventory functions are integrated with CIRC control, so the system knows when an item is not inventoried because it is in circulation. 

This means that inventory can be taken while the library remains open. 

Service

Service is handled anywhere in the continental USA or Canada with an 800 number. Using this web page or via email we can supply utility programs and program updates. 

LEXIFILE has gone through extensive development, and most new customers do not require assistance after the installation, especially if they are already certain of their standards of cataloguing. 

Sample programs are provided.  The DOS version (Lexifile) is fully functional and can handle small databases or ones of hundreds of thousands of records.  It runs under Windows very well. LexWin is much more user friendly and contains newer features not being provided in the DOS program. 

For pricing details, see our Product Pricing section.