Handy Library Manager for small school library.

Questions and answers from school libraries:

Question: We are looking into different Library systems for our small elementary school. Our teachers need the Lexile information on the book spine. Is it possible for the Lexile number to be printed on the label?

Answer: Yes, you can track Lexile information. There are several extra data fields that the school librarian decides how to use. This topic explains how you can design spine labels with any data field.

Question: I have been researching Library software for our College. Primarily we need to log our small library, have an easy way to check books in and out (have volunteer students who do this), have a way to track books that are checked out, be able to add books via ISBN number on the internet, we do have a scanner that we purchased so I hope it will work to scan in the books, and we only need the software to run on one computer in the library.

Answer: Small school libraries use our Handy Library Manager. The system provides an easy way to loan books, and volunteers can do this easily. Loaned out books and more you can verify in the manage loan window. Books you can quickly add to the system with auto cataloging by ISBNs feature. Our program is barcode scanner ready.

Question: Do you accept purchase orders from School Districts?

Answer: Yes, we process purchase orders. You can send it by email.

Question: My question is if I pay the $304.95, it will be forever on my school computer or do I have to renew it every month, year?

Answer: It's a one-time payment, and the software is on your computer.

Question: Does School Library manager work on a network? I mean how do we make catalgoue accessible for students? Is it a web based library application or client programme?

Answer: You can install the software on your network computer with Windows and access it from client computers connected with the server. We also offer a cloud version.

Question: I am a middle school teacher running a small middle school library. I am often not available to check books out for students since I also teach. So students need to be able to easily check books out independently.

Answer: The system provides an easy way to loan books, and students can do this easily.

Question: I am one librarian in an elementary school. I am the only person who would be accessing the program so do I need the 1 User license for $345 or do I need the School LIcense (network license) for $545? I'm not clear on what the difference is.

Answer: In your case, you need on user license ($345). The school license (network) is for server-clients installation.

Question: I would like to know the differences between small to medium-sized school libraries. Each one says there is no limit to the number of items or patrons, so what is the difference between a SMALL school library and a MEDIUM school library? For context, I am the acting librarian (I do not have a library science degree) for three schools in a district. Each school has a different sized library, but all are fairly small. Would they all be considered small because I am not a certified librarian (and I am the only library staff)?

Answer: In our library packages, we use "small", "medium", "large". Those terms refer to how our software is installed on the library computer(s). For example, we have tiny specialized libraries with only 1000 items, but the library is using our "large school library" package. In this case, the software is installed on the network system, and many client computers access the library database from the server. Suppose you run your library from one computer, then choose a small library package. In that case, it supports all library management features, and there is no limit on the number of items you will manage. Therefore, the cost will be only $345 + support.

Question: I am the librarian at Trinity Christian School. TCS is a small Christian school.
I am looking for a new library program. I downloaded the trial version of your Handy Library Manager. For what have seen it seems like it would be a good fit for our school.
My questions are:
1) Can I use a scanner to add new books to the library? We are planning on re-entering all of our book as our past system crashed.
2) Is there a difference between the Handy Library system I downloaded for the trial and the one we would purchase for the school version?

Answer: 1. Use the barcode scanner to add new books to the library.
2. There is no difference between the purchased and the trial versions. Handy Library Manager (trial) is fully functional and only time limited.

Question: What software is best for my library? I have a small elementary school library. I need to upgrade to a newer program to check out books, catalog books, etc. What software do you suggest? We have a PC with Windows 7.

Answer: You can download and test our Handy Library Manager. Check-in/out features you will learn in seconds. To catalog your books, use the book's ISBN. And the software is very affordable.

Question: I'm researching library management software options for our small private school. I've been using an app called "Bookshelf" to catalog our items.
1. Since I'm using the Bookshelf app now and it will convert to an Excel spreadsheet, I see there is an extra charge for you to modify that to fit the layout of the handy library manager. What would that cost be?
2. I see there is a special offer for schools, churches, and nonprofit libraries for the additional $200 unlimited one location license. Does this have to be renewed annually or is it a one-time payment?
3. Within our current app, I have our items entered into shelf location, book level, and other tags. Would that information be able to transfer to Handy library manager easily?

Answer: 1. Use the export feature in the Bookshelf app and send the file to us. We can transfer data from text or marc files. There is no extra charge for this service.
2. The special offer is for the network license. The license does not have to be renewed. It is a one-time payment.
3. Handy Library Manager offers many data fields. We can transfer all your data information, such as shelf location, book level, and other tags.

Question: What would be the best solution for our school? Windows 11;
We are a small school with a library of about 8000 books. We try to add an additional 125-150 books annually to our library.
1. We need to update our library management / check-out tool from BookCat, which is out of date and no longer supported.
2. We use a single workstation in the library for cataloging purposes. However, we would like teachers and students to be able to access the library catalog from their classroom and individual device.
3. We would also need a barcode scanner. Currently we do not use a scanner system for check-out, we still use the old card check-out system, but we would like to transition to a bar-code and scanner system.

Answer: Many similar-size school libraries use our Handy Library Manager.
1. We can transfer your data to our system.
2. You can configure a desktop library OPAC or use a web search configuration.
3. Review our compilation of library supplies (scanners, labels, backup media, and more). Finally, review how easy it is to process the check-out.

Question: We are a small Catholic School, currently without any type of library management system. Can you advise what the cost is? It appears the base cost is $345, but I am confused about the school licensing charge. We are writing a grant for the cost, and it is imperative that we have accurate pricing.

Answer: Handy Library Manager base cost is $345.00.
The support is optional, it costs 59.95/year.
Network installation cost additional $200.00, there is no limit on the number of computers/users.

Small School Libraries use our Handy Library Manager

Questions and answers from school libraries: