ABLE Web page

Easy to Use

With just a few key strokes ABLE provides services that assist libraries in many ways. This PC/Windows based program links libraries' binding databases with Acme's; facilitating the exchange of information and automating many of the activities associated with library binding. ABLE automatically produces binding slips, packing lists, and title lists, both for shipments and library collections. ABLE can sort and bill by department and provide reports detailing monthly and year-to-date binding activities and expenditures.

One Time Charge

There is an installation charge, but this one time charge includes installation of the program and your binding database along with instruction, a handbook, free upgrades of the newest versions of ABLE, and on-site technical support for as long as you remain an Acme customer.

Labor and Money Saving Benefits

Libraries that have been using ABLE, tell us that the program has cut their binding preparation time dramatically. In addition to time, ABLE users can save money on their binding . There's no extra charge for vertical lettering), no charge for over 7 lines of text on a spine, and a 40% reduction in cost for call numbers. It doesn't take long for ABLE to pay for itself while freeing up limited library resources.

ABLE® Library User's Guide

The ABLE® Library: User Guide is now available for downloading in pdf format. A permanent link to the download is in the Resources section.

Advantages of ABLE

It is no longer necessary to file preprinted binding slips received from the binder, to search for misfiled binding slips, or to manually fill out binding slips with title, variable information, call number, cover color, print color, collation instructions, title number, library account number, library name, address, etc.

It is no longer necessary to store all those boxes of preprinted binding slips.

ABLE allows the library to call up titles by text (alphabetically), by call number, by ISSN/ISBN, by bindery ID number, by ABLE item number, or by private ID number (a free field available for many possible uses). Group or "fuzzy" searches are also possible (e.g., all titles beginning with the letters "CH").

ABLE allows the library to add, change, or delete titles from the data base. Title fields include binding category and class, department, collection, collation instructions, trimming instructions, leaf attachment instructions, cover color, print color, and many more. All instructions can be "saved" in the data base for future reference by the binder or by the library or may apply to one binding only (e.g., the instructions to remove advertisements may be "saved" to the data base of a particular title or may be printed out as a "this time only" instruction). Instructions can also be applied to broad categories of bindings without specific action by the library clerk. This information can be coded into the file maintenance program so that it automatically applies every time a particular category of binding is requested (e.g. all paperbacks shall be double-fan adhesive bound and lettered with white foil, all music shall be sewn through the fold, recased or double-fan adhesive-bound and shall be no trim, and all serials shall be bound flush with the bottom of the case). In all cases, binding instructions can always be handled through the ABLE software and the ABLE network at the bindery will be able to interpret them.

ABLE allows the entry of subscripts and superscripts that will automatically be interpreted by the binder's cover lettering equipment.

ABLE allows the operator to create "variable information" prompts such as "volume" or "month" or "year." The cursor can be easily moved to these variable fields by hitting the tab key. This facility speeds data entry by reducing needed key strokes when preparing serial volumes that require only the addition of the volume number, month, and year.

ABLE allows the operator to use "comment fields" to leave instructions for his/her future reference (e.g., index found in June issue of following year, or watch for supplement issues at year end). These "comments" appear prominently on the title composition screen, but do not print on the binding slip and will not be lettered by the binder on the spine of the bound volume.

ABLE has a "spine image" that gives a representation of the lettered spine based upon the input from the title composition screen.

ABLE has a "format" key to facilitate the data entry of books, paperbacks, theses, or new serial titles. The format key saves the redundant entry of information such as binding style, print color, buckram color, library imprint, department, and much more. Formats also prompt the library worker to complete necessary information in the proper sequence such as title, author and call number.

ABLE has a "history" screen, accessible with two key strokes, to view the history of any title in the data base. The history includes: which volumes of a title have been bound and when, what information was included on the spines of these volumes, what remarks have been recorded for these bound volumes, who first created this title and when, when this title was last updated and by what operator, what binder bound these volumes, and what volumes are currently at the bindery and when are they due back to the library.

ABLE allows the library to generate reports sorted by department. These reports can be arranged alphabetically, by call number, by ISSN/ISBN, by bindery title ID number, or by private ID number (a free field that can be used to reference a library's on-line circulation or acquisition system).

ABLE allows the library to print management reports that detail month-to-date and year-to-date expenditures and statistics on binding. These reports show the number of volumes bound in each binding category, the extra options requested for those bindings, and total and average costs of each binding category.

ABLE has "help" built into every field of every screen. Two key strokes can bring up a help remark to explain the use of every conceivable part of the program.

ABLE supports MARC Format data transfers and therefore should ease future links with acquisition, cataloging, circulation or serials control software. The necessary ABLE protocol is available from Mekatronics to facilitate any planned interface with other library automation systems.

A Novell local area network (LAN) compatible version of ABLE is available.

ABLE-generated diskettes are used to drive binders cover lettering equipment such as RB-7/11, GEM, System 2, and System 3, as well as to interface with Mekatronics MD-17 book size computers, and ABLE/Bindery production control systems. This machine-readable data transfer should eliminate lettering errors made by the bindery, guarantee consistency of bound serial volumes and save staff time previously devoted to checking the spelling of volumes returned from the binder.

ABLE has over five years of "beta site" field testing and has had library input from the beginning concerning screen layout and needed features. ABLE software is well-tested, bug-free and easy to use. A comprehensive user's manual is available.

Acme can start you off with a full data base of titles at the time of installation. These records are drawn from the binder's computer system and contain all the information needed by the binder to match your previously bound volumes.

ABLE/Library does not require the library to measure the unbound volume, to select the position of the lettered title, to determine the arrangement of words on the spine of the bound volume, or to provide any information not required with manual systems. ABLE is not more work or more difficult for the library. It is truly a time saver for the library. It is possible to reduce bindery preparation time by as much as 50%. Training and supervision of bindery preparation is also made much easier.

ABLE is not simply a fancy way of creating binding slips for the binder. In fact, with ABLE it is not necessary to create binding slips at all. Data base access at the library and the ability to create bindery shipment reports sorted alphabetically or by call number can do away with piles of binding slips that must be manually alphabetized and sorted through. Furthermore, the use of machine-readable diskettes by the binder greatly reduces the opportunity for error because bindery workers no longer must re-type binding slip information.

ABLE/Library v5.1 Computer Configuration and Hardware Configuration

ABLE requires the library to have an IBM compatible personal computer and an Epson compatible printer. The hardware must be configured as follows:

Microsoft Windows 3.1 or 95

IBM PC or equivalent (386, 486, or Pentium)

MS-DOS Operating System Version 5.0, or 6.xx

4 MBytes (or more) of memory -- RAM

20 Mbytes or more of hard disk space available. ( 6 MBytes for the program and 2 MBytes for every 600 titles saved)

VGA monitor (color is optional)

Epson compatible printer (memory buffer recommended) - Parallel is preferred but serial is supported.

3 1/2" 1.44 Mbyte disk drive--or--5 1/4" 1.2 Mbyte floppy diskette drive

Microsoft Bus Mouse