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ISAP on NISCBase: official launch 29 March 2007
The NISCBase system provides for a technologically advanced data capture system and database cleaning facilities to improve standardisation and data integrity on ISAP.
History
Since 2000, the need for ISAP to utilize modern technology for furthering standardization and validation of indexing increased dramatically. On the mainframe system the indexing software was outdatedexpensive, time consuming and unreliable.
NISCBase software is known as a relational system with powerful editing and database cleaning features.
In November 2005 an ISAP "revamp" project plan was drawn up in cooperation with NLSA ICT and
NISC for the customisation and installation of NISC's NISCBase data capture system on a dedicated server at NLSA.
At NISC the software customisation was completed and tested, manuals were finalized, and data converted and the database populated.
An extra ISAP staff member with the required level of indexing and editing expertise had to be appointed at NLSA in February 2006 to assist with editing and database cleaning.The indexers on contract had to upgrade their computers and attend training in the use of the new software.
On 29 March 2007, the official launch of ISAP on NISCBase was celebrated.
John Tsebe, National Librarian, welcomed all, and Joan de Beer, Deputy National Librarian, gave some background leading to the NLSA / NISC agreement.
Elmare Broodryk, Programme Executive: Bibliographic Services, acted as chair person. ISAP staff presented information on an improved process and product illustrated with examples.
Margaret Crampton, Director of NISC, shared the story of ISAP's success as popular database.
