Advanced Binding Library Exchange (ABLE™)
The Library of Congress uses a web-based automated binding preparation system -- the Advanced Binding Library Exchange (ABLE) -- to prepare monographs and serials for commercial library binding and to quickly and accurately communicate information to the commercial bindery. ABLE interfaces with Voyager (ILS) to retrieve bibliographic data for monographs and is a database for serial item retrieval.
ABLE replaced the Library Automated Retrieval System (LARS), which had been in place since the 1980s, in 2012. The Library of Congress uses an enhanced version of ABLE, which is supported by ABLE vendors. The enhancements are optional for other uses.
Enhancement Highlights
Lot Dialog Window: new read-only fields that display shipment information for lots that are part of a shipment; Lot Style combo selection box for selecting styles; rename button that allows administrators to rename a Lot ID.
ABLE Data Export: allows user to export shipments or lots to an XML or a CSV file; new feature allows export of lots by workgroup.
Reports Dialog: allows user to filter the Lot Item report by shipment dates, shipment IDs, or lot IDs.
Lot Status Dialog: new columns for dates and workgroups; capability to filter lots by various criteria; status change feature; delete capability.
Instructional Dialog: redesign contains pre-defined lists of instructions for the bindery and temporary instructions; available tab for internal library instructional use.
Bindery Transfer Window: modified to replace binder and lot ID with shipment number and date; new features so administrators can create a shipment using the Create Shipment button or modify an existing shipment using the Modify Shipment button; window allows administrators to print a PDF transmittal form for documentation.
Main Title Screen: new Issues edit box; new Title Keyword search option; new format dropdown list that allows for the changing of formats while retaining bibliographic data.
- Users Guide for ABLE™ Library [PDF, 386 KB / 11 pp.]
