KAAL to install ‘Horizon’ system

RIYADH, 15 July  — King Abdul Aziz University of Jeddah has signed an agreement with Riyadh-based Arabian Advanced Systems (AAS) to install “Horizon” library automation system in the university’s central library.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Currently, the library uses the Dobis/libis system. Horizon is said to be the world’s leading Arabic/English library automation solution.

In a statement issued here, A. Al-Abduljabbar, president of AAS, said the new system was chosen on the basis of a three-year study conducted by the university on various library automation solutions that the vendors offered.

“After careful  consideration of all the options in the market, King Abdul Aziz Library decided that ‘Horizon’ was the most comprehensive library automation solution,” Abduljabbar said, adding that the library had already been using “Horizon” in its Madinah and Tabuk branches.

Speaking on behalf of KAAL, Dr. Abbas Tashkendi, dean of libraries at KAAL, referred to the university’s “major program to modernize the library for the past few years under the auspices of the university director, and look at the Horizon system as a cornerstone in our development program.”

According to Abduljabbar, the “Horizon” system is built with versatility and ease of use in mind, with its graphical user interface (GUI) and its open architecture.

The system guarantees ease of use by the end-user and administrator, in addition to ensuring hassle-free implementation.

The multitasking nature of the “Horizon” system enables a host of services to be run simultaneously, while maintaining the system’s integrity. It is fully bilingual (Arabic/English), and is currently implemented in over 5,000 libraries around the world.