The History of LibraryWorld

LibraryWorld's mission: To build advanced technology tools to automate library collections.

Beginning in 1986, Apple Computer Product Manager Norman Kline built a library automation software program called 'The Mac Library System' that used Macintosh computers to automate a wide range of libraries in schools, special, academic and public libraries.

In 1990, LibraryWorld launched the first fully integrated cross-platform Macintosh and Windows program for library automation. Growth was spurred by the purchase of the Columbia Library System from the McGraw Hill Companies and the licensing of key technology to many companies in the information market sector. As the market expanded and began to saturate, Norman began to look for ways to revolutionize the library automation marketplace. Norman used his intimate understanding of programming and Silicon Valley entrepreneurship to develop a novel idea: move circulation record storage to remote servers, thus relieving the burden of server downtime on patrons, and allow collection managers to access their circulation information via Internet terminals.

Since then that idea has established LibraryWorld as a leader in Web based 'Cloud' library solutions. There are thousands of libraries currently using LibraryWorld in every state of the United States and in dozens of countries around the world. Every conceivable library type is represented including schools, academic, special, public, health, law, museums, film, architecture and many others. And Norman and his team are not done shaking up the marketplace. In mid-January they will release LibraryWorld Version 3.0, which will include essential upgrades, improved naviation, and unique social media features that provide powerful solutions for automaing collections of any size.