Reviewed by Michelle Vanni
Georgetown University

Library Master 3.0 (LM30) is a textual database management system which excels in the storage and formatting of bibliographic information. Although Version 3.0 will run under Microsoft Windows 3.0 or later, it is a DOS-based program and was tested as such. In either environment though, it is possible to run a word processing program and LM30 at the same time, facilitating database consultation while writing.

The software is accompanied by two manuals. The first, a user's guide called Getting Started, is well coordinated with the second, a Reference Manual. For every discussion in the Getting Started tutorial, for example, a pointer is given to additional detailed information supplied in the Reference Manual. In addition, the glossary and appendices which appear at the end of the Reference Manual assist the user in following the instructions in the user's guide. This new version continues to feature context-sensitive on-line help and macros for easy navigation as well as a center-screen, Turbo-style interface with hot keys. Although quite responsive, it is decidedly unsophisticated. Users accustomed to a less keyboard-intensive environment might find it restrictive.

Versatility and flexibility characterize the functionality of LM30. Like earlier versions, LM30 provides two basic bibliographic database structures. One is a standard model (BIBLIO1) and the other (BIBLIO2) is a variation of the standard which incorporates a special field for references to passages in literature or scripture. The documentation invites users to modify these basic structures to meet their own needs. For example, one might customize the database to maintain a catalog or mailing list, or organize notes for a thesis or article. Data Entry/Text Editing

Featured improvements in this version include automatic capitalization and abbreviation tables. Users are advised not to be concerned about choosing the correct case (upper or lower) for a character when entering titles and company names into record fields. This is because capitalization conventions in reports are determined by the Style Sheet selected. Conversely, one can include special capitalization or punctuation in a company name or foreign title by using special purpose codes in the data entry. Abbreviation tables are explained in detail in the Reference Manual. Up to three abbreviations for each entry are permitted and can be used to replace the contents of any field. Abbreviations can also specify a set of standard field entries. Since proper sorting depends on consistency in, for example, journal title abbreviations and keyword spellings, users who rely on accurate searching and sorting will appreciate this new feature.

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System Requirements:
PC; minimum 640K of RAM and a hard disk, DOS 3.3 or later and 5MB of available hard-disk space. It is also compatible with Microsoft Windows.

Version:
Latest: 3.02
Reviewed: 3.0

Availability:
From the publisher or call 1-800-SOFT-LIB. US $249.95 (retail), US $199.95 (educational), US $124.95 (student).

Demo:
The demo is available via the demo page.

Screen Capture:
(Click for larger image)

View 1: Main Menu

View 2: Editing Mode with Formatted-Record Viewer