The Mandarin M3 Library Automation System is a native MARC  database and search engine designed by Mandarin Library Automation specifically for library use. Mandarin M3 is a 32-bit Microsoft® Windows®-based program, designed using client-server architecture and created using  C++  object-oriented program- ming and TCP/IP protocols.

 

M3 has the familiar feel of Windows that helps users navigate the system.  M3 has full Windows functionality and all modules use a graphical user interface (GUI). There is no need to exit one module to access a different  module.

 

 

M3 meets the following international library automation standards

Standard	Description
USMARC	Records in Electronic Form
NISO Z39.2	Information Interchange Format
NISO Z39.23	Standard Technical Report Number Format and Creation
NISO Z39.43	Standard Address Number for the Publishing Industry
NISO Z39.47	Extended Latin Alphabet Coded Character Set for Bibliographic Use
NISO Z39.50	Information Retrieval Service Definition and Protocol Specification for Open Systems Interconnection
NISO Z39.9	International Standard Serial Numbering (ISSN)
ISO 2108	International Standard Book Numbering (ISBN)
ISO 2709	Format for Bibliographic Information Interchange

 

The M3 Core Package is the basic building block of the M3 Library Automation System. All modules are discussed in later sections.

 

•     Catalog (searching/OPAC, and cataloging)

•     Circulation

•     Group Editor

•     Reports

•     Inventory

 

Optional modules include:

•     Authority Control

•     ZServer (Z39.50 server)

•     Syndetic Solutions

•     Textbook Module

•     Serials and Acquisitions