M3 uses an elaborate, hierarchical security scheme that enables the librarian to assign levels of access for Cataloging, Circulation, Windows OPAC, and database maintenance features. Security in M3 is implemented through the use of the M3
Group Editor. The M3 Group Editor creates, customizes, and modifies the group permissions required to gain access to M3 functions. Groups are created with cus- tomized sets of parameters and privileges. The three default group types are patron, item, and special reserve. An unlimited number of each group type can be created.
M3 has many security measures in place to protect the integrity of the databases. Each module is accessed using a login name and password. Records that are marked for deletion are not removed from the database until a purge is performed. Various utilities, such as indexing and data repair, are available to the adminis- trator if a problem arises in the databases.