Oasis uses true MARC records that require no reinterpretation. This results in exceptionally fast data retrieval. The transaction rates and effect of the system on hardware is dependent on the hardware supplied, number of transactions in a given time period, and the number of simultaneous connections. Fixed and vari- able USMARC fields, subfields, leaders, tags, and indicators are used in the system. All MARC fields and subfields are indexed and searchable (except in authority and holding records). All record types (bibliographic, holding, patron, authority, equipment, transaction, and specialty databases) conform to a standard MARC record structure. The maximum record length is limited by the MARC standard when using a MARC format. The MARC standard is 100K per record and 10K per field.
Bibliographic, holding, patron, authority, and equipment records are contained separately in table structures. Each table can hold up to 2 billion records. An unlimited number of tables can be created, enabling Oasis to store any number of records. Tables can span multiple hard disks on multiple servers to accommodate libraries with large volumes of records. Special interest databases, such as community resource lists and reading lists, can be added to the Oasis system for customized local use.
Disk Storage Requirements
Disk storage requirements for Oasis can be estimated using 3 MB of hard disk space per 1,000 records. This amount takes into account the program, record, and stored transactions. Each 9.1 GB hard disk on a file server is capable of accommodating approximately 3 million records.
