Abstract

ISIS –the popular software developed at UNESCO– is a classic tool for database management. Nonetheless, in some cases the fact that it is freeware has made it seem less desireable than commercial alternatives. Although not designed as open software (despite being distributed free of charge), some modules and additional applications, such as the IsisMarc editor, have been developed using open code. IsisMarc provides an interface that is easily adapted to various MARC formats for catalog management, incorporates a Z39.50 client, and permits authority control. It can be integrated with other ISIS tools to publish databases to the web. ISIS also provides the foundation for various open software programs for library management (Catalis and OpenMarcoPolo).