Cosmotron Bohemia, s.r.o.

Cosmotron Bohemia, s.r.o. is a Czech and Slovak technology company focused on the library sector. From its beginnings, the company has specialised in serving libraries, starting with barcode printing and book cover systems before expanding into the development of integrated library and information systems. Its flagship product is the Advanced Rapid Library (ARL) system, an integrated library system that automates cataloguing, acquisitions, subscriptions, circulation, statistics, reporting and interlibrary loans. ARL is designed to manage collections of all sizes, from small company libraries to large academic libraries, and is available in Czech, Slovak and English. The company operates across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with contact details and a Facebook page branded 'Cosmotron Slovakia & Bohemia'. It offers a broad portfolio for libraries and other memory institutions, including RFID technology for simplifying document loan and return, EM (electromagnetic) technology for document security, barcode and label printing, germicidal emitters, barcode scanners, library protection equipment, and outdoor book drop containers for self-service returns. Cosmotron also provides consultation, system design, integration, seminars, software-as-a-service and support services. Cosmotron Bohemia has been a pioneer in the region: it introduced RFID technology in libraries in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and was among the first to implement the Z39.50 protocol in both countries. It also contributed to building the National Union Catalog in the Czech Republic. The company continues to support libraries in fulfilling their mission to serve patrons, build collections and support research.

Cosmotron Bohemia, s.r.o. has focused on libraries since its beginning. The company started with barcode printing and cover systems, and later added the development of library and information systems and implemented standards. Its leading product is an integrated library system, originally called Rapid Library and currently known as Advanced Rapid Library (ARL). ARL helps automate libraries, museums, galleries, archives and other information centres, handling tasks such as cataloguing, acquisitions and subscriptions, indexing journal articles, checking books in and out, generating statistics and reports, and tracking interlibrary loans. The company implements the ARL system and offers support and annual upgrades according to contract. Cosmotron Bohemia was the first to introduce RFID technology in libraries in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It was also a pioneer in implementing the Z39.50 protocol in both countries, which is now widely used in libraries. The company helped build the National Union Catalog in the Czech Republic, and libraries continue to contribute to national authority files (names and subjects) using the Z39.50 protocol. Over time, Cosmotron expanded its offer to include more products for libraries, such as paper shredders, barcode printers and variable book cover systems, growing into a company that offers libraries everything they need to serve patrons, build collections and support research.

• Company founded, initially focused on barcode printing and cover systems for libraries.

• Introduced RFID technology in libraries in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, a first in the region.

• Pioneered the implementation of the Z39.50 protocol in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Helped build the National Union Catalog in the Czech Republic.

• Developed and launched the Advanced Rapid Library (ARL) integrated library system.

Provider of comprehensive automation and security solutions for libraries and memory institutions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Advanced Rapid Library (ARL)

  An integrated library system for automated management of library catalogs and collections, based on a client-server multilevel architecture, modular and scalable. Available in Czech, Slovak and English. Uses InterSystems Caché database.

• RFID technology

  Radio frequency identification technology that simplifies the process of loaning and returning documents or media.

• EM technology

  Electromagnetic technology for security of documents in the library, a simple, reliable and long-proven solution.

• Barcode and label printing

  EAN barcode printing and label printing services and equipment.

• Outdoor book drop container

  Self-service box for returning books outside, allowing readers to return books beyond library opening hours.

1. 1Cosmotron official websitecosmotron.cz
2. 2Services – Cosmotroncosmotron.cz
3. 3About Us – Cosmotroncosmotron.cz
4. 4ARL – Cosmotroncosmotron.cz
5. 5Wikidata entry for Cosmotron Bohemia, s.r.o.wikidata.org