In the late 1990s, RILM began the development of a new editorial database system designed to modernize its bibliographic indexing operations. This project eventually became iBis–the Internet Bibliographic Indexing System–a web-based platform that fundamentally changed how RILM manages, edits, and shares its data. Developed by SoftWhite, Inc., a New York–based software company, iBis was designed by lead programmers Rick White and Will Limratana using a SQL Server database and a web-based interface built in ASP/VB. The system replaced existing workflows with a centralized, more efficient platform capable of supporting RILM’s expanding international network.
Development experienced significant challenges and delays due in part to the events of 11 September 2001. SoftWhite’s offices were located adjacent to the World Trade Center, preventing the development team from accessing their workplace for an extended period following the attacks. As a result, the anticipated launch schedule was pushed back considerably. Despite these setbacks, the vision for the new system remained clear. The International Center anticipated significant gains in productivity through IBis features such as automatic defaulting from authority lists, the ability to view abstracts while indexing records, and advanced filtering tools that would allow editors to focus on records within their areas of expertise. The system was also designed to support direct participation from national committees, enabling them to enter records into the database over the Internet while accessing RILM’s authority files and editorial tools in real time. This promised to improve data consistency, reduce duplication of effort, and eliminate the need for rekeying records at the International Center.
After several years of development, iBis entered beta testing in 2003. Editors at the International Center spent several weeks working simultaneously in both the old and new systems to ensure that the platform functioned as intended. The successful testing period paved the way for a full transition to iBis in August 2003. The move brought immediate benefits. One of the most important advances was the ability to output data in Unicode, allowing the accurate display of diacritical characters from languages around the world. While not all RILM’s publishing and distribution partners were prepared to support Unicode at the time, the transition represented a major step toward more accurate representation of international scholarship.
Furthermore, expanded access for national committees through iBis meant that committees would be able not only to create new records but also to modify existing ones directly within the database. Development of this committee access level was scheduled to follow shortly after the system’s launch, with testing planned in the months ahead. The final phase of development focused on creating tools that would support the export of data for RILM’s printed volumes.
The launch of iBis at the International Center represented a milestone in RILM’s technological evolution. Although some components–specifically a new print production module–remained under development, the core system quickly showed its value. Twelve national committees adopted the new editorial database system during its initial rollout, joining the editorial staff in using iBis for their daily work. RILM envisioned expanding participation so that many national committees could work directly within the platform. To achieve this goal, ongoing refinements were planned to make the interface as efficient and user-friendly as possible. The successful implementation of iBis was aided by the contributions of numerous collaborators, including Lenore Coral and Julie Schnepel, who tested the system on behalf of the national committees and provided valuable feedback that helped shape its development. By storing data in Unicode and providing web-based access to editorial tools, authority files, and bibliographic records, iBis established a foundation for a more connected and efficient RILM.
