Library Systems Update 29th June 2009

1. Hardware – the 4 servers in the Systems Office have all been moved to IT services now and are working successfully there, including the extra telephone lines for the automated renewals service. We have some data on them that we want to transfer to a more modern database, probably MySql and this will be investigated this summer.

Ground floor refurbishment – self service machines, OPACs etc all moved to various other floors. SB Telepen moved the 3M security system to the new entrance last week but the set up of the book security will not be finished until tomorrow (Tuesday). This work was officially requested at very short notice, only a few days before it had to be done. The old turnstiles are not being used in the temporary entrance.  All current staff loans have been extended until June 2010 automatically, to reduce pressure on the temporary issue desk

Two new Self Service machines have arrived and are in storage till after Blue Ground finished

Reading lists – some improvements to the existing reading list system eg OPAC entries for items on a list now correctly display the link to that list. Further instructions going out to staff about this.

SMS text messaging – trial will be underway soon.

2. Talis. Alto version 5 due late summer but no installation date yet. Will move to release 15 of Sybase, so major changes to the underlying database structure.

Prism 3 is now running and we have sent in a number of comments based on testing by cataloguing staff, mainly relating to foreign language  scripts and to marc tag display. Kevin and Chris  from IT have produced a suggested screen layout for Manchester.

Finance integration with Oracle – proceeding on schedule. Weekly telephone conferences between Library, Accounts and Talis staff. Test database set up on our server  now.

Decisions –  workshop tomorrow.

3. Room bookings system Hardware being put in to the room doors last week and this. Some networking to be installed next week. Software will be installed  around 13^th July.

4. SOYP I am on the IT services Start of Year Project group. I am particularly concerned with getting student data into Talis before the students arrive but can also report on any other issues.