DRA User’s Group

Technology Committee Meeting [Summary]

June 5th, 2002

RPLS

 

Present:  Pat Burg - ISM, Paul Johnson – RPLS, Tammy Schnell – LLCC, Shelley Koehler – SPL, Chet Brandt - IECIC , Ann Adkesson – Barkclay PLD, Timothy R. Childers – Lincoln Library, Tim Schnabel – RPLS, Steve Craven – DPL, Junie Longbons – DPL

·        Pat Burg distributed a report that detailed the RPLS Consortium Survey results.  Tim Childers discussed trends he tracked while the survey results were being compiled.  The two most common comments were:   1. Need for integrated modules with the ability to move from one to the other seamlessly, and 2. Better local reporting capabilities.    The results also showed that school libraries have different concerns/needs than the other types of libraries, and most libraries want to be able to search local holdings first, and then expand out.

 

·         It was decided that Pat, Tim Childers and Tammy Schnell would compile a summary of the data to be presented at the Users Group Meeting.  It was decided that the summary should also include requirements by the Committee.  The Committee issued the following requirements:  Training for the new software; Service that delivers a product that is valid; Technical support; and Migration path (ability to deal with existing problems, or idiosyncrasies that may be unique to our database, and planning for and executing a smooth migration).

 

·        Paul Johnson reported on the RPLS Survey that was sent to non LLSAP members of the RPLS System. 

 

·        Paul reported on connectivity problems and what he and the computer staff have been doing to help individual libraries track where the problems originate.  He presented a form that libraries should use to report problems, and he hopes the form and associated data will be available on the website in the future.  Tim Schnabel discussed the form and fielded questions.

 

·        Paul continued his report on the River Bend Library System and their use of consultants.  He distributed an RFQ (request for quote) that RBLS used to find consultants to help with various aspects of selecting a new software company.  For example, they wanted help with RFP construction; vendor evaluation, selection and validation.  The Committee discussed the document and decided they would like to send out an RFQ.    This will be recommended to the Governing Board for Approval.  The Committee asked Paul to prepare a similar RFQ except for the scope of the project.   The scope of the project will be discussed by the Committee and refined at the next meeting.  The final RFQ will be presented to the Users Group on July 17th.

 

·        Next meeting will be on July 11th, 9:30 a.m. at Decatur Public Library.