Technology Committee Minutes

November 25, 2003

Decatur Public Library

Meeting was called to order at 9:37 a.m. by Chairperson Shelley Koehler.

Present were:  Joan Rhoades, Clinton; Ann Adkesson, Warrensburg; Debbie Webb, Chatham; Tim Childers, LL Springfield;  Jean Campbell, Forsyth; and Terry Moreland, RPLS .

Shelley opened the meeting by broaching the topic of the potential for merger, which has recently been discussed in the Prairie News.  Brief discussion followed in which it was mentioned that the funding received by the Systems has been rolled back to the 1984 level.  The dire fiscal condition in the state is what is driving merger discussions.

Equipment:  Shelly reported that all LLSAP members are aware of the required computer specs for running the new software.  Several have placed orders through Steve Look.

Digitalization:  Pat Burg was not present to report on digitalization.  Discussion on that was tabled for a later meeting.

Implementation: Terry Moreland reported on the progress that has been achieved at the system regarding the change over to the new generation system.  There are weekly conference calls between Dynix and RPLS; profiling work is proceeding; and circ policy files are being worked with in batches.

Other:  There was discussion regarding the establishment of an informational site where there would be weekly updates concerning the new generation system.  This would be a source of current system events,  a way to disseminate critical information about equipment needs or timetables, and  updates on progress.  The site would link to the RPLS website. 

Member libraries have received the training CDs.  One of the informational pieces on the above referred to site will be about these.  One important consideration is that anyone who wants to apply for the training must have trained on all of the CDs completely to be eligible.  Shelley listed three other factors to be discussed:  1)  Blocks of time are needed to familiarize oneself  with the material in the training; 2) an Exit strategy is necessary to keep from starting over each time; and, 3) Extra copies need to be made available to those who are unable to burn CDs. 

Terry reported that there is an off-line back-up to use for circulation on the four days when the transition is made; no cataloging functions can be carried out at that time.

After December 31^st, the Data Base standards Committee will handle problems with errors in the database.

Ann reported that 19 libraries are participating in the Questionpoint Program and that it is scheduled to go live on Monday December 1^st.

The next meeting of the committee will be on Tuesday January  27^th at 9:30 a.m. at RPLS. 

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Campbell