DRA User’s Group

Technology Committee Meeting [Summary]

March 21, 2002

RPLS

Present:  Pat Burg - ISM, Charlotte Davis – DPL, Ann Adkesson – Barklay PLD, Tammy Schnell – LLCC, Shelley Koehler – SPL, Helen Flynn – St. Teresa HS, Tim Schnabel – RPLS, Tim Childers – LL, Matt Wilkerson – DPL, Cheryl Bushnell – LLCC, Steve Craven – DPL, Pam Bradford –Central A&M HS , Eileen Curry – Windsor PLD, Paul Johnson - RPLS

• The committee discussed the suggestion of a technology survey to be sent to the Users Group.  It was decided that two surveys should be sent out; one to the Users Group, and one to the remaining RPLS libraries.    Suggestions were made regarding the questions for the survey.  It was decided that Pat Burg would begin drafts of these two surveys and Paul Johnson and Tim Childers would help refine and complete them. 
• The group decided to distribute the Technology Committee survey at the next Users Group meeting on April 18^th, and send remaining surveys for absentee members through the ILDS.  The other survey should be sent through the ILDS also.
• Paul reported on the Live N Learn Grant status.  He indicated the program will not be funded, and we will not have the grant support to add new members as we did previously.
• Paul mentioned an e-mail he received from Mary Anne Stewart from Heritage Trail.  It concerned the topic of using consultants for choosing new vendors.  Their system migrated from GEAC to SIRSI.  Paul gave a brief history of the RPLS LLSAP, and how previous migrations were handled.  Paul wanted the committee to discuss the possibility of using a consultant to help with the process of moving to a new product.  After considerable discussion, a vote was made to ask Paul to find out more about this concept.  The group is interested in cost, types of projects, etc.  This vote did not commit the Technology Committee to move forward with any formal process regarding the use of a consultant, only to investigate the possibility. 
• Cheryl Bushnell and Tim Childers discussed their experiences and impressions while at the SIRSI conference.  This included general impressions of what other DRA libraries are currently considering.
• It was suggested by Cheryl, that the group read the upcoming technology issue of American Libraries.  Paul said he would send the committee member each a copy.
• Paul described Bill Moen’s study.  The group discussed the possible impact of the study on the LLSAP.
• Charlotte Davis suggested we begin a timeline.
• The group discussed how quickly they would like to see a new product in place.  Most wanted to see a new product within two years from the meeting date.   The following timeline was established:
• April 18^th, 2002 – distribute  Technology Committee survey at Users Group Meeting; May 1^st, 2002 – Surveys due back;  April/May, 2002  - Paul to gather information about consulting services and costs; distribute automation article; August, 2002 – Bill Moen study complete; August, 2003  - complete process for, and sign contract for new product; February, 2004 – launch new product
• The next meeting was scheduled for May 9^th, at RPLS at 9:30 a.m.