CCS News

OCTOBER 31, 2008

FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Help with SIP - The number of PC Reservation systems, Self Check Systems and other components using the SIP2 protocol are increasing all the time. Before signing on the dotted line with a vendor, it is a good idea to schedule a call with the computer room so we can advise on the steps you might need to implement your new SIP device. As a reminder, you might need a new SIP license, and in that case we will ask you for a PO. (Cost is $750.) Once we order the license for you, Sirsi will configure the system. That may take a few weeks. Then your installer can schedule an installation date with you and us. Some configuration needs to occur in your network as well as ours, so if you use a consulting service, be sure they are aware of your project and they have coordinated the schedule with us. Then Voila! you are ready to test on your new SIP device.

SERIES IN THE CCS CATALOG UPDATE:
There are lots of rumors going around (and they all are true) that the 440 series statement has been made obsolete. This proposal, which was approved at the ALA meeting last summer, was implemented by LC last Friday, Oct. 24th. Suffice to say that there is no cause for alarm. There will still be series statements in the CCS catalog, but instead of being coded in either of 2 fields as it is now, only one field will be used (the 830). CCS will implement any changes gradually, because OCLC is still determining how to do their changes on their billions of records and there is no new coding needed. At a later day, CCS will do a series of global changes so that all series will be coded the correct way. But for now, catalogers should still coding series as they have before.
Thank you,
--Virginia
Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that several people have asked recently if there’s anything that can be done about the annoying Java error message: “There are open wizards that require attention. Please close the wizards.” This issue has been discussed here before, but it bears repeating for the benefit of Phase II libraries that are just now becoming familiar with the Java client. The message typically pops up when you try to use function keys in Java and it’s a problem because closing the wizard usually prevents you from completing the action you were trying to do with the function key. For example, in the Circulation Module the F9 key brings up the Place Hold window when you’re in an Item Search & Display results screen. When you're in Detailed Display, F9 allows you to search for an item using the IS&D wizard and, when you locate the title you want, use the function key to place a hold on the item without switching to the Place Hold wizard. But if you close the wizard (as instructed in the error message), you can’t take advantage of the F9 key’s shortcut to placing holds.

To fix this, you need to activate the Multiple Windows Display option found under the Java Preference menu on the Desktop Setup window. Once you have the ability to open multiple windows, you will not see the error message or be blocked from using function keys. (But you’ll still see the message when you close a WorkFlows session that has open wizards.) The procedure for setting up multiple windows is not difficult and there’s a document on the CCS web page called Multiple Windows display in Java that illustrates how to add this option to the menu bar. It’s found on the Sirsi Resource Page, under the Documented Procedures column. -- Ken Victorson

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL FROM THE CCS STAFF!

CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:

None! (The Nov. 5 Catalogers workshop will NOT be held!)

CCS News

OCTOBER 24, 2008

FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Spell Checker – the Lucien Spell Checker has been running for a few days now with iBistro and so far so good. We have had GREAT feedback about this new feature. We are currently in a three month trial period and then plan to obtain a permanent license.

iBistro – over the weekend and at the request of PAS we will be making a little change to indicate when a patron is blocked. iBistro will now inform the patron: There is an issue with your account. Please contact the library...

Pictures – we will be working on a new CCS web site soon. Do you want to update your library’s picture? If so please send a .jpeg to Frank in the computer room.

Security testing on test iBistro – we have been doing some testing of HTTPS for securing iBistro session using the test server. So if you see reference to secure sessions on this server suddenly, it is likely that it is due to our testing. This is related to the ePay integration project that we plan to do with SirsiDynix.

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that we'll soon be installing Symphony 3.2.1 (the latest WorkFlows upgrade) on the CCS test server and I’m looking for volunteers to help test changes in the new release? In conjunction with the installation I’ll be distributing test scripts to each CCS Technical Group and would like every library to identify at least one experienced member of each department to review the changes. The five areas to be examined are: Acquisitions, Cataloging (including Authorities and Serials), Circulation, ILL, and PAS. There will be a separate test script for each of the five components and I’m hoping all libraries will find a tester for each area. This is a major new release and the modules have many fixes and enhancements in them. Some departments may elect to divide a test script into smaller sub-segments and ask more than one person to work on a portion of the script. NOTE: Symphony 3.2.1 testing will be conducted with the Java client. If your library is still using the C client for any operations, you'll have to test them in-house to verify that they still work with this release.

The primary purpose of our testing is to verify that fixes and enhancements to the 3.2.1 release are working as they should. But I hope testers will also take time to look at their normal daily tasks during testing to ensure that frequently used functions/wizards are all working properly. Time spent testing now will benefit the entire consortium in the long run. We want to avoid unpleasant surprises when we install this release on the production server and the best way to do that is to have as many people as possible test it thoroughly beforehand. You’ll be hearing more about Symphony 3.2.1 testing as the date for the new installation draws closer, but feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about the project. Please send me the names and email addresses of the staff members who’ll be helping with the testing as soon as you identify them, so I can begin to coordinate with them directly. – Ken Victorson

CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:

None! (How did that happen in October??)

CCS News

OCTOBER 17, 2008

FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Sunday iBistro – Last Sunday we had a nasty attempt against our iBistro server causing slowdown. We could tell that there was a script that someone had launched against one of the library OPACs. The problem was detected and the service to the offending IP was cut off. It was from a Comcast account that was not in one of our libraries. (Cyberspace, what a place...)
Lucien Trial – we are trying out the Lucien Spell Check on the test server. Watch for new news about the spell checker.

WorldCat Local Trial – our WorldCat Local trial libraries (NK, ZIK, DPK) are busy testing the WorldCat Local pilot on our test iBistro. We will do this for a short time longer and then we will launch the trial on the production iBistro server. This trial uses library standards NCIP as well as SIP and Z39.50 to query, authenticate and place holds on items though WorldCat Local.

Calendars of closed dates – the 2007 dates have been removed from the calendars. Watch for our email requesting new 2009 dates.

CCS Wiki – we continue to develop and add content to the CCS Wiki. When you consult this wiki you will see frequent changes. What do YOU want to see in the Wiki?? Let us know.

At the request of several libraries we just added a category for WebFeat installation and what is cool is that the libraries with WebFeat experience have been updating the information. Everyone can read our CCSWiki. If you need an invite key to update the CCSWiki then let us know through a Wonderdesk Incident. You can find the CCS Wiki easily from the CCS home page – just click on the News/Wiki tab. Don’t let the ccsdirectorsstation fool you – since we have expanded the scope we will be moving to a more general name soon.
(See also “Did You Know?” below!)


SPANISH HEADINGS DOCUMENT UPDATED:
An updated list of Spanish subject headings that appear in the CCS database was just posted to the Cataloger’s page of the CCS web-site. The previous version was dated 4/29, and this updated version is as of Oct. 10, 2008.
Go to Catalogers/Tech,
Then Catalogers Tools & Useful links, and
Then go down to near the bottom page where the link says “Spanish subjects” and click on it. It’s a PDF document.

The updated list of Spanish subject headings is in the same format as before with Spanish subject headings in one column, and a LCSH English equivalent in the other column.

Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that we’ve made significant changes to the Director’s Station Wiki in recent weeks? We’ve expanded it to include four other topics of interest and its official name has been changed to ccswiki. If you don’t already have Director’s Station Wiki access, you can still view the latest changes (in read only mode) by entering http://ccsdirectorsstation.pbwiki.com into the address field of your browser. On the ccswiki home page you’ll see that the box on the right of the screen now has links to five topics of general interest. In addition to Director’s Station, the new topics are: Java Client, WebFeat, EZProxy, and Catalogers/Technical Services. Open any of these links to view a range of documents, instructions, meeting minutes, manuals, and other information on the specified topic. Anyone can review any document on the wiki, but if you want to edit or add a new entry you must have a password (called an Invite Key by our wiki provider). Current Director’s Station users can still utilize their existing password/Invite Key to add or modify information in the revised wiki. If you’re not currently a Director’s Station user and want to have full access to the new and improved ccswiki, just send me a message and I’ll make the necessary arrangements and send instructions on how to navigate the site.

NOTE: For best results, I recommend using MS Internet Explorer when viewing the ccswiki. – Ken Victorson

CCS MEETING NEXT WEEK:

Wed., 10/22, 9:30, CCS: SCRAP

OCTOBER 10, 2008

FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:

Self-check upgrades - If you are considering any changes in your SIP needs or Self-Service units it is advisable to contact the computer room first. Some devices need further setup from our end (or from Sirsi) when they are installed - even if you have been using a similar device for some time. Often the vendors you are working with are not even aware that this is the case. We are happy to talk to any of the vendors to discuss and get these units operational as quickly and smoothly as possible.

CCSWiki- If you have been using the Directors Station Wiki you will find that the scope has been expanded to include more topics. All the Directors Station information is still there. Information on the Java client is being added. The Wiki is at http//ccsdirectorsstation.pbwiki.com. We will be changing the domain name of the wiki to something more general in the near future and will keep you posted.


AUTHORITIES UPDATE:

CCS sent 3727 bibliographic records to MARCIVE on Wednesday, Oct. 8th for Overnight Authorities Processing. The records have been processed and were reloaded into our system. Of the 3727 bibliographic records, MARCIVE returned 1173 updated bibliographic records. MARCIVE also sent us 1873 new authority records. CCS will be sending groups of records for processing each month, so that our database will be kept up to date as much as possible.

Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that I’m asking anyone who has attended a third-party workshop or seminar if they would be willing to share what they learned with the rest of us? At last week’s Continuing Education Steering Committee meeting it was pointed out that there are many worthwhile non-Sirsi classes taught in the area (such as those offered by NSLS) and individuals who weren’t able to attend a session would like to hear about your experiences at a workshop. Specific NSLS classes mentioned by the CESC group include“It’s in the AttitudeBecoming a Better Listener”, “Oh I wish I’d Said ThatTurn Negative Situations into Positive when Dealing with Difficult People”, and “The Resiliency Formula for Stress and Change.” The tips, tricks, and techniques presented in these (and other) classes are likely to be valuable to many members of the CCS community and I want to encourage participants to discuss what you learned
– either with staff at nearby libraries or at Technical Group meetings. If you’ve recently attended a workshop that you think would be beneficial to your CCS colleagues, and are willing to share what you learned, please contact me so we can discuss if, how, and/or when you might pass along your experiences and I will make arrangements as necessary. Ken Victorson

CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:

Wed., 10/15, 10:00, CCS: Executive Committee

Thur., 10/16, 9:30, Round Lake, ILL

CCS News

OCTOBER 3, 2008

FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
So slow on Wednesday October 1 – Although we have been working with Sirsi since the libraries reported our slowdown on Wednesday, the reason for the slowdown was not found. All avenues were checked and included the networks, the CPU usage, etc. It was suggested that when it happens again we should be logging transactions at one of the affected libraries with a special signon. This has been set up for the next time the problem occurs.

Have you lost a hold? - Around the first of September, many libraries reported occurrences of “lost holds”. One library suggested that the report OLD and EXPIRED HOLDS be consulted to review holds. Also we have found that sometimes multiple windows being open can confuse us when looking at a sequence of events. Finally, there is the situation when the item just manages to find its way to the wrong place – especially when the Circulation workroom is inundated with checkins! If you suspect a hold has gone lost – please be sure to send the patron barcode and name, the item barcode if pertinent, and any other related information like date patron was notified, and if notification was via email or SVA.

PATRON DATA ENTRY STANDARDS APPROVED: On October 2 the Governing Board approved the Patron Entry Standards. We are in process of posting the document under the Circ section of Member Resources on the CCS web site. You should already have a copy; we can e-mail one upon request to Richard Shurman or Roger Anderson.

SPELLCHECK IS COMING TO IBISTRO! The Governing Board also gave a green light to installing Lucien’s SpellCheck with iBistro. A two month trial will determine the subsequent quarterly pricing. We will announce when we have this ready to go.

DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that information about the library sending an in-transit item and the library to which it’s being sent is available in Java, but it’s not found in the same place as in the C client? In C, after locating an item using Item Search & Display and going to the Detailed Display screen, All Volumes tab, you look for the appropriate in-transit item and when you find it, click on the in-transit glossary associated with that item. (In Sirsi, a glossary is an entry or term with a dotted line under it that can be expanded to provide additional information.) When you click on the underlined in-transit entry, a small window pops up that says: “In transit to from for a hold”. It also gives you the date and time the item was sent. Knowing both the From and To libraries associated with an in-transit item can be useful when resolving holds problems and is a popular feature in the C client.

You can get the same in-transit information in the Java client, but it’s not found in a glossary. Instead, you search for the appropriate item using Item Search & Display, click Detailed Display, and select the Call Number/Item tab. (Basically the same procedure as above.) Under the Call Number/Item tab the information box located on the left will have INTRANSIT as the last piece of data on the item’s barcode line. (Again, this is basically the same as above.) What’s new in Java is the second box on the right of the Detailed Display screen, which has five additional tabs above it: Item Info, Circ Info, Bills, Checkouts, and Holds. Under the Item Info tab, the barcode for the in-transit item is the very first piece of data shown. Highlight the barcode and copy it (using Ctrl C). Then click the Check Item Status wizard and paste it (Ctrl V) into the Item ID field and click Check Status. The status results window will show the same in-transit information as the glossary in the C client and it supplies a lot of other information about the hold as well. – Ken Victorson

CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:

None!