CCS News
JANUARY 9, 2009
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Lucien spell checker – we were not aware of this until right before the New Year holiday when Lucien sent us a message. Their spell checker was down for nearly two weeks but it is fixed now. Our trial is nearly ended (it was extended for a month in apology for the service interruption) and we will be considering whether to license this service. We learned from Lucien that in our system we do over 14,000 iBistro queries per day on average.
NSLS RBP data – we had word earlier this week that the NSLS RBP data had been posted incorrectly by NSLS. They had added together two months’ worth of our data. NSLS tells us this was fixed as of Jan 6.
Computer Operator – one of our night operators is considering a career change and relocation, and we will be searching for a new computer operator to start very soon on the Tuesday and Thursday evening shifts. Do you know a good person for this position? If so please let Linda know. The complete job description is available from her.
SUBJECT HEADING CHANGES WORTHY OF NOTE:
There are 2 subject headings changes worthy of note concerning children’s materials. What was “Radio programs for children” is now “Children’s radio programs”. The big change (or the one with a lot of materials in our database) is from “Television programs for children” to “Children’s television programs”. All affected bibliographical records in our database have been changed, and there are references that will redirect catalog users.
The singer, songwriter Cat Stevens or Yusuf Islam also had some work done in our catalog. Since he changed his name a while back, all headings were found under Islam. But it was decided recently that Cat Stevens and Yusuf Islam are really 2 separate identifies of 1 person, and so now works by this author are entered under the name used in the item. All affected bibliographical records had their headings changed back to “Stevens, Cat, 1948-“, but you can still search for works by him under “Islam, Yusuf, 1948-“ (and there are references between the 2 names).
--Virginia
Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that an outdated version of the Staff Core Competency training document was mistakenly posted to the CCS web page and it’s been replaced with the correct item? The original document was developed by a committee of CCS librarians in June of 2001, but it didn’t cover hardware functions, web applications, and Sirsi modules that are commonly used today. In 2007, the Continuing Education Steering committee collaborated to rewrite the Staff Core Competency Assessment to incorporate skills that are needed now but didn’t exist at the time the first version was created. It now includes such things as:
- Generic computer skills: Printer maintenance, portable storage devices, backup systems, and email.
- Office Equipment: Copiers, fax machines, scanners, and telephones.
- General Software usage: MS Windows basics, web browsers & search engines, files & folders, basic network operations, online calendars, word processing, and spreadsheets.
- Sirsi operations: Acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, and iBistro.
- General troubleshooting issues.
The document is now called “Staff Core Competency Skills Assessment” and replaces the obsolete version on the CCS web page.
The Core Competency Assessment was designed to help library supervisors evaluate the knowledge, personal attributes, and technical skills of newly hired employees, or to verify that current staff have achieved a specific level of competency through training. It can also be used as a checklist of topics to be covered when training newly hired staff. It’s intended to be a comprehensive inventory of skills an employee might need to do a range of library jobs, so few if any employees will have all skills addressed in the document. To use it effectively, supervisors should review it and delete areas that aren’t relevant to the library position being assessed. You’ll find the Staff Core Competency Skills Assessment in the Sirsi Resources section of the CCS web page, under the New & Noteworthy heading. – Ken Victorson
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Wed., 1/14, 10:00, CCS: Executive Committee
Thur., 1/15, 9:30, Des Plaines: PAS
Fri., 1/16, noon, Jameson’s: Technical
Group Chairs lunch
Friday, December 19, 2008
CCS News
DECEMBER 19, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
System slowness - We have been on the phone quite a bit with Sirsi regarding the slowness. On Monday December 22 we will need to turn system logging on This will be done between 7:15 and 8am on Monday morning with Sirsi’s assistance. It will require a very short time of system interruption while we reboot.
Sirsi has advised that they have never seen this cause difficulty or slowdowns; however, we want you to be informed just in case. We will be in the computer room, so please call us to assist in case there are any difficulties at all. Sirsi will also be monitoring with us starting at that time and will watch with us through Tuesday morning when we will turn the logging off between 7:30 and 8:00 am again. Usually we don’t do these things on Mondays but in this case it is important to get the measure as soon as possible, and it will also give us some circulation statistics for when book drops are being emptied.
Holiday hours – the computer room will adjourn for the Christmas holiday beginning at 1:15 pm on Dec 24. This will accommodate the libraries that are open that day. The computer room will be closed on Dec 25.
The computer room will be closed starting at 5:15 on New Years Eve and will be closed all day News Years Day. Your favorite Computer Room staffer will be taking some time off over the holidays – so it might help you to know that generally speaking Frank will be gone Dec 19-25, Linda will be gone Dec 23-28, Willie will be gone Dec 26,29,31,Jan 2 and Bob will be gone Dec 29-Jan 3.
Snow plans –It is a good time to let everyone know what our plan is in case of snow. When it is fairly certain that incapacitating snow is on the way we will turn our regular support line to roll over to our cell phones before we leave the office. We will monitor the systems from home.. If a snowstorm surprises us and we are unable to get into the office – you can still always still reach us on the emergency number which is 866-537-2406 during regular support hours. This number is also given on general mailbox greeting when we are not in the office for some reason.
Bottom line: Our support number 847-342-5303 is ALWAYS a good way to reach us.
CARY TO RESUME HOLDS: Cary will accept holds from other libraries again as of January 6.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that several new Java users have asked why they can’t open more than one window in WorkFlows? The fact is, you can have multiple windows open in Java, but you can’t tell they’re open by looking at the screen unless you’ve activated the Window option on the Menu Toolbar. This option is not available when Java is initially installed on a PC and must be turned on manually by the user. (Under the Preferences menu, go to Desktop/Desktop Setup. Place a checkmark in the box at the bottom of the screen labeled “Multiple windows mode” and restart WorkFlows.) Once activated, the Window heading is added to the Menu Toolbar and when multiple windows are open it provides four ways to view them. (Tile, Cascade, Horizontal, and Vertical).
In addition to making different views available, the Window option turns on a useful keyboard command (Ctrl+F6) that allows you to switch between open Java windows the same way you use Alt+Tab to switch from one open application to another on your PC’s desktop. Fans of keyboard shortcuts may be familiar with the Alt+Tab key combination to move between several open Microsoft desktop applications without using the mouse. The Java shortcut works basically the same as Alt+Tab does in MS Windows. If you have more than one Java window open, press and hold down the Ctrl key and then press the F6 key to move backward from the currently open window to the previous open window. If you have more than two WorkFlows windows open, it will continue to backtrack through the windows in the order you opened them until you reach the first window in that session. Once you’re back to the original window, typing Ctrl+F6 again will take you back to the last window opened and start the process all over again. And there’s another good reason for implementing the Window menu option. It’s a work-around for the annoying Java error message: “There are open wizards that require attention. Please close the wizards.” Once you add Window to the Menu Toolbar, you’ll stop seeing that particular Java error. Ken Victorson
NO CCS NEWS TILL JANUARY 9:
We’ll take a holiday break and skip the next two weeks of this bulletin. Happy holidays to all from the CCS staff!
CCS MEETINGS THE NEXT THREE WEEKS:
Wed., 1/7, 2 PM, Ela: Long Range Planning Committee
Fri., 1/9, NSLS: Circulation
DECEMBER 19, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
System slowness - We have been on the phone quite a bit with Sirsi regarding the slowness. On Monday December 22 we will need to turn system logging on This will be done between 7:15 and 8am on Monday morning with Sirsi’s assistance. It will require a very short time of system interruption while we reboot.
Sirsi has advised that they have never seen this cause difficulty or slowdowns; however, we want you to be informed just in case. We will be in the computer room, so please call us to assist in case there are any difficulties at all. Sirsi will also be monitoring with us starting at that time and will watch with us through Tuesday morning when we will turn the logging off between 7:30 and 8:00 am again. Usually we don’t do these things on Mondays but in this case it is important to get the measure as soon as possible, and it will also give us some circulation statistics for when book drops are being emptied.
Holiday hours – the computer room will adjourn for the Christmas holiday beginning at 1:15 pm on Dec 24. This will accommodate the libraries that are open that day. The computer room will be closed on Dec 25.
The computer room will be closed starting at 5:15 on New Years Eve and will be closed all day News Years Day. Your favorite Computer Room staffer will be taking some time off over the holidays – so it might help you to know that generally speaking Frank will be gone Dec 19-25, Linda will be gone Dec 23-28, Willie will be gone Dec 26,29,31,Jan 2 and Bob will be gone Dec 29-Jan 3.
Snow plans –It is a good time to let everyone know what our plan is in case of snow. When it is fairly certain that incapacitating snow is on the way we will turn our regular support line to roll over to our cell phones before we leave the office. We will monitor the systems from home.. If a snowstorm surprises us and we are unable to get into the office – you can still always still reach us on the emergency number which is 866-537-2406 during regular support hours. This number is also given on general mailbox greeting when we are not in the office for some reason.
Bottom line: Our support number 847-342-5303 is ALWAYS a good way to reach us.
CARY TO RESUME HOLDS: Cary will accept holds from other libraries again as of January 6.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that several new Java users have asked why they can’t open more than one window in WorkFlows? The fact is, you can have multiple windows open in Java, but you can’t tell they’re open by looking at the screen unless you’ve activated the Window option on the Menu Toolbar. This option is not available when Java is initially installed on a PC and must be turned on manually by the user. (Under the Preferences menu, go to Desktop/Desktop Setup. Place a checkmark in the box at the bottom of the screen labeled “Multiple windows mode” and restart WorkFlows.) Once activated, the Window heading is added to the Menu Toolbar and when multiple windows are open it provides four ways to view them. (Tile, Cascade, Horizontal, and Vertical).
In addition to making different views available, the Window option turns on a useful keyboard command (Ctrl+F6) that allows you to switch between open Java windows the same way you use Alt+Tab to switch from one open application to another on your PC’s desktop. Fans of keyboard shortcuts may be familiar with the Alt+Tab key combination to move between several open Microsoft desktop applications without using the mouse. The Java shortcut works basically the same as Alt+Tab does in MS Windows. If you have more than one Java window open, press and hold down the Ctrl key and then press the F6 key to move backward from the currently open window to the previous open window. If you have more than two WorkFlows windows open, it will continue to backtrack through the windows in the order you opened them until you reach the first window in that session. Once you’re back to the original window, typing Ctrl+F6 again will take you back to the last window opened and start the process all over again. And there’s another good reason for implementing the Window menu option. It’s a work-around for the annoying Java error message: “There are open wizards that require attention. Please close the wizards.” Once you add Window to the Menu Toolbar, you’ll stop seeing that particular Java error. Ken Victorson
NO CCS NEWS TILL JANUARY 9:
We’ll take a holiday break and skip the next two weeks of this bulletin. Happy holidays to all from the CCS staff!
CCS MEETINGS THE NEXT THREE WEEKS:
Wed., 1/7, 2 PM, Ela: Long Range Planning Committee
Fri., 1/9, NSLS: Circulation
Thursday, December 11, 2008
CCS News
DECEMBER 12, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Open Holds Pick List and Slowness – periods of slowness were experienced late Wednesday afternoon. Sirsi was alerted and will have an opportunity to process the data. We would like to re-instate the mid-day pick list, but we might have to pick a different time based on the feedback that you have been sharing with us. Please stay tuned.
Holidays – the last day all computer room staff will be in the office is Wednesday, December 17. After that we begin some staggered vacation time and you might find that your favorite CR staffer is off for a period of a few days with the family. Computer Room will be closed Christmas Day and New Years Day and will be shortening schedules on Christmas Eve (night) and New Years Eve night, but we can support any open libraries using our emergency number.
AUTHORITIES UPDATE:
CCS sent 2142 bibliographic records to Marcive on Wednesday, Dec. 10th for Overnight Authorities Processing. The records have been processed and were reloaded into our system. Of the 2142 bibliographic records, Marcive returned 763 updated bibliographic records. Marcive also sent us 993 new authority records. Marcive’s speedy service insures that the CCS database is kept up to date as much as possible with current headings and references. -- Virginia R. Seward, CCS Authorities Librarian
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know there are two documents on the CCS web page that provide step-by-step instructions for using the Place Blanket Hold wizard - one for Java and one for the C client? Blanket holds can be an excellent solution for patrons who want a particular title immediately and don’t care what physical form it’s in. For example, they’re willing to accept a book in hard cover, paperback, large type, or illustrated edition - as long as they receive the item quickly. The Place Blanket Hold wizard allows you to put holds on multiple copies of an item in any format and the first available copy of that title (regardless of the format) will satisfy the hold. The other holds on that title will automatically be canceled when the hold has been filled. To review the documents that describe the Place Blanket Hold procedures, go to the CCS web page and select the link for Sirsi Resources. The instruction for the Java client is called: "Blanket Hold Procedure in Java" and it’s found under the Documented Procedures column on that page. The instruction for the C client is called: "Blanket Hold Procedure" and is also found under the Documented Procedures column on that page.
NOTE: The wizard for placing Blanket Holds may not currently be available on your Java toolbar. See my article in the November 6, 2008 edition of CCS News for information about how to add the Place Blanket Hold wizard to your WorkFlows screen. A document describing this process (called: Adding Blanket Holds to Java Toolbars) is also available on the CCS web page. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Tues., 12/16, 9:30, NSLS: Maintenance Coordinators
Wed., 12/17, CCS, 9:30: SCRAP
DECEMBER 12, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Open Holds Pick List and Slowness – periods of slowness were experienced late Wednesday afternoon. Sirsi was alerted and will have an opportunity to process the data. We would like to re-instate the mid-day pick list, but we might have to pick a different time based on the feedback that you have been sharing with us. Please stay tuned.
Holidays – the last day all computer room staff will be in the office is Wednesday, December 17. After that we begin some staggered vacation time and you might find that your favorite CR staffer is off for a period of a few days with the family. Computer Room will be closed Christmas Day and New Years Day and will be shortening schedules on Christmas Eve (night) and New Years Eve night, but we can support any open libraries using our emergency number.
AUTHORITIES UPDATE:
CCS sent 2142 bibliographic records to Marcive on Wednesday, Dec. 10th for Overnight Authorities Processing. The records have been processed and were reloaded into our system. Of the 2142 bibliographic records, Marcive returned 763 updated bibliographic records. Marcive also sent us 993 new authority records. Marcive’s speedy service insures that the CCS database is kept up to date as much as possible with current headings and references. -- Virginia R. Seward, CCS Authorities Librarian
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know there are two documents on the CCS web page that provide step-by-step instructions for using the Place Blanket Hold wizard - one for Java and one for the C client? Blanket holds can be an excellent solution for patrons who want a particular title immediately and don’t care what physical form it’s in. For example, they’re willing to accept a book in hard cover, paperback, large type, or illustrated edition - as long as they receive the item quickly. The Place Blanket Hold wizard allows you to put holds on multiple copies of an item in any format and the first available copy of that title (regardless of the format) will satisfy the hold. The other holds on that title will automatically be canceled when the hold has been filled. To review the documents that describe the Place Blanket Hold procedures, go to the CCS web page and select the link for Sirsi Resources. The instruction for the Java client is called: "Blanket Hold Procedure in Java" and it’s found under the Documented Procedures column on that page. The instruction for the C client is called: "Blanket Hold Procedure" and is also found under the Documented Procedures column on that page.
NOTE: The wizard for placing Blanket Holds may not currently be available on your Java toolbar. See my article in the November 6, 2008 edition of CCS News for information about how to add the Place Blanket Hold wizard to your WorkFlows screen. A document describing this process (called: Adding Blanket Holds to Java Toolbars) is also available on the CCS web page. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Tues., 12/16, 9:30, NSLS: Maintenance Coordinators
Wed., 12/17, CCS, 9:30: SCRAP
Thursday, December 4, 2008
CCS News
DECEMBER 5, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
System slowdowns – we were able to catch the slowdowns “LIVE” on Wednesday with a Sirsi technician. Although our diagnosis is still ongoing with Sirsi, we are sure that this time it was not the network. We have also ruled out our hardware capacity from the evidence gathered on the system statistics. However, there is a definite bottleneck where transactions slow and we could see this on the systems statistics coincident to when you were experiencing the problems at the libraries. The Pick List was suspended temporarily to see if that helped matters and we continue to monitor diligently.
List of Checkouts – we have heard from Sirsi that a list of checkouts from the "Print User" user helper in the Display User wizard must be printed on standard paper (not receipt paper). However, the Checkout wizard has the option of automatically printing out a list of a patron's current checkouts. This allows the information to be given to the patron at the point of checkout every time they check out items. This is recommended by Sirsi when the receipt printer must be used.
FAREWELL AND GOOD WISHES to departing CCS Library Directors Elisa Topper, who leaves Dundee at year’s end, and Elizabeth Crane Novak, who resigned from Round Lake effective December 1. We wish both Elisa and Elizabeth the best, although Life After CCS obviously includes an unfillable void.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that only six of the 23 CCS libraries have selected staff to help with testing Symphony 3.2.1? And only two of those six libraries have identified testers for more than one module. The areas to be tested are: Acquisitions, Cataloging & Serials, Circulation, ILL, and PAS and we need to have knowledgeable people review the fixes and enhancements in the modules associated with each of these areas. The installation of Symphony 3.2.1 on the test server will be happening soon (currently planned for later this month) and because this is a major upgrade to the software we need to have more volunteers available for this project – at least one if not more from each library. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises when we ultimately upgrade the production server with the new release is to have as many people as possible examine it thoroughly while it’s on the test server.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, you’ll be hearing more about Symphony 3.2.1 testing as the date for the new installation approaches, but feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about test procedures. I would really like to receive the names and email addresses of experienced staff members who’ll be helping with testing as soon as they're known, so I can add them to my testing spread sheet and start sending project information, test scripts, instructions, etc. to participants. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETING NEXT WEEK:
Thur., 12/11, 9:30, Lake Villa: ILL
DECEMBER 5, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
System slowdowns – we were able to catch the slowdowns “LIVE” on Wednesday with a Sirsi technician. Although our diagnosis is still ongoing with Sirsi, we are sure that this time it was not the network. We have also ruled out our hardware capacity from the evidence gathered on the system statistics. However, there is a definite bottleneck where transactions slow and we could see this on the systems statistics coincident to when you were experiencing the problems at the libraries. The Pick List was suspended temporarily to see if that helped matters and we continue to monitor diligently.
List of Checkouts – we have heard from Sirsi that a list of checkouts from the "Print User" user helper in the Display User wizard must be printed on standard paper (not receipt paper). However, the Checkout wizard has the option of automatically printing out a list of a patron's current checkouts. This allows the information to be given to the patron at the point of checkout every time they check out items. This is recommended by Sirsi when the receipt printer must be used.
FAREWELL AND GOOD WISHES to departing CCS Library Directors Elisa Topper, who leaves Dundee at year’s end, and Elizabeth Crane Novak, who resigned from Round Lake effective December 1. We wish both Elisa and Elizabeth the best, although Life After CCS obviously includes an unfillable void.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that only six of the 23 CCS libraries have selected staff to help with testing Symphony 3.2.1? And only two of those six libraries have identified testers for more than one module. The areas to be tested are: Acquisitions, Cataloging & Serials, Circulation, ILL, and PAS and we need to have knowledgeable people review the fixes and enhancements in the modules associated with each of these areas. The installation of Symphony 3.2.1 on the test server will be happening soon (currently planned for later this month) and because this is a major upgrade to the software we need to have more volunteers available for this project – at least one if not more from each library. The best way to avoid unpleasant surprises when we ultimately upgrade the production server with the new release is to have as many people as possible examine it thoroughly while it’s on the test server.
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, you’ll be hearing more about Symphony 3.2.1 testing as the date for the new installation approaches, but feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns about test procedures. I would really like to receive the names and email addresses of experienced staff members who’ll be helping with testing as soon as they're known, so I can add them to my testing spread sheet and start sending project information, test scripts, instructions, etc. to participants. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETING NEXT WEEK:
Thur., 12/11, 9:30, Lake Villa: ILL
Thursday, November 20, 2008
CCS News
NOVEMBER 21, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Thanksgiving - The computer room will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Please be aware, however, that all reports will run as for a normal Thursday.
Slowness in Workflows: After some analysis with Sirsi it was determined that the slowness in workflows is unrelated to the SIP processes. This leaves the cause undetermined as we experience a few more episodes. Sirsi has been contacted.
Print List of Users: This comes up every now and then. The Print User helper is designed to print to standard paper and not to a special receipt printer. It is formatted in HTML. It was never intended to print to a 2.5 inch wide printer. This is why when printing a list of patrons a small receipt printer will truncate data.
NO CCS NEWS NEXT WEEK: Due to the holiday, we will not publish this indispensable bulletin next week.
DID YOU KNOW that Ken has been ill all week, so there is no column this week? We hope he will be back Monday.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all from the CCS staff!
CCS MEETINGS THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
Wed., 12/3, 9:30, Niles: Catalogers
Wed., 12/3, 10:00, Prospect Heights: Governing Board
NOVEMBER 21, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Thanksgiving - The computer room will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Please be aware, however, that all reports will run as for a normal Thursday.
Slowness in Workflows: After some analysis with Sirsi it was determined that the slowness in workflows is unrelated to the SIP processes. This leaves the cause undetermined as we experience a few more episodes. Sirsi has been contacted.
Print List of Users: This comes up every now and then. The Print User helper is designed to print to standard paper and not to a special receipt printer. It is formatted in HTML. It was never intended to print to a 2.5 inch wide printer. This is why when printing a list of patrons a small receipt printer will truncate data.
NO CCS NEWS NEXT WEEK: Due to the holiday, we will not publish this indispensable bulletin next week.
DID YOU KNOW that Ken has been ill all week, so there is no column this week? We hope he will be back Monday.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all from the CCS staff!
CCS MEETINGS THE NEXT TWO WEEKS:
Wed., 12/3, 9:30, Niles: Catalogers
Wed., 12/3, 10:00, Prospect Heights: Governing Board
Thursday, November 13, 2008
CCS News
NOVEMBER 14, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Help Desk Delays– with apologies, we notice that our help desk incidents logged have recently risen by over 50% in the past few weeks and we have been tardy getting to all but the highest priority problems. We were put behind by all the line problems of last week, followed by staff on vacation. But we should be returning to more normal turnaround times early next week. If you have a special report or statistic needed by a deadline (such as a board meeting) please give us a call directly so that we can give the matter immediate attention.
Slowness in Workflows – our latest episode of slowness occurred momentarily on Saturday afternoon about 3:30 pm. Sirsi has looked and attributed it to SIP processes – but we are investigating further.
AUTHORITIES UPDATE:
CCS sent 3716 bibliographic records to Marcive on Wednesday, Nov. 12th for Overnight Authorities Processing. The records have been processed and were reloaded into our system. Of the 3716 bibliographic records, Marcive returned 1202 updated bibliographic records. Marcive also sent us 1833 new authority records. Marcive’s speedy service insures that the CCS database is kept up to date as much as possible with current headings and references.
-- Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know this item is a gentle reminder that I still need volunteers from most libraries to help test Symphony 3.2.1? We’ll be installing Symphony (the latest WorkFlows upgrade) on the CCS test server soon and I'd like to have someone from each department of each library available to review changes related to their respective areas of expertise. As always, the goal is to verify that fixes and enhancements added to the 3.2.1 release are working properly throughout the software. Although the chatter about Symphony on the Sirsi discussion lists has generally been positive, it’s essential that we also confirm everything works well in our unique CCS environment. The time we spend testing now will be extremely beneficial to the entire consortium in the long run. We need to avoid unpleasant surprises when we upgrade the production server with the new release and the best way to do that is to have as many people as possible examine it thoroughly while it’s on the test server. 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 plan. I'd like to receive the names and email addresses of staff members who’ll be helping with testing as soon as they're known, so I can add them to my testing spread sheet and start sending project information, test scripts, instructions, etc. to participants. -- Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Mon., 11/17, 9:30, Ela: Director’s Station Discussion Group
Wed., 11/19, 9:30, Prospect Heights: SCRAP
Wed., 11/19, 10:00, CCS: Executive Comm.
Thur., 11/20, 9:30, Round Lake: PAS
NOVEMBER 14, 2008
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
Help Desk Delays– with apologies, we notice that our help desk incidents logged have recently risen by over 50% in the past few weeks and we have been tardy getting to all but the highest priority problems. We were put behind by all the line problems of last week, followed by staff on vacation. But we should be returning to more normal turnaround times early next week. If you have a special report or statistic needed by a deadline (such as a board meeting) please give us a call directly so that we can give the matter immediate attention.
Slowness in Workflows – our latest episode of slowness occurred momentarily on Saturday afternoon about 3:30 pm. Sirsi has looked and attributed it to SIP processes – but we are investigating further.
AUTHORITIES UPDATE:
CCS sent 3716 bibliographic records to Marcive on Wednesday, Nov. 12th for Overnight Authorities Processing. The records have been processed and were reloaded into our system. Of the 3716 bibliographic records, Marcive returned 1202 updated bibliographic records. Marcive also sent us 1833 new authority records. Marcive’s speedy service insures that the CCS database is kept up to date as much as possible with current headings and references.
-- Virginia R. Seward
CCS Authorities Librarian
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know this item is a gentle reminder that I still need volunteers from most libraries to help test Symphony 3.2.1? We’ll be installing Symphony (the latest WorkFlows upgrade) on the CCS test server soon and I'd like to have someone from each department of each library available to review changes related to their respective areas of expertise. As always, the goal is to verify that fixes and enhancements added to the 3.2.1 release are working properly throughout the software. Although the chatter about Symphony on the Sirsi discussion lists has generally been positive, it’s essential that we also confirm everything works well in our unique CCS environment. The time we spend testing now will be extremely beneficial to the entire consortium in the long run. We need to avoid unpleasant surprises when we upgrade the production server with the new release and the best way to do that is to have as many people as possible examine it thoroughly while it’s on the test server. 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 plan. I'd like to receive the names and email addresses of staff members who’ll be helping with testing as soon as they're known, so I can add them to my testing spread sheet and start sending project information, test scripts, instructions, etc. to participants. -- Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Mon., 11/17, 9:30, Ela: Director’s Station Discussion Group
Wed., 11/19, 9:30, Prospect Heights: SCRAP
Wed., 11/19, 10:00, CCS: Executive Comm.
Thur., 11/20, 9:30, Round Lake: PAS
Thursday, November 6, 2008
CCS News
NOVEMBER 7, 2008
OUR CONDOLENCES to all who knew and adored longtime CCS stalwart Leah Stothoff, on the occasion of her passing on October 30, one day after her 69th birthday.
Leah’s online guestbook may be found at http://www.legacy.com/ChicagoTribune/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=119708092
Leah will always be a huge part of the legacy of CCS, and embodied our commitment to customer service.
OUR REGRETS to the CCS libraries (and others in Illinois) whose referenda on Tuesday fell victim to bad timing and the atrocious economic climate.
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
WorldCat Local – we are working at a hectic pace with OCLC and Sirsi to get this working well. Stay tuned for more updates. At the moment we are having some trouble with the hold expiration dates coming though and with case sensitivity issues with the patron PIN.
Network – it was a very frustrating week for the many libraries experiencing network problems. It must have had something to do with Halloween. Today we are busy uploading standalones with still a few to go.
Vacation – Frank will be away the week of November 10.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Phase II libraries who are new to Java frequently ask why the Place Blanket Hold wizard isn’t on their Circulation toolbars? This wizard is not initially available on standard toolbars when Java is delivered from Sirsi and must be specifically added to any workstations where it'll be used. Blanket holds are ideal for patrons who want a particular title immediately and don’t care what physical form it’s in. For example, they’ll accept a book in hard cover, paperback, large type, or illustrated edition - as long as the blanket hold will expedite receiving it quickly. The Place Blanket Hold wizard allows placing holds on multiple copies of an item in a variety of formats and the first copy (regardless of the format) will satisfy the hold - other holds on that title will automatically be canceled when the hold is filled with the first copy.
You can customize your Java toolbar to add blanket hold capability using the Preferences/Local Toolbar Management process (as you would with other toolbar customizations), but the Place Blanket Hold wizard is taken from the Utilities Module (last tab on the right of the Modules row), not Circulation as you would expect. To add Blanket Holds, open WorkFlows and select the Utilities tab from the far right end of Modules Toolbar. Select the Preferences menu and navigate to Local Toolbar Management as you would for any other customization. I’ve created a document called “Adding Blanket Holds to Java Toolbars” and posted it on the CCS web page. It provides step-by-step instructions for adding Place Blanket Hold to your Holds group of wizards. The document can be found on the Sirsi Resources link of the CCS web page, under the Documented Procedures heading. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Wed., 11/12, 9:15 A.M.-3 P.M., Schaumburg: ILUUG (you must be registered!)
Thur., 11/13, 9:30, CCS: Acquisitions
Thur., 11/13, 10:00, Round Lake: SILLRAP
Fri., 11/14, 9:30, NSLS: Circulation
NOVEMBER 7, 2008
OUR CONDOLENCES to all who knew and adored longtime CCS stalwart Leah Stothoff, on the occasion of her passing on October 30, one day after her 69th birthday.
Leah’s online guestbook may be found at http://www.legacy.com/ChicagoTribune/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=119708092
Leah will always be a huge part of the legacy of CCS, and embodied our commitment to customer service.
OUR REGRETS to the CCS libraries (and others in Illinois) whose referenda on Tuesday fell victim to bad timing and the atrocious economic climate.
FROM THE COMPUTER ROOM:
WorldCat Local – we are working at a hectic pace with OCLC and Sirsi to get this working well. Stay tuned for more updates. At the moment we are having some trouble with the hold expiration dates coming though and with case sensitivity issues with the patron PIN.
Network – it was a very frustrating week for the many libraries experiencing network problems. It must have had something to do with Halloween. Today we are busy uploading standalones with still a few to go.
Vacation – Frank will be away the week of November 10.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that Phase II libraries who are new to Java frequently ask why the Place Blanket Hold wizard isn’t on their Circulation toolbars? This wizard is not initially available on standard toolbars when Java is delivered from Sirsi and must be specifically added to any workstations where it'll be used. Blanket holds are ideal for patrons who want a particular title immediately and don’t care what physical form it’s in. For example, they’ll accept a book in hard cover, paperback, large type, or illustrated edition - as long as the blanket hold will expedite receiving it quickly. The Place Blanket Hold wizard allows placing holds on multiple copies of an item in a variety of formats and the first copy (regardless of the format) will satisfy the hold - other holds on that title will automatically be canceled when the hold is filled with the first copy.
You can customize your Java toolbar to add blanket hold capability using the Preferences/Local Toolbar Management process (as you would with other toolbar customizations), but the Place Blanket Hold wizard is taken from the Utilities Module (last tab on the right of the Modules row), not Circulation as you would expect. To add Blanket Holds, open WorkFlows and select the Utilities tab from the far right end of Modules Toolbar. Select the Preferences menu and navigate to Local Toolbar Management as you would for any other customization. I’ve created a document called “Adding Blanket Holds to Java Toolbars” and posted it on the CCS web page. It provides step-by-step instructions for adding Place Blanket Hold to your Holds group of wizards. The document can be found on the Sirsi Resources link of the CCS web page, under the Documented Procedures heading. – Ken Victorson
CCS MEETINGS NEXT WEEK:
Wed., 11/12, 9:15 A.M.-3 P.M., Schaumburg: ILUUG (you must be registered!)
Thur., 11/13, 9:30, CCS: Acquisitions
Thur., 11/13, 10:00, Round Lake: SILLRAP
Fri., 11/14, 9:30, NSLS: Circulation
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