Steven M. Schermerhorn Technical Services/Systems Librarian
Created: Fall 2001. Latest update: Spring 2008.


Integrated Library System goals and accomplishments at Goleman Library
Goals:Get library materials into the hands of users
Track print materials through the stages of:
ordering, receiving, cataloging, processing, checkout, and request
and (when needed) overdue notices/fines, & collection agency.
Track statistics on all relevant activities.
Provide decision making data to staff for management decisions (such as purchasing and circulation policies).
Provide users with access to information technology (hardware, and quality content (BOTH on-campus and off-campus)).


Solutions
Integrated library system:Data Research/Sirsi System
Off-campus authenticationEzproxy
Ethernet/TCP-IPUtilizes the robust campus network resources
Solid O/S and hardwareAll functions currently running under VMS and Windows Server 2003 on Compaq Alpha platform and MS Web Server
Good migration pathFuture platform is all Windows Server
Industry standardsA rigorously standards-based system
USMARC database records
Z39.50 quick search of other libraries
ISO-10161 Interlibrary loan standards
Unicode multilingual support


Software modules and (some) Examples
Online Public Access Catalog: GoCat! (Web 2),
Demostration searches
CatalogingFull function database record editor with interface to OCLC world catalog system and Library of Congress Authority File
CirculationCheck out of materials. Circulation policies set by borrower class (Faculty, Student, Staff, Community members)
Notices: We use e-mail to communicate with readers when we have a requested item, or if materials are past due.
We use a collection agent to encourage library users to return very overdue materials. We communicate in an entirely electronic mode. This service has been very effective.
Reserve book room
AcquisitionsTracking Titles and dollars. Posts receipt status in OPAC. We use e-mail to communicate most of orders to vendors.
SerialsTracking issues. Claiming. Subscriptions.


Some future directions
Goleman Library "chooses" SirsiDynix Unicorn/Rome/Symphony From 2002-2005, Goleman Library worked to obtain funds for a migration away from DRA Classic, which was no longer being maintained. The library decided to keep working with SD only. In 2006, Goleman chose the Dynix Horizon 8 system. By Spring 2007, SirsiDynix announced the end of Horizon 8, and started talking about "ROME". In Summer 2007, SD announced "Symphony," which is the Unicorn ILS. The schedule for golive on Unicorn is December 2008.
Sale of DRA system to Sirsi in May 2001 and need for migration. Relying on VMS is a double-edged sword. The O/S works well and is support, but there is diminishing development in the library marketplace.
Sirsi has pledged to maintain service for as long as financially possible.
Migration to another system will likely be required in no more than five years.
Functionality and cost will be key issues.
Current Sirsi product is far weaker in cataloging and public access modules than our current system, though they may improve.
I have seen demonstrations of other systems recently at UOP.
Sirsi did not compare very well with two other competitors (Endeavor and ExLibris)


Steven Schermerhorn: Education and Experience
Fall 2005-Ph.D. student
Texas State University
Spring 1997-San Joaquin Delta College
Librarian Faculty
Co-ordinator of Technical Services and Systems
1989-1997Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library
Systems Librarian
1987-1989UCLA, Graduate School of Libary and Information Science


Questions?

Thank you for your attention.