2003/09/30
These notices are written to a file and can be viewed in the Circulation Reports
application (the same application in which you view the Pull List). Each afternoon,
at 2:00 PM, SELCO will print these notices and mail them out.
Before 2:00 PM, each Online Library must use Circulation Reports to view the notices
that were generated for their borrowers and decide whether they are to be:
- printed and mailed to the borrower
- printed locally
- deleted
- left on the list for future action
Note that you can make this as simple or complex as you wish. You can select individual notices and choose an action for each one. Alternatively, you can select a range of notices (or all of them) and assign an action to them simultaneously. For example, you might choose to print and mail overdue notices, while printing hold notices locally so you can call those borrowers directly.
To get us back to sending notices out as quickly as possibly, SELCO will schedule a time with each library to go over these options. During this appointment, a SELCO staff member will use Instant Support (LANDesk) and the telephone to show you how to manipulate your notices. Depending on the complexity of your operation, this online training should take from 15 to 45 minutes. Appointments may be scheduled for any time after 7:00 AM on Monday, 9/18/03. Jonya, Terry, Paul and myself will be conducting these sessions, so ask for one of us. If you wish to schedule your time before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM, ask for me.
This message will probably raise a lot of questions. To speed the online training sessions up, I've included some of the more likely questions here:
Q. What determines how the libraries are charged for mailed notices? What determines which library is in the return address?
A. Notices are generated in batches based on the borrower's location. For example, if a Red Wing PL borrower checked out a Plainview PL item at Owatonna PL and kept it overdue, the overdue notice would have Red Wing PL in the return address and the fee would be charged to that library.
Q. Does the hold notice indicate which library has the item on it's hold shelf?
A. Yes. In the notice, the library where the item is being held is listed after the title. In theory, you could have multiple items being held at different libraries on one hold notice (probably more of a theoretical than practical scenario).
Q. How are notices sorted?
A. By the Zip Code, if the sending site is a public library. If the sending site is a school media center, the notices are sorted by the Homeroom field.
2003/09/29
On the day Horizon went live, there were issues in which the staff client was losing it's connection to the server after one hour of inactivity.
- SELCO Firewall--The default setting on our firewall is to terminate
a connection after one hour without any transmission of packets. It was this setting
that was causing the original issue. We reset this on 9/2 to eight hours.
- The Horizon production server sends a packet to each of its clients every
two hours to keep the connection live. This setting is adequate for our needs
and has not been changed.
Similarly, network settings used by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can have an impact on timeouts. If SELCO is handling your Internet access, we can contact the local ISP to ask for changes to their network settings. Of course, we cannot force an ISP to modify their network if they choose not to.
Finally, it must be recognized that timeouts due to inactivity are not always the result of network settings. ISPs have been known to shift available bandwidth from one customer to another depending on what those customers are doing. It's similar to the way airlines sometimes sell tickets for %125 of the seats on the plane on the theory that less than %100 will actually be filled due to cancellations, no-shows, etc. If your connection has shown little activity for a lengthy period of time, your ISP may cut back on your available bandwidth so they can route it to more active customers. Such manipulation can cause the client to lose its connection. Of course, the definition of "lengthy" can vary from one ISP to another.
It is important to note that this bulletin only addresses inactivity timeouts. If you are losing connections while you are actually using Horizon, it is likely that your loss of connection is being caused by another issue and you should contact SELCO for technical support.
2003/09/28
As you are no doubt aware, many users have experienced slow performance while placing requests in the Horizon client.
Dynix has examined this problem and reports that it is caused by the
unusual number of rule exceptions that were built into the SELCO implementation of Horizon.
The exceptions in question concern how requests and circulations work, particularly those that
govern the tier system. Dynix has formally informed SELCO that, with this diagnosis of the problem,
there are no problems with the functioning of Horizon and thus have closed the support ticket.
This leaves the issue in our court. Based on what Dynix has told us, we can only offer the following:
- This problem will be resolved when SELCO upgrades Horizon to version 7.3. The new version introduces
a new infrastructure for exception rules that will allow installations with many such rules
(i.e. consortia) to function without bogging the system down. SELCO has always planned to perform
this upgrade in the late Fall or early Winter, but is discussing an even earlier upgrade with Dynix because
of this situation.
- Because iPAC handles requests differently than the staff client, we are not seeing this issue in the
public webcat. Therefore, you may wish to consider using iPAC for placing requests.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that the problem becomes worse as the number of locations with holdings for that title increases. Checking on this before using the staff client may help you avoid the problem. It is possible (but not certain) that implementation of Local Request Only, which would make all new items (those added to the database within a certain number of days) non-requestable, will help by drastically reducing the number of locations eligible to fill requests on best sellers and other new items. At their last meeting, the ILS Operations Committee recommended that SELCO not implement this feature until October. SELCO agreed with their assessment, but recognizes that these performance issues may require us to move up the timetable. We are approaching the ILS Operations Committee for their opinion on this issue in light of recent events.
2003/09/27
2003/09/26
MISSING--Item status changes to MISSING a set number of days after it changed to LOST. When an item record's status is changed to MISSING, the link between the item record and the borrower record that checked it out is broken and cannot be recreated. This interval was determined by each Online Library in the packet that was due on August 20th.
WITHDRAWN--This item status is not created automatically by Horizon, but must be placed manually. It is possible to do this on large batches of items (such as all those with the status MISSING) through the Item Group Editor, but a few SELCO staff are the only ones with this level of access right now. It will be made available to Automation Contacts, but only after special training (which will be set up in the Fall/Winter). We are taking this precaution because of the great power of this feature and its ability to quickly and completely wreck the database if it is not used properly.
Horizon does not have the ability to automatically purge LOST, MISSING, or WITHDRAWN items. There are utilities created by a few Dynix customers that will do this, but these utilities (which are freely available within the Dynix community) are only available for Horizon version 7.3. In the meantime, such purging would have to be done manually for individual records or using Item Group Editor. SELCO will work with the Bibliographic Services Committee to develop better recommendations for tools and workflows for this process.
2003/09/25
To reconfigure your barcode scanner, simply scan each of the barcodes on the sheet starting with the barcode labeled SET ALL DEFAULTS. Work your way down the page from top to bottom scanning each barcode in turn. Make sure you don't skip a barcode (by ensuring you hear the scanner beep before moving on) and make sure you scan each barcode only once. If you make a mistake, simply start over with the SET ALL DEFAULTS barcode. When you get to the bottom of the page, turn it over and continue at the top of the next page. Stop when you have scanned the barcode labeled 8. The last barcode, labeled TRIGGERLESS TRIGGER, is optional (and has been circled in red). You only need to scan this barcode if the scanner is mounted on a stand and operates continuously. If you hold the scanner and press the trigger to get a scan, do not scan this code. Again, if you make a mistake simply start over at the top of the first page.
It is important that you only perform this operation on Symbol model LS1004-I100 barcode scanners. This is the only one that has shown a problem. If you carry out this operation with another model scanner that is working properly, it will stop doing so. Please feel free to contact SELCO if you have any questions or problems carrying out this procedure.
Many thanks and kudos to John Pfeifer at Owatonna PL who figured this out for us over the weekend while we finished up data migration and system configuration!
Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian
2003/09/24
Other data entry standards for borrower records will be addressed in the near future by the Patron Database Committee, which has been recently created and has already begun to work.
Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian
2003/09/23
All Horizon reports will be sent out as MS Excel spreadsheets via email. This will speed up the distribution of reports and allow users to manipulate the data (creating new sorts, charts, etc) as they choose in Excel. For sites that do not own Excel, there is a free Excel viewer that allows you to read and print, but not modify the spreadsheets. This viewer is part of the standard SELCO software package and should be on your workstation. If not, we can install it via Instant Support.
Beginning in mid-September, SELCO will offer a new reports class. This class will cover the structure of Horizon data and reports, demonstrate how sites can run their own reports, and demonstrate basic use of Excel to manipulate reports. It is our intention that sites have the option to run all of their own reports on whatever schedule they choose. This will be covered in the new reports class. Until sites have taken this class, SELCO will simply run their reports and email them out.
2003/09/22
feeuncl--------Unclaimed Holds
feeunrw--------Un-Rewound Videos
Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian
2003/09/21
Horizon manuals are available in .pdf format to all users through the Horizon client.
Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian
2003/09/20
Problems in the configuration of the scanner have been tentatively ruled out because these same scanners are correctly adding a CR when used in other applications such as SmarTerm and Notepad. Thus far, the problem has only been observed in Horizon. We have informed Dynix of this issue, which they haven't encountered before. On Tuesday, we will examine this issue with the Dynix staff person who will be at SELCO.
This problem has only been observed with Symbol model LS1004-I100 scanners. The make and model of barcode scanners is usually on the handle of the scanner. If you observe this problem in a scanner other than this model, please contact SELCO.
Donovan Lambright, Automation Librarian
2003/09/19
The SELCO iPAC is finished and in place as of today (8/29). Based on a lot of hard work and great ideas from the iPAC Implementation Team and SELCO staff, we are confident that your patrons will love this new method for accessing content, both within and outside of your library.
Each library has it's own profile in the iPAC, which displays the name of that library and shows it's items first in the search results list. To use your profile, you will simply need to link to the URL listed for your library at the end of this document. Use this link on your web page, as the home page of any dedicated public PAC PCs, or anywhere else you wish to enable access to the iPAC.
It is critical that you do not make the iPAC available to the general public (including the Internet) before 7:00 AM on 9/2. If you do, any borrower requests placed in the iPAC will not be saved. This is because the processes governing requests will not be running until 9/2. You may set up the link on a PC that will not be used over the weekend without causing any problems.
In order to head off potential confusion, here are some questions that
we expect will come up as you begin using the iPAC:
Q: Can I put my library's logo on my iPac?
A: Yes!! And you can link your library's web page from iPac too.
Feel free to mail these changes to Craig and he will implement
them in the next few weeks, as time allows.
Q: Why is my library's name so small in the default logo?
A: This is a limitation of iPac that we cannot change. Substituting
your logo (incorporating your name in the graphic is the best way around
this problem. After the initial swell of work, SELCO may create simple
text-only logos for your library to fill this need.
Q: I don't like the fact that the patron can see his/her position
in the hold queue. Is there anything you can do about it?
A: No! This is another limitation of iPAC that we cannot change.
We understand that this is likely to be a problem and will make it
a Software Enhancement Request for Dynix.
Q: I need to change the homepage on my PAC stations to the iPAC,
but it isn't working/I get strange error messages. What gives?
A: Depending on the version of Windows, the security policy,
and which browser you are using, it is possible you might have
problems setting up iPAC as your home page. SELCO is working to figure
out the best way to handle this situation and will keep you posted on the details.
2003/09/18
When you arrive at your library on 9/2, you must first run the Horizon Update #1 disk if you haven't already. As discussed in SELCO Migration Bulletin #15, this disk will automatically perform the cutover from the training server to the production server. This disk must be run with CleanSlate disabled (if it is installed). Alternatively, you my simply log in as Administrator, which automatically disables CleanSlate. This point was inadvertently left out of bulletin #15. Call SELCO if you are unsure whether CleanSlate is installed to your PC or unsure of your administrative password.
Once you have run Horizon Update #1, you will be almost ready to log in.
All you'll need are two sets of usernames and passwords:
- Server Login--This login allows your Horizon client to access the production server;
you only have to enter it the very first time you connect. This login comes up when
you press the "Server..." button on the Horizon login screen; you've probably seen it
during your training. Here, you will select the server (there will only be one choice in the dropdown menu),
enter your login, and enter your password. There is only one Sybase login per
library and it (along with the password) will be sent to your Automation Contact via
email over the weekend (probably towards the end). Once you enter this login you will
not have to enter it again--the settings will be saved and entered automatically thereafter.
- User Login--This login is your personal username and password and is unique to each user. In most cases, your username is the same one you are using in DRA Classic. The only exceptions are users who were using a "generic" OR "group" username such as VOLUNTEER. These usernames have been abolished in Horizon; each user will have a username that can be traced to that user only. A list of the usernames created for each library will be emailed to your Automation Contact. DRA Classic passwords could not be migrated, therefore each user will have the same initial password, which will be in the username email. The first time each user logs in, he/she will be prompted to change the password to something private. Horizon passwords cannot be over 12 characters and are case sensitive--watch that Caps Lock key!
To handle the abnormally high level of support calls we expect on 9/2, SELCO's normal support procedures are going to a little different than normal. Incoming phone calls will be answered by a number of non-Automation staff members who will ask for:
- Caller's name (calls should come from Automation Contacts whenever possible)
- Caller's library and return phone number
- Short (one sentence maximum) description of the problem/question
If you need to place a support call, please keep the following thoughts in mind:
- Do not call in more than once for a single issue. Receiving multiple calls on the same problem will simply add to the time spent sorting and assessing problems, increase the length of time needed to solve your problem, and delay our response to calls from others.
- Try not to send email on serious problems. Our support procedures on 9/2 use
a central desk to collect and prioritize calls. Sending email to individual staff
members will probably result in your problem being ignored as staff focus on problems
coming in through the standard channels. On the other hand, email is great for
questions and less serious problems that can wait a day or so.
- Do not attempt to browbeat the frontline phone staff into transferring your call
to a specific Automation staff member. They have been instructed not to do this.
Your call will be returned by the appropriate person as soon as possible.
- Bear in mind that our main priorities on 9/2 will be making sure that users
can search the PACs and circulate items. We will certainly try to help with other
problems, but inability to search for and circulate items will usually trump other
problems. On the other hand, we recognize that it takes more than an iPAC and a
CKO window to perform these functions--network difficulties, equipment problems,
configuration problems, etc. will not be ignored.
- Keep your Instant Support disk handy. We expect it to be a life-saver on 9/2.
2003/09/17
NEWSDB is a database of newspaper articles maintained by some of the SELCO Online Libraries.
2003/09/16
The Interlibrary Loan Committee and ILS Operations
Committee have reviewed how Horizon manages requests. To fill local requests
with locally owned items as often as possible, this is how libraries should
handle the Request Pull List:
- Open the Request Pull List Display the following fields: Title, Pickup, Call No., Collection, Comment, Specific, Request Date and anything else you wish to. Request date is not a potential display field in the test database, but it will be in the real database when we go live on 9/2.
- Sort, first by Request Date, and then by Pickup Location.
- Libraries should fill:
a. Everything that has their library designated as Pickup
b. Everything that has any other library as Pickup, with a request date other than the present day's date. In other words, if today is August 27th, in addition to all requests for their own location, libraries will only fill requests for other pickup locations with a request date of August 26th or before.
Benefits of this procedure:
- Libraries will be able to fill requests for items on their shelves before
other libraries fill them.
- Libraries will have the opportunity to display and review requests on the
Requests List that designate their library as Pickup and could (if they wish)
make decisions about permitting, editing, or possibly even deleting
selected requests.
- Patrons may receive items more quickly if available at their desired pickup location and unnecessary delivery of items will be minimized.
2003/09/15
Each SELCO Online Library will shortly receive a CD in their delivery tub. This CD, labeled Horizon Update #1, contains files that will perform the cutover from the training to the production database.
- Install the file needed to perform Z39.50 searches on the Library of Congress database. This file is already loaded on most workstations, but is being reloaded as a fail-safe.
- Remove the training database server from and add the production database server to the list of servers accessible to the client.
2003/09/14
Text in notices has changed, temporarily. For the immediate future, all notices will have the same boilerplate text. As soon as possible (probably in late September), SELCO will ask each Online Library to submit their own text for each type of notice which will be then implemented.
Some libraries have expressed interest in either printing their own notices or using the review feature in Horizon Circulation to selectively print notices. SELCO will explore these options with interested libraries later in the Fall and Winter, depending on how smoothly the post-migration period goes.
2003/09/13
- Due date slips
- Renewal receipt
- Patron payment receipt
- Patron refund receipt
- Single check in receipt
- Hold slip
- In transit slip (Horizon's way of saying an item needs to be sent to another location)
- Needs cataloging (can be attached to an item that was created via a fast add)
Since these settings are local, users at each library will need to enter their own settings at each PC. This is a relatively simple process, in which you will be assisted by SELCO (remotely via LANDesk). Between 12:00 noon on Tuesday (8/26) and 5:00 on Friday (8/29), simply call in and ask for Jonya, Terry, Paul, Jim, or myself. These staff members are being trained to assist you in this task. After using LANDesk to help you set your receipt preferences, we will then test your receipt printer to ensure it is working properly. When you call, please make sure you have your LANDesk Instant Support disk in hand. If you would prefer to carry out this task before 8:00 in the morning or after 5:00 in the evening, give me a call and we'll arrange a time.
Once your receipt preferences are in place and your printer tested, you will be ready to go. Most of the receipts you choose will print automatically when you take the appropriate action (check in a requested item so its status changes to Hold, take money for a fine, etc). The exception is Due Date slips.
There are multiple ways to have Horizon print out Due Date slips, but only one of them is advisable
for SELCO. Of the others, one causes random system crashes (Dynix says they're working on the problem)
and the other is inadvisable due to its tendency to congest your Internet connection and slow down your
transactions. Therefore, if you wish to print out Due Date slips this is the procedure:
- Conduct all check outs for a given borrower.
- Press CTRL+F11 (the Ctrl and F11 buttons simultaneously) to signal Horizon that you are finished with that borrower. At this point, a Due Date slip showing all of that borrower's transactions will print.
2003/09/12
2003/09/11
There has been some question about interaction between the limits on the maximum number of items a borrower can check out and requests.
There is very little interaction between the two.
A borrower who has reached his/her maximum items (checked) out limit can still place requests and have holds. When the borrower tries to check out the held item, he/she will be unable to because of the maximum items out limit.
Items on hold are counted as items on hold; they are not considered on request or checked out for statistics. The three statuses are completely separate.
2003/09/10
These are simply text labels that are used to describe cash transactions in the appropriate reports. For example, if user DLAMBRIGHT had specified CIRCULATION ONE as the Workstation ID, CIRC as the Departmental ID, and OVERDUES as the Cash Drawer, any cash transactions would be used to describe those transactions in reports.
There was some question about whether these settings were permanent. We have determined that they are not. Each time the client is started, these settings will have to be re-entered (or changed, if you like). Rest assured that an option to make these settings permanent will be in SELCO's list for the next Horizon Software Enhancement Request process.
2003/09/09
While the Horizon system calculates fines and lost material charges, users may also need to manually create fees for non-system charges such as those for printouts or lost library cards.
| BLOCK CODE | DESCRIPTION | ||
| feephto | Photocopies | ||
| feeprnt | Printouts | ||
| feecotx | County Taxes | ||
| feefax | Faxes | ||
| feeroom | Room Rental | ||
| feepur | Purchases | ||
| feesatx | Sales Tax | ||
| feeserv | Service Fees | ||
| feexpur | Tax-exempt purchases | ||
| feeuser | User Fees | ||
| feelcrd | Lost Library Card | ||
| feedon | Donations |
Each year, Dynix solicits recommendations from their customers for improvements to Horizon.
These recommendations, officially called Software Enhancement Requests, are gathered by the Horizon Users Group (HUG). HUG filters the requests through various committees (Circulation, Acquisitions, etc.) and presents the final list to Dynix for consideration. Dynix uses this information in developing new versions of the software.
This process happens during HUG's annual conference, which is held in November. SELCO belongs to HUG and looks forward to participating in this process. A mechanism for creating SELCO's contribution to the list will be developed after we go live and will include opportunities for all SELCO Online Libraries to participate, if they choose.
2003/09/08
Personal Information Numbers (PINs) work a little differently in Horizon than in DRA Classic.
They serve the same function (to restrict access to borrower information in the public PAC), but are generated differently. When a new borrower record is created, a PIN is NOT automatically created by Horizon. It must be entered by the user who is creating the record. This is very different from the DRA Classic system.
A borrower record with a blank PIN field will not be able to use iPAC to place holds or use the "My Account" section to look up their current checkouts, delinquencies, holds, etc. Therefore, it is critical that users remember to fill this field. SELCO does not intend to create mandatory rules about how you do this, but we do have a suggestion.
The Horizon PIN is a four digit number. Alpha and special characters cannot be used. We recommend that you base the PIN on the last four digits of the borrower's phone number, which is how they are generated in our current system. The only change is that the user would have to key it in. This is just a suggestion; your library may choose a different method. We only ask that you use that method consistently throughout the library and keep your users informed of the approved method. SELCO cannot keep track of a dozen different PIN-generating schemes for support.
PINs in borrower records being migrated from DRA Classic to Horizon will be based on the last four digits of the phone number shown in the record. In DRA Classic, the PIN is strongly encrypted and cannot be viewed or migrated. Even Sirsi is unable to break the code. Therefore, we've decided to base it on the phone number. We realize that this will change the PIN for some borrowers who have changed their phone numbers or have chosen to change their PIN. This is unavoidable, given the inaccessibility of the PIN in DRA Classic. Borrower records without a phone number will have a default value of 9999 entered into the PIN field. There is some question about whether this can be accomplished before we go live on September 2. If we cannot, it will be done as quickly as possible after we go live. When this question is resolved, another (short) migration bulletin will be sent out.
2003/09/07
BSTATs will be used in Horizon to generate statistics on city and county borrowers.
For city borrowers, select a BSTAT that starts with "ci-" and
ends with the appropriate city. For example, ci-au for a city borrower from
Austin. For county borrowers, select a BSTAT that starts with "co-" and
ends with the appropriate county code. For example co-147 for a county
borrower in Steele county. We decided to create more detailed codes than
had been used in DRA Classic to make it possible to run more specific
reports and to respond to requests from some Online Libraries for more
specific coding.
Borrower records migrated from DRA Classic will have BSTATs assigned to them as part of data migration. A "ci-" BSTAT will be used if the record had a CI code in DRA Classic. Which "ci-" BSTAT is used will be based on city and state in the address field. A "co-" code will be used if the record had a CO code in DRA Classic. Which "co-" code is used will be based on the county field in DRA Classic.
2003/09/06
Borrower Statistical Classes (BSTATs) are used to generate statistics (mostly circulation) on borrowers.
These BSTATs will form the basis of many reports. Each borrower record can have more than one BSTATs. We have set up approximately 200 BSTATs, which are divided into six categories. Generally, only one BSTAT out of a given category will be appropriate for a given borrower so you shouldn't see borrower records with more than six. Each BSTAT code starts with two letter that show what category it belongs to. This makes them sort together on the drop-down menu and should make them easier to find. The BSTAT categories are:
Borrower Type
There is one Borrower Type BSTAT for each Borrower Type (BTYPE). These BSTATs start with "bt-" and end with the BTYPE code. For example, bt-a (Adult) and bt-sp (school personnel).Gender
There are two Gender BSTATs, both of which start with "g-". They are g-f (female) and g-m (male).Race
There are seven Race BSTATs, which start with "r-". For example, r-as (Asian) and r-hi (Hispanic). They were derived based on the classifications used by the United States Census Bureau.City
There is a BSTAT for each community in the SELCO region that has a public library, each of which start with "ci-". For example, ci-au (Austin) and ci-pr (Preston). These BSTATs will be used primarily to provide the statistics that were generated by the CI/CO borrower statistical class in DRA Classic. For details about how this will work please see SELCO MIGRATION BULLETIN #6, CITY/COUNTY BORROWER STATISTICS.County
There is a BSTAT for each county in Minnesota, each of which start with "co-" and end with the three digit county code used by the United States Government and in DRA Classic . For example, co-147 (Steele) and co-123 (Ramsey). These BSTATs will be used primarily to provide the statistics that were generated by the CI/CO borrower statistical class in DRA Classic. For details about how this will work please see SELCO MIGRATION BULLETIN #6, CITY/COUNTY BORROWER STATISTICS. They will also be used to generate statistics on borrowers from outside the SELCO region.State
There is a BSTAT for each state in the Union, each of which start with "st-" and end with the two character postal abbreviation. For example, st-wi (Wisconsin) and st-mo (Missouri). These BSTATs will be used primarily to generate statistics on borrowers from outside Minnesota.
Note that BSTATS are optional, with the exception of the City and County codes. If you do not wish to ask your borrowers for racial information, you do not have to. We do ask that each library be consistent in their use of BSTATs, however. If half of your staff put Race BSTATS in the borrower record while the other half do not, SELCO will not be able to generate meaningful reports of statistics based on race (which is the only reason to use the BSTATs in the first place). Note that BSTATs serve only as a tool for generating statistics; they have no bearing on circulation privileges. Borrower records in DRA Classic will have the appropriate BSTATs selected as part of the data migration process. For example, if a borrower record has information in the DRA Gender field but not the DRA Race field, that record will have the appropriate Gender BSTAT and will not have a Race BSTAT. For more specific information on how the City and County BSTATs will be migrated from DRA Classic, please see SELCO MIGRATION BULLETIN #6, CITY/COUNTY BORROWER STATISTICS.
2003/09/05
Rochester Public Library (RPL) and SELCO have agreed to each keep a full copy of the patron database from the DRA Classic system.
Since borrowers are free to visit any library in the region (as well as state), both entities agreed that this was the best course. Both entities also agreed to continue using the same format and sequence of barcodes as were used in the DRA Classic system so that there would be no duplication of barcode numbers on borrower cards. This guarantees the ability to honor cards from the other entity.
It has been suggested that RPL and SELCO should periodically synchronize their borrower databases so that new borrowers at one entity would automatically have a record at the other. There are many questions about how such a system would work and it will be exam mined at some point after Horizon has gone live and other, more-pressing, needs have been addressed.
Since RPL will not be in the Horizon system, there remains the question of where borrower records registered at RPL in the DRA Classic system will be mapped to. They must be mapped to a location or they will be lost in the migration. SELCO intends to create a location entitled TEMPORARYRPL (location code will be TEMP). This location will be set up specifically as a home for the RPL borrower records. A message block will be placed on each of these borrower records stating that it is registered to the TEMPORARYRPL location.
When a borrower registered to TEMPORARYRPL visits a library and checks out materials, the block will immediately come up. The library will change the registration location to their own and delete the block. The theory is that the first library visited by an RPL borrower should usually be that borrower's location in Horizon.
Each of these borrowers will have an expiration date of Sept. 2, 2004. At that time, all borrowers still registered to TEMPORARYRPL will be purged and the location deleted. The expiration date should be extended for borrowers who are re-registered at a different location at that time.
2003/09/04
A number of users have observed that, in the training database, you can only see blocks created at the Location you logged in at.
For example, if you have logged in at St. Charles Public Library, blocks created at Winona Public Library will not appear when you bring up the borrower's record.
Horizon can be configured so that users at each Location can see blocks created at only specified Locations. The training database is currently in the default state of only allowing each Location to see its own blocks. We are in the process of setting up the production database to allow users to see blocks created at all other Locations. The data entry involved in setting this up is considerable and we will not be making a similar change to the training database.
2003/09/03
Horizon can be configured to have specified text appear by default in data fields.
For example, an Online Library might choose to have the LOCATION field of the Borrower record automatically filled in with their Location Code to avoid having to type it each time they create a new borrower record.
Implementing this functionality in Horizon will require us to create a parameters file for each Online Library listing the appropriate default text and what field it goes in. It is our intention to do this during the fall after we go live. The exact timing will depend on how smoothly other high-priority tasks go. We will, of course, need input from each Online Library as to what defaults they want.
The sole exception to this plan is for school media centers who do not use batch uploading of borrower records based on school registration files (which is almost all of them). These sites will be faced with the necessity to create large numbers of new borrower records immediately before or right after we go live on September 2. Implementing this functionality now will help ease an already stressful situation for them and we intend to do this before we go live, contingent upon getting information from them about what defaults to create. More information will be sent to CONSCH as we get this set up.
2003/09/02
Horizon allows some customization of the receipt slips printed for transactions such as checkouts and fine payments.
This requires setting up a parameters file for each location. With the current workload, it is unlikely we will have to get input from each library and set these up. Therefore, we will be creating a generic set of slips for use by all locations and will work with each site to create personalized ones during the Fall. Exactly when will depend on the difficulty or ease of the migration after September 2.
There are a number of questions regarding configuration of receipt printers that we are still working on. These will be the subject of future bulletins.
