[iBorrow] iBorrow Project Update 7/7

[Al Carlson]

Beth,

Yeah.  Looks pretty good.

 

________________________________

From: iborrow-bounces at lists.tblc.org
[mailto:iborrow-bounces at lists.tblc.org] On Behalf Of Beth Farmer
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 10:14 AM
To: iborrow-directors at lists.tblc.org; iborrow at lists.tblc.org
Subject: [iBorrow] iBorrow Project Update 7/7

 

To Libraries Participating in TBLC iBorrow / URSA Resource Sharing 

Thanks to each of the libraries and staff who have been working so hard
to migrate to the new URSA 4.0 library resource sharing product.  Over
130 library staff have received Interlibrary Loan or public service
training and we at TBLC appreciate the investment in time, energy, and
enthusiasm that you have made in this program and resource sharing.  

As you know we are planning to migrate from the current URSA 2.6
platform to the new 4.0 platform on Wednesday, July 12.  Today, July 7,
it is clear that it will not be possible to migrate all of the
participants on July 12 but those not migrated will continue to have
URSA 2.6 service until they can be migrated.  

NCIP (NISO Circulation Interchange Protocol) is necessary for most
automation systems to work with URSA 4.0 and several vendors are still
completing work on it.  Since we cannot bring up everyone at the same
time it seems prudent to take our time, bring up those that have NCIP
and can be adequately tested on July 12, and bring up the rest as they
are ready and testing is complete. 

Over the last few months most of the library automation vendors have
been working closely with SirsiDynix to develop NCIP software for their
systems to support their customers' participation in URSA and eventually
other resource sharing programs around the county and the world.  As of
today, three vendors have not yet completed NCIP development for their
customers: The Library Corporation, Endeavor / Voyager, and Polaris.
All are working hard and are expected to have NCIP products ready within
days or weeks.  Innovative Interfaces (III) has indicated they will not
be providing NCIP but their product can be mapped for URSA 4.0 so they
can be migrated without NCIP.  The library automation industry deserves
credit for responding positively to the opportunities provided by NCIP
and investing in its development.  Innovative's approach is different
but they may come around to NCIP in the future.  

Barring last minute software issues, Tampa-Hillsborough, Lee County,
SunLine, and Pinellas Park libraries will be migrated to URSA 4 on the
12th and others will be migrated individually as testing is complete and
as NCIP becomes available from vendors.

We will be communicating with you over the next few days regarding the
migration schedule.  TBLC technical staff will continue to contact and
work with library technical staff on configuration and testing.  In the
mean time, if you need assistance or more information, please contact
the appropriate person here at TBLC.

  - iBorrow Project and Training Coordination - Beth Farmer, Assistant
Director, 813.622.8252 ex 228 / farmerb at tblc.org 
  - iBorrow Technical Issues - Al Carlson, System Administrator,
813.622.8252 ex 223 / carlsoa at tblc.org ; and 
  - Matt Smith, Technical Assistant, 813.622.8252 ex 229 
  - Administration - Charlie Parker, Executive Director, 813.622.8252 ex
222 / cparker at tblc.org 

All of us would have preferred migrating everyone together on July 12
but we also know that we - TBLC and the participating libraries, are the
first group anywhere to use this new product and things are often a
little bumpy on the leading edge.  By going first, we will be using this
new product years before others have the opportunity.

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and good will! 

 

Beth 

Beth Farmer 
Assistant Director 
Tampa Bay Library Consortium 
1202 Tech Blvd., Suite 202 
Tampa, FL 33619 
(813) 622-8252 x228 
farmerb at tblc.org 

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