Directors Report
2007 MnPALS Annual MeetingEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Linda Richter
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
With all consortium member libraries live on Aleph and the upgrade to version 17 complete, we are beginning to focus on what is next for the Consortium of MnPALS Libraries. Through strategic planning, consortium leadership groups are establishing a vision and setting the direction for the future. Although the continued operation and improvement of Aleph remains a high priority, we need to look to the future as well so that we can effectively serve our customers in this ever-changing environment.
Aleph Upgrades
During the fall and winter, many staff resources were devoted to the upgrade to version 17 of the Aleph software. With the jump from version 15 to version 17, we needed to make sure we were accommodating all of the changes made in both versions 16 and 17, as well as take into account the rather significant architecture change. Much time was spent with data conversion, testing, and training during the fall. The new version went into production in early January.
We’ve had some bumps along the way, but are making progress toward more stable and fully functional software. We continue to work closely with Ex Libris on outstanding issues.
Although our initial plans were to move quickly from version 17 to version 18, we are now rethinking that plan. Some of the reasons for this include a large number of unresolved issues with version 17, the amount of memory being used by version 17, and concerns expressed by library staff about their readiness to upgrade again so soon. We have been making preparations for version 18, however. Our technical staff is getting training on newer versions of the Solaris operating system and the Oracle database system. Our trainers will be beefing up their online training skills. We are analyzing hardware to determine where reconfigurations are needed and if and when additional memory needs to be purchased. As we continue our work with both versions 17 and 18, we will be seeking your input to determine when the best timing for the move to version 18 will be. There will be an opportunity at the Annual Meeting to share your ideas on the best timing for the upgrade.
Finances
As our consortium libraries transition to a new automated system and other new services, PALS needs to transition with regard to finances. We no longer receive a significant amount of outside income to offset consortium costs. We are continuing our efforts to keep costs down and evaluate staffing needs as we move through this period of change.
Annual Fees for FY2008 were mailed to all member libraries in February. For the second year in a row, MnSCU and the Executive Committee have approved an increase in user fees. This is a part of the transition where the consortium member libraries and MnSCU accept a greater responsibility for financing the PALS operation. To help us through this transition period, we do have a reserve that we can rely on.
We continue to set aside funds designated for hardware replacement. We are planning for new servers for Aleph in fiscal year 2008.
User Group Meetings
The Spring Consortium of MnPALS Libraries User Group meetings will be held on April 16 and 17 at St. Cloud State University. Details are available on the web site at http://www.pals.msus.edu/pals/user_groups.html.
Information Sources
Be sure to check the PALS web site at www.pals.msus.edu/pals for the most recent information. We post meeting minutes from Executive Committee and User Council meetings and monthly reports from our Support and Training Services unit and our Technical Services unit. Look for the announcement of our new web site soon!
Summary
As we continue moving forward with Aleph and the strategic directions set by our Executive Committee and User Council, I encourage the participation of you and your staff in the work of the consortium. In this way, your library, as well as all consortium members, may reap the greatest benefit possible from membership in the consortium.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
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