Executive Director Report: Spring 2007 User Groups

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.

Update from the PALS office

Highlights

Significant resources are continually devoted to system operations and support, which is the top priority of the PALS office.
The upgrade to version 17 has been completed. We continue to work to resolve problems and analyze performance issues with the new version.
The Reports Group has assisted the PALS staff in determining where the most critical needs are for additional reports. Several new and enhanced reports have resulted from these efforts.
We have been working with the User Council and the Executive Committee on Strategic Planning efforts. Each task force that has been formed as a result of strategic planning (two so far) has a liaison from the PALS staff as a resource.
Our new web site is now available. In addition to a new look, we have reorganized and enhanced the content, with the goal of increasing the site’s value and usability.

Future Aleph Versions

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 participating in an online training certification program beginning in May. 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. The upgrade to version 18 was discussed at the Annual Meeting on March 22, and it was agreed that a survey of the membership will be conducted in order to better inform our decision about when to upgrade the Aleph software.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning sessions were held on November 16 and November 28, and included both the Executive Committee and the User Council. Barb Deming, a consultant from the Management Analysis Division at the Department of Administration, facilitated the meetings. We had very interesting, thought-provoking discussions. Those who participated worked very hard and did their best to set a future direction for the consortium. The planning meetings resulted in the development of a vision for the next three to five years, as well as nine action plans to help move toward that vision.

Since the November meetings, progress has been made on several of the action plans. A Marketing Task Force has been formed and is addressing the two action plans related to creating a statement of benefits and conducting a marketing assessment. A Discovery Tool Task Force had their first meeting in late March to begin to identify what the consortium might need in a discovery tool. The conveners have put a lot of effort into making the User Group meetings more meaningful. Analysis has been done by the PALS office related to centralizing technical issues. Todd Digby has taken actions within the Office of the Chancellor to increase library involvement in IT planning for the System.

Many have come forward to volunteer for task forces and to assist with other work that will be needed to successfully carry out the strategic plan. This speaks well for the future of our consortium.

User Group Meetings

The Fall, 2007 Consortium of MnPALS Libraries User Group meetings will be held on October 11 and 12 at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Be sure to fill out an evaluation form to help the PALS staff and the User Council in planning for our next meeting. We would like to make it beneficial for you!

Information Sources

Be sure to check the PALS web site at www.mnpals.org for the most recent information. We post meeting minutes from Executive Committee and User Council meetings, monthly reports from our Support and Training Services unit and our Technical Services unit, as well as other updates, Aleph tips, and consortium information.

Summary

We continue our efforts to make the most effective use of the Aleph system. With our new vision and strategic plan in place, we are beginning to take action to effect the changes that are needed to continue to serve our patrons in the future. I encourage your participation in the work of the consortium. Working together, we can do so much more than any one of us can do on our own.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.