MnPALS Systems Users Group: Fall 2008

Draft Minutes

Attendees: Kathleen Ashe (SMSU), Orrin Ausen (Bethany), Rod Bruce (PALS), John Daniels (MCTC), Sharon Evensen (VCC), Ala Garlinska (SCC-Faribault), Paul Guerrero (PALS), Dan Honetschlager (PALS), Patricia Hoskins (James J. Hill Ref. Lib.), Demetrios Ioannides (BSU), Joe Jackson (WSU), Cynthia Jorstad (NCTC-TRF), Michael Kirby (DCTC), Joan Klanderud (SCC-North Mankato), Karen L'Heureux (LSC), Peg Lawrence (MSU, Mankato), Randi Madisen (Century Coll.), Adam Marsnik (NCC), Ron McGriff (PTC), Rosie Mock (MSU, Mankato), Connie Moeller (LSC), Amy Naughton (MCAD), Kathleen Nelson (RCC-Austin), Pam Pitts (Crown College), Linda Richter (PALS), Linda Swanson (Concordia Coll.), Elizabeth Tuckwood (Minnesota State Law Lib.)

1. Opening remarks – Michael Kirby, Convener (DCTC)

2. Recorder - Linda Swanson (TRC)

3. Additions/changes to the agenda. There were no additions or changes to the agenda.

4. Approve spring minutes. The minutes of the April 17, 2008 Systems User Group meeting were approved (Kathleen Ashe/Joan Klanderud).

5. PALS Report. Dan Honetschlager had nothing specific to report. Kathleen Ashe noted that LDAP authentication will be set up on EZProxy. Will this also be the case for ALEPH? Rod Bruce (PALS) replied that these were two different stories. LDAP is currently working at Concordia and South Central. He hopes to have everyone who wishes working by next semester. There are many different issues involved. Rod noted that investigating LDAP authentication with MnPALS Plus and the Web OPAC are currently #54 and #55 on the Work Plan. Implementing may be quite a bit more complicated than the investigation.

Adam Marsnik moved that the use of LDAP to authenticate in the OPAC be looked at sooner rather than later. Kathleen Ashe seconded the motion. After discussion, Adam amended the motion to read: The use of LDAP to authenticate in the OPAC be moved up on the priority list. The motion passed.

Rod encouraged members to use the Forum to keep up with the status of LDAP issues.

There was a question on the Work Plan. Is #64 [test cash transaction financial interface with MnSCU business office] still on the plan? Linda Richter replied that one aspect of this issue would require an enhancement from Ex Libris. The other part of the issue is still on the plan.

6. Planning for Workday (Spring 2009)

Michael Kirby (DCTC) asked if the group wanted a workday. Members suggested topics, including a primer on server set-up, scratch directory, AlephE, etc.; inventory (a demo and step-by-step instructions); and reports that help with the NCES report.

Dan Honetschlager reported that he and Linda Richter would be looking at the NCES report and working with the Reports Group on it.

Cynthia Jorstad (NCTC-TRF) suggested a webinar for January about which reports would be helpful and how to set them up. Randi Madisen (Century College) suggested a second webinar after we’ve all had a chance to try the reports.

The group passed a motion, moved by Cynthia Jorstad and seconded by Connie Moeller (LCC), that either the Systems Group or the Reports Group present a webinar in January that identifies reports that will be useful to prepare the ALS survey from NCES and perhaps present a second webinar to discuss problems encountered.

The group addressed the original question posed by Michael Kirby, agreeing that they wanted a workday. Planning can occur on the Forum.

This led to a discussion on the use of the Wiki, Forum and mailing list. Questions may be posted to the mailing list.

7. Missing bibliographic information. Rosie Mock (MSU, Mankato) reported that some overdue notices and lost material summaries are being emailed to patrons with no author or title information in the notices. In the case of ILL, there is no bib information to pull. Rosie suggested that each library should test this by going to history, change the report to normal print and send to yourself. Amy Naughton (MCAD) suggested that z13 information be added to notices. Dan H. (PALS) reported that if you’ve built a specific "plain" file, you won’t have this problem.

8. The meeting adjourned at 4:00.

Agenda

1. (3:00 pm) Opening remarks
2. Recorder---Please identify yourself when speaking at the meeting to ease the recorder's job. As the recorder you may ask someone to repeat his or her comment to verify your notes.
3. Additions/changes to the agenda
4. Approve spring minutes - April 17, 2008
5. (3:10 pm) PALS Report - Dan Honetschlager (PALS)
6. (3:25 pm) Planning for Workday (Spring 2009) - Michael Kirby (DCTC)
7. (3:45 pm) Missing bibliographic information - Rosie Mock (MSU Mankato)
8. (4:00 pm) Adjourn.

Discussion Notes for Agenda Items

6. The Systems User Group Steering Committee will plan a Systems Workday in the spring, if there's interest in one. Let's discuss possible topics and activities.
7. Bibliographic information is missing from some reports resulting in no author or title information printed or emailed (overdues, lost material summary, etc.).