In the midst of all the data / patron issues it became apparant some of our barcodes are badly outdated. Prior to Infocentre we'd always had issues with our 4 digit codes from Follett. We'd hoped that when the new system was installed these issues would disappear. Unfortunately things didn't rectify themselves.
After our initial install several types of barcodes didn't scan at all! After more days on the phone with Sagebrush it was apparant some software adjustments were necessary. Though we were able to get a couple hundred titles to scan we still had issues with the dreaded 4 digit codes. Shocking to me over 2,000 titles in my collection have 4 digit codes! The time it would take to re-label all these books would be tremendous! After much consultation and a test of a new scanner I've been able to conclude new hardware would be a more valuable purchase than the labor and time required to re-label. To boot many of the 4 digit titles are older books and have significant less circulation than those of the newer barcode labels. I hope to get new scanners ordered and installed prior to the end of school.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Patron Problems
Coming back to school from break we had more and more issues to deal with in regards to our new system. I spent one entire day cleaning up patron information. Several individuals were not in their proper designations.
Related to our data issues not all patron information was converted correctly. For example several patrons had books checked out and Infocentre didn't show them as checked out. Other issues were related to fines. Infocentre in some cases wasn't able to correctly show fines for patrons who owed them. Adjustments to loan periods helped rectify several of these situations however our data corruption from Athena threw a major money wrench in the works!
As a result of the inconsistencies we've been checking books in using both Athena and Infocentre at the same time. After spending several consecutive days on the phone with Sagebrush it was apparant the only way to work around the data issues was to run parallel systems. To date we've yet to receive all remaining Athena books. As we've continued to check out with Infocentre the system has worked flawlessly.
Related to our data issues not all patron information was converted correctly. For example several patrons had books checked out and Infocentre didn't show them as checked out. Other issues were related to fines. Infocentre in some cases wasn't able to correctly show fines for patrons who owed them. Adjustments to loan periods helped rectify several of these situations however our data corruption from Athena threw a major money wrench in the works!
As a result of the inconsistencies we've been checking books in using both Athena and Infocentre at the same time. After spending several consecutive days on the phone with Sagebrush it was apparant the only way to work around the data issues was to run parallel systems. To date we've yet to receive all remaining Athena books. As we've continued to check out with Infocentre the system has worked flawlessly.
Data Problems
The high school was the third building in the corporation to undergo the system upgrade. The Friday before spring break our tech department started our upgrade. I was looking forward to the new fresh software and all the capabilities it would provide us. The data conversion commenced around 11:00 am that morning. The conversion process didn't finish until late in the evening that night. Longer than we expected.
Monday morning, during Spring Break, I met with technology to discuss the next stage of our conversion. Of the 10,000 some titles in my collection the conversion only gathered 1063 titles. Consequently we were forced to re-run the conversion. After a failed second attempt technology was forced to export my data to Sagebrush for support.
By Thursday of vacation the data was evaluated and imported into our network for Infocentre's initial trial. All said and done I lost 48 items from the collection due to data corruption from Athena! To make matters worse neither Sagebrush or my technology folks could pinpoint what 48 items I had lost records of!! Needless to say I spent the remainder of vacation looking into the records trying to make sense of the confusion. The only good that came from this was I learned the ins & outs of the new software attempting to make sense of things.
Monday morning, during Spring Break, I met with technology to discuss the next stage of our conversion. Of the 10,000 some titles in my collection the conversion only gathered 1063 titles. Consequently we were forced to re-run the conversion. After a failed second attempt technology was forced to export my data to Sagebrush for support.
By Thursday of vacation the data was evaluated and imported into our network for Infocentre's initial trial. All said and done I lost 48 items from the collection due to data corruption from Athena! To make matters worse neither Sagebrush or my technology folks could pinpoint what 48 items I had lost records of!! Needless to say I spent the remainder of vacation looking into the records trying to make sense of the confusion. The only good that came from this was I learned the ins & outs of the new software attempting to make sense of things.
Automation Upgrade
Corporation Media Specialists have been consulting different systems over the past several months. The goal being unifying all PCSC buildings under one automation system. The following companies and products have been under consideration.
Follett - Destiny
Sagebrush - Infocentre
All buildings but one have been using Sagebrush's existing product Athena. The Sagebrush corporation has built a completely new software, Infocentre. The goal with Infocentre was to compete with the much larger used Follett product. Sagebrush has combined all their previously supported packages' best features to create Infocentre.
As media specialists we felt the familiarity with Sagebrush's Athena and the upgrade cost per building warranted the purchase of Infocentre. The cost per building was literally thousands of dollars less, each, due to our current customer status with Sagebrush.
Follett - Destiny
Sagebrush - Infocentre
All buildings but one have been using Sagebrush's existing product Athena. The Sagebrush corporation has built a completely new software, Infocentre. The goal with Infocentre was to compete with the much larger used Follett product. Sagebrush has combined all their previously supported packages' best features to create Infocentre.
As media specialists we felt the familiarity with Sagebrush's Athena and the upgrade cost per building warranted the purchase of Infocentre. The cost per building was literally thousands of dollars less, each, due to our current customer status with Sagebrush.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Electronic Serials
As I'm ordering this Spring I'm looking to take advantage of subscriptions that include an online version. Many publishers are attempting to steer clientel to the electronic realm as it is more cost effective for them. For the end user (my patrons) the benefit is 24/7 access. A couple titles I'm working going online with are: Wall Street Journal and Inside Photoshop.
Another benefit to online journals / periodicals are the back issues. Patrons are able to view any of the titles back issues. It remains to be seen at this point what search capability among back issues exist or will exist. The fact that availability is flexible is a step in the right direction.
Another benefit to online journals / periodicals are the back issues. Patrons are able to view any of the titles back issues. It remains to be seen at this point what search capability among back issues exist or will exist. The fact that availability is flexible is a step in the right direction.
Equipment
I'm in the beginning stages of getting some new technical equipment. Over the next couple of weeks, especially Spring Break, I'm going to be getting an LCD projector mounted in my ceiling. With the install comes speakers for presentations and two large screens for meetings or presentations. My hope is to be able to do research lessons in the library where kids can physically see the stuff on the shelf I'm referring to.
One screen will be set up for the permanent mounted projector. The second screen will be for portable setup so a larger group can use the library if need be.
Also this spring I'm looking forward to getting my room repainted. I'm unsure when this will take place. I'm anxious to change the look and feel of the room.
One screen will be set up for the permanent mounted projector. The second screen will be for portable setup so a larger group can use the library if need be.
Also this spring I'm looking forward to getting my room repainted. I'm unsure when this will take place. I'm anxious to change the look and feel of the room.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Website Update
I've been doing some research on E-Books lately and have posted an entry for Project Gutenberg on my website. E-Books are such a new and untapped resource for students in my building. Students I've spoken too aren't comfortable using them quite yet. As I'm working on my masters program its apparrant many of the readings professors require are electronic format. Preparing students for college needs to include exposure and use of these resources. The bottom line with electronic books is their cost effectiveness. Its cheaper for a publisher to push the e-book to end users than kill trees and pay for ink formulation. The upside for users is it portability and speed of access.
Project Gutenberg is a free online repository for literary works. Users can find titles by the same means they would in my library catalog (OPAC) system; AUTHOR, SUBJECT, TITLE, or by NEWEST posting.
Like the teens roaming the halls of PHS I too have the I-Pod fever. The Gutenberg site also carries books in Audio format. Essentially one could download a book to their I-Pod or portable device and listen wherever and whenever they want. As technology develops so does the need to multi-task. Imagine listening to something for class while working out at the same time. Wow have things come a long way.
Project Gutenberg is a free online repository for literary works. Users can find titles by the same means they would in my library catalog (OPAC) system; AUTHOR, SUBJECT, TITLE, or by NEWEST posting.
Like the teens roaming the halls of PHS I too have the I-Pod fever. The Gutenberg site also carries books in Audio format. Essentially one could download a book to their I-Pod or portable device and listen wherever and whenever they want. As technology develops so does the need to multi-task. Imagine listening to something for class while working out at the same time. Wow have things come a long way.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
New Releases!
I've gathered some book covers from some of the new books that have recently arrived. I'm planning and putting together a new set of display pieces in the hall way display case next to the cafeteria. Wow...hard to believe that room is the same cafeteria from last year.
I'm also going to be turning Mrs. Huff loose on similar book cover designs for the pillars in the library hallway. My hope is this adds some color and invites students to peruse my new items "under the dome".
http://www.plymouth.k12.in.us/~bwaymouth/red%20dots/2.9.06.pdf
I've gathered some book covers from some of the new books that have recently arrived. I'm planning and putting together a new set of display pieces in the hall way display case next to the cafeteria. Wow...hard to believe that room is the same cafeteria from last year.
I'm also going to be turning Mrs. Huff loose on similar book cover designs for the pillars in the library hallway. My hope is this adds some color and invites students to peruse my new items "under the dome".
http://www.plymouth.k12.in.us/~bwaymouth/red%20dots/2.9.06.pdf
Thursday, January 26, 2006
On the Horizon...
This week I've been busy ordering. I have several books in my backroom awaiting release to the shelves. These books are awaiting Red Dot quizzes to accompany them. Quizzes for these titles are now ordered and are on the way. Also on the horizon are DVD's to replace some of my most used VHS titles. I intend to keep the old crusty VHS titles as backup however I'm hoping to only buy DVD format from this point forward.
Graphic Novels...coming this Spring
I've been researching several of the latest up for award graphic novels. I'm adding about half-a-dozen titles to the collection with this most current order. If you've never experienced or handled a graphic novel they are thick like a book, they tell a story like a novel, they read like a comic. I'm planning a special display for these books when they arrive.
This week I've been busy ordering. I have several books in my backroom awaiting release to the shelves. These books are awaiting Red Dot quizzes to accompany them. Quizzes for these titles are now ordered and are on the way. Also on the horizon are DVD's to replace some of my most used VHS titles. I intend to keep the old crusty VHS titles as backup however I'm hoping to only buy DVD format from this point forward.
Graphic Novels...coming this Spring
I've been researching several of the latest up for award graphic novels. I'm adding about half-a-dozen titles to the collection with this most current order. If you've never experienced or handled a graphic novel they are thick like a book, they tell a story like a novel, they read like a comic. I'm planning a special display for these books when they arrive.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Back in the Groove:
It's been a long time since my last post. Getting back in the groove from the holiday has taken a couple of days.
With the turn of the calender exciting things are in the works for the Media Center. I will be doing lots of ordering this Spring; books, quizzes, and such. One big addition to library collection this spring will be graphic novels. I've developed a list of the hottest and most popular titles and will be adding several of them. I'm also looking to develop our offerings of magazines adding a few to the collection. On the book front new fiction titles will also be added along with quizzes for red dot to accompany them.
As we head into the long winter stretch come check out our new offerings. Spring Break is only a "few" weeks away.
It's been a long time since my last post. Getting back in the groove from the holiday has taken a couple of days.
With the turn of the calender exciting things are in the works for the Media Center. I will be doing lots of ordering this Spring; books, quizzes, and such. One big addition to library collection this spring will be graphic novels. I've developed a list of the hottest and most popular titles and will be adding several of them. I'm also looking to develop our offerings of magazines adding a few to the collection. On the book front new fiction titles will also be added along with quizzes for red dot to accompany them.
As we head into the long winter stretch come check out our new offerings. Spring Break is only a "few" weeks away.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Favorite Holiday Books
Students here's an opportunity to chime in. What is your favorite Holiday movie and book?
Here's mine:
Movie...the one the only...TBS runs it as a marathon on 12/24 every year...CHRISTMAS STORY...you'll shoot your eye out!!!
Book - Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky...a great book!!...historical fiction...takes place in Indianapolis...the reason for the season
Students here's an opportunity to chime in. What is your favorite Holiday movie and book?
Here's mine:
Movie...the one the only...TBS runs it as a marathon on 12/24 every year...CHRISTMAS STORY...you'll shoot your eye out!!!
Book - Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky...a great book!!...historical fiction...takes place in Indianapolis...the reason for the season
Due Dates & Overdues
With the holiday season approaching and students checking out books I've graciously adjusted my due dates for books. Anything checked out this week is due on Friday, January 6th. School is back in session on Thursday, Jan. 5th. That means students have to return books quickly upon return.
Prior to leaving for break I'm asking that all students pay necessary fines and return all overdue materials. Practice the gift of giving; return your books so others have a chance to enjoy them.
With the holiday season approaching and students checking out books I've graciously adjusted my due dates for books. Anything checked out this week is due on Friday, January 6th. School is back in session on Thursday, Jan. 5th. That means students have to return books quickly upon return.
Prior to leaving for break I'm asking that all students pay necessary fines and return all overdue materials. Practice the gift of giving; return your books so others have a chance to enjoy them.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Thanksgiving to Christmas
What a great time of year! Basketball starting up football winding down to the playoffs! This also means back to school after the Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember students the days fly by in early December.
I'm expecting new books to arrive this week and next. I've got two orders from different publishers arriving. I'm gathering titles for a January order at the moment. If you have requests or authors of interest that I don't have in the collection please drop me a posting. Author name and or title is helpful!
In the holiday spirit I challenge students to read a holiday theme book. One of my favorites is from the Dear America Series "Christmas After All". A great Rosewater book that reminds us of what the 'season' is meant for. Check it out!
What a great time of year! Basketball starting up football winding down to the playoffs! This also means back to school after the Thanksgiving holiday. Just remember students the days fly by in early December.
I'm expecting new books to arrive this week and next. I've got two orders from different publishers arriving. I'm gathering titles for a January order at the moment. If you have requests or authors of interest that I don't have in the collection please drop me a posting. Author name and or title is helpful!
In the holiday spirit I challenge students to read a holiday theme book. One of my favorites is from the Dear America Series "Christmas After All". A great Rosewater book that reminds us of what the 'season' is meant for. Check it out!
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Monday, November 14, 2005
1/3 - New Trimester - 2/3
Today is the beginning of the second trimester. As finals wound down last week we saw several books returned :) We have several still out!! :(
With the new semester brings new challenges for all. Here in the Media Center we're looking forward to the holiday season and the challenges ahead for the remaining two-thirds of the school year.
---
Students remember after reading a book leave me some comments here on the blog site. Simply click the "comments" link at the bottom of this message or any message to leave feedback on the book you read; positive or negative. This not only helps me but also relays information to other students wishing, looking, or aspiring to read titles you've read.
Today is the beginning of the second trimester. As finals wound down last week we saw several books returned :) We have several still out!! :(
With the new semester brings new challenges for all. Here in the Media Center we're looking forward to the holiday season and the challenges ahead for the remaining two-thirds of the school year.
---
Students remember after reading a book leave me some comments here on the blog site. Simply click the "comments" link at the bottom of this message or any message to leave feedback on the book you read; positive or negative. This not only helps me but also relays information to other students wishing, looking, or aspiring to read titles you've read.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Reading - Data
We've been spending this week getting rosters and student sub-groups arranged for the end of the Trimester. Come next week I'm hoping to generate reports from Reading Counts for all those interested. We've been assigning students to specific classes in our management program all week. By week's end I'm hoping to do some caparison with scores and data. Just getting students assigned to their specific subgroup is very time consuming!
We've been spending this week getting rosters and student sub-groups arranged for the end of the Trimester. Come next week I'm hoping to generate reports from Reading Counts for all those interested. We've been assigning students to specific classes in our management program all week. By week's end I'm hoping to do some caparison with scores and data. Just getting students assigned to their specific subgroup is very time consuming!
Book Review!
Today I received a shipment of books to preview. Several titles in Science, in particular Astronomy, Physics, and Biology. Also several Biographies and Social Studies topics. Teachers will be taking a look and giving suggestions.
We've been cataloging and adding books to the shelves at a pretty good clip. One new series in Reference I'm excited to announce is from Grolier; Pro / Con 24 volumes of arguments for and against. Each volume details a general topic, within each book are series of arguments. Good hard hitting stuff. While we've had several of these on the shelf for over a year our set is now complete with the addition of the final 6 volumes.
Today I received a shipment of books to preview. Several titles in Science, in particular Astronomy, Physics, and Biology. Also several Biographies and Social Studies topics. Teachers will be taking a look and giving suggestions.
We've been cataloging and adding books to the shelves at a pretty good clip. One new series in Reference I'm excited to announce is from Grolier; Pro / Con 24 volumes of arguments for and against. Each volume details a general topic, within each book are series of arguments. Good hard hitting stuff. While we've had several of these on the shelf for over a year our set is now complete with the addition of the final 6 volumes.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
At yesterday's faculty meeting I shared several resources with staff that our students have access to. A couple of these resources are items that are subscription based * that come from my budgeted funds. Here's a list of items mentioned:
- Facts.com*
- AP Multimedia Archive*
- Google Scholar
- Google Uncle Sam
On my website I have links to several search engines, Google being one. On the site I link directly to the 'advanced' search page for each engine. Students struggle with keyword searching and this page takes away some of that confusion.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Students...Latin America...research...first hand knowledge...these are just a few keywords a student would type in Google or any other search engines looking for information like this.
http://www.nd.edu/~kellogg/
This site is chocked full of information and studies done by folks in Latin America associated with the University of Notre Dame.
http://www.nd.edu/~kellogg/
This site is chocked full of information and studies done by folks in Latin America associated with the University of Notre Dame.
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