LINC Update for August 30, 2005

August 30, 2005

2005 - 108

UPCOMING MEETINGS

LINC Directors Group--September 21, 1:30 pm

2005 - 109 MEDIA MALL UPDATE
The official url for the Media Mall project has been released and will be available for testing on August 31, 2005. Connect to: http://www.mymediamall.net and test the site! You can check out ebooks and download audiobooks during the test period, as long as you have a LINC library barcode and pin number. The site will be released to the general public in September.

2005 - 110 MEDIA MALL RESOURCES
We’ve added some additional information to the Media Mall informational web site (http://www.ltls.org/MediaMall.html). There is a list of titles that are available for the opening day collection, a listing of the circulation policies, links to training resources, links to a draft press release and logo, and in the next few days we will post a beginning Media Mall FAQ site.

2005 - 111 MEDIA MALL CATALOG RECORDS
During the first two weeks in September, Lincoln Trail staff will download the Media Mall opening day collection titles into the LINC database. After this is completed, the titles will be searchable on LINC as well as at the Media Mall site. Patrons interested in a title in the LINC catalog will be able to click on the url in the bibliographic record and link to the Media Mall site to access that title and download it.

2005 - 112 HORIZON SYBASE UPGRADE REPORT

On Thursday, August 18, the Horizon server Sybase version upgrade was completed in two hours.

2005 - 113 PC RELIANCE REMINDER

During the recent server upgrade, several libraries used PC Reliance. PC Reliance is a valuable product that can be useful during downtime. However, it is best if libraries practice with it on a scheduled basis to minimize problems during real downtime. Dynix recommends that it be used weekly, for example to check in materials from a bookdrop, just to make sure staff are trained in its use.

The PC Reliance manual can be found on the web at: http://www.ltls.org/HorizonDocuments.html

This manual includes clear instructions and screen shots on using PC Reliance.

Two critical issues to remember when using PC Reliance are:
1. Old transactions should be cleared before beginning the use of the product.
2. Patrons should be entered into Horizon after the system has come back up, and before transactions are processed.

2005 - 114
BARCODE SCANNERS AND USB PORTS

Several school libraries returned to school this year to find that they had a new workstation with only a USB keyboard connection, and this did not work with their existing barcode scanner. Dynix has informed us that they have a cable (approximately $125) that can connect the Intermec ScanPlus 1800 scanners to a newer PC that has only the USB keyboard connection. Contact Rita Johnson, rjohns@lincolntrail.info, if you are interested in purchasing this cable.

August 30, 2005
2005 - 108	UPCOMING MEETINGS
	LINC Directors Group--September 21, 1:30 pm

2005 - 109	MEDIA MALL UPDATE
	The official url for the Media Mall project has been released and will be available for testing on August 31, 2005. Connect to: http://www.mymediamall.net and test the site! You can check out ebooks and download audiobooks during the test period, as long as you have a LINC library barcode and pin number. The site will be released to the general public in September.

2005 - 110	MEDIA MALL RESOURCES
	We’ve added some additional information to the Media Mall informational web site (http://www.ltls.org/MediaMall.html). There is a list of titles that are available for the opening day collection, a listing of the circulation policies, links to training resources, links to a draft press release and logo, and in the next few days we will post a beginning Media Mall FAQ site.

2005 - 111	MEDIA MALL CATALOG RECORDS
	During the first two weeks in September, Lincoln Trail staff will download the Media Mall opening day collection titles into the LINC database. After this is completed, the titles will be searchable on LINC as well as at the Media Mall site. Patrons interested in a title in the LINC catalog will be able to click on the url in the bibliographic record and link to the Media Mall site to access that title and download it.

2005 - 112	HORIZON SYBASE UPGRADE REPORT
	On Thursday, August 18, the Horizon server Sybase version upgrade was completed in two hours.

2005 - 113	PC RELIANCE REMINDER
	During the recent server upgrade, several libraries used PC Reliance. PC Reliance is a valuable product that can be useful during downtime. However, it is best if libraries practice with it on a scheduled basis to minimize problems during real downtime. Dynix recommends that it be used weekly, for example to check in materials from a bookdrop, just to make sure staff are trained in its use. The PC Reliance manual can be found on the web at: http://www.ltls.org/HorizonDocuments.html This manual includes clear instructions and screen shots on using PC Reliance. Two critical issues to remember when using PC Reliance are: 1. Old transactions should be cleared before beginning the use of the product. 2. Patrons should be entered into Horizon after the system has come back up, and before transactions are processed.

2005 - 114	BARCODE SCANNERS AND USB PORTS
	Several school libraries returned to school this year to find that they had a new workstation with only a USB keyboard connection, and this did not work with their existing barcode scanner. Dynix has informed us that they have a cable (approximately $125) that can connect the Intermec ScanPlus 1800 scanners to a newer PC that has only the USB keyboard connection. Contact Rita Johnson, rjohns@lincolntrail.info, if you are interested in purchasing this cable.