Cover Story

ALEPH Implementation

Features

Are You Getting Enough? SFX and Links to Related Resources

STB STP

SUNYConnect Core Database Selection... Process

Prod and Dev 101

ALEPH and BI

Additional SUNYConnect Updates

How to Contact Us

Linkable Links

Link to the SUNYConnect Committees List

SUNY-ized ALEPH using "Template" Files
SUNYConnect "template" files are in use. These include indexing, web OPAC and circulation policy files. Created by the OLIS and by SUNY Oswego, use of these configuration files means that implementing libraries can focus on other aspects of the project. More and more of these SUNY-flavored files will be available to libraries implementing in the future. As campuses gain more experience with ALEPH they, of course can opt to configure their system in the manner most suitable for their local needs.

ALEPH System Configuration
The OLIS and other SUNY colleagues have taken on significant duties related to the initial set up of the ALEPH software environment and system configuration. Thanks to Michelle Moorhead (OLIS), Emilio Acevedo (Oswego), Paul Taylor (Oswego) and ITEC for their efforts.

OLIS Training Offered
The first OLIS-created ALEPH training class was held March 26, 2002. The "Intro to ALEPH" course includes an overview of the software, exercises to help in getting around the ALEPH software as well as materials on how to search the ALEPH OPAC and the ALEPH searching tool used by library staff members (the so called "GUI OPAC"). The OLIS will be designing and conducting more ALEPH training classes in the near future. Thanks to Karen Gardner-Athey and Clare Merrill (of OLIS) for their efforts in this regard.

SUNY's ALEPH Portal
The OLIS has created "SUNY's ALEPH500 Portal" at http://www.sunyconnect.suny.edu/aleph/ This includes documentation, additional materials and resources regarding the SUNYConnect LMS that need to be password protected. Natalie Sturr's helpful set of ALEPH resources is also available via this portal.

Union Catalog Progress
It is fair to say that SUNY OLIS is not satisfied with the current status of the union catalog project from Ex Libris. The project should be farther advanced.The design and implementation of the SUNYConnect union catalog is progressing, however. Progress to date includes selecting subsets of bibliographic records from various SUNYConnect LMS systems for use in a test database, acquiring a shared authority file (from the Library of Congress), implementing needed ALEPH software upgrades, and consensus-building regarding shared circulation policies. The OLIS would like to thank the members of the Data Management and the Access Management Working Groups for their ongoing efforts on this project.

SUNYConnect Database Fee
The SUNYConnect Advisory Council (S.A.C.) has opted to not change the rate of increase for the campuses' annual Database Fee. This issue will be re-considered in August 2002 for possible implementation effective with FY 2003-2004.

Database Trial - The Nation
The recent free trial of The Nation prompted some interest in the product. Although there is no possibility of SUNYConnect making this resource available in the near future, EBSCO has agreed to extend a group discount to any SUNY library wishing to purchase access. For more information, contact Ed Roche, the EBSCO representative, at (800) 653-2726 Ext. 569 or at ERoche@epnet.com

Shared Remote Storage
S.A.C. has received the consultant's report on this topic. Initial inquiries focused on storage needs at the University Centers. Assistant Provost Carey Hatch is conducting fact finding visits to various other SUNY libraries during spring 2002. In addition, SUNY OLIS is using its access to the 40 LAIP library systems to do some collection analysis.

Upcoming SUNYLA Programs
Look for these programs at the upcoming SUNYLA Annual Conference: "SUNYConnect E-Resources: Walking the Tightrope" (Larry Randall) "The SUNY Union Catalog: Planning for the Future" (Laura Murray)