Migration Tips & Tricks

Migration Tips and Tricks

What “They” DON’T Tell You About Upgrading/Migrating/Just Changing Servers

for your Integrated Library System

NLA/NEMA ConferenceGrand Island

October 14-15, 2010

Setting the Scene

Print Server, Horizon Box, Screen Door, Security System, Web Reporter Server, HIP Server, Web Server, Exchange Server, Old Web Reporter Server

Fewer Servers, Increased Energy Efficiency within Server Room

TCO Savings

Portability

Why SaaS?

What would we do differently?

Whatever your timeframe – DOUBLE IT!

Sources of delays:• Contract

negotiations• Signatures• Approvals• Funding• Scheduling with the

vendor• Scheduling around

busy times• Vacations

Inventory Should be done at

least every year Do it before migrating

data you don’t need No $$? Borrow

equipment from systems, colleagues

Test the upgrade

Adding patrons Checking out materials Checking in materials Blocks/Fines Overdues

No Test Database? Ask around, network Visit a library that has made the leap Negotiate for a test database next time

Back Up Your DataDatabase Customizations

Views w/last update

Debt Collect/Unique Management Reporting Software Packages Inventory Handheld Devices Self-Check Network/Databases Security Programs

Third-Party Software

Collection Agency OCLC Resource Sharing Colleagues City offices Schools Friends Group ???

Who else needs to know?

Reports

Doing Business During the Project Offline Circulation Public Access Computer Authentication Other services you can continue without

interruption?

Experiment with Offline Options Try it yourself Then ask the staff Use pictures/screenshots where possible

Document, Document, Document User names & passwords URLs IP Addresses Tech Support contacts Phone numbers Email addresses Schedules Timelines Deadlines Who does what in what order

Tech Support Contacts Who needs

access? Can you get to

this info from anywhere?

Stats and Reports

Get the word out

Backup the Backup Plan People Technology Scheduling Events Environmental

How will logins work?

Generic Windows login? Each staff member has their own? Something in between? How would changing that login affect

other programs (like email)?

Database Access Can you manipulate the

data, or do you have read access only?

What can you still do and what won’t work?

Who runs what? Do you have full

control or do you have to call customer support?

Who do you call? What hours is

support available?

Do you call or email?

What survives migration?

Statistics?Circulation history?Special Collections?Patron Info?Lists on the OPAC?Views?Customization?

What doesn’t survive? Printing? Certain reports? Formatting?

“Honeymoon”Period How long does

the support team “stick around”?

When does anything become “billable” if it’s not in the contract?

Laura England, Acting Director Keene Memorial Library, Fremont NE (402) 727-2694 lengland@keene.lib.ne.us http://www.fremontne.gov/library

Questions?