Systems Managers Forum

Comments from Systems Survey November 2004

Compiled by Liz Barton

• Library B– For an institution of the size of Library B, it

works having one P/T person running Horizon IF it is simply a case of keeping the system ticking over. However, major changes, such as our recent migration from Dynix to Horizon, are problematic, and depend on the willingness of other non-systems library staff to take on systems tasks. All network management tasks such as internet, intranet and CD-ROM access are managed centrally by the college’s IT department.

• Library C– We run the library staff and student network, Approx 70 public

PCs mostly giving access to the college network but some are dedicated “catalogues” and some 45 staff PCs along with associated servers, network hubs, switches etc. We also look after a number of printers for staff and users. This involves purchase, setup and maintenance of the equipment as well as support for users (staff and users). We also maintain and manage all the equipment associated with Horizon/HIP. We also do the work on the design/functionality of the HIP in consultation with colleagues.

– We manage the creation of library staff accounts and managing the library “intranet”/shared folders. We manage the library’s IT budget, including hardware, software, maintenance and consumables (toner etc.). Staff training in all aspects of library IT.

– The operation library’s security turnstile, which links to Horizon, is also our responsibility We set up laptops and other equipment for induction sessions

– We also work closely with computing services over things like networking (including wireless), security, access to services for library staff, ensuring that students can log in on our PCs, AthensDA, importing borrower records etc etc.

– Occasional “fun” projects, such as a library news feed or investigating a library blog brighten things up a bit.

• Library D– We run Horizon as a joint task between 3

persons part-time in the library and help when needed from our computer services people.

• Library E– We feel very strongly that there should be a

systems librarian, however we currently have some part-time support (about four hours a week!) from a member of our staff, but this is far from adequate

• Library F– I am systems librarian and also deputy college

librarian and subject librarian for computing/business schools.

– The systems role is information systems in the wider sense of electronic learning resources as well as the Horizon LMS. I am team leader for the ILT assistants who provide assistance in the open access computer centres

• Library G– The Systems Team also support PCs and install

operating systems and software and troubleshoot when necessary. The Systems Team liaise with the University's Computing Service and assist them when necessary.

• Library H– Number of staff running library systems (FT/PT) –

approx 25% of one assistant librarian’s time; operational staff manage back-ups; server hardware and operating system. This is part of automated routines for whole organisational network.

– We are a Microsoft site; there are connectivity issues for 3rd party suppliers to access servers for purpose of maintenance. Library management systems are not well understood by operational staff and we are investigating ASP solutions. We do not believe in ‘massive customisation’ of the system as this would be unsustainable in our technical environment and our high rate of library staff turnover.