Transitioning to a new ILS

Hello HPL!

In July, Houston Public Library will unveil a completely new integrated library system (ILS) that will run our catalog and customer accounts. The new system, SirsiDynix's Symphony, will result in improved service delivery and more efficient processes. Every effort is being made to keep you informed of changes and timelines to make the transition process to the new ILS as painless as possible -for both you and our customers.

Over the next few weeks we are going to implement a phased roll out that will have several milestones.

• On Wednesday, July 3^rd, our current ILS, Millennium, will be taken offline.
• On Thursday, July 11^th the new ILS, SirsiDynix's Symphony, will go live.
• The week between these two dates (Thursday, July 3, 2013 thru Wednesday, July 10, 2013) will have the most impact on HPL customers and staff. During this time:

• Most customer interactions will be handled manually, offline.
• Check-outs, check-ins, and new registrations will be handled through the SirsiDynix Symphony offline circulation system.
• We will not take new hold requests or fill existing hold requests during this period.
• Inter Library Loans will be handled manually.
• Self-check machines will be unavailable.
• We will not be able to collect fines.

Additionally, there are two significant changes that will result from this transition:

1. All customers will be required to have Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) to access their accounts online. This is one of the most important features to impact customers and provides them with an additional level of security for their accounts.

• Current cardholders will be assigned a four-digit PIN based on the last four numbers of the phone number associated with their accounts.
• New cardholders will have five-digit PINs automatically assigned to them by the system at the time their account is created. 

2. Beginning July 3, 2013, our circulation period will change from 2 week check-outs (with two possible two-week renewals) to 3 week check-outs (with one three-week renewal).    This will give our customers more time to get through their particular item(s) and reduce the number of times they need to worry about renewal. 

NOTE:  DVD's will circulate for one three-week period, with no renewals.

 Syma Zerkow, Chief of Library Materials Services, will continue to provide you with regular email updates about the overall ILS transition and on-going staff trainings.  Additionally, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document will be  placed on HPL's Intranet full of useful information for staff. This document will include a list of the features we are keeping, those we are adding, as well as a list of the features that will not transition to the new system. More information will be shared with you on an ongoing basis as it becomes available.

We will begin providing information to our customers this week. This will include the dates of the roll out and the expected impact to them, our services, and their accounts.

Switching to a new ILS is a monumental undertaking, requiring months of planning and the time and attention of many of our co-workers.  We know that no matter how much we have planned, or how much care we have taken with each of step of the transition, there will be some challenges for our customers and staff. Please let us know how things are going, and when you have questions or suggestions – contact Syma – syma.zerkow@houstontx.gov

Thank you in advance for your commitment and patience as we work our way through these milestones.  Most importantly, I ask that you take time to familiarize yourself with the FAQ's and other information provided so that you can become informed. Being informed will make the transition easier and will equip you to help guide our customers through this change. It's going to take all of us working together to make this transition possible.  Thanks again!

Best Regards,

Rhea Brown Lawson

Rhea Brown Lawson, PhD, Director

The Houston Public Library is a vital member of a dynamic and diverse local, national, and global community.

We link people to the world

HPL's Pop Up Library

Note: The boxes we have received with books that show they are from Mary are for this program. They are not for SRP.
Thanks,
John
----------------------------------------------------------------- Hi,

  I have attached a one page FAQ about the Pop Up Library.  Please review it and share it.  If you have any questions about it, please send me an email.  Our special Pop Up Library design is on the tent, bookplates and collateral material.  I have attached the design.

  I am thrilled to announce Mr. Da’Vian Smith as the Project Manager.  Mr. Smith brings excellent organizational skills, a “Can Do” attitude, and a strong knowledge of youth literature and programming to the position.  The Pop Up Library staff also includes four seasonal (June, July and August)  Early Literacy Specialists and this team will be the primary deliverers of the Pop Up Library project.  This team will work with both the NL Administration office and the Community Engagement office.

  With the wonderful support of the Community Engagement team, we had an informal launch of the program last week at Kashmere Gardens Elementary!  It was very successful.  Members of the Pop Up Team and Community Engagement team have received training on FLIP kits and Para los Niños from the Children’s Museum of Houston.

  We are currently booking the program at more venues.  If you know of summer programs, include day camps, faith based organizations, clubs for youth, etc., please do not hesitate to email them to Da’Vian Smith (da’vian.smith@houstontx.gov).

  As stated in the FAQ, every Neighborhood Library, Central, Discovery Green and Children’s Museum of Houston will receive give-away books and a one hole punch. 

  Instructions for returning punch cards and surveys are in the FAQ.  I am also posting this information on the NL blog under the Literacy tab.  We are looking to a very active and fun summer and appreciate your support of this project.

Best regards,

Mary Wagoner, M.L.I.S.

Special Services Team Leader

OverDrive update

HPL Central Library by HPL Central Library //OverDrive update

Hello: This will definitely result in questions from patrons so please read the e-mail below.
Sincerely,
Marianne Lorio

Dear Library Partner,
OverDrive will release an updated version of the OverDrive Media Console (OMC) mobile app for iOS and Android (v2.6.5) on Tuesday, May 29. Below is a summary of the release details—please review and distribute in advance to ensure your support staff are prepared for the updates.

OMC for iOS v2.6.5
· Enhancements to improve the speed of the in-app browser
· Bug fixes
· Reauthorization of Adobe ID for ALL iOS users required by Apple
Due to a change in Apple's privacy policies, we’ve had to make changes to the way we handle licensing of EPUB eBooks and MP3 audiobooks. As a result, the OMC for iOS v2.6.5 update will de-authorize every users’ Adobe ID and prompt them to authorize again. Audiobook users will be unaffected unless attempting to download parts from a book that was only partially downloaded prior to the v2.6.5 update.

eBooks – Adobe AuthorizationAfter installing the update, users with authorized Adobe IDs in place will see the following message:


Clicking ‘Sign In’ will show the ‘Adobe Authorization’ screen. The deauthorized Adobe ID is pre-populated, so the user will only need to enter the password. The ‘Forgot password?’ link will be available.



Audiobooks – Downloading additional parts

• Audiobook users won’t notice anything different unless they attempt to download parts of audiobooks partially downloaded to OMC before installing the v2.6.5 update. In this case, the following message is displayed:

Users will need to download the title again from their digital library website bookshelf to download the missing parts.These updates will be messaged in the App Store and on the “What’s New” screen. Additionally, there are two help articles available for users and library staff to help with these updates:
· Why do I have to sign in with an Adobe ID after updating OverDrive Media Console for iOS?
· What to do if there is a 'downloadManagererrorDomain:403' error when trying to download an audiobook using OverDrive Media Console for iOS

OMC for Android v2.6.5
· Bug fixes

• Note: The issues with Adobe authorization and audiobook downloads will not impact the Android release of OMC v2.6.5.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Support via Content Reserve> Support tab.
Thank you,
OverDrive