Updating Customer Records

Email from Syma Zerkow on 05/29/2013:

As you are updating customer records, please do not delete or change the “g” message field.  This field is used to create the message that customers now see when they log in to their account that reminds them to update their personal information in preparation for the move to Sirsi.  I believe that some of you may be changing it from “g” to “x” or deleting it entirely once the customer has updated their information.  Unfortunately, that creates a problem.  We are using that field to send a series of messages about the change (right now we are trying to alert customers that PINs will be required in the new system) and when you change the “g” to “x” or delete the “g” completely, we are no longer able to mass update those records. 

Thank you for your cooperation.  If you have any questions, let me know.

---

-Marcos

HPL Mobile App Updates

Email from Saima Kadir on 05/28/2013:

Greetings,

I would like to share a few updates about HPL’s mobile app:

·         It shows the same message that has been added to My Millennium about upcoming catalog changes; it gets updated as new information becomes available

·         App can now store a patron’s library card so it doesn’t need to be entered every time patron wants to access their account

·         Library patrons who use the app to chat with us, now get a notification to use their browser for a better chat experience

·         we are working with Boopsie, our app developer to have it integrate with Sirsi once we migrate to the new ILS

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

---

-Marcos 

Tech Studio at HIL

This month at HIL we launched the Tech Studio--a creative space packed with technology punch for teens and tweens (ages 10-18). Our HIL June programming calendar features the Tech Studio at the top reading: 

"A space designed for teens and tweens, ages 10-18, who are interested in digital photography, graphic arts, web design, and music production using various tools on MacBooks. To easily save projects, a USB flash drive is suggested." 

Our next Tech Studio setup will take place on Thursdays, June 13 and 27 from 3pm-5pm. Our goal is to introduce the young age group to fun software programs and cultivate their technological skills to reach new levels of creativity. This aligns with the Library's service priorities and goals by providing support for student success and access to technology with impromptu instruction. 

Our most recent program pulled in a total of 9 attendees with only word-of-mouth marketing. My thanks go out to you all, the Team, for spreading the word!

Below are some recent photos of our new program setup. Attendees learned how to use Comic Life version 1.0 to produce a "comic" page filled with goofy images of themselves.

Important Dates Regarding ILS Migration...

Just a reminder...

Email from Syma Zerkow on 05/09/2013:

Our GoLive date for SirsiDynix Symphony is Thursday, July 11.  We are starting to detail out the timing of a lot of the changes and I want to make sure you were all aware of them.  I plan to send out updated information to staff on a weekly basis.  The Communications Division will begin a public awareness campaign for our customers in early June.

·         In order to reduce the number of circulation-related issues that will arise during our migration period (June 21-July 1), we have modified how the III system calculates due dates.  Our goal is to minimize the number of items returned over that time period but not affect our ability to check out or return items.  As a result, you (and our customers) will see a lot of unexpectedly long check-out periods.   Please accept whatever due date the system shows and, if a customer questions it, explain that we are moving from our existing catalog and circulation software to a new system and to make the transition as smooth as possible, we have temporarily changed the checkout period. 

·         Collections throughout the system will be more finely defined in the new catalog.  Every library will have locations such as Media, Beginning Readers, Graphic Novels, and more.  Sirsi informs us that due to the complex mapping of items to new locations, we need to keep item location changes to the absolute minimum during the migration period.  Therefore, we plan to stop floating materials beginning the week of June 17. When we go-live on Symphony, floating will immediately go back into effect.

·         During this period (June 21-July 10), no new titles or items will be added to the collection and we will be unable to delete items.  Staff will also need to follow new procedures to check-in periodicals and new procedures to create “items on the fly” (short records to allow circulation of items whose barcode is not in the system).

·         From July 5-10, we will be using Symphony Offline Circ.  During this period, no fines can be collected and no holds can be filled.  We will be able to register new customers.

·         Training for the new procedures will begin just after Memorial Day and run intensively throughout the month of June and continue on a regular basis thereafter. Training material will also be available on the Staff Training Portal.

·         We are working with Communications to develop FAQ’s to assist you in providing clear explanations to our customers about the changes.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me or use Contact Us on the HALAN ILS Migration News site on the Intranet.

---

-Marcos

SIRSI Training Updates

Email from Syma Zerkow on 5/17/13:

Training update:

·         Training on the new system will be offered in multiple locations and multiple times throughout the month of June and then ongoing.  Once a definite schedule is established with times and locations, everyone will be notified.

·         Procedures presented during training will be available through the HPL Training Portal.

·         SirsiDynix Help screens within Symphony WorkFlows are excellent.  Plan on using the Help screens regularly.

·         Sirsi also offers a free generic tutorial that you will be able to access at any time.

·         A “cheat sheet” to keep at the Service Desk of most common procedures will be available.

I’d also like to offer some quick definitions:

·         Enterprise is the name of the new catalog interface (currently we have the Classic Catalog and Encore).

·         SirsiDynix Symphony is the equivalent of III Millennium.

·         Symphony WorkFlows is your single access point to all functions.  Currently, you may have an icon on your desktop for Circ, another for Serials, another for Offline Circ, another for Program Registration, and so on.  All of these various III modules are incorporated into the single WorkFlows icon.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me or use Contact Us on the HALAN ILS Migration News site on the Intranet.

---

If you wish to explore Enterprise, the new catalog interface, you can visit Nicholson Memorial Library System's site, http://nm.ent.sirsi.net/client/default. -Marcos

Smart Money & Credit Card Machines

 

Email from Theodora Ume-Ezeoke on 5/10/13:

 

Concerning Smart Money and Credit Card Machines.

Good day Team,

Here are some remainders from the Financial Services department about Smart Money and the Credit card machines:

1. In the morning, all locations should reconcile the credit card machine activities with the closing receipt that comes out daily.

2. Make sure that the receipts total you have on hand for the credit cards and the checks agree with the closing receipt that comes out from the credit card machine daily.

3. This receipt that you see at the credit card machine in the morning when you come to work is from the bank.

4. If you don’t see the words “settlement successful” located at the end of the receipt please call 1800-451-5817. Have the merchant number ready and give it to them. (if you don’t know where this is located or cannot find it, please call me as I have this information and can give it to you) They will ask you a series of questions which should help to resolve the situation.

5. If your location has a glitch with the credit card machine, please call the IT Helpdesk and ask for the rewiring of the credit card machine to have it transferred from Wi-Fi to wired or through the phone line.

6. After your machine has been rewired, please call the bank at 1800-451-5817 and inform them that the credit card machine has been switched from Wi-Fi to wired line so they can switch the files.

7. Please remember to swipe credit cards on the credit card machine before entering it in Smart Money

8. Please keep the receipts and send them daily to the Financial Services Department.

 

---

-Marcos

 

 

 

 

RIN YA Book Display

Photo credit: Kathy C.

Kudos to Kathy and Marc for keeping this collection at RIN in good shape.

-Marcos