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The Systems Office keeps a detailed inventory database in MS Access on the
fileserver. These are the highlights of that data.
Microcomputers:
The systems unit supports about 111 working microcomputers in
use in Hunter Library. They range from 133 to 966 Mhz machines.
In addition to those assigned to specific staff and units listed
below, as microcomputers are moved around, upgraded, fixed, surplused,
etc., the systems unit likes to keep about 3-5 extra lower end
machines available for emergency assignment and has two portable
laptop available for loan in the systems office.
Electronic Classroom PCs: The E-classroom was upgraded
in 2001-2002. Twenty-five (25) new Gateway computers (966MHz)
were installed. The instructor station has a ZIP drive installed.
Public Area PCs: The Library has 30 microcomputers in
the OPAC area. Most of these OPAC PC's now have 17" monitors.
There are 21 General OPAC PCs, 2 Public PCs in CMC, 2 Public PCs
in Maps, 2 on the Ground Floor, 2 running CDRom databases beside
the Ref Desk, and 1 Gov Doc PC in the Back area.
Staff PCs: Of PCs on service desks, Reference Desk has
2 microcomputers (350 MHz) with a Deskjet printer, Circulation
has 2 microcomputers (XP) with a dot matrix printer, and CMC has
two on the Desk.
Of 37 full -time and 15 part-time staff, 44 have an individual
microcomputer assigned to them, 8 staff share a computer, and
4 individuals have more then one microcomputer for their job duties.
There are 5 other computers in departments (2 in Cataloging, 1
Gov't Docs, 2 Circulation) that are student computers or help
workflow. This totals 55 staff PCs currently in use in departments.
(Don't try to add it up from the numbers given…it will not
make sense…we had to count several times ourselves.)
Other hardware:
Barcode readers and Barcode/Magstrip readers: Most staff that edit
records in Innopac have a barcode reader to facilitate accuracy of barcode
input. Overall these 19 or so devices are working on staff computers without
problems although the old pen style readers and several on service desks that
are Barcode/Magstrip readers are getting old and temperamental. These will
need replaced soon especially those on the CMC.
SNAP Server: Because disk space on WCUNW2 is becoming such a premium,
the Library bought a 270 Gig Snap server. At the moment it is mostly used
for backup and to run CDRom databases in Ref/OPAC area. It is also used for
backup of the library files and Ghost images. It is located in the wiring
closet on the 2nd Floor and is called CONAN (152.30.22.123)
Printers: We have 28+ printers in operation at the Library. Many
of these printers are convenience printers for Innopac use. Several printers
are networked (two public area laser printers - Hiram and Tyram, Reference
color printer located in the old processing room, Lillian - the staff laser
printer that duplexes, HP 8150 in Admin office, Cataloging's label printer
and the Map Room color desk jet printer.) Circulation operates a system printer
for the Innopac system for printing large jobs.
Laptop/projector: We currently have one that's a 166 MHz laptop computer
with Ethernet and modem card. Although no longer a fast computer, this microcomputer
can be taken home, to meetings, etc. The other is a new Gateway running Windows
XP. It is going to be used with a projector to give the librarians a PC to
tote to presentation around campus.
Camera: Imaging technology (especially the digital camera) has really
taken off in the past few years. Prices are down, ease of use and convenience
is way up. The camera we bought several years ago is still working well. It
just eats batteries like you wouldn't believe. I think there are better alternatives
in the market, but there is no hurry if we can just keep the one we have supplied
with rechargeable batteries.
DVD: Many government documents are beginning to arrive in this data
format. We also have received several movies in this video format. We currently
have one DVD drive loaded into a PC (Carole's in Cataloging), One drive installed
in a PC in the CDROM area, and one in the Govt Doc area. There is also one
stand-alone video unit in CMC.
Campus Fileserver Access for the Library Staff
WCUNW2 (or Newt) is the fileserver that library staff members
have accounts on. It resides in and is controlled by the Computer
Center. The Systems Librarian has administrator access to this
server. It has three levels of security in the file structure.
First, each staff member has a home account that only they have
access to (once they login). Second, each unit has a secured area
for unit files. And lastly, there is a shared library space. Backup
of each person's data on their assigned microcomputer is the responsibility
of that individual to the appropriate location on the fileserver.
However, the shared library space is truly shared. Mission critical
files kept there need to be backed up elsewhere because everyone
has access to delete, modify, add files in this area.
This fileserver is also the printer server for all networked
printers. That means that if you want to print to any of these
network printers, you must have an account. Public area PC were
given individual accounts with the new setup of the OPAC area
in anticipation of Pay for Print. It also means that if the fileserver
is having problems, network printing may be effected.
Computer Accounts
When new employees of Hunter Library are hired, an account name
is assigned to them by the Computer Center. This user account
is used for as many computer systems as possible (email, VAXs,
Innopac, fileserver-WNCNW2). The paperwork has to start in the
Systems Office, signed by the UL, then sent to the Computer Center.
Once confirmation of a new username is given to the individual,
other accounts are made using that username on the library fileserver
and the Innopac system. Lorna Dorr keeps the files on Innopac
and Jill Ellern keeps the rest. At this time, the Computer Center
creates accounts and groups on Outlook.
Further description, backup procedures, contact
number of vendors.
Snapshot of our MS Access database
of equipment
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