Microcomputer Software
Operating system software: Most of the microcomputers in Hunter Library
are running Windows 95. Only machines purchased since CY2000 are running Windows
98. We have plans to install Windows 2000 on one computer in the systems office.
With Microsoft's new licensing plan, the campus is looking at what is needed
to move the university to Windows XP.
Office software: All staff PCs are running MS Office 97. Only a few
units have expressed an interest in installing MS Office 2000 on their microcomputers,
especially since they will be required to convert documents shared with other
units running an earlier version. Several individuals within the Reference
Unit, since they create documents and PowerPoint presentations for the electronic
classroom, will need to upgrade to Office 2000 soon. This will mean that they
will also need to upgrade their computers to Window 98 as well.
Outlook- This is the in-house and on-campus email program. The Computer
Center maintains and does backup for this system. All staff microcomputers
have access to the client software of Outlook when they log onto the WCUNW2
fileserver.
Other Software
Netscape: Although the computer center is talking about moving from
to Internet Explorer, the library staff and public PCs use mainly Netscape.
We still have staff and public area PCs running older versions of it. The
preferred version is 4.73. Internet Explorer has been installed on those computers
that could handle it when MS Outlook 2000 was installed. The OPAC area's new
setup has given the public the ability to choose either browser when surfing
the Internet.
Telnet: This allows us to access the INNOPAC Library system
and the campus VAXs WinQVT is the WIN95/98/XP-based version used
by the Library. Copies of these programs are on every staff microcomputer
with backups being kept on WCUNW2's programs subdirectory (h:\library\apps).
Until III's Millennium project is completed, the staff will still
do most of its work using telnet to connect to the library system.
This software (telnet) uses minimal computing power. We are currently
using QVT net software because the computer center has a site
license for it. 99% of the time this is working fine. However,
we have had problems with printers on some machines and weird
characters displaying on others. We haven't figured out how to
fix all these various problems so we purchased one license to
NetTerm and are using it sparingly.
Most telecommunication equipment (micros, switches, routers, etc) must have
unique IP numbers which are configured into the software (these numbers are
found in the config.tel file or the network setting in the control panel).
Hunter Library's list of IP numbers is kept with the inventory of equipment.
OCLC/Passport: Passport for Windows is installed on several units
of the library that use OCLC to do cataloging. It works well on lower level
PC (166 MHz) without any problems. There is upgraded new software (CORC) now
available from OCLC. While it has additional functionality, it is not a mature
product yet. This is especially true since it needs more power then the staff
currently has (at least 300 MHz, 64 Meg memory), and so we are not in any
rush to upgrade to it at this time. However, in the next year, this may not
be the case.
CircBackup: The circulation backup program is located on a computer
in the Circulation Unit that can be used at the circulation desk in the event
of a emergency in accessing the INNOPAC library system. If access to INNOPAC
is denied, by system being down or because of telecommunication problems,
this software can be used to record patron and book information until the
system is accessible again. When the system is accessible again, this information
can be FTP (transferred) to the INNOPAC system in a batch to bring it up to
date on transactions that have accrued. Another copy of the software is in
the Systems Unit, in the Apps folder and also available from Innovative Interfaces
(1-800-878-6600).
FTP - There are DOS and WIN95/98 versions of FTP software available
on each computer in the library with a backup kept in WCUNW2's programs subdirectory
(H:\library\apps). This was shareware software available from the Computer
Center.
High-end Application Software
Scanning Station software for E-reserves - We are using
a combination of Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop and the III scanning
workstation software, to do E-reserves in the Circulation Unit.
A total of 3 PCs are needed for this operation. We are having
to keep on-top-of the technology in this area to speed up the
process. These stations have more memory, faster CPUs, and an
updated scanner in order to keep up with demand for these services.
ILL/Clio- The ILL office uses several PC to do its work. The Ariel
software is working on a standalone PC although it doubles as a student station.
A Laser printer/Fax machine was purchased for this office although she still
uses the HP for two-sided prints. We are working with the computer center
to install Prospero on a server. This software will allow users to get their
ILL documents electronically.
Web Application Software
Dreamweaver: This program is the HTML editor and site maintenance
software for the Hunter Library Homepage. It is a very good, comprehensive
package. However, we are currently running an older version of the software
and so we have purchased 3 copies of the newest version 4.0.
Image Software
Illustrator, PhotoShop 5, Paint Shop Pro 6: We have versions of a
variety of state-of-the-art image-processing packages. Although underutilized
because they are complicated, have large learning curves, and need specific
applications, these provide a good base of industry standard image processing
for casual or in-depth use. Illustrator and PhotoShop have later versions
available and Paint Shop is the latest. Given the infrequency of their use,
I don't recommend upgrading any time soon.
Publication Software
MS Publisher: This is a general publishing software package. It is
easy to learn with lots of great templates. However, it is not an industry
standard format that can be shared with agencies outside the library and can/does
have printing problems. The campus has a site license to this product for
now.
Adobe Pagemaker: This is the industry-standard publishing software
package. It is complicated to learn but the results can be shared with outside
printing facilities easier then other formats. We have one copy of version
6.5, which is the latest edition.
Mapping Software
ArcView: Maps Unit is using this software for the creation of maps
and manipulation of data within maps. Much of the government document mapping
data uses this format. Currently, the setup in the Map room is adequate to
handle it. However, the next version of the software will require an increase
in both power and operating system. It will require at least a 450MHz microcomputer
running Windows 2000.
Millennium Software
This Client/server software creates a GUI interface with the Innopac systems.
It is largely in production and a very immature product at this time. As the
server side software is available, it has been installed on the Innopac system.
(Currently, circulation, acquisitions, serials subsystems are available.)
The client side needs at least a 300 MHz microcomputer with 128 Megs of memory
to run. While we upgraded the Circulation Unit's microcomputers to run the
circulation subsystem, because it is not a mature product, they cannot do
all their circulation functions (most especially reserves). After testing
it for a semester, the Circulation Unit opted not to implement the product
at this time. There is mixed feelings in the Serials and Acquisitions Units
about moving to implement the software in their area. The maturity of the
product, the real benefits of using it, and the low level of PCs in these
areas are major factors in dragging our feet.
Computer Center programs
@patrons: First programmed in 1985 by the Computer Center administrative
programming staff, this program has been updated and changed many times over
the years. Its current form allows Library staff to create a file of university
users (faculty, staff, and students only) of the Library for the INNOPAC library
system. The program formats the data from databases in SIS+ into a form that
the INNOPAC system can use. Accounts were also set up to allow the Library
staff to FTP the data to the INNOPAC system and to email staff when data was
updated from the CBord one card system each night.
The program has several levels of options. 1) To create a file of faculty
and staff information from the Personnel system. 2) To create a file of student
information from the SIS system. The file of student information can be a)
pre-registration information, b) full semester information, c) partial or
only those records that have been updated since the last time.
This program is reliant upon the One-Card office to update the lost-card-digit
information in the SIS+ system when a change in the digit has been made to
faculty, staff or students. This program now runs each night. Problems still
arise regularly. At this time, we are still working out problems with distance
learning users.
@invoicing?: Talks between Purchasing and the Library began this year
to create an interface between FRS and Innopac.
Networking
Hunter Library has been completely rewired with campus infrastructure money.
A fiber optic ring connects all the buildings on campus. In FY2000,
Hunter Library was moved over from intelligent hubs to switches
in all equipment closets. Several new closets were created (one
on the far end of the ground floor, first floor in the microfilm
area, and second floor by the old elevator). That means that the
speed to the switch closet is 100baseT. However, most of the individual
PC are still running 10baseT because they run old network cards
or are attached to 10baseT cascaded hubs (we still have about
6-8 of these hubs at the end of each pillar.). The good part is
that every individual PC is riding on it's own and not sharing
bandwidth with other PCs anymore. However, older computers cannot
take advantage of the possibility of the faster bandwidth and
Internet speed without upgrading NICs and/or 10baseT hubs. We
have begun replacing hubs with switches that are 100baseT. Most
of the hubs at bottom of pillars are now replaces. For the location
of these ports, hubs and switches see the PC floor plan.
In addition to wiring the ground floor, group studies, and faculty studies,
the computer center also has installed wireless devices on the two main floors
of the library. At this point, they haven't completely configured these areas
although they are planning to do this sometime this summer . When done, this
will means that we have the possibility of putting workstations anywhere there
is a power outlet. (desks, alcoves, and study carrels.) Wireless cards will
still need to be bought for this purpose.
Web
The Library's web presence resides on the university's web server at www.wcu.edu.
It is linked to the University's homepage. The computer center runs this server.
The library has several accounts on it although most operations use the username
"library". The web librarian is responsible for those pages starting
at www.wcu.edu/library and the systems librarian is responsible for any other
pages located on that server and doing research/development. Several people,
at this time, can modify pages on this server.
External Remote Databases
The library has access to many databases. Most are part of the NCLive package
of databases. All can be reached via web browser. The Innopac library system
has a proxy server so that authorized users can access these databases from
anywhere with web access. We have seen an increase in remote access (ie. folks
not on campus) over the past year. The Systems Office has seen a big increase
in the number of people calling for help in setting up the proxy server service
on their computers. We try to help but some of these individuals need more
then basic troubleshooting help. They sometimes have needed help with basic
Windows navigation.
Local databases
Cherokee Phoenix: Special Collections and Systems Unit is working
on moving the Cherokee Phoenix to the library web site.
MS Access Databases: Periodical Use Study and various statistical
info databases in the works.
VAX accounts and other email addresses
Several public email addresses have been created for the library. (GETSTUFF,
INFOHUNTER, RESERVES) These addresses are mainly used as contact addresses
from the library homepage. A staff member is assigned responsibility to read
and forward messages from these accounts.
Campus software applications
FRS: The FRS software is the campus's financial system. Access is
granted to this data by the Controller's office. The library administrative
office uses it for budget reconciliation and maintenance. Others who have
access include folks in Serials and Acquisitions (Janet, Nancy N, others?)
so they can reconcile INNOPAC with it. The purchasing system feeds into this
system.
SIS+: SIS+ was moved to the alpha machine during the Y2K project.
Many web applications were added at that time. This is the system used by
the campus to keep track of students and classes. Pipeline is a web front
end for much of this software for students and faculty. We use this data to
create the student patron tapes (see the @patrons entry). David Duvall and
Jill Ellern have access to SIS+ for inquiry and for changing the lost card
digit
Human Resources System (Personnel Management): In 1999, this system
was moved from a PC based database to the campus Unix system to comply with
Y2K issues. The Human Resources office grants access to this software so Circulation
can change the lost card digit manually if needed for faculty and staff. David
Duvall and Jill Ellern are currently authorized for inquiry and for changing
the lost card digit.
Library System Software
INNOPAC library system - This is the major software system used by
library patrons and library personnel. INNOPAC is a ILS or integrated library
system. It is the most mission critical software run by the library. The software
and hardware is located on DEC Alpha at ASU computer center. It is backed
up regularly by their personnel and supported by Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
(1-800-878-6600). Telecommunications support is supplied by the WCU Computer
Center (7282) and UNC-GA Network Services (1-800-672-8244). Access is available
from any telnet program (WinQVT, NSCA Telnet, etc.) at 152.10.28.1 or wncln.appstate.edu
or from any web browser (same address). Login accounts are maintained locally.
Currently, Lorna Dorr is in charge of creation and maintenance of login names
for WCU, but the WNCLN network librarian, or any system person in the WNCLN
Network has access as well.
CDRom Area and databases
The Library has licenses to several CDRom databases. With the demise of the
CDTower, we purchases a SNAP server called Connan (at 152.30.22.123) that is
located in the telecommunication closet on the second floor. It gives us 260Gigs
of disk space and what we have been doing is copy CDs onto a partition of this
disk (152.30.22.123/cdroms). By using the WCU domain and their outlook login
library logins can get access to the data on this CD data. We have given access
to the PCs in the CDRom area, the Ref Desk, and staff with needs to access these
CDs.
Government Documents Workstation
On the first floor in the back by Government Documents is a PC for intensive
work with Government Documents CDs. It has access to the Internet and some special
TIFF reader plugins. An appointment can be made with this PC and/or Government
Document staff.
Remote and Licensed Databases
We have a web page with all our remote and licensed databases at
this location.
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