The year 2011 was the PALNI (Private Academic Library Network of Indiana) consortium's "rookie season" for the implementation of Primo, the 2010 Discovery Layer 500 race winner. In this article, the authors report on their transition to the cloud within Ex Libris Ltd.'s Primo TotalCare environment: their preparation, the steps involved…

This article describes the opportunities out of the 2007 turmoil precipitated by the dramatic shifts that redefined the industry in 2006. The turmoil made companies that avoided major business transitions more attractive and sparked explosive interest in open source alternatives. Some companies held a steady course and benefited from the fallout.…

In a year where the general economy presented enormous challenges, libraries continued to make investments in automation, especially in products that help improve what and how they deliver to their end users. Access to electronic content remains a key driver. In response to anticipated needs for new approaches to library automation, many companies…

At the end of 2007, SirsiDynix introduced the first version of Symphony, its new flagship Integrated Library System (ILS). This article begins with a look at the evolution of Symphony, user reactions to Symphony, and Symphony's design and functionality. The authors, along with a team of librarians from various functional areas, have completed…

Discussion of methodologies for libraries to use when selecting an integrated library system focuses on the benefits of using a Request for Proposal (RFP), based on experiences at the University of Rochester. A copy of the system vision statement which describes the purpose of the RFP is appended. (LRW)

This paper discusses how the Creighton University Health Sciences Library Serial Department has updated their process of claiming and replacing missing journal issues. The paper is divided into two main parts. The first part discusses the changes in the claiming procedure. The second part discusses how the claims are reported to vendors. Future…

Describes how the Northwestern State University library organized a successful technology fair that focused on the library and campus technology. Discusses reasons for organizing the fair, including the introduction of new workstations; academic department participation; vendor participation; marketing strategies and communication; and student…

Offers suggestions for libraries selecting automated systems based on experiences at Purdue University. Highlights include the institutional context; long-term versus short-term benefits; involving staff and users throughout the process; request for proposals; negotiating contracts; evaluating vendors; and communicating. (LRW)

Describes ways to provide interlibrary loan (ILL) services on the Web and discusses the decisions that Ohio University's Alden Library made when creating ILL forms. Highlights include using common gateway interface (CGI) scripts; choosing commercial software products; changing user needs and expectations; technical considerations; and design…

This paper discusses ways in which the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) has freed up resources, particularly staffing resources, in order to focus attention on activities that add value to the academic process. Vendor partnership with Blackwell's Library Supply company for selection, acquisition, cataloging, and end processing of…

Describes the relationship between Carnegie Mellon University libraries and Sirsi Corporation, their integrated library-management system vendor. Topics include Carnegie Mellon's expertise in library automation research and development; and three primary elements of the alliance: research, including user protocols, surveys, and focus groups;…

Examines retrospective conversion in Spanish university libraries. Highlights include automated book collections; standardization; library cooperation; personnel; user access to online catalogs; and the reconversion situation and methods. Found that the fastest method of reconversion is by employing a vendor. (AEF)

Provides an overview of the North American Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and Document Delivery Project that was initiated by the Association of Research Libraries to facilitate the delivery of materials to users at manageable costs. Highlights include vendors; management and financial software; standards; library policies; organizational and service…

Discusses the issue of access versus ownership of academic library materials necessitated by rising costs, declining budgets, and increased scholarly production. Highlights include technological advances in resource sharing; performance criteria for access; costs; speed (user expectations, turnaround times); and reliability (fill rates of…

Evaluation of data from assessments of full bibliographic displays in academic library OPACs (online public access catalogs) and World Wide Web catalogs against a checklist of desirable features found that OPAC displays scored 58% and Web displays scored 60%. Discusses weaknesses, focusing on those found in the majority of the displays…