LINC Update

WebReporter Problems

We have been receiving some calls about WebReporter not accepting the data imput or asking for more/different information.This is probably a browser problem. WebReporter was designed to work with Internet Explorer. It will work with FireFox but not with any version later than 3.6.

If you have updated FireFox to a later version, remove it and go to this site for an older version. http://www.oldapps.com/firefox.php?old_firefox=109

Don’t Forget To Purge

Sometimes we notice that a library will output a batch of notices as many as 3 times while another batch and in some cases two batches have been created but never output. Unless specific borrowers are selected each time the batch is output, the borrowers are getting multiple emails or multiple letters are being printed for the same title.

Please be sure to Select your library and use the Purge button at the bottom of the page once you are finished with your batch.

Plan Ahead When Replacing Computers

The wrong IP address means no connection to the Horizon. If you are planning on replacing computers be sure the new computer is assigned the same static (dynamic won’t  work) IP address as the old computer.

The wrong IP address problem is more common in schools because IT personnel will come in during summer vacation to do their changing and updating.  If  you are planning a change, be sure whoever is doing it knows the importance of the IP address. It will save time and avoid confusion later.

 

If you are wondering if your computer will run Polaris, see Specs 1. If you are thinking of getting a new system  look at Specs2.

Specs 1 (machine exists today, and you just need to know if it will run the new system)

Minimum AMD or Pentium 4, single core processor running at 2.0 GHz, or newer.

Minimum 1 GB RAM.

Minimum 250GB Harddrive, with 50GB free.  (just a guess here, but I guess high)

Receipt printers should be compatible with 64-bit Windows.  (more on this when we know more about the vendor)

Monitor that will support 1024x768 resolution

 

Specs 2 (purchasing a new machine) spec’ed to last 3-5 years

Minimum AMD or Pentium Dual Core Processor (i5 equiv) or better.

Minimum 4GB RAM

Minimum 500GB Harddrive, with 150GB free.

Monitor that will support at least 1024x768 resolution. 

Authority Load completed

We've run an end-of-year Authority Load process which added or changed 19,921 authority records in LINC.

Overdrive (MyMediaMall) announces change to BrillianceAudio

Effective January 31, 2012, as instructed by the publisher, BrillianceAudio will suspend making new titles available to the Overdrive (MyMediaMall) platform.  This does not affect any BrillianceAudio titles (1,200+) that are currently in MyMediaMall - it does affect any new purchases or additional copies.

LINCPac redirects to Mobile Catalog

We've been able to insert some coding into the LINCPac search page that redirects smartphone users automatically to a Mobile version of the Catalog (Library Anywhere).  If you have patrons that prefer to view your library's catalog through a mobile application, please recommend this new functionality to them.   

When mobile users access your catalog's web site, they will automatically be asked 'if they wish to go to the mobile version of the catalog' and they may be asked to download the free LibraryAnywhere App as well. It's free and it's easy!  Library Anywhere communicates with LINCPac and allows patrons to search, place holds, and view their account information.

 

 

Data deletion for Champaign & Urbana

SirsiDynix finished deleting Horizon items, borrowers, and titles owned by Champaign Public Library & Urbana Free Library over the Christmas holiday.  There are some additional codes that still need to be removed, but these categories are done:

Titles - removed 183,702 bibliographic records

Items - removed 733,670 item records

Patrons - removed 87,445 patron records

Also, we've noticed a reduction in the number of active requests in Horizon - from 39,000 down to around 14,000 active requests.

We will be rebuilding the PAC indexes this weekend,  based on advice from SirsiDynix.  This will affect keyword searching only after libraries are closed.  Any other issues or problems noticed by lbrary staff should be reported to the LINC automation staff at 1-217-352-0047 x1.

 

Overdrive (MyMediaMall) slowness alert

This posting was received from Overdrive/MyMediaMall on Monday, 12/26/2011, at 8:50 pm and again on 12/27/2011 at 8:30 am.  New holiday 'devices' are putting a strain on the MyMediaMall servers.

Dear Library Partner,   This message is to inform you that we are experiencing extremely high traffic at some of our hosted library websites which may result in reduced performance. Our network engineers are actively working on this situation during this peak period. We will keep you notified on any issues that may affect service. Regards,   OverDrive Library Partner Services

 

IHLS LINC Thanksgiving Holiday

The IHLS-Champaign office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day 11/24, and the following day, 11/25.  There will be no delivery for those two days and LINC support will only be available via the emergency phone only (217-979-1182).

 

Borrower purge completed

Over the last week, the Borrower Purge was completed for all libraries.  A total of 37,512 borrower records were deleted that met the following parameters:

• Expired for more than 2 years
• Owed less than $10.00 in outstanding fines and lost items.