LIBRAS Automation/Web SIG Meeting
June 5, 2003
North Central College

Eight people representing six LIBRAS schools attended the meeting, which was held in the Haven Hubbard Room of Oesterle Library, North Central College. In attendance were: Ted Schwitzner, North Central College, SIG Chair; Jeff Beaird, Wheaton College; Anne Buchanan, Concordia University; Terry Cottrell, University of St. Francis; Jack Fritts, Benedictine University; Donna Goodwyn, Elmhurst College; Sharon Nelson, Benedictine University; Elaine Fetyko Page, Elmhurst College.

EZproxy Implementation
Sharon Nelson of Benedictine provided a presentation on her library’s implementation of EZproxy to authenticate remote users to databases. Nelson outlined the decisions and rationale for her implementation choices, as well as some of the optional features available in EZproxy. Additional information on her presentation, including Powerpoint slides, is located on the Endeavor SupportWeb site http://support.endinfosys.com/cust/community/vgroup/vugm03/smalllib03.html#sl75.

In response to a follow-up question during open discussion, Nelson stated that she was looking at some shareware products to analyze the usage statistics collected on the EZproxy server.

General Discussion

Ariel
Attendees compared issues and experiences with using the latest versions of Ariel.
NCC: version 3.3, firewall issues still present
USF: version 3.0, not currently able to get HTTP patron delivery working; trying to work out using Windows 2000 and Internet Information Services (IIS).
BEN: version 3.1, using two network cards on Ariel station to deal with firewall issue—sending card has IP address inside firewall; receiving card’s IP is outside the firewall.
ELM: currently able to receive only.
**One attendee suggested that the organization should invite a representative from Infotrieve to speak to LIBRAS about Ariel, ideally about technical issues, developments, and best case set-up.
[See also: http://www.rlg.org/ariel ]

Information Commons
At least two libraries are adopting an Information Commons approach with computers in the library. NCC is starting by converting public workstations that had been kiosked with Public Web Browser to computers with the standard campus (i.e., computer lab) configuration. USF has drafted and integrated the Information Commons philosophy into the reorganization efforts of the library and information technology departments.

Print solutions
NCC is expecting a campus-wide printing solution in the Fall, based on the existing Novell infrastructure. Wheaton is using a print-queue solution with workstation display to manage print jobs.

Laptops
Attendees discussed whether their libraries circulated laptop computers for use:
BEN has two laptops available.
ELM has six to eight laptops available for faculty and staff to use for two weeks.
CON issues laptops to all faculty and staff.
USF makes one laptop available for staff use; other laptops are “circulated” via their IT department. USF is also working on a grant for a wireless network and tablet PCs.

College & Library Web Site Revisions, Responsibilities
NCC is undergoing a college-wide web site revision, moving to a new design and a content management system. Design and architecture being developed by Brainstorm, and CMS purchased from Ingeniux. The library maintains responsibility for its own content, but the templates must be consistent with campus designs.
BEN works with Tribesoft on its site design. The library maintains its own site separate from IT.
CON has to send library web page edits to the IT/web group (usually students).

Other items mentioned
Camtasia—desktop recording software, being used to develop online tutorials. <http://www.techsmith.com/products/studio/default2.asp>
Tegrity—online, interactive instruction tool. <http://www.tegrity.com/>

LIBRAS Web Site
Schwitzner inquired about any ideas or comments on the LIBRAS web site. Those in attendance indicated that they were pleased with the content and design. The rotating pictures of the LIBRAS libraries and the recent inclusion of job openings were especially of interest.

Respectfully submitted
Ted Schwitzner
Chairperson, Automation/Web SIG