Aalborg Universitetsbibliotek

Institution name: Library contact person: Automation contact person: Aleph configuration:

Aleph Update Report 1994-1995

In January 1995 we installed version 3.2_4, and operate all the modules. In addition, we have received a Danish language version of WWW, which we are currently adapting and implementing in our WWW home page. But until the request/reserve facility functions, we regard the WWW version primarily as a plaything - and, naturally, as a test version as well.

Before changing versions we had run version 3.2_3 for ca. 1 1/2 years.

The switch to the new version was accomplished more or less without problems. The new screen design in particular was welcomed by staff as well as by users.

Selected problems with 3.2_4

At first, the option of defining FIND as a default command fulfilled a long-nurtured desire, in that this was a feature in our former library system. However, this has since shown to be problematic in our environment, where users are used to free-text searching without the use of search codes. Problems with FIND as a default occur in particular during searching by classification code - as well as by other digits, in addition to searching by words included in the translate-table.

We hope there is serious work in progress towards solving this problem, as user behaviour is very difficult to change.

Another problem we encountered was the removal of the break function for large searches with a low FIND limit. This function was probably removed in connection with another installation, and we note to our satisfaction that the function is reinstated in version 3.2_5.

We hope this will be an encouragement to allow more functions/changes to be optional in the installation of new versions.

Immediately after installation of 3.2_4 we experienced greater performance problems than previously. Some of these were solved by an expansion of CPU capacity, but we still experience reply times that are far too long - especially in the circulation module.

Improvements made by AUB

We have made it possible to send first recall notices and pick-up notices by E-mail to those users who so desire, and who accept the terms.

We have established a base with tables of contents of appr. 140 of our most essential journals. The tables of contents are distributed by SWETS and are converted to Aleph format via a PC- based program.

Links have been established from a great many of these records to our holdings of the "mother" journal in another base. We are currently working on optimization of this link function.

The future

We expect to implement version 3.2_5 in January 1996. In addition, we intend, among other things, to apply ourselves to electronic orders to suppliers. We would be happy to hear from anyone having experience in this.

Aalborg University Library
Else Marie Poulsen
July 1995

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