Update Report 1997-

Aalborg University Library

 

Name of Institution

Aalborg University Library
Langagervej 2
P.O. Box 8200
DK-9220 Aalborg Oest
Denmark
Tel.: (+45) 9635-9400
Fax: (+45) 9815-6859

Library Contact Person:

Ms. Karen Grundvad Kvist, Director of Development and Computing
e-mail: kgk@aub.auc.dk

Automation Contact Person:

Ms. Else Marie Poulsen, System Librarian
e-mail: emp@aub.auc.dk

Aleph Configuration:

Version: 3.2_5
Functions: All / WWW-interface in Danish language only
OS: SUN Solaris, version 2.5.1
Server: SUN Ultra Enterprice 2 / Model 2200 / 2 x 200 MHz SPARC
Ram/Disc: 768 MB RAM / 18 GB disk
Network: Ethernet - TCP/IP
Stations: PCs running Microsoft Windows NT versions 3.51 and 4.0

Major Developments since last ICAU-meeting:

In October 1996 we implemented the Danish version of the WWW interface. Since we still have problems with the interface, particularly regarding CIRculation, we decided to delay implementation of the English language interface.

In May 1997 a new server was installed and implemented. This has resulted in a marked improvement in reply times in the various modules, as well as significant improvement in diverse batch jobs. So at present we are very pleased with the functionality and reply times with the new server.

Further development has been concentrated on minor, local adjustments relating to transcripts from CIRculation:

• Automatic printouts of address labels
• Fee amounts printed on return receipts
• Cumulative batch-printouts of hold-shelf slips

Major Developments planned:

Transition to version 3.2_6 in early autumn 1997.

In our Update Report fra 1996 we announced the start of a project in collaboration with the Dutch company SWETS regarding investigation of the possibility for direct electronic transfer of journal registration information from SWETS to ALEPH for the journals we subscribe to through SWETS (the majority of our foreign journal subscriptions.)

However, it became apparent that our old server had neither room nor capacity for the necessary investigations and tests of the issue file. For this reason the project has been put on hold, and has only recently been resumed.

Next year, we expect to be able to present a thorough report on the conclusion (and implementation!) of this project.

Open Problems:

WWW
The Web interface to Aleph-300 is still far too flawed and poorly developed, particularly regarding functions related to CIRculation.

We are informed that some problems will be solved in version 3.2_6, but far from all of them. We have submitted many of these problems as development requests - nationally as well as internationally. Regardless of this, we, as well as our WEB users, are left with a feeling that it is a question of bugs, not development requests. We receive many comments via the feed-back function from users who do not understand that the facilities and information in, for example, USER-INFO, suffer from great deficiencies compared to what they are used to in the "old" user interface. In addition, the necessary administrative treatment of requests and reservations which have been given in the WEB interface, adds an unnecessary extra workload to the already hard-pressed staff.

It is unsatisfactory that we should have to wait for version 3.2_6 in order to have the worst kinks ironed out..

From our point of view, it is absolutely imperative that the WEB interface of ALEPH-300 continues to be corrected for bugs and developed during the next couple of years, regardless of whether it is decided that future development will concentrate on Aleph-500