it–library collaboration supporting library applications at lau
DESCRIPTION
To keep librarians’ role as information providers in the electronic age, they need the help of someone who speaks this language i.e. “Information Technology Specialists”. Electronic information has led libraries to change their way of creating, sorting, & providing information. As a result, with the help of IT, libraries have developed more sophisticated online catalogues allowing patrons to check the availability of books online, retrieve full-text articles faster and enhanced the student learning experience in an electronic environment. In this presentation, we will be discussing the collaboration between Library & IT at the Lebanese American University by giving highlights on the successful projects they implemented together.TRANSCRIPT
IT–Library CollaborationSupporting Library Applications @ LAU
By
Hani SalemSenior AdministratorLibraries Computer
Centers
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IT–Library Collaboration
Information Technology @LAU
Securit
y Applications & Solutions
Infrastructure & Support
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IT–Library CollaborationIT Role in Library
The IT role within the Library includes & is not limited to acquiring & maintaining the following:
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I. Infrastructure
II. Hardware
III. Applications & Solutions
IV. Technical & Functional Support
V. Ensure performance, availability & backups
IT–Library CollaborationInfrastructure
I. InfrastructureThe IT department is responsible for preparing & maintaining the entire infrastructure needed in the library such as:
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Power Supply
Network
Telephony
Internet Access
IT–Library CollaborationHardware
II. HardwareIn case a Hardware is required, the IT Team will
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Recommend Best suitable
Hardware
Do Installation (Pcs, printers,
scanners, etc…)
Provide Support &
Maintenance
IT–Library CollaborationApplications & Solutions
III. Applications & SolutionsWhen a new request or need is identified by a Library staff, IT will:
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Applications & Solutions
OPAC
EZproxy
ContentDM
PMPE-reserve
Dspace
Zportal
IT–Library CollaborationApplications & Solutions
10/27/2009
New RequestAnalyze
functional requirements
Study feasibility of integrating request
With current available solutions
Send Request for Proposal (RFP)
to all Vendors
Evaluate Vendors &Select Winner
Setup & installSolution
Implementation & Training
ApplicationCustomization by IT
if needed
IT-Library CollaborationSupporting Library Application at LAU
If feasible
If not feasible
End User J
Study Feasibility of having request
developed internally
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IT–Library CollaborationLibrary Management System project
10/27/2009 9
In 2000 OLIB from Fretwell Downing Informatics in the UK was chosen because:
-It Supported Arabic Language -Provided maintenance & support in Lebanon
Request for proposals were sent to Vendors
Search for a new library management System started before year 2000
IT–Library CollaborationLibrary Management System
The IT:
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Provided the needed hardware to install the application
Provided the network infrastructure
Setup the application on the server side
Run the implementation with coordination between the vendor & systems librarian
Created a virtual environment for the library staff to test all the modules without affecting the real data.
Did the customization of OLIB reports according the librarians’ needs
Integrated OLIB system with other systems such as “Banner”
IT–Library CollaborationTechnical & Functional Support
IV. Technical & Functional Support The IT role also includes :
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Technical Support• Active Directory• Hardware Problems
Functional Support• Applications Operations• Training end users on certain functions
or modules
IT–Library CollaborationPrint Management Plus project
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Print Management Plus
Makes printing 100% more efficient Enables fast printing Reduces waste Increases cost saving Lowers hardware
requirements
Print Management Plus is a green product featured by “Guide me green” as a software that is saving 150,000 trees every month due to the paper savings it
achieves for its customers.
Libraries are expected to provide computer labs & printing services to their patrons but with limited budget
IT–Library CollaborationPrint Management Plus
The IT:
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Purchased & installed the suitable servers
Installed PMP application on the server side with cooperation between vendor & library computer center supervisor
Fully integrated PMP with active directory
Developed an online web-based form “Print Credit Request” which allowed users to purchase additional printing credit directly online
Reply on daily basis on any maintenance/support request to both hardware & software issues
IT–Library CollaborationEnsure Performance & availability
Monitor System Performance
Ensure Data Integrity &
AvailabilityProvide Backups
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ENSURE PERFORMANCE & AVAILABILITY
IT–Library CollaborationElectronic Reserve project
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To enhance the student learning experience in an electronic environment e-reserve was introduced.
Docutek Eres was selected because:• It is very easy to use• Materials are available 24/7• Multiple users can access the same document simultaneously• Students can view/download/print their reserve materials
from any PC with internet access.• Faculty can place a variety of materials on their course reserve
site including journal articles, book chapters, assignments & website links
IT–Library CollaborationElectronic Reserve
The IT:
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Hosted the application on LAU servers
Recommended the hardware needed by e-reserve librarian
Ensured the integrity & availability of the data
Provided backups & archives
IT–Library CollaborationThe IT & Library successfully worked on implementing the following projects:
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An-Nahar Archives (Newspaper)
An-Nahar Online (Newspaper)
Zportal (Federated Search Engine)
Ezproxy (IP-based authentication tool)
Dspace (Digital Archives)
IT–Library Collaboration
21/03/2011
That was a brief highlight on a successful & never ending IT-Library collaboration. This cooperation was & will
always continue to be very professional to meet Lebanese American University Mission & Vision.
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IT–Library CollaborationSupporting Library Applications @ LAU
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