Migration Tips and Tricks
What “They” DON’T Tell You About Upgrading/Migrating/Just Changing Servers
for your Integrated Library System
NLA/NEMA ConferenceGrand Island
October 14-15, 2010
Setting the Scene
Print Server, Horizon Box, Screen Door, Security System, Web Reporter Server, HIP Server, Web Server, Exchange Server, Old Web Reporter Server
Fewer Servers, Increased Energy Efficiency within Server Room
TCO Savings
Portability
Why SaaS?
What would we do differently?
Whatever your timeframe – DOUBLE IT!
Sources of delays:• Contract
negotiations• Signatures• Approvals• Funding• Scheduling with the
vendor• Scheduling around
busy times• Vacations
Inventory Should be done at
least every year Do it before migrating
data you don’t need No $$? Borrow
equipment from systems, colleagues
Test the upgrade
Adding patrons Checking out materials Checking in materials Blocks/Fines Overdues
No Test Database? Ask around, network Visit a library that has made the leap Negotiate for a test database next time
Back Up Your DataDatabase Customizations
Views w/last update
Debt Collect/Unique Management Reporting Software Packages Inventory Handheld Devices Self-Check Network/Databases Security Programs
Third-Party Software
Collection Agency OCLC Resource Sharing Colleagues City offices Schools Friends Group ???
Who else needs to know?
Reports
Doing Business During the Project Offline Circulation Public Access Computer Authentication Other services you can continue without
interruption?
Experiment with Offline Options Try it yourself Then ask the staff Use pictures/screenshots where possible
Document, Document, Document User names & passwords URLs IP Addresses Tech Support contacts Phone numbers Email addresses Schedules Timelines Deadlines Who does what in what order
Tech Support Contacts Who needs
access? Can you get to
this info from anywhere?
Stats and Reports
Get the word out
Backup the Backup Plan People Technology Scheduling Events Environmental
How will logins work?
Generic Windows login? Each staff member has their own? Something in between? How would changing that login affect
other programs (like email)?
Database Access Can you manipulate the
data, or do you have read access only?
What can you still do and what won’t work?
Who runs what? Do you have full
control or do you have to call customer support?
Who do you call? What hours is
support available?
Do you call or email?
What survives migration?
Statistics?Circulation history?Special Collections?Patron Info?Lists on the OPAC?Views?Customization?
What doesn’t survive? Printing? Certain reports? Formatting?
“Honeymoon”Period How long does
the support team “stick around”?
When does anything become “billable” if it’s not in the contract?
Laura England, Acting Director Keene Memorial Library, Fremont NE (402) 727-2694 [email protected] http://www.fremontne.gov/library
Questions?