Last night I began some system maintenance to prepare our production environment for the installation of ILL2. In order to do this I had to shutdown Aleph so I could perform a cold backup of the database. The backup is still running and is a little over 2/3 complete. I estimate that it will take another 3-4 hours to complete but if it should finish sooner than that the system will be brought up immediately and a notice sent out. Once again, I apologize for the downtime but we are doing our best to fix ILL as quickly as possible and unfortunately, taking the system back down is our first step. If there are any changes I will make sure to update everyone.
Thanks,
Sean
Sean Crooks
Systems Administrator/Network Security
South Dakota Library Network
605.642.6252
scrooks@sdln.net
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
SDLN update - Important information for ILL users
The migration to the new software for the library catalog is mostly complete.
The one exception to a successful migration was the Inter Library Loan (ILL) function. This part of the system is aparently badly broken. We anticipate the ILL functionality of the catalog will not be available for several weeks.
The good news is, we have a backup system that on campus users can access.
To place your interlibrary loan request go to http://www.worldcat.org find the record for the item that you would like us to borrow for you. Click on request item, fill out the form that opens. You will need to fill in only the fields marked with an * for books.
For copies of journal articles find the record for the journal, fill out the form and enter the vol, number, and pages desired into the Comments field.
If you have questions or problems please contact Scott (mailto:Scott.Hall@sdsmt.edu)
The one exception to a successful migration was the Inter Library Loan (ILL) function. This part of the system is aparently badly broken. We anticipate the ILL functionality of the catalog will not be available for several weeks.
The good news is, we have a backup system that on campus users can access.
To place your interlibrary loan request go to http://www.worldcat.org find the record for the item that you would like us to borrow for you. Click on request item, fill out the form that opens. You will need to fill in only the fields marked with an * for books.
For copies of journal articles find the record for the journal, fill out the form and enter the vol, number, and pages desired into the Comments field.
If you have questions or problems please contact Scott (mailto:Scott.Hall@sdsmt.edu)
Knovel's newest titles
Knovel's newest titles in August include additions in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Semiconductors and Food Science as well as new Interactive Content in Oil & Gas and Safety & Industrial Hygiene.
To get Knovel's New Titles Alert via RSS Feed click here.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Library Catalog Update - Message from SDLN
While we have made very good progress today, we feel there are still a few issues on the system that need to be resolved before we can open it for library use. We will update everyone again as we near the completion of this upgrade process.
Also, please be reminded that due to a scheduled power outage on the campus of BHSU occurring on Thursday, August 21 during the hours of 5 am – 6 am and 5 pm – 6 pm Mountain Time, SDLN services will not be accessible. Once power has been restored, all connections to SDLN should be reestablished.
This impacts most of these databases http://library.sdsmt.edu/247.htm. However, WorldCat, Goodreads, Ingenta, NetLibrary, SoDakLIVE, or South Dakota Grant Directory will not be impacted.
All of these except Ancestry http://library.sdsmt.edu/atthelibrary.htm should be available (as always on campus only)
Also, please be reminded that due to a scheduled power outage on the campus of BHSU occurring on Thursday, August 21 during the hours of 5 am – 6 am and 5 pm – 6 pm Mountain Time, SDLN services will not be accessible. Once power has been restored, all connections to SDLN should be reestablished.
This impacts most of these databases http://library.sdsmt.edu/247.htm. However, WorldCat, Goodreads, Ingenta, NetLibrary, SoDakLIVE, or South Dakota Grant Directory will not be impacted.
All of these except Ancestry http://library.sdsmt.edu/atthelibrary.htm should be available (as always on campus only)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Library Catalog update from Warren Wison
Good morning, well actually, not so good.
The conversion is still progressing, although slowly. There was an error in the process (which we believe should have be caught in Test) but which Ex Libris says did not slow up the process much. The Ex Libris programmer working on our conversion is contacting Israel to have them review our process to see if they can see why it is taking so long. Also the programmer will be working with their Oracle DBA. The Programmer does not have an estimated time of completion.
Sean will have a call with this programmer mid-day and will give us an update then.
The conversion is still progressing, although slowly. There was an error in the process (which we believe should have be caught in Test) but which Ex Libris says did not slow up the process much. The Ex Libris programmer working on our conversion is contacting Israel to have them review our process to see if they can see why it is taking so long. Also the programmer will be working with their Oracle DBA. The Programmer does not have an estimated time of completion.
Sean will have a call with this programmer mid-day and will give us an update then.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Library Catalog update
From: Wilson, Warren
Ex Libris continues to make progress but they are in the midst of updating a million line table. We’ll continue to send updates as we receive them.
Ex Libris continues to make progress but they are in the midst of updating a million line table. We’ll continue to send updates as we receive them.
Library Catalog upgrade
The SDLN and Ex Libris staff have worked over the week-end and are making good progress but the Aleph System is not ready to turn over to libraries yet. We tried about an hour ago to get a revised time schedule but have not heard back from Ex Libris. We will keep you posted.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Message from the SDLN staff
We were updated by ExLibris a short time ago as to the status of the Aleph version 18 conversion. They have encountered unexpected difficulties which is causing the upgrade process to run much longer than anticipated. What this means is that the system is still inaccessible and libraries will still need to utilize offline circulation. At this time, we do not have an estimated time of completion but the SDLN staff is monitoring the process and will make every effort to make the system available as soon as possible. We apologize for this inconvenience. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
EBSCO Academic Search Premier Basics
MINITEX Reference Services is pleased to announce two upcoming EBSCO Academic Search Premier Basics webinars. Please register today before sessions become full!
To get more information and to register go to, 2008 http://www.minitex.umn.edu/events/training/
EBSCO Academic Search Premier Basics
August 26, 2008 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
October 17, 2008 10:00 – 11:00 p.m.
This one-hour webinar will look at the world's largest academic multi-disciplinary database. Academic Search Premier provides full text for nearly 4,600 scholarly publications, including full text for more than 3,500 peer-reviewed journals.
Who should attend?: Anyone who is a beginner or novice at searching EBSCOhost or those interested in learning more about this academic research database.
To get more information and to register go to, 2008 http://www.minitex.umn.edu/events/training/
EBSCO Academic Search Premier Basics
August 26, 2008 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
October 17, 2008 10:00 – 11:00 p.m.
This one-hour webinar will look at the world's largest academic multi-disciplinary database. Academic Search Premier provides full text for nearly 4,600 scholarly publications, including full text for more than 3,500 peer-reviewed journals.
Who should attend?: Anyone who is a beginner or novice at searching EBSCOhost or those interested in learning more about this academic research database.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Exploring What's New with the Web Version of SciFinder®
Save the date and register now!
CAS is hosting an e-Seminar on August 12, 2008
It’s live, it’s interactive, and it’s focused on
Exploring What's New with the Web Version of SciFinder®
SciFinder continues to evolve to increase research productivity. In this session, we will explore the new web version and show you the latest and greatest that SciFinder has to offer. We will introduce you to the web version by:
Exploring the features and functionality of the new streamlined interface
Unveiling one-click access to powerful SciFinder tools such as analysis, refinement, and linking tools
Sharing valuable insights on how to make your web experience more efficient and productive
Learn from your desktop or gather your colleagues and share the e-Seminar demonstration in an auditorium or meeting room. You can submit questions at any time during the e-Seminar.
To register, visit: http://casevents.webex.com/.
After you register, you will receive an e-mail confirmation containing the teleconference phone numbers.
More rebroadcast dates and times have been added for the e-Seminar, Exploring What's New with the Web Version of SciFinder!
New Rebroadcast Dates:
August 12, 2008
September 9, 2008
September 23, 2008
September 30, 2008
October 14, 2008
October 21, 2008
Please note: The web version of SciFinder is available for subscription customers only. Access to the web version of SciFinder is being launched to subscription customers in phases throughout 2008. CAS will notify Key Contacts when access to the web version of SciFinder is available for your organization.
Explore What’s New with the Web Version of SciFinder using the CAS Virtual Lab!
More than 30 new virtual lab sessions have been added for your convenience!
These open sessions provide users with hands-on experience navigating the new web interface of SciFinder. A CAS Applications Specialist will be available to answer user questions.
To view the schedule and to register, visit: CAS Training Lab. You must register at least 24 hours in advance of your desired virtual hands-on session.
CAS is hosting an e-Seminar on August 12, 2008
It’s live, it’s interactive, and it’s focused on
Exploring What's New with the Web Version of SciFinder®
SciFinder continues to evolve to increase research productivity. In this session, we will explore the new web version and show you the latest and greatest that SciFinder has to offer. We will introduce you to the web version by:
Exploring the features and functionality of the new streamlined interface
Unveiling one-click access to powerful SciFinder tools such as analysis, refinement, and linking tools
Sharing valuable insights on how to make your web experience more efficient and productive
Learn from your desktop or gather your colleagues and share the e-Seminar demonstration in an auditorium or meeting room. You can submit questions at any time during the e-Seminar.
To register, visit: http://casevents.webex.com/.
After you register, you will receive an e-mail confirmation containing the teleconference phone numbers.
More rebroadcast dates and times have been added for the e-Seminar, Exploring What's New with the Web Version of SciFinder!
New Rebroadcast Dates:
August 12, 2008
September 9, 2008
September 23, 2008
September 30, 2008
October 14, 2008
October 21, 2008
Please note: The web version of SciFinder is available for subscription customers only. Access to the web version of SciFinder is being launched to subscription customers in phases throughout 2008. CAS will notify Key Contacts when access to the web version of SciFinder is available for your organization.
Explore What’s New with the Web Version of SciFinder using the CAS Virtual Lab!
More than 30 new virtual lab sessions have been added for your convenience!
These open sessions provide users with hands-on experience navigating the new web interface of SciFinder. A CAS Applications Specialist will be available to answer user questions.
To view the schedule and to register, visit: CAS Training Lab. You must register at least 24 hours in advance of your desired virtual hands-on session.
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