VDX Implementation Newsletter
Number 4, July 25, 2002
This is the fourth in the series of little newsletters designed to provide timely information about VDX implementation status as well as to address questions and concerns. You are encouraged to submit questions for inclusion questions and answers list that will be attached to each newsletter. The exciting news is that UCSB is joining the first group of implementers. We continue to make progress toward establishing a "go live" date! Current installation and testing status is:- The apache web server is running on the production machine:
- We are currently working to incorporate our patron authentication into the web server log on
- CDL is working with Fretwell-Downing to design and implement formatted picklists and bookbands available from the staff section of the web interface
- The visual appearance of the web pages still need some work
- UCLA has successfully completed tests with OCLC; we are currently working to determine whether there is a need for multiple OCLC profiles; we believe that there may not be since all of the information about the requesting institution is contained within the ISO request.
- UCSB and UCSD have scheduled OCLC testing.
- Ellen England continues to work on customizing the formatting of the printed products to meet the needs of ILL staff.
- CDL is preparing to do a test backup and restore of the database.
We've just about run through the list of questions that we had received, so please send more if you have them! This newsletter is being double-posted to both PIROPS-L and UCVDX-L; apologies to those who have subscribed to both. If you will be working with VDX and have not yet subscribed to the UCVDX-L listserve, send email to listserv@ucop.edu with the message
"SUBSCRIBE UCVDX-L" followed by your name.
The Request Project Team
Questions Regarding the Consortial Borrowing System
Southern UC ILL MeetingMarch 27, 2002 - UC Irvine
Group 4 Questions
- How is the "service level" set on a request?
Service levels are tied to the "need-by-date" that the patron selects. We have defined the following service levels for the UC system:No limit (6 months) Normal - full search Within 90 days Normal - extended search Within 60 days Normal - local search Within 30 days Rush - extended search Within 10 days Priority - extended search Within 5 days Express - local search - When are we going to write the e-mail messages? What are the parameters of the notices? Will there be a sample list of potential notices?
Each unit can create their own email messages. CDL will assist each unit in the set-up of their messages. CDL will work to obtain samples of messages and to provide a list of configuration options for the messages.
- Slowness of mouse/keyboard movement is a concern.
We are studying this problem and trying to identify the extent and what possible solutions exist. Batch processing can be done through the web interface, and is significantly faster that way. A number of other activities can be accomplished through the web interface, and ILL staff are encouraged to explore them.
- When will the web version of VDX be available for use in batch processing?
It is available now, but only on the production system.
- Local configurations can be customized for each individual ILL unit.
This is the case, and the bureau administrators at each campus have the ability to make these customizations.
- Statistics will be easier for Systemwide collection.
This will be true once everyone is processing all of their interlibrary activity through VDX. Because some campuses will not turn on lending from OCLC into VDX for a while after they begin using VDX for borrowing, it will be late Fall before the system will be able to collect comprehensive statistics.