2001/2002 - University College Cork Library

LIBRARY IT SERVICES DIVISION
Head of Division: Ms. Catherine Sanborn
REPORT OF THE LIBRARY POLICY COMMITTEE 2001/2002
The IT Services Division currently manages over 120 PC's, 21dedicated terminals,
multiple servers (using NT, Linux and Unix), networked and local printers and a host
of peripheral devices. The Division is responsible for the installation, maintenance,
security and delivery of software for library systems, electronic databases, CD
databases, electronic journal access, ILL, NT public access, desktop applications, the
Library website and the Library's intranet. The user population includes the Library
staff, entire campus population of faculty, staff and students as well as remote users.
The equipment maintained by the Division are located in the Boole Library, the CUH
Medical Library and the Pouladuff Library Storage Facility.
The Division finally attained full staffing levels in November of 2001. This has meant
that a very high level of response and a quality service have been available to Library
staff during the past year. We have been able to move forward in several important
areas.
The IT Services Division is still impacted by the lack of a Head of Technical Services
in the Library. This continues to mean that certain efficiencies in Technical Services
can not be realised. The Library software package, Innopac, is not being used to its
potential.
Service Delivery
Day-to-day service cover was maintained to the fullest possible extent. The most
significant advance in this area was the working out of a proposal to outsource the
photocopy service. This proposal was approved and implemented beginning 1
September, 2002. Because this is a dedicated service by the vendor, the Library
benefits from an improved quality of service, improved up-time for the photocopiers
and better use of staff resources in IT Services and throughout the Library. This is also
considered by the Procurement Office to be a pilot project for the eventual outsourcing
of document management services for the entire UCC campus. The initial
implementation has met with approval by staff and users alike. We will continue to
monitor and fine tune the service.
A new microfiche reader/printer was put in place in Special Collections. This replaces
a very old machine and much improves the quality of print services for microfiche and
microfilm products in this area.
Implementation of the Euro proceeded throughout the final months of 2001 and the
beginning of 2002. In January, the vending machines for the photocopy cards were
converted to Euro. The transition period went smoothly.
Public Access IT Environment
A new server for Booleweb was purchased and installed along with 2 network cards
and a backup power supply. This has improved response time, increased disc space
for future needs and greatly increased security for this essential public access point.
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