Technology Advisory Group

3 May 2006

 

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kristina Knezic.  The following were present:

Linda Koch

Allegan

Agathe Krueger

Lincoln Twp

Anne Terpstra

Augusta

Dina Reilly

Lincoln Twp

Sharon Holloway

Benton Harbor

Ann Flora

Niles

Kristina Knezic

Berrien Springs

John Mohney

Paw Paw

Tim Wiggins

Cass

Dawn Holtman

Plainwell

Evelyn Holzwarth

Dowagiac

Rosemary Compton

Portage

Rachel

Dowagiac

Paula Stakley

St. Joseph

Ann Greene

Eau Claire

Kay Horton

SMLC

 

The meeting began with a demo of PC Cop by Eileen Mannell from ProInfo.  This software monitors public use PC’s.  Patrons log in and are automatically logged out when their time is up.  It has many features and appears to be very user friendly.

 

Ann G. made a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting with corrections.  There was support.  Motion carried.

 

Delivery seems to be working well for everyone after some initial problems.  Everyone has different delivery days and for the most part, this is not a problem.  Linda reported that Allegan has bins provided by the driver instead of the blue bags.

 

MEL CAT update:  Several adjoining cooperatives are pushing their members into signing up for MEL CAT.  They are hoping to have all of their members moved there by 2007.  A meeting will be held on May 15 for more information on MEL CAT.  A library can be put on the MEL CAT waiting list at no cost.  Approximately 25 libraries join in a group at set times.  It was noted that there are eight libraries on MEL CAT that do not have automation systems.  No one was sure how that worked.

 

ILL: For people requesting items for book discussion groups please don’t send multiple requests to the same library.  Use the multiple copy request form in Agent.  If you need an extended due date, please ask for one.  When filling or unfilling a request, please do not leave an item in pending.  Fill it or unfill it so that it can move on to the next library.

 

Tim reported on MEL Users Day.  Changes in the gateway will allow users to set up their own account.  Individuals could then save favorites and set preferences.  Gail reported that Ancestry will always require that the patron be at the library to use that database.

 

There was some discussion of wireless access.  Allegan has wireless without problem, also Berrien Springs.  Plainwell turns off the wireless at 9 PM.  No one currently loans Ipods or MP3 players for ebooks.

 

Minutes taken by,

Ann Greene