Office of Library and Information Services Overview and Issues as of August 2008

OLIS Funding The University-wide appropriation for Library Automation The University-wide appropriation for Educational Technology/Provost Funds Campus fees – with annual increases –LMS, Delivery, Other –Database E-Resources

OLIS Mission Our mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, and support for the University's system of libraries and to facilitate the broadest level of access to its collections and information resources equally to all students, faculty, and staff.

OLIS Services - SUNYConnect Project management for implementation and operation of shared systems (Ex Libris Aleph500, Syndetics, Dspace Repository) University-wide contracting/purchase of electronic resources and software applications. Support for SUNY Borrowing - ILLiad Policy and planning

OLIS Staffing Currently 9 FTE –1 Assistant Provost and Director of SUNY Learning Network –1 Librarian to coordinate electronic resource procurement –4 Librarians and 2 Support staff providing system support and training for Aleph500. –1 Administrative Support staff person

Additional Staffing Support ½ Librarian FTE at SUNY Oswego provides Aleph systems support. 1-2 FTE at ITEC provide technical system administration and Oracle DBA support (FTE various with activities and need).

OLIS Governance OLIS works closely with the SUNY Council of Library Directors (SCLD) and the SUNY Librarians Association (SUNYLA) SUNYConnect initiative formal governance is from the SUNYConnect Advisory Council (SAC)

OLIS Governance SAC is composed of Library Directors (by sector), a SUNYLA rep, an AVP, a Business Officer, a CIO rep, and Provost’s staff. The office establishes additional teams based on needs. Current teams have been addressing: –SUNY-wide Borrowing –Digital Library Proposal/SUNYConnect Electronic Resources –Shared Search & Discovery Tools –Aleph Support in Shared Server Environment

OLIS Technology The library management system - Aleph500 is a client server application, with Oracle as its database technology. We are running Aleph on AIX hardware. ITEC manages three servers that support 56 campuses and the server housing the SUNYConnect Union Catalog. Campuses access these servers over a TCP/IP network (Internet or SUNYNet).

OLIS Technology Aleph supports campus implementations and a Union Catalog with patron empowerment features that require a good delivery service. Nylink has contracted with LAND to provide a delivery service that has been made available to all Nylink members.

OLIS Technology ITEC provides additional server support for: –Dspace Repository –Sandbox interface to Aleph –Footprints Web-based problem reporting software –Other administrative software tools used by OLIS

OLIS Technology Electronic resources are generally accessed from vendor servers located on the Internet. All services are dependent on campus networks and network connectivity. As of 2007/2008, 57 campuses have implemented Serials Solutions 360Link OpenURL Link Resolver to allow linking among vendor electronic resources.

OLIS Issues - Authority Levels OLIS does not have authority over any library or SUNY library functions. Since we provide services for a fee we have to be responsive to campus needs and requirements as informed by our governance processes.

OLIS Issues - Service Deliverables Aleph500 has been implemented by 60 campuses. The application has been found to be extremely complex. The complexity has resulted in increased central management of the shared servers. A Managed Services Project has been underway with 8 campuses where OLIS staff assume system librarian responsibilities for the campus. The level of Aleph support that can be provided to campuses in Managed Services and those outside of Managed Services is under review.

OLIS Issues - Service Deliverables The diversity of SUNY makes it difficult to find electronic resources suited for all campuses. Increased services will require additional campus contributions.

ALIS Support - Service Deliverables ITEC and the Center for Professional Development are essential to delivery of service. –ITEC has System/Oracle knowledge we lack –CPD has infrastructure and relationships we lack We need to look at different training delivery mechanisms for Aleph. Another opportunity is to consider ways to integrate library resources in course management systems –TLT-SLN has knowledge we lack

OLIS Issues - Funding Funding for Aleph500 support and operation has not been an issue. Campuses are being asked to contribute more for electronic resources. We are partnering with Nylink and private higher ed libraries (NYSHEI) to stretch our dollars further. Expectations may be greater than funding.

OLIS Issues - Technology The Aleph500 systems is more complex than our legacy systems, e.g. clients, Oracle, RAID, etc. Trouble shooting in a networked environment is difficult, yet we run production applications in this environment. Integration of electronic resources in with systems designed for physical materials is a challenge.

OLIS Issues – Sr. Administrators Visions Focus on SUNY-wide perspective down grades campus issues, requirements and accomplishments. Desires significant outcomes with little new investment. Desires a shift from a campus centric library system to a unified library system.