It looks like the problem that was affecting stack requests for books in the VHL stack has been fixed. Please do let us know if you continue to have difficulties so that we can both get books up for you and also report back to the Systems Team to make further adjustments if it turns out more work is needed.
Showing posts with label New ILS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New ILS. Show all posts
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Monday, 26 September 2011
SOLO: New version of the library catalogue now live
Welcome back to anyone returning to Oxford after the summer! If you have been away, you may have missed the fact that over the summer, the Bodleian Libraries moved to a new library system. There is now a new version of SOLO which will allow you not only to search for books, journals and other resources, but which you can also use to place stack requests, and check and renew your loans. The old OLIS interface is no longer available, either for searching the catalogue or for these functions.
Using SOLO
There is an online guide available to help you both with searching SOLO and with managing your account: http://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/solo
The online guide includes step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on:
If you need more help, the Bodleian Libraries are also running training sessions throughout Michaelmas Term. See http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/training/solo-workshops for more information and dates.
Resetting your password (for library PCs, wireless network, SOLO for non-University members)
You can now reset your library password yourself using an online form at: https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue.
New system bugs
As with any new system, there are a few things which aren’t working smoothly yet. Our systems team is working hard with the software supplier to get everything fixed as soon as possible, but in the meantime you may come across the following problems:
If you come across any other problems, or are having difficulty using SOLO, please do ask us and we will do what we can to help you!
Using SOLO
There is an online guide available to help you both with searching SOLO and with managing your account: http://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/solo
The online guide includes step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on:
- Searching
- Logging on
- Placing stack requests and reservations
- Renewing your books
Using the e-shelf
If you need more help, the Bodleian Libraries are also running training sessions throughout Michaelmas Term. See http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/training/solo-workshops for more information and dates.
Resetting your password (for library PCs, wireless network, SOLO for non-University members)
You can now reset your library password yourself using an online form at: https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue.
New system bugs
As with any new system, there are a few things which aren’t working smoothly yet. Our systems team is working hard with the software supplier to get everything fixed as soon as possible, but in the meantime you may come across the following problems:
- Stack requests for books in the VHL stack: Some readers are currently unable to place requests for books in the VHL stack via SOLO. If you find this affects you, please ask us and we will place the request on your behalf.
- VHL stack displaying as ‘remote store’: Please be assured that our stack has not moved! VHL stack books are still on site, even though on SOLO they will say ‘remote store’. We hope to be able to change this.
- VHL books displaying as loans, even when they’re not: Many of our books now say ‘standard loan’ on SOLO. Unlike other libraries, this does not mean they are borrowable! We hope to be able to change this too.
- Problems ordering multivolume works: There have been difficulties placing stack requests for books which have multiple volumes or journals. If you are having difficulty, please ask staff and we can put the request in for you.
- E-shelf data: Any records which you saved to your e-shelf should have migrated, but a few went astray on the way. If you are missing your e-shelf data, let us know and we can ask the Systems Team to restore it for you.
If you come across any other problems, or are having difficulty using SOLO, please do ask us and we will do what we can to help you!
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
SOLO update: what's now working, what's still not quite!
The various bugs and glitches with the new library system and SOLO are gradually getting sorted out. Here's an update on things that have been fixed and things that are still problematic:
- Hold (stack) request notifications: You should now receive emails when your stack requests arrive at the reading room. This should help with the problem of knowing when to expect things, as SOLO no longer gives you an expected arrival date/time. In general, the standard advice is that requests take 24-48 hours to arrive, but with the notifications you will now know as soon as they do, whether they take longer or (hopefully usually!) shorter than that.
- VHL stack requests: These are still not fully working, but progress has been made and I'm hopeful you will be able to put in requests 'properly' via SOLO soon. In the meantime, we will continue to fetch things up using the manual request slips.
- VHL stack location - "remote store": All stack books from all libraries, regardless of location, are listed as being "remote store" on SOLO. Please be reassured that if you see "remote store" for a VHL book, it is not remote at all, but is in fact in our stack here on-site.
- Hold (stack) requests for multivolume works: It is not currently possible to request more than one volume of a multivolume work via SOLO. We can override this from the staff side, so if you want more than one volume of a work let us know and we will place the request for you.
- e-shelf data: This has now been migrated, however there are reports of a few people who still can't see their old data as the systems failed to match properly. If this applies to you, then please let a member of library staff know and we will ask for your data to be migrated to you.
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Having trouble with SOLO? Training sessions available 9th & 24th August
If you're finding SOLO difficult to use, and are struggling to find things, then help is at hand! As well as the online guide, the Bodleian Libraries are running training sessions on using SOLO for readers - details as follows:
WISER: Finding Stuff on SOLO
This hands on workshop will focus on search techniques for finding books, journals and other Library materials in print and online using SOLO. The session will also cover placing requests and reservations using SOLO, book renewals and using the SOLO e-shelf and saved searches.
Dates: This workshop will run on the following dates (you only need to attend one session).
Who may attend: All Bodleian Libraries and College readers may attend but please book your place.
Booking: Booking for these workshops is essential. Please book your place by emailing usered@bodleian.ox.ac.uk quoting the date of the workshop that you wish to attend.
WISER: Finding Stuff on SOLO
This hands on workshop will focus on search techniques for finding books, journals and other Library materials in print and online using SOLO. The session will also cover placing requests and reservations using SOLO, book renewals and using the SOLO e-shelf and saved searches.
Dates: This workshop will run on the following dates (you only need to attend one session).
- Tuesday 9 August 14.30-15.30 at the Social Science Library
- Wednesday 24 August 10.00-11.00 at the Radcliffe Science Library
Who may attend: All Bodleian Libraries and College readers may attend but please book your place.
Booking: Booking for these workshops is essential. Please book your place by emailing usered@bodleian.ox.ac.uk quoting the date of the workshop that you wish to attend.
Friday, 29 July 2011
SOLO update: stack requests from Bodleian to VHL also not working
In addition to SOLO not currently allowing stack requests for books from the VHL stack, we've also discovered that stack requests are not always working to request books from the Bodleian stacks to the VHL. The problem here is that the VHL is not listed as one of the possible pick-up locations, and unfortunately this means that we can't override this for you from the staff side. I have reported this and we hope it'll be fixed soon, but in the meantime I'm afraid you will need to go to another library or reading room to consult Bodleian material.
This problem doesn't seem to be affecting oversize books, which continue to only be available to be requested to the VHL.
There is also a separate problem where some readers are not able to place any stack requests at all, despite always having been able to do so. This is also being investigated, and the good news is that staff can override this block so please ask us to place stack requests for you if you find you are not currently able to do so yourself.
If you do come across this, or any other problems with stack requests to the VHL, please do let me know.
This problem doesn't seem to be affecting oversize books, which continue to only be available to be requested to the VHL.
There is also a separate problem where some readers are not able to place any stack requests at all, despite always having been able to do so. This is also being investigated, and the good news is that staff can override this block so please ask us to place stack requests for you if you find you are not currently able to do so yourself.
If you do come across this, or any other problems with stack requests to the VHL, please do let me know.
Thursday, 28 July 2011
SOLO update: renewals now working
The bug which has been preventing readers from renewing their books online via SOLO has now been fixed. If you see the 'renew failed' message from now on, it means that there's a genuine, library-specific reason why you can't renew, eg, limits on number of renewals, restrictions on renewing overdue books.
Fixes are still being worked on for the various other bugs, and we'll update as and when things get sorted out. Don't forget, if you are experiencing problems with SOLO, please report them either to us or use the feedback link on SOLO itself. If you need guidance on how to do things in SOLO, again feel free to ask us or take a look at the online guide.
Fixes are still being worked on for the various other bugs, and we'll update as and when things get sorted out. Don't forget, if you are experiencing problems with SOLO, please report them either to us or use the feedback link on SOLO itself. If you need guidance on how to do things in SOLO, again feel free to ask us or take a look at the online guide.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Stack requests for VHL stack books not working and other new SOLO bugs
It's come to our attention that stack requests aren't working on the new system for books kept in the VHL stack. I've reported it and it is being investigated, but in the meantime the only way to call up our stack books is the old-fashioned manual way. If you would like to see a book kept in our stack, then please come into the library or give us a ring/send us an email to give us the details so that we can go down and fetch it for you.
I'm afraid this does mean that we are not able to send VHL stack books elsewhere in the Bodleian Libraries for consultation until the problem is fixed, so if you do want a book from our stack you will need to come into the VHL to read it.
It also looks as if VHL stack books are not displaying their location on SOLO (which may be the reason the requests aren't working!). As a general rule, anything published pre-1920 will be in the stack, but do ask if you're not sure - we can see the location on the staff side.
There are various other bugs currently causing problems on SOLO as well - summary as follows:
I'm afraid this does mean that we are not able to send VHL stack books elsewhere in the Bodleian Libraries for consultation until the problem is fixed, so if you do want a book from our stack you will need to come into the VHL to read it.
It also looks as if VHL stack books are not displaying their location on SOLO (which may be the reason the requests aren't working!). As a general rule, anything published pre-1920 will be in the stack, but do ask if you're not sure - we can see the location on the staff side.
There are various other bugs currently causing problems on SOLO as well - summary as follows:
- Renewals: It's currently not possible to renew your loans or your stack requests via SOLO. Staff can do so on your behalf, so please ask the relevant library. Fines are generally being waived across the system while everything settles down, and no stack requests are going back to the stacks until at least Monday 1st August.
- Stack requests for multiple volumes of the same work (books and journals): If you try to request more than one volume of a work, you will get a message saying you already have a request and won't be able to request subsequent volumes. Again staff can get round this, so please ask us to place the requests on your behalf.
- e-shelf: e-shelf data has still not been migrated. Don't worry, your saved records have not been lost, it's just taking them longer than we thought to transfer the data.
- Visibility of stack books already called up to reading rooms: SOLO is not displaying properly when stack books are already out from the stack, which means it's hard to know when you place a request either whether it's available or not, or if it's already in a reading room, where it is so that you can go and consult it there.
- Estimated delivery times: SOLO does not tell you when you place a request when to expect it at the reading room. The idea was that you would be emailed when your books arrived, but this is not working properly yet either. You can always check the status of your request by logging in to SOLO and looking at your account. As a general rule, books take 24-48 hours to arrive in the reading room from the stack.
Friday, 22 July 2011
SOLO: new & improved and now live!
The new, improved version of SOLO has just gone live! You will now be able to make stack requests, check your loans record and renew books all within SOLO.
How do I...?
The SOLO online guide includes instructions on how to do all of these things, as well as guidance on how best to search. The Libraries are also running several training sessions to help readers learn their way around SOLO - details available at: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/training/solo-workshops
Logging on to SOLO
If you are a University member, you will need to log on to SOLO using your Oxford single sign-on account. Remember to log off when you are finished so that no-one else can access your record! You will still need your library card barcode and password for logging on to PCs in libraries or accessing the Bodleian Libraries wireless network.
If you are not a member of Oxford University, but have a Bodleian Libraries' readers card, you will log on to SOLO using your library card barcode and password.
If you can't remember the password that goes with your library card barcode, you can reset it online yourself at: https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue.
How do I...?
The SOLO online guide includes instructions on how to do all of these things, as well as guidance on how best to search. The Libraries are also running several training sessions to help readers learn their way around SOLO - details available at: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/training/solo-workshops
Logging on to SOLO
If you are a University member, you will need to log on to SOLO using your Oxford single sign-on account. Remember to log off when you are finished so that no-one else can access your record! You will still need your library card barcode and password for logging on to PCs in libraries or accessing the Bodleian Libraries wireless network.
If you are not a member of Oxford University, but have a Bodleian Libraries' readers card, you will log on to SOLO using your library card barcode and password.
If you can't remember the password that goes with your library card barcode, you can reset it online yourself at: https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Resetting library passwords
It is now possible to reset your own library password, to use to log on to library PCs, the Bodleian Libraries wireless service, and (for non-Oxford University members from tomorrow onwards), SOLO to place stack requests and check your record etc. You can do this via an online form at https://register.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/rescue. There is an online guide available to walk you through the process at: http://libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/library-password, but staff will still be able to reset passwords for you if you have problems with this method.
SOLO downtime this afternoon
As part of the final preparation for the new system coming in tomorrow, SOLO will need to be taken down at 3pm this afternoon until 9am tomorrow morning. If you need to find material while SOLO is out of action, please check COPAC, or ask staff for help. Alternatively, a good tip for the VHL if ever SOLO is down is to search the Library of Congress's catalogue. It won't tell you whether we have a book here but the shelfmark would be the same if we do, so it will at least point you in the right direction on our shelves!
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Stack requests after 'go-live'
An update on what will happen to stack requests once the new library system comes in:
Stack requests already called up to libraries
These will remain on reserve in the reading rooms until Monday 1st August. This should give you time to renew your stack books on SOLO to keep for longer if you so require, otherwise any books you currently have called up will be returned to the stack from that date.
New stack requests
Assuming all goes well with the last few bits of the implementation over the next couple of days, you should be able to start ordering books from the stacks again from 9am on Friday 22nd July. Stack requests, like all other library functions, will now be placed via SOLO. See the SOLO online guide for information on how to do this.
Stack requests already called up to libraries
These will remain on reserve in the reading rooms until Monday 1st August. This should give you time to renew your stack books on SOLO to keep for longer if you so require, otherwise any books you currently have called up will be returned to the stack from that date.
New stack requests
Assuming all goes well with the last few bits of the implementation over the next couple of days, you should be able to start ordering books from the stacks again from 9am on Friday 22nd July. Stack requests, like all other library functions, will now be placed via SOLO. See the SOLO online guide for information on how to do this.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Need help with SOLO? Training and guide available
If you're having difficulty with SOLO, or would like some extra help or guidance, the Bodleian Libraries are running extra 'Finding Stuff on SOLO' workshops this summer, as follows:
WISER: Finding Stuff on SOLO
This hands on workshop will focus on search techniques for finding books, journals and other Library materials in print and online using SOLO. The session will also cover placing requests and reservations using SOLO, book renewals and using the SOLO e-shelf and saved searches.
Dates: This workshop will run on the following dates (you only need to attend one session).
Don't forget you can always get help from the SOLO online guide, or ask staff in any library to give you a hand.
WISER: Finding Stuff on SOLO
This hands on workshop will focus on search techniques for finding books, journals and other Library materials in print and online using SOLO. The session will also cover placing requests and reservations using SOLO, book renewals and using the SOLO e-shelf and saved searches.
Dates: This workshop will run on the following dates (you only need to attend one session).
- Wednesday 27 July 9.30-10.30 at the Radcliffe Science Library
- Tuesday 9 August 14.30-15.30 at the Social Science Library
- Wednesday 24 August 10.00-11.00 at the Radcliffe Science Library
Don't forget you can always get help from the SOLO online guide, or ask staff in any library to give you a hand.
Friday, 15 July 2011
New library system: delay to 'go live' date, now Friday 22nd July
Due to OLIS (the old version) crashing last Thursday, there has unfortunately been a delay to getting the new system up and running. The new date for all to be working is 9am on Friday 22nd July.
All the arrangements that have been in place for the downtime this week will continue throughout next week. If you need material urgently, the 'just-in-time' team will be available to locate alternative copies where possible via the online request form. The SOLO Live Help will also continue to be available for assistance with SOLO, which will remain available until 3pm on Thursday 21st, when it will need to be taken down for the final part of the preparation for the new system.
We apologise for the delay, and thanks for your patience!
Update 18/7/11: The Bodleian Libraries have posted a notice with more information on their website.
All the arrangements that have been in place for the downtime this week will continue throughout next week. If you need material urgently, the 'just-in-time' team will be available to locate alternative copies where possible via the online request form. The SOLO Live Help will also continue to be available for assistance with SOLO, which will remain available until 3pm on Thursday 21st, when it will need to be taken down for the final part of the preparation for the new system.
We apologise for the delay, and thanks for your patience!
Update 18/7/11: The Bodleian Libraries have posted a notice with more information on their website.
Friday, 8 July 2011
OLIS downtime: help with SOLO and/or locating material
The Bodleian Libraries have put various things in place to help support readers during the OLIS downtime. Please note that OLIS crashed yesterday and is currently still down; we should find out shortly whether it will be resurrected today before the scheduled downtime begins. I should underline that this unforeseen crash is completely unrelated to the switchover to the new system, and our systems people are working very hard to restore access today.
Obtaining material held in the Bodleian stack
If you need to get hold of books that are in the Bodleian stack over the next week (and are unable to wait until the new library system is up and running on Monday 18th), there is a dedicated 'just-in-time' team available who are there to try and locate alternative copies of books and journals which are unavailable during the downtime. You can contact them via an online form at: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/projects/book-moves/just-in-time-request-form.
SOLO help
If you are not familiar with SOLO, and are having difficulty finding things, there is now a live online help service available from the SOLO main page. This will be staffed 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, throughout the downtime, for any questions you may have or to help you with searching SOLO. There is also an online guide to SOLO, which should show you how to do most things.
Further questions or help
The Bodleian Libraries email address for questions relating to the downtime is moves@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. You can of course always contact library staff in any library as well, and we will all do our best to help you during the transition.
Obtaining material held in the Bodleian stack
If you need to get hold of books that are in the Bodleian stack over the next week (and are unable to wait until the new library system is up and running on Monday 18th), there is a dedicated 'just-in-time' team available who are there to try and locate alternative copies of books and journals which are unavailable during the downtime. You can contact them via an online form at: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/projects/book-moves/just-in-time-request-form.
SOLO help
If you are not familiar with SOLO, and are having difficulty finding things, there is now a live online help service available from the SOLO main page. This will be staffed 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, throughout the downtime, for any questions you may have or to help you with searching SOLO. There is also an online guide to SOLO, which should show you how to do most things.
Further questions or help
The Bodleian Libraries email address for questions relating to the downtime is moves@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. You can of course always contact library staff in any library as well, and we will all do our best to help you during the transition.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
New library system update: using SOLO
Here's some more information from the Bodleian Libraries about SOLO, which as previously mentioned will be the only way to search the library catalogue when the old OLIS is taken down at 5pm on Friday.
As part of the transition to a new integrated library system at the Bodleian Libraries, on 18 July all patron functions currently offered in OLIS will move to a new version of SOLO. This will replace OLIS (WebOPAC and telnet versions) and can be searched by anybody anywhere in the world. Registered readers need to use only one interface both to locate collections and to order them, but can then also renew loans and holds, check their patron record, etc. Also, once signed on to SOLO (s.b.), Oxford members who are working off-campus will have seamless access to subscription e-resources without having to sign on again.
More about SOLO
Since October 2008 SOLO has been a search and discovery tool for the major collections of the libraries of the University of Oxford. As well as searching the University libraries’ print and electronic holdings and title links to more than 1,100 databases on OxLIP+, it also searches ORA (Oxford University Research Archive), the Bodleian Library Allegro Chinese and Allegro Japanese catalogues and the Refugee Studies Cardbox catalogue (mostly grey literature published before 2004).
On 18 July, in addition to patron functions, the new version of SOLO will also feature enhanced searching functionality, esp. in Advanced Search where an additional search box and new fields have been added. For instance, scholars researching early printed books will welcome the addition of certain searches such as date of publication, place of publication and publisher.
Unlike OLIS, SOLO allows registered readers to save search results and set up search alerts; all registered readers, including non-Oxford users, can also save details of collections to a personal e-shelf.
Signing on to SOLO after 18 July
Readers who wish to check the status of books, stack requests, use the e-shelf, etc. need to be registered readers before they can sign on to SOLO. Oxford members should sign on with their Single Sign On details; non-Oxford members will continue to sign on with their Library Card barcode and associated password.
Need help with SOLO?
A SOLO guide gives helpful instruction how to use it. A series of SOLO workshops will be offered after the go-live. See the timetable for details and bookings. Do not hesitate to contact library staff who can also assist with any enquiries or problems. Finally, for the period of the downtime 8-18 July, a SOLO Live Chat will offer immediate assistance to readers in the use of SOLO.
Important news for current e-Shelf users
If you are currently using SOLO's e-shelf functions, we shall need to migrate your personal data. It is imperative that by 8th July you have set your email address correctly in SOLO. If you have not already done so, then please sign in to your SOLO account using the "Oxford Single Sign On" link on the top right corner of the screen. Once signed on, click on "My Account" then choose "Edit Details" to set your email address. Please use the same email address as you do for OLIS. (You can check your current email address in OLIS by logging in to OLIS, http://library.ox.ac.uk, or by asking library staff.) This must be done before 8th July so your email addresses in SOLO and OLIS match before data migrations are started on 8th July.
[From Bodleian Libraries Reader Notices.]
As part of the transition to a new integrated library system at the Bodleian Libraries, on 18 July all patron functions currently offered in OLIS will move to a new version of SOLO. This will replace OLIS (WebOPAC and telnet versions) and can be searched by anybody anywhere in the world. Registered readers need to use only one interface both to locate collections and to order them, but can then also renew loans and holds, check their patron record, etc. Also, once signed on to SOLO (s.b.), Oxford members who are working off-campus will have seamless access to subscription e-resources without having to sign on again.
More about SOLO
Since October 2008 SOLO has been a search and discovery tool for the major collections of the libraries of the University of Oxford. As well as searching the University libraries’ print and electronic holdings and title links to more than 1,100 databases on OxLIP+, it also searches ORA (Oxford University Research Archive), the Bodleian Library Allegro Chinese and Allegro Japanese catalogues and the Refugee Studies Cardbox catalogue (mostly grey literature published before 2004).
On 18 July, in addition to patron functions, the new version of SOLO will also feature enhanced searching functionality, esp. in Advanced Search where an additional search box and new fields have been added. For instance, scholars researching early printed books will welcome the addition of certain searches such as date of publication, place of publication and publisher.
Unlike OLIS, SOLO allows registered readers to save search results and set up search alerts; all registered readers, including non-Oxford users, can also save details of collections to a personal e-shelf.
Signing on to SOLO after 18 July
Readers who wish to check the status of books, stack requests, use the e-shelf, etc. need to be registered readers before they can sign on to SOLO. Oxford members should sign on with their Single Sign On details; non-Oxford members will continue to sign on with their Library Card barcode and associated password.
Need help with SOLO?
A SOLO guide gives helpful instruction how to use it. A series of SOLO workshops will be offered after the go-live. See the timetable for details and bookings. Do not hesitate to contact library staff who can also assist with any enquiries or problems. Finally, for the period of the downtime 8-18 July, a SOLO Live Chat will offer immediate assistance to readers in the use of SOLO.
Important news for current e-Shelf users
If you are currently using SOLO's e-shelf functions, we shall need to migrate your personal data. It is imperative that by 8th July you have set your email address correctly in SOLO. If you have not already done so, then please sign in to your SOLO account using the "Oxford Single Sign On" link on the top right corner of the screen. Once signed on, click on "My Account" then choose "Edit Details" to set your email address. Please use the same email address as you do for OLIS. (You can check your current email address in OLIS by logging in to OLIS, http://library.ox.ac.uk, or by asking library staff.) This must be done before 8th July so your email addresses in SOLO and OLIS match before data migrations are started on 8th July.
[From Bodleian Libraries Reader Notices.]
Monday, 4 July 2011
Bodleian update: Gladstone Link, System downtime, Book delivery times
An update on a few things relating to the ongoing changes and improvements in the Bodleian Libraries:
Gladstone Link opening Tuesday 5th July, 12.00pm
The Gladstone Link, a new area for readers, will open at 12:00 on Tuesday 5th July. The Link will connect the Old Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera reader spaces and will be accessible from both these buildings. It will offer work spaces and the books there will be available on the open shelf. You will be able to identify books held in the Gladstone Link by the shelfmarks beginning (UBHU).
System downtime, 8th-18th July: Limited fetching service for stack requests and help to locate alternative copies
The Bodleian Libraries will now be offering a limited fetching service for stack requests during the period of downtime from 8th-18th July. However, you are still advised to get your requests in as soon as possible, and before the system is taken down at 5pm on 7th July. Any books which are up at any reserves within the Bodleian Libraries will stay up throughout the downtime.
If you are having difficulty getting hold of material during the downtime, there will be online support available from the Bodleian Libraries' website from 7th July, which will help you locate alternative copies of books and journals which are unavailable. As ever, if you have any questions or need any help, you are always welcome to ask us!
Book delivery times
We've had confirmation of the times when the Bodleian van will be calling at the VHL, until at least December. Our morning delivery will now be at around 9.45am and afternoon delivery around 3.15pm.
Gladstone Link opening Tuesday 5th July, 12.00pm
The Gladstone Link, a new area for readers, will open at 12:00 on Tuesday 5th July. The Link will connect the Old Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera reader spaces and will be accessible from both these buildings. It will offer work spaces and the books there will be available on the open shelf. You will be able to identify books held in the Gladstone Link by the shelfmarks beginning (UBHU).
System downtime, 8th-18th July: Limited fetching service for stack requests and help to locate alternative copies
The Bodleian Libraries will now be offering a limited fetching service for stack requests during the period of downtime from 8th-18th July. However, you are still advised to get your requests in as soon as possible, and before the system is taken down at 5pm on 7th July. Any books which are up at any reserves within the Bodleian Libraries will stay up throughout the downtime.
If you are having difficulty getting hold of material during the downtime, there will be online support available from the Bodleian Libraries' website from 7th July, which will help you locate alternative copies of books and journals which are unavailable. As ever, if you have any questions or need any help, you are always welcome to ask us!
Book delivery times
We've had confirmation of the times when the Bodleian van will be calling at the VHL, until at least December. Our morning delivery will now be at around 9.45am and afternoon delivery around 3.15pm.
Reminder: downtime for switchover to new library system, 8th-18th July
We are now in the last few days before the switchover to the new library system begins. Here's what you should make sure you have checked or done by the time the system goes down at 5pm on Thursday:
Stack requests
If you want to consult books from the Bodleian stacks during the downtime (8th-18th July), you need to place your requests for them as soon as possible in order that they can be delivered to the reading rooms by Thursday afternoon.
Check your password!
We will not be able to reset passwords while the system is down. Please check that you know your library card password and that it works, and if not, ask us to reset it by 5pm on Thursday at the latest. This is the password that goes with your library card barcode, and that you need to log on to library PCs, the Bodleian Libraries' wireless network, place stack requests or check your record on OLIS.
Familiarise yourself with SOLO
After the system is taken down at 5pm on Thursday, there will be no more access to either the telnet or web versions of OLIS. The only catalogue available for the new system will be SOLO, which will continue to be available throughout the downtime. When the new system goes live on Monday 18th July, this will bring with it a new and improved version of SOLO with enhanced searching and the ability to do all the things within it that you used to have to click through to OLIS for. For more help and guidance on searching SOLO in its current form, see the SOLO online guide.
SOLO e-shelf - check your email address!
If you use the e-shelf function on SOLO, you need to check that your email address is correctly recorded, otherwise your data will not be able to be migrated to the new system and you will lose anything you have saved there. To do this, log in to SOLO as you normally would, then click on 'my account' in the top right-hand corner. If you need to change the email address listed, then click on 'edit details'.
For more information, continue to keep an eye on the blog, as well as our Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates throughout the downtime. If you have any questions, please ask us!
Stack requests
If you want to consult books from the Bodleian stacks during the downtime (8th-18th July), you need to place your requests for them as soon as possible in order that they can be delivered to the reading rooms by Thursday afternoon.
Check your password!
We will not be able to reset passwords while the system is down. Please check that you know your library card password and that it works, and if not, ask us to reset it by 5pm on Thursday at the latest. This is the password that goes with your library card barcode, and that you need to log on to library PCs, the Bodleian Libraries' wireless network, place stack requests or check your record on OLIS.
Familiarise yourself with SOLO
After the system is taken down at 5pm on Thursday, there will be no more access to either the telnet or web versions of OLIS. The only catalogue available for the new system will be SOLO, which will continue to be available throughout the downtime. When the new system goes live on Monday 18th July, this will bring with it a new and improved version of SOLO with enhanced searching and the ability to do all the things within it that you used to have to click through to OLIS for. For more help and guidance on searching SOLO in its current form, see the SOLO online guide.
SOLO e-shelf - check your email address!
If you use the e-shelf function on SOLO, you need to check that your email address is correctly recorded, otherwise your data will not be able to be migrated to the new system and you will lose anything you have saved there. To do this, log in to SOLO as you normally would, then click on 'my account' in the top right-hand corner. If you need to change the email address listed, then click on 'edit details'.
For more information, continue to keep an eye on the blog, as well as our Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates throughout the downtime. If you have any questions, please ask us!
Thursday, 30 June 2011
New library system: Stack requests
As the date for the switchover to our new library system approaches, this is a reminder to place any requests for books you may want from the Bodleian stacks during the downtime (8th-18th July) as soon as possible. The absolute last date to place requests is Thursday 7th July, but if you want to guarantee that your books get delivered to the reading rooms before then, you should put your requests in now!
Friday, 24 June 2011
Important information: Switchover to new library system, 8th-18th July - UPDATE
The date for the switchover to the new library system is fast approaching! Here's an update on the planned schedule and things to be aware of for using the Bodleian Libraries in July.
Stack requests
From 5pm on Thursday 7th July to 9am on Monday 18th July, while the new system is being implemented, it will not be possible to order items from the Bodleian bookstacks. If you would like to use material from the Bodleian stacks during this period, you are advised to place your stack requests by Friday 1st July in order to ensure that the book can be delivered to the reading room before the downtime.
We will be able to fetch material from the VHL stacks (for consultation in the VHL only) using manual request slips. Please ask staff at the desk for a slip. You should also still be able to request special collections material in the Radcliffe Science Library or stack material in Rhodes House Library in those libraries in the same way.
Library catalogue
Both telnet and the web versions of OLIS (http://library.ox.ac.uk) will be switched off permanently at 5pm on Thursday 7th July. The only catalogue available for the new system will be SOLO, which will continue to be available throughout the downtime (except for a brief period towards the end). With the new system, SOLO's functionality will be increased to allow you to do all the things you used to have to click through to OLIS for. If you are not already familiar with searching on SOLO, we would suggest you start familiarising yourself now! Library staff are always available to provide help and guidance, and once the new system is in place there will also be further guides, courses and tutorials. For more guidance on searching SOLO in its current incarnation, please see the SOLO online guide.
OxLIP+ and e-journals
OxLIP+ and e-journals will be unaffected, and you will still be able to search for and access electronic resources as usual.
Password resets
As the staff system will be down, we will not be able to reset any library passwords (for logging on to the PCs or wireless or checking your record) from 8th-17th July. Similarly, you will not be able to log in to your record on OLIS and change it yourself. Please make sure you know your password before 8th July, and ask us to reset it if necessary before then.
Lending (for those registered to borrow)
It will still be possible to borrow books throughout the downtime, using a back-up system. However, transactions will not be recorded on the catalogue so you won't be able to see for yourself whether a book is out on loan. As check-in and renewal won't be possible, any books checked out from Thursday 7th July until Friday 15th July will be due back on Monday 18th. If you return books to us during the downtime, we will not reshelve them until we can check them in on the new system.
SOLO e-shelf - check your email address!
If you use the e-shelf function on SOLO, you will need to check that your email address is recorded correctly in your record in order that the records you have saved can be migrated to the new version. To do this, log into SOLO as you usually would, then click on 'my account' in the top right-hand corner. If you need to change the email address listed, then click on 'edit details'.
New books and purchasing
We are now not able to order any new books until the new system is up and running. You can continue to send us recommendations for books to buy, but please be aware that we won't be able to get them here until probably August (taking into account delivery time). Books that have already been ordered will continue to arrive, however from 6th-18th July we will not be able to add them to the catalogue. Likewise, we will not be able to record the arrival of new journal issues, but if you are particularly keen to see a book or journal issue that you know is on its way or should have arrived, please do ask and we will fetch it out for you if we have it.
18th July: new system!
The new system will go live at 9am on Monday 18th July, and all normal library activities and processes will resume (with the exception of telnet/old web OLIS as described above). Please bear with us though if there are bugs or if we're a little slower than normal, as we'll be getting used to it ourselves over the following few weeks.
More information
Keep an eye on the blog, as well as our Facebook page and/or Twitter feed for updates throughout the downtime. If you have any further questions, please ask us!
Stack requests
From 5pm on Thursday 7th July to 9am on Monday 18th July, while the new system is being implemented, it will not be possible to order items from the Bodleian bookstacks. If you would like to use material from the Bodleian stacks during this period, you are advised to place your stack requests by Friday 1st July in order to ensure that the book can be delivered to the reading room before the downtime.
We will be able to fetch material from the VHL stacks (for consultation in the VHL only) using manual request slips. Please ask staff at the desk for a slip. You should also still be able to request special collections material in the Radcliffe Science Library or stack material in Rhodes House Library in those libraries in the same way.
Library catalogue
Both telnet and the web versions of OLIS (http://library.ox.ac.uk) will be switched off permanently at 5pm on Thursday 7th July. The only catalogue available for the new system will be SOLO, which will continue to be available throughout the downtime (except for a brief period towards the end). With the new system, SOLO's functionality will be increased to allow you to do all the things you used to have to click through to OLIS for. If you are not already familiar with searching on SOLO, we would suggest you start familiarising yourself now! Library staff are always available to provide help and guidance, and once the new system is in place there will also be further guides, courses and tutorials. For more guidance on searching SOLO in its current incarnation, please see the SOLO online guide.
OxLIP+ and e-journals
OxLIP+ and e-journals will be unaffected, and you will still be able to search for and access electronic resources as usual.
Password resets
As the staff system will be down, we will not be able to reset any library passwords (for logging on to the PCs or wireless or checking your record) from 8th-17th July. Similarly, you will not be able to log in to your record on OLIS and change it yourself. Please make sure you know your password before 8th July, and ask us to reset it if necessary before then.
Lending (for those registered to borrow)
It will still be possible to borrow books throughout the downtime, using a back-up system. However, transactions will not be recorded on the catalogue so you won't be able to see for yourself whether a book is out on loan. As check-in and renewal won't be possible, any books checked out from Thursday 7th July until Friday 15th July will be due back on Monday 18th. If you return books to us during the downtime, we will not reshelve them until we can check them in on the new system.
SOLO e-shelf - check your email address!
If you use the e-shelf function on SOLO, you will need to check that your email address is recorded correctly in your record in order that the records you have saved can be migrated to the new version. To do this, log into SOLO as you usually would, then click on 'my account' in the top right-hand corner. If you need to change the email address listed, then click on 'edit details'.
New books and purchasing
We are now not able to order any new books until the new system is up and running. You can continue to send us recommendations for books to buy, but please be aware that we won't be able to get them here until probably August (taking into account delivery time). Books that have already been ordered will continue to arrive, however from 6th-18th July we will not be able to add them to the catalogue. Likewise, we will not be able to record the arrival of new journal issues, but if you are particularly keen to see a book or journal issue that you know is on its way or should have arrived, please do ask and we will fetch it out for you if we have it.
18th July: new system!
The new system will go live at 9am on Monday 18th July, and all normal library activities and processes will resume (with the exception of telnet/old web OLIS as described above). Please bear with us though if there are bugs or if we're a little slower than normal, as we'll be getting used to it ourselves over the following few weeks.
More information
Keep an eye on the blog, as well as our Facebook page and/or Twitter feed for updates throughout the downtime. If you have any further questions, please ask us!
Monday, 2 May 2011
Timetable for switchover to new library system, June-July 2011
This is a draft timetable for the major points to note throughout June and July as the Bodleian Libraries move over to our new library system (see previous post).
31st May: Please let us have any book purchase recommendations by this date.
1st-17th June: Reduced purchasing.
18th June - 17th July: No purchasing. If you have urgent requests, please let us know and we will see what we can do!
1st- 7th July: Put your stack requests in now for the downtime, and familiarise yourself with SOLO (if you haven't already!)
7th July: Last day for stack requests. Make sure you know your OLIS password (for logging on to PCs, placing stack requests, renewing loans) - passwords cannot be reset 8th-17th July.
8th July: OLIS switched off at 17:00. Beginning of transfer of data to new system. Withdrawal of character-based catalogue (ie, telnet OLIS).
8th-17th July: switchover
Functioning:
31st May: Please let us have any book purchase recommendations by this date.
1st-17th June: Reduced purchasing.
18th June - 17th July: No purchasing. If you have urgent requests, please let us know and we will see what we can do!
1st- 7th July: Put your stack requests in now for the downtime, and familiarise yourself with SOLO (if you haven't already!)
7th July: Last day for stack requests. Make sure you know your OLIS password (for logging on to PCs, placing stack requests, renewing loans) - passwords cannot be reset 8th-17th July.
8th July: OLIS switched off at 17:00. Beginning of transfer of data to new system. Withdrawal of character-based catalogue (ie, telnet OLIS).
8th-17th July: switchover
Functioning:
- Existing catalogue (SOLO), allowing bibliographic searching, location of open-shelf material.
- Borrowing (via back-up system, ie, not recording transactions on OLIS).
- Stack request
- Other circulation functions
- Password resets
