This is an exciting time for all of us! At long last we are migrating to a software system that's intuitive, powerful, and really customer friendly! You have all been so patient during this process and I continue to admire your confidence that everything will turn out alright. I assure you it will!
Before I became tied to a desk in a far off corner of Kenosha, I spent 13 years on service desks, and even though it's been awhile since I met the public all day every day, it's fresh in my mind. And so I thought it might be helpful to provide a few talking points to support your interactions with the good, the bad and the ugly patrons you might encounter who will take the opportunity to share their opinions about our system migration.
For the patrons who think we're spending money we don't need to, your cheerful response is, "As a matter of fact, this improved software doesn't cost us any more than the old software we used. And we're getting so much more value with this product!"
For the patrons who say, "It wasn't broke, so why fix it?" Your cheerful answer is, "You're going to love the features in the new catalog! Would you like a demonstration?"
For the patrons who think the staff has been needlessly forced to change, please feel free to express your relief that Vubis is history. The community loves you. They are more likely to embrace our changes if YOU embrace them. So gush all you like about the speed, efficiency, and simplicity of SIRSI.
When we were considering joining the SHARE catalog, I sent out a list of all these project goals. Some of them might make sense to you, some might not. But they are a good reminder of why we went through all this work. I look forward to the boost in service this migration promises to bring! Thank you all for your continued support and commitment to this project and to outstanding service!
KCLS/ LLS CATALOG MERGER (SHARE)
GOALS
Increase direct patron access to library materials.
Reduce ILL costs to all member libraries by satisfying more requests with local holdings, streamlining ILL processes and shifting ILL functions to circulation.
Improve mobile library experience.
Offer self-service fine and fee payments.
Improve ebook user experience.
Reduce cataloging costs by using Skyriver (not OCLC).
Provide faster delivery between Racine and Kenosha counties.
Reduce duplicate collections to create spaces for public collaborative activities.
Improve ILS search results and web interface for KCLS libraries, with the promise of continual innovative development.
Reduce costs to KCLS member libraries for SIP2 dependent databases (Lynda.com) and SIP2 dependent automation (self checks and AMH).
Reduce costs for technology infrastructure such as servers and associated system software.
Improve collection use statistical reporting for KCLS libraries.
Seamless integration with third party systems like self checks and vending machines.
