Now that all of the State University Libraries of Florida
(SUL) have migrated from the old NOTIS system
to Aleph
(completed in August 2006), the Aleph system will be upgraded from our current Aleph Version 15.5 to Version 18. The upgrade is currently expected to occur at UF July 13-16, 2007. This would begin at the close of business on Friday, 7/13 and last until approximately 10am on Monday,
7/16. If all goes well, no additional down
time is expected.
All staff that use Aleph
client for doing their work will be
affected to some extent. The
general consensus of those in the UF Libraries that
have looked at the new Aleph client is that the upgrade should
not
pose significant challenges for staff and is expected to provide much
needed improvements.
The Web OPAC
interface will also be changing from what staff and library users are
accustomed to. Not only will the Aleph OPAC be replaced by a new
OPAC powered by Endeca software, but the Aleph OPAC itself will be
different.
More Information about the Upgrade
-- Includes links to resources many
UF Libraries' staff will be using
to prepare for the upgrade.
Overview-- All UF Libraries staff that use Aleph will want to read
this for a basic description of what will be happening prior to,
during, and following the upgrade to Version 18.
Preparation for Testing and Training
-- Designated library staff will be testing the setup of Version 18 to
insure that the system operates smoothly when the upgrade is completed.
Training will also be developed so that staff will be prepared to begin
using the new client and OPAC in advance of the upgrade.
Training -- Resources from FCLA
and Ex Libris are available to help familiarize us with Version 18, and
help us develop our local training.
Documentation -- Resources from FCLA
and Ex Libris are available to help familiarize us with Version 18,
learn in depth about the system, and help us develop our local training.
Web OPACS -- The
intent is for the new Endeca OPAC to become the primary OPAC library
users and public services staff see. There will still be an Aleph Web OPAC, but the plan is to
make
few adjustments to the Aleph "out-of-the-box"
Web OPAC Ex Libris provides.
FCLA Resources
* Means
your
Aleph Userid/Password is required.
Upgrade Express Blog*
-- FCLA uses this tool
to track their activities as they work through the processes of getting
v.18 installed for all the SUL (State University Libraries of Florida).
FCLA
Library
Services Page* -- Most resources on this page are available through
one of the UF pages above (Training, Documentation, etc.).