On March 10th it was announced that the original ALEPH STP (Switch To Production) date at UF had been delayed from May 12 and that we were tentatively hoping for a revised STP timeframe of early this July. 

After further consultation with FCLA staff last week, it has now been decided to delay our ALEPH STP until May 3, 2004 -- a full year away. Although progress has continued to be made toward implementation by FCLA and Ex Libris, many problems have been encountered that have prevented moving forward at a pace that would allow for a successful STP this summer. We are very fortunate that the option exists to delay STP so that steps to insure adequate system performance can be taken before we switch from our stable NOTIS/WebLUIS system.

Many activities in the UF Libraries toward our eventual STP will continue. For example, we expect to have a test full load of our data to review soon. Also, functional trainers will continue to meet to assess workflow issues and devise local staff training plans (although most/all the actual functional training of all staff will likely be delayed until Spring, 2004.) This delayed STP date will allow us to develop a much greater understanding of the ALEPH system so that it can be set it up to do our work as effectively as possible immediately.