1st Quarterly
NUGEN LIB/NET USER GROUP MEETING
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
MINUTES
 

1. Al called the meeting to order at 10:40 a.m.
   1. About 15 people were present.
   2. Al explained the parking meters and lavatories.
   3. Michele requested someone to take minutes – Dick Williams (of Central Lake) volunteered.
   4. We enjoyed breakfast snacks (Michele’s chocolate chip bars) and coffee/tea.  
   5. This is the first meeting of this group, and we’ll probably have more.
2. All items are NEW BUSINESS.
   1. Websites.  Al is planning on helping to make the access to catalog information more personal for each library.  Goals are to keep costs down and useability up.  The system is based on “Drupal.”  It was decided, that since all libraries have different domains and different types of websites,  it would be best if we could see examples of what the new site could do.  
   2. MelCat.  About half of the libraries use MelCat, and half don’t (because their catalog is not on line).  Some would like to see more fluency and ease of operation between CatEdit, Mel, and Circulation so that you don’t have to get out of one source to go to another.  
   3. Problems and questions.  Many librarians call or email Al when they have a question.  Al’s suggestion is that we use the forum on the NuGen website so that others can share in the question or the solution and more than one can be served at a time.  
   4. Patron access to computers.  Some libraries use a time management program, and others use nothing except “managing by walking around.”  Al is suggesting a unified system (“UBUNTU”) that will deal with anti-virus, time management, etc.  He also suggests that a free AVG works well, but the paid AVG works better.  Also “Fortress” helps control what gets on the computers, much like “DeepFreeze,”  except you can update without shutting down.  
   5. Spreadsheets.  Al is proposing that he create a reporting system that allows the librarian to download a report to an Excel spreadsheet so the information is more useable for the individual librarian.  It was suggested that we have a workshop to learn this when it becomes available.
   6. Reports.  Let Al know what reports each library uses (some brought lists) and what additional reports are desired.  Use the “forum.”  At one time, there was a “report manual,” but it doesn’t seem to be available any longer.  It was very long, so as to be unprintable in any case.  These suggestions  were made:
      1. Clarify the description of the reports so that it corresponds to the title on the report page and it is clear as to what it does.
      2. The selection screen stays after you make a selection so that you don’t have to get back in again for the same task.
      3. Not have any reports that automatically print before showing on the screen.
      4. Include a “State Aid Report” that could all necessary info so we don’t have to go to several reports to get it.
      5. It was pointed out that circulation numbers don’t include renewals.  (The renewal report is called “Statistics – Book Renewal”).  
   7. Inventory.  Generally, each library wants access to an inventory process.  It is possible with a laptop that is connected to the catalog (may need router from NuGen if not hooked up wirelessly), and a scanner.  Go to Circulation – Properties – Inv.exe.
   8. IPAC.  Needs revision to make more user friendly.  Al may have available in July.  Also is it possible to put a MelCat link on the IPAC page?  Also is it possible to have an Overdrive link on the IPAC page?
   9. Email.  It was suggested that it would be good if the patron email could be a direct connection for sending a notice.
3. Lunch.  Around 12:00, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of a variety of sandwiches, wraps, fruit, and chips from local restaurant.  
4. Adjournment.  We closed the meeting be deciding to meet quarterly, probably on a Thursday that didn’t conflict with MMLL’s quarterly meeting.  That is TBA.  Before leaving, we each expressed something we learned today.

Respectfully submitted,
Dick Williams
(Temporary, unofficial, Ad hoc Secretary)

Attendees:

Phyllis Moore - Beaver Island District Library - island.library@gmail.com
Cathy Carter - Benzie Shores District Library - bsdl@benzieshoreslibrary.org
Cindy Collier - Benzie Shores District Library - bsdl@benzieshoreslibrary.org
Stacy Pasche - Benzie Shores District Library - bsdl@benzieshoreslibrary.org
Dick Williams - Central Lake District Library - dickwilliams@centrallakelibrary.com
Nannette Miller - Elk Rapids District Library - erdl@elkrapidsnet.com
David Diller - Glen Lake Community Library - info@glenlakelibrary.net
Sue Riegler- Helena Township Library - aldenlib@torchlake.com
Deb Bull - Kalkaska County Library - kalkaskalibrary@yahoo.com
Deb Stannard - Leelanau Township Library - leelanautwplib@yahoo.com
Linda Johnson - Mancelona Township Library - mancelona.twp.library@gmail.com
Sue Graham - Richfield Township Library - library@richfieldtownship.com
Sylvia Merz- Leland Township Public Library - lelandlibrary@lelandtownshiplibrary.org
Al Patrick - NuGen - al@nugen.com
Bob Hanson - NuGen
Michele Lezon - NuGen - michele@nugen.com

Other Libraries not able to attend:

Bellaire Public Library
Benzonia Public Library
Betsie Valley District Library
Indian River Area Library
M. Alice Chapin Memorial Library (Marion)
Reed City Public Library
Suttons Bay-Bingham District Library