The ABLE to SAILS conversion
Extracted from the Norfolknet Notes.

This page contains all the messages on the subject of the library system's conversion from the ABLE to the SAILS network that have appeared on the Norfolknet webpage in the Notes from the Webmaster section. They have been gathered here for convenience, but are also logged in the archives as usual.

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• 9/12  2:10pm   In reading the original poster's comments, it appears that he was most upset about the conversion process, and perhaps the competence of the IT staff at the database network that were responsible for the change. Nowhere is there a criticism of our local library staff or their abilities. While one may disagree about the importance of a timely conversion, and the degree of inconvenience associated with this particular transition, it's heartwarming to see the support for our library and its functions - VKR

• 9/12  11:41am   Why is there so much negativity in this town? The folks at the library do a wonderful job with the resources they have to work with. I agree with SF, it takes too much energy to get upset (I used to get upset with someone in town then I realized everything he was doing is right!!) Let's all try to get along. - TG

• 9/12  11:41am  
  Dear Mr. K---:
  I am sorry for the inconvenience caused by the ABLE - SEAL conversion to the new SAILS system. Please be assured that local library staff as well as central (SAILS) office staff are working diligently to verify the integrity of our data conversion and to restore full library services. I am pleased to say that we accomplished the conversion to the new SAILS system with only one day of operating off-line and that all patron transaction data was successfully transfered to the new system, as well as each library's complete holdings records. We are now a consortium of 60 libraries with a data base of 2.5 million items. This will afford library patrons all over Southeastern Massachusetts direct access to more books, videos, and other materials.
  We are now working on entering the Holds data from the ABLE & SEAL systems. Ms. Conrad has fully explained why this procedure has to be done manually. This will be complete by the close of busness today, and effective Sept. 13 (tomorrow) patrons can request that holds be placed for them by a library staff member. Please feel free to call the library, or send me an e-mail so that we may process your requests.
  By Oct. 1st "User Services" will be turned on in the WebCat and patrons will be able to place thier own holds, renew books, or check due dates, either from home or the library.
  Again, I am sorry for the temporary inconvenience that the conversion process has caused. If I can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

  Sincerely,
  Robin A. Glasser, Director
  Norfolk Public Library
  Norfolk, MA
  "where reading is just the beginning"
  www.ultranet.com/~npl
  glasser@ultranet.com
  

  9/12  11:41am  
  > > From: Debby Conrad
  > > Subject: RE: Bring Back ABLE in the Interim
  > >
  > > We had to discontinue the ability to place holds while we converted the
  > > holds from the existing two system. Because we merged two databases
  > > that had duplicate control numbers for dissimilar titles we have to
  > > manually enter those reserves. We have to be sure that patrons that
  > > have been waiting for months for titles had their requests entered
  > > before we turned on that capability for the public. This is strictly
  > > temporary and once this manual conversion is complete we will be able to
  > > turn on the ability again. Please remember we are a nonprofit library
  > > network with limited financial resources and we are trying to complete
  > > this conversion as quickly as possible.
  > >
  > > Deborah K. Conrad, Executive Director
  > > SAILS Library Network
  > > 547 West. Grove St., Box 4, Middleboro MA 02346
  >
  > In conversionsion of this type, there is typically no need to enter the
  > information manually. What one does is find the highest reserve number
  > currently in use in SAILS and increment all ABLE numbers by that
  > amount. Or develop a somewhat more complicated conversion program.
  >

  Yes there is a need to enter the holds manually because the holds were
  linked to a title record number that didn't convert in the
  duplication process There was no way to link the holds correctly
  through an automated process. If we had just converted a single
  database there would have been no problem. I would also like to point
  out that it is specifically at the request of the member libraries
  that we not turn on holds until October 1 - they wanted their staff to
  work out procedures on the new system. We didn't make that decision.
  Also, we can't keep ABLE operating because the data isn't accurate.
  New cataloging records have not been added since August 1, holds
  queues are inaccurate, and circulation status in wrong. This was not
  a straight data conversion because we merged two networks. Even Fleet
  Bank had to phase in their conversion. We had to bring the new system
  up as soon as possible so it would be available when school started
  and because we can't afford to pay maintenance on 3 separate systems.
  Once the data was loaded into the new system we had to bring it up.
  

  Certainly you can post this.

  Deborah K. Conrad, Executive Director
  SAILS Library Network
  

  - AK, DC

  9/11  7:57pm   In conversionsion of this type, there is typically no need to enter the information manually. What one does is find the highest reserve number currently in use in SAILS and increment all ABLE numbers by that amount. Or develop a somewhat more complicated conversion program. - AK

  9/11  11:38am   I have to agree with DN that AK's comments are excessive. If you have in fact been in the computer industry for 30 years, you should be aware of the issues associated with converting from one system to another. Keep in mind that public libraries do not have the funds to support a team of IT specialist on-site for several weeks like one might see in industry.

  If you go to the libraries website they describe the new system and the features it brings. Once on-line it should prove worth the wait. The ability to search and reserve from your home via the web. In addition, you will be able to see if your family has any overdue books and extend them if required.

  I also wandered onto the SAILS website and was able to search for Tom Clancy books in Norfolk. Now I haven't gone to the library to see if in fact it is there, but the website showed it available.

  Sometimes it just takes patience and understanding rather then wasting the energy getting all upset. - SF

  9/9  8:49am   I was appalled by AK's comments about the SAIL system! Are we such a hurry in our lives that we need to get so livid that we demand a that the person who is in charge be fired!! I am in the mental health business, and I am still surprise by some peoples attitudes. Instead of road rage, now we have library / waiting rage! - DN

  9/8  11:18pm   I was vaguely aware that the library on-line book catalogue and reservation system was not accessible, but since I browse the shelves or rely on the selections of my wife, I didn't realize the extent of the upheaval until we received this message:

  Norfolk Library - SAIL system
  Bring Back ABLE
  I've been a computer professional for over 30 years. Businesses do not install replacement computer systems that exclude access by their customers for over 30 days. The person that chose this format for the conversion should be FIRED and replaced by someone that could do it correctly. Your apolology sounds similar to the garbage distributed by FIRESTONE, but is certainly not as crucial, but still nonsense. - AK

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