AGENDA:

Project Update

Website Design

Diane Solomon introduced Brian Jones, TBLC's Webmaster. He presented the design template for TBLC's portal and several Alleycat skin designs. The Alleycat website will be branded and have a different design theme than TBLC. Brian is working on a model for creating/maintaining websites for member libraries in 2002-2003. Libraries can contract this service, much like our model for outsourcing bibliographic services. The group loved the waving "AC" Alleycat design.

Library Connections

• Eric Head is working on adding Citrus County to Alleycat
• Polk County is part of Alleycat in mediated mode

RPA (Remote Patron Authentication)

• Currently the NCIP protocol has not been implemented in Epixtech (Horizon) and Gaylord (Polaris) library management systems. Libraries on these systems must mediated mode for Alleycat borrowing Clearwater (Polaris), Heartland Cooperative (Polaris), Palm Harbor (Horizon) and Polk County (Horizon) are affected.
• It is possible to move these libraries to unmediated requesting by purchasing RPA.
• Epixtech has now provided a single price estimate for all of Alleycat.
• Diane called for a discussion regarding moving funds around in the LSTA grant year in order to purchase RPA for everyone. This would be in place of individual purchases by the libraries wanting authentication for online database use. TBLC need to purchase a dedicated server. RPA will allow blocks on patrons with fines outstanding accounts. The changes need to be documented in this year's grant. The time frame is 2-3 months before the beginning of implementation. This was approved by the group's consent.

OCLC Implementation Report

• Beth Watson reported that OCLC would be added as the library of last resort for libraries that wish to have this.
• It will allow most ILL requests to be processed through Alleycat
• There is a fixed cost for Direct Request. OCLC's Direct Request feature must be implemented for this option.
• Beth is working with Epixtech, using SUNLINE, to test the link. They are taking steps to work a request through the system.
• Question from Barbe Bonjour: What will the local libraries have to do with these requests? Answer: Requesting can be done in Alleycat instead of using forms in library. The patron places the request. It goes into a review file and staff produces request in OCLC. Libraries can allow this to be fully automated or enable staff review before requests are passed to OCLC.
• Discussion followed regarding issues of limiting the number of requests a patron can have. The DRA systems have issues with this and their automation systems.

Ebooks

• NetLibrary was purchased by OCLC
  
• The TBLC ebooks committee met in February to discuss budget and begin selecting additional titles in subject area teams. We currently have over 2,000 titles.
  
• The State Library is purchasing the SOLINET Year 2 collection for libraries.
  
• TBLC posts monthly statistics for the collective group. Individual libraries can run their own reports.

TBLC's Technology Plan Highlights

TBLC is working on an update. The Virtual Library is at the top of the list. “Growing the Virtual Library” is the theme/title of the Year 4 grant proposal and the updated Technology Plan.
The State Library is currently in the planning process for a state virtual library. It will be years before there is “Alleycat-type” functionality.
TBLC wants to add extended reference to the Anywhere-Anytime Library web portal. We're hoping to add more academic libraries into the virtual library. It was proposed that this be accomplished using WebFeat or a similar product.
WebFeat is a translator that does not require Z39.50. The cost is $1,000 per year. We will put this into the grant proposal for Year 4.

Year 4 Grant

Web Portal Development
Brian Jones is working on web designs and implementation of the portal. The grant will continue this process.

Extended Reference Service

• The Reference Task Force has been planning a virtual reference service.
• Beth Watson distributed a yellow colored handout with the goals and information about a proposed program. This handout will be sent to all libraries in February.
• Participating library staff will staff the virtual library during their work time. TBLC will build in training and consulting time.
• A California MLC has software and a system in place with 24/7 reference services. There is a possibility that we could work with them to extend our hours.

Access for Hillsborough Schools

• There is a possibility of adding records in Year 4. The database may be included or may just be put in OCLC.
• Hillsborough County Library Cooperative has an active student library card registration program which will enable students to use Alleycat via their local library.

Remaining Public Libraries

• Hernando – possibly moving to SIRSI from TAOS and will be implemented as soon as feasible.
• Manatee – on hold until their Horizon system comes up. It is hoped that this will be in 2002. [SUNLINE – moving to Horizon in 2003]

Subject Links Content

• Medical librarians will produce a pathfinder. Diana Akins, Bay Pines VA, is coordinating effort.
• Other possible pathfinders in year 4:
  • Art – Sarasota County, Ringling Museum and Ringling School of Art and Design
  • Science – MOSI, Mote Marine
  • Business – Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Citrus County, Largo, University of Tampa, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library

• Patty Owen mentioned that Broward County has purchased rights from the Librarian's Index to the Internet. They are able to put their own banner around the site. A weekly update mailing list is available from http://www.lii.org. Perhaps TBLC area libraries can contribute Florida-related websites to enhance the database.

Year 3 Upcoming

Maintenance Costs

The maintenance costs for year 4 have not been established yet. Libraries using in September 2001 have been invoiced for year 3. Diane Solomon will distribute information later regarding amounts needed in 2002-2003 budgets.

Enriched Content Option
iSelect will allow libraries to include enriched content: pictures of book jackets, table contents, reviews. These are purchased from Syndedics by subscription. We will be watching this as a possible enhancement to Alleycat.

Reading Lists
There was discussion about the inclusion of reading lists on the Alleycat website. The group would like to have lists connected via separate website. These pages would be linked to the Anywhere-Anytime Library and used as a marketing tool. TBLC area librarians will generate lists around various themes and use lists and pathfinders that are already in existence. There was no enthusiasm for standard lists such as Opry books or the NYT Bestseller lists.

Marketing the Virtual Library

• TBLC wants to promote the theme of “Alleycat in the Community”. Patrice Koerper mentioned that Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library has an online campaign in collaboration with the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. They want to create mailings and brochures that can be used to market library resources.
• Barbe Bonjour asked if TBLC could develop a standardized PowerPoint presentation (include speaker's notes) so that library directors and others have a resource to usewhen promoting Alleycat. Ideally, we will have presentations to promote other TBLC services such as ebooks, and reciprocal borrowing.
• Diane asked the group if they would be willing to pick up costs for a promotional item, if TBLC paid for the first round of production. The response was positive, if the cost of the item could be kept low.
• Patty Own suggested that TBLC develop a combination of resources: some for mass mailings and giveaways and a glossier version for business/chamber meetings.
• Patrice Koerper mentioned an attention capturing sign design, which can easily transported to meetings and shows. She will send the information to Diane Solomon.

Participant Sharing

• Patrice Koerper – THPL is working with a representative from the Asian-Pacific community to help him find recommended books. They suggested that he use Alleycat and he has been using it to locate items.
• Patty Own – suggestion that TBLC offer a prize drawing for returning surveys when TBLC surveys users again.
• Discussion about having an AC stuffed toy for Alleycat. Stuffed toys could be sold in library/Friends gift shops or used as a contest prize. It was suggested that promotional items featuring “Alleycat” (AC) be produced. The figure developed by Brian for the website would also lend itself to hand or finger puppets.