From RG-Bibliowiki

Presentation to be made at IUG 2006 (Denver, CO). Paper to be developed from presentation.

Contents 1 ARS Presentation Outline -- Sonoma State University 1.1 Introduction 1.2 What works well? 1.3 Challenges 1.4 Solutions

ARS Presentation Outline -- Sonoma State University

Time: 10 minutes

Presenter: Geoffrey Skinner, Co-Coordinator of Technical Services, University Library, SSU

Introduction

• SSU’s ASRS an essential and active part of daily Library operations – NOT deep storage
• Fully operational since 2000 – 6 years of continuous operation
• Unanticipated issues regularly challenge us, in large part because each installation addresses unique needs despite basic similarities.

What works well?

• Quick turnaround for requests (10-20 minutes) allayed early access concerns by faculty
• Some students prefer circ desk pickups over walking to stacks
• Usage for 7/1/04-01/19/06: 1109 requests/mo (1958 stores/mo)
• Generally trouble-free operation
• Makes Interlibrary Services paging go significantly faster

Challenges

• Each ASRS installation unique
  • Other installations can guide, but not provide specific solutions
  • Customized interfaces need to extra attention for Millennium upgrades
• Institutional knowledge remains largely uncaptured
  • HK manual difficult to use
  • Local knowledge from installation not documented
• Maintenance/support contracts prohibitively expensive
  • Full support from HK very expensive
  • Minimal support means hiring contractors when major work needed
• Hardware costs costly and difficult to plan for
  • HK recommends on-site spare parts inventory ($25,000); without inventory, extensive downtime and expense for parts possible
  • Actual lifespan of ASRS crane unknown – engineered for different use patterns
• Operating system upgrades must be planned for
  • SSU runs on Linux -- not supported at installation, but based on CSU Northridge installation
  • Upgrade to Windows or stay with Linux?
  • Cost for HK to switch to Windows high
  • Contractor able upgrade Linux for less

Solutions

• Review ASRS staffing periodically to maintain optimal efficiency
• Develop and maintain relationships with contractors who may provide necessary support of ASRS hardware/software/mechanical systems
• Develop and maintain procedures to handle emergency situations
• Develop fund to cover emergency expenses
• Document institutional knowledge about unique aspects of ASRS system
• Develop contacts with other sites