Hello Everyone,
This blog has been quiet as of late since there were many unknowns such as an official date for installation of the PCR system and how the system will actually work. The good news is that PCR will be installed at the Sunnyside Branch Library June 8th and 9th, 2009. Sunnyside will serve as the pilot location for PCR, where FCPL will test how it performs and for Sunnyside staff to learn how to use it effectively.
So what happens after the testing period is done? The next step will be to install PCR at all FCPL branches along with training staff in how to use the program. Currently, there is no definite timeline for installation at the rest of the branches. Once the pilot period is complete, then PCR will be installed at your branch.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
In the future, all reservation kiosks will have barcode scanners. Wait a minute, actually they will!
Hello Everyone,
As the PCR Task Force is plugging along, planning for the implementation of PCR at all the FCPL branches, we are looking at ways of streamlining the reservation process for patrons. One such way is the use of barcode scanners at the reservation kiosks. Of course, keyboards will still be present but we want to encourage patrons to bring and use their library cards to make their reservations. The reasoning is that this will encourage patrons to realize they can reserve their computers faster if they bring their library card instead of having to enter the numbers in manually or take up staff time with having to ask for their number because they "lost it" or "left it at home". We want patrons to have their library card when they visit their branches, it makes everything go smoothly for everyone.
If having barcode scanners for patron use seems strange, consider this, at branches that have self-checkout, there are barcode scanners there and they seem to be working well. Patrons that frequent branches with self-checkout systems bring their library cards more often and request barcode lookups less. Of course there will be those that will request a barcode lookup but this will happen less frequently once patrons realize it is easier to remember their card. So what do you think of this? Please leave your comments and I will answer this as best I can. Have a great day.
J
As the PCR Task Force is plugging along, planning for the implementation of PCR at all the FCPL branches, we are looking at ways of streamlining the reservation process for patrons. One such way is the use of barcode scanners at the reservation kiosks. Of course, keyboards will still be present but we want to encourage patrons to bring and use their library cards to make their reservations. The reasoning is that this will encourage patrons to realize they can reserve their computers faster if they bring their library card instead of having to enter the numbers in manually or take up staff time with having to ask for their number because they "lost it" or "left it at home". We want patrons to have their library card when they visit their branches, it makes everything go smoothly for everyone.
If having barcode scanners for patron use seems strange, consider this, at branches that have self-checkout, there are barcode scanners there and they seem to be working well. Patrons that frequent branches with self-checkout systems bring their library cards more often and request barcode lookups less. Of course there will be those that will request a barcode lookup but this will happen less frequently once patrons realize it is easier to remember their card. So what do you think of this? Please leave your comments and I will answer this as best I can. Have a great day.
J
Thursday, April 16, 2009
So, April 15 came and went. What happened? A Q & A post.
Hello Everyone,
As you may (or may not) have wondered, April 15 has come and gone and PCR is not up and running. What happened? I'm sure you all have questions so I have a little Q & A post for all of you.
Q: April 15 is now past, why isn't PCR installed?
A: Unforeseen complications occurred and PCR was not installed according to the original timeline.That is all I'm at liberty to say Issues with finalizing the contract/payment with the vendor which lead to delays in our disucssions with Envisionware/PCR's technical support team. But now that thoses issues have been resolved we are moving forward rapidly and the initial installation with be at Sunnyside during the 2nd week of June.
Q: So what's next?
A: The good news is that PCR will still be installed...just a little longer than anticipated. As of right now, the plan is to have PCR installed at the original test site, Sunnyside, around the second week of June. Following this, the rest of the library sites will follow with PCR being installed.
Q: So, no PCR, what will happen with CybraryN?
A: Currently, FCPL will continue to use CybraryN until PCR is installed. As unpleasant as this sounds, it is the best option available.
Q: What about training in using PCR?
A: As we get closer to installing PCR, we will have a more definite idea regarding training.
Q: What if I have questions that are not addressed in this post?
A: Please use the comment function in this post to leave any questions for myself or the PCR Task Force. I guarantee that I monitor this blog frequently and will have an answer shortly after you post it.
That is it for now. Have a great day everyone.
J
As you may (or may not) have wondered, April 15 has come and gone and PCR is not up and running. What happened? I'm sure you all have questions so I have a little Q & A post for all of you.
Q: April 15 is now past, why isn't PCR installed?
A: Unforeseen complications occurred and PCR was not installed according to the original timeline.
Q: So what's next?
A: The good news is that PCR will still be installed...just a little longer than anticipated. As of right now, the plan is to have PCR installed at the original test site, Sunnyside, around the second week of June. Following this, the rest of the library sites will follow with PCR being installed.
Q: So, no PCR, what will happen with CybraryN?
A: Currently, FCPL will continue to use CybraryN until PCR is installed. As unpleasant as this sounds, it is the best option available.
Q: What about training in using PCR?
A: As we get closer to installing PCR, we will have a more definite idea regarding training.
Q: What if I have questions that are not addressed in this post?
A: Please use the comment function in this post to leave any questions for myself or the PCR Task Force. I guarantee that I monitor this blog frequently and will have an answer shortly after you post it.
That is it for now. Have a great day everyone.
J
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What is being planned: coin-operated printers for patrons.
Hello,
Along with the PCR system, FCPL is looking at purchasing coin operated-printers for patrons to use. What? Coin operated printers? Yes, you read that right. Patrons will be able to release their own prints by simply using coin-operated printers. No staff involvement needed unless the printer needs paper or patrons need change.
I'm sure there are plenty of questions and this is still in the planning stages but this is what I know. Coin-op printers will be purchased in stages according to computer usage. For the first year, 5 coin-op printers will be installed at the following 5 branches: Central, Woodward, Sunnyside, Fig Garden and Clovis. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section and the PCR task force will do their best to answer them. Have a great day.
Along with the PCR system, FCPL is looking at purchasing coin operated-printers for patrons to use. What? Coin operated printers? Yes, you read that right. Patrons will be able to release their own prints by simply using coin-operated printers. No staff involvement needed unless the printer needs paper or patrons need change.
I'm sure there are plenty of questions and this is still in the planning stages but this is what I know. Coin-op printers will be purchased in stages according to computer usage. For the first year, 5 coin-op printers will be installed at the following 5 branches: Central, Woodward, Sunnyside, Fig Garden and Clovis. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section and the PCR task force will do their best to answer them. Have a great day.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
PCR Feature #4: Next Open Day Reservation
Hello,
If you work at a branch that is closed one or more days, have you had to answer a patron's question why a computer cannot be reserved ahead of time? For example, a library branch is closed on Sunday and patrons cannot reserve a computer on Saturday for Monday because of the whole 24 hours in advance rule in CybraryN. If that last sentence sounded a little confusing, then the whole proctice of the 24 hour reservation window excluding closed days is not beneficial for patrons.
In the new PCR system, patrons and staff can now reserve a computer in advance even if a library branch is closed. This is called "Next Open Day". The 24 hour window still applies but it also includes the next time a branch is open. Essentially, a patron can reserve a public computer on Saturday for a time on Monday, given that the branch is closed Sundays. This does not allow patrons to reserve a computer three days ahead of time, or a week, only 24 hours in advance. It will only allow this when closed days are taken into account. That's it for now, have a great day everyone.
J
If you work at a branch that is closed one or more days, have you had to answer a patron's question why a computer cannot be reserved ahead of time? For example, a library branch is closed on Sunday and patrons cannot reserve a computer on Saturday for Monday because of the whole 24 hours in advance rule in CybraryN. If that last sentence sounded a little confusing, then the whole proctice of the 24 hour reservation window excluding closed days is not beneficial for patrons.
In the new PCR system, patrons and staff can now reserve a computer in advance even if a library branch is closed. This is called "Next Open Day". The 24 hour window still applies but it also includes the next time a branch is open. Essentially, a patron can reserve a public computer on Saturday for a time on Monday, given that the branch is closed Sundays. This does not allow patrons to reserve a computer three days ahead of time, or a week, only 24 hours in advance. It will only allow this when closed days are taken into account. That's it for now, have a great day everyone.
J
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The PCR system and interface may look vaguely familiar.
So, I have posted some screenshots of the PCR system as a preview of what is coming but one interesting tidbit that I have to share with you regards the connection between PCR and a program that FCPL is already using. If you looked at the screenshots that have been posted, the organization and appearance may look vaguely familiar. This is because PCR is made by a company called Envisionware. Envisionware is also the manufacturer of the LPT1 program (our print manager system) that FCPL currently uses.
So what does this mean for FCPL branches? One benefit of this connection is smoother interoperability between our computers, PCR and the print manager system. Since PCR and the print management system is made by the same company, communication will be better and less problems will theoretically occur. Another benefit of this connection is purely aesthetic because the appearance between the two will be more consistent with each other, which will be beneficial for staff. That's it for now, have a great day.
J
So what does this mean for FCPL branches? One benefit of this connection is smoother interoperability between our computers, PCR and the print manager system. Since PCR and the print management system is made by the same company, communication will be better and less problems will theoretically occur. Another benefit of this connection is purely aesthetic because the appearance between the two will be more consistent with each other, which will be beneficial for staff. That's it for now, have a great day.
J
Thursday, March 12, 2009
PCR Feature #3: The Public Computer
One of the big questions about PCR is "How will the public computers look like"? Well, I got some screenshots to show you. Bear in mind I took these from the evaluation copy and that the wording may be different on the finished product.
#1: The sign in screen.
Now for an analysis. The first thing that stands out in my mind is the wording in red that says when the computer is reserved, in this case, it is reserved at 10:10 am. This only occurs when a computer is reserved ahead of time and this allows walk up patrons to see that it is already reserved. They can go ahead and use the computer if there is time available before the reserved time but once 10:10 (or any reservation) arrives, they will be logged off. If the computer is available, it would look like this:
Notice it says "Available" in green.
Additionally, notice that an open computer prompts patrons to click on the colored text to log in.
The next step after a patron enters in their library barcode number is they will have to enter their access code (remember, no more PIN numbers) Once this is done, they will be able to use the computer.
#2 The Public Computer Itself.
The only noticeable difference here is the counter, which tells the patron how many minutes are left in their session. The counter is also larger and has a more noticeable font. If a patron logs out, or logs out early, they will get this message or something close to it:
Keep in mind that this is still being tested, still being wordsmithed but nonetheless, the PCR Task Force would like to know what you think. Please leave any questions or comments under the "comments" link.
#1: The sign in screen.
Now for an analysis. The first thing that stands out in my mind is the wording in red that says when the computer is reserved, in this case, it is reserved at 10:10 am. This only occurs when a computer is reserved ahead of time and this allows walk up patrons to see that it is already reserved. They can go ahead and use the computer if there is time available before the reserved time but once 10:10 (or any reservation) arrives, they will be logged off. If the computer is available, it would look like this:
Notice it says "Available" in green.
Additionally, notice that an open computer prompts patrons to click on the colored text to log in.
The next step after a patron enters in their library barcode number is they will have to enter their access code (remember, no more PIN numbers) Once this is done, they will be able to use the computer.
#2 The Public Computer Itself.
The only noticeable difference here is the counter, which tells the patron how many minutes are left in their session. The counter is also larger and has a more noticeable font. If a patron logs out, or logs out early, they will get this message or something close to it:
Keep in mind that this is still being tested, still being wordsmithed but nonetheless, the PCR Task Force would like to know what you think. Please leave any questions or comments under the "comments" link.
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