Meeting Minutes
TexShare - Library of Texas Working Group
May 02, 2005
Minutes Recorded by Kathryn Sturtz
Meeting Place: Online via Centra
List of Attendees: John Asbell, Shedrick
Pittman-Hassett, Jeanette Mosey (Chair), Antonella Ward, Chris
Peterson, Tim Mason, Martha Rinn, Kathryn Sturtz, Beverley
Shirley, Kevin Marsh
Absent: Sheri Benton, Luis Chaparro, Adam
Wright
Meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. Chris Peterson
reviewed how to use Centra software.
Announcement: It was announced that Adam
Wright will be joining the group, but is absent today. Kathryn
Sturtz volunteered to take minutes.
Unfinished Business
- Search options – Kevin discussed
the Select/Deselect option concerning using only the OPACs,
only the databases or both. There was also discussion on
removing the “Hide Items” button. Group agreed
to include the Selection/Deselect option and remove the
“Hide Items” button.
2. Custom gateway – Kevin reviewed
the custom gateway and various databases that are not available
in the LOT. Bev summarized that with databases not currently
carried by LOT we have 3 options:
1. The databases are standard compliant with Z39.50 and
can be easily included.
2. Those that aren’t compliant but can be included
with some labor and some cost involved.
3. Others that aren’t compliant can be made visible
with a link.
Bev asked about prioritizing databases and how it should
be done. There was some discussion on the cost of databases
being a priority factor. It was decided to complete the
discussion on prioritizing via e-mail.
3. Usability study – Chris had nothing
to present today. Kevin reported large usage statistics
and that trends are going up. It was suggested that it was
premature at this point to do a study. Bev suggested that
Kevin do a study on options for a usability study and Chris
provide the group with a brief overview of usability studies
which will be discussed at the next meeting.
4. Soliciting enhancements – There
was discussion on using e-mail or a form concerning enhancements.
Kevin reviewed a few previous requests for enhancements
especially for interlibrary loan. Bev proposed on where
to place enhancements should be covered in the usability
study. Also discussed was using an “About” or
“Contact” link that would include information
on enhancements in process. Kevin will discuss these links
with the Web developer.
Jeanette asked about prioritizing the agenda in the interest
of time at 11:20. The group decided to put TLA Programming
on the bulletin board.
New Business
1. ICOLC - Bev discussed the ICOLC meeting
on metasearch tools technology including a federated search
engine study from California.
2. Enhancement issues:
A. Virtual reference – Group discussed
adding virtual reference to LOT. Some related that they
are currently providing VR to their patrons. Group agreed
that this was not urgent and could be something to add when
time and resources permit.
B. ILL and holds – Group discussed
the value of placing holds in local libraries via LOT due
to some of the experiences Houston Public has been having
with their holds. Kevin volunteered to explore the costs
associated with adding the holds feature. Group agreed we
should explore the costs first.
C. Hide the ILL option on LOT if owned by local
library – Group agreed that the LOT should
hide the ILL link if the local library owned the item.
D. Adding wording concerning ILL costs
– Group agreed to adding wording to patrons that there
may be some costs on ILL transactions. Bev suggested that
we work with the ILL Working Group for the wording and the
group agreed.
E. ILL data to management systems –
Kevin suggested that we work with the ILL Working Group
on this because there may be some costs involved. Group
agreed to explore this with the ILL Working Group and explore
costs.
Kevin asked if we wanted to discuss the LOT’s “Help”
feature, but Jeanette suggested that we could put this on
the bulletin board.
5. BBS online discussion forum was brought
up at 12:00 when the meeting ended.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathryn Sturtz
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