Hello
Melanie and I visited HCN yesterday and discussed the various issues raised by librarians. Some (about 4) libraries have been having access difficulties. The solutions are:
1. Some access problems are due to DNS (domain name service) entry. This appears to be missing. I am hoping this will be corrected by next week. The reason why some people can still access ADITUS via the URL is because the URL is still in their Cache.
2. Another access issue (and speed of retrieving search results) may be resolved by asking IT departments to open up the 8080 port. Firewalls and Proxy servers may have to be specifically configured.
If we continue to have access difficulties after the above have been addressed, we will go back to the drawing board. I will also try and expand on the above and write a formal letter addressed to 'Dear IT Manager'. I will upload this to the LIHNN web site. It may help.
Other items.
1. HCN will provide data on the searchable fields available with each ADITUS database.
2. HCN will create a more functional link to the help pages.
3. The new version of Webspirs will improve functionality. I am not sure when this will be made available.
4. The SDI button will be activated.
5. We will be able to link ADITUS to local holdings. However, as we currently have a general login we can not be specific about library collections. We will be able to develop this, but in the first instance a statement will say 'this journal is available in (*name of patch').
6. The Manchester Pilot will link to full-text journals freely available on the web. When the pilot has dealt with all the issues arising from this, it will be extended to the full portal.
7. Any HCLU agreements with publishers for electronic journal access will be linked to the portal.
8. Existing consortia deals (North West Lancashire) can be added to the portal.
9. Publicity material is in the final draft. In the first print run each library will receive 1000 posters and 1000 personalized business cards.
10. HCN will provide 'search guide' mouse mats and postcards.
11. The ADITUS Board will meet in May/June. More news on this shortly.
12. The Managing Director of HCN will be a Board member.
13. HCN are developing a unified search engine. This is a single search interface that can be used with any database, e-journal or other virtual resource. I have expressed interest in this project.
14. An improved process for alerting server down time will be introduced.
Thank you to those librarians who emailed comments/queries. Out of 85 libraries in the north west, 4 are currently experiencing difficulties. Several have emailed to say they are not having any difficulties at all and I have had some positive feed-back from Lancs and Mersey. Later in the year the End User Skills Group will be organising a qualitative survey, however, if you receive any feed-back from users I would like to hear about it (good or bad).
Regards
Colin
COLIN DAVIES.
Deputy Director of Health Libraries - Information Technology.
Northwest Health Care Libraries Unit.
Office: 01925 662 599
Mobile: 0787 9898 156
Email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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