Harmonic Reference Subcommittee Meeting Minutes April 20, 2006

Members in attendance: Greg Tramel (MCMLS) Nancy Aguafitei (HCPL, Barbara Bush) Luke Rosenberger (NHMCCD, DSTC) Mike Ledinski (HCPL) Pamela Morse (NHMCCD, Tomball) Carolyn Jacobs (NHMCCD, North Harris) Jim Johnson (HCPL, Freeman) Patsy Brautigam (NHMCCD, Cy-Fair)

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss aspects in which Harmonic works and areas that we would like to improve. Luke stated that the original goal was to allow seamless access to all 3 collections (NHMCCD, HCPL, and MCMLS) for CyFair and Tomball, since these are joint libraries, and it was agreed that this goal had been accomplished.

Areas discussed: 1) Copy specific holds: Pamela asked about copy specific holds. Luke explained that this feature is available if the searcher goes through Luke's HIP server, but not if the searcher goes through HCPL's HIP server. If the search is done through a Catalog Express workstation that goes through the HCPL server, then the patron cannot request a copy specific hold. 2) HIP 4.0 and Horizon 8.0: Luke and Mike talked about the new versions of HIP (4.0) and Horizon (8.0). NHMCCD and HCPL are not using these versions yet. Mike said that HCPL typically will wait for feedback from other library systems before implementing a new version of a program in order to avoid possible problems that the new versions may have. 3) Queue indicator: There was a question about why the queue indicator was removed from the public catalog. Mike and Luke explained that, in most instances, the queue number misrepresents the patron's actual place in line. Each group (NHMCCD, HCPL, and MCMLS) has a separate hold list. When these hold lists are combined, the patron's place within the queue is not representative of his/her actual place within his library system's queue, unless the patron is part of Tomball or CyFair. Mike said that the feature caused more problems than it solved. 4) Websites: There was a question about why websites frequently appear first within a search of the college catalog. Luke explained that the college profile defaults to display by the most recent date, and websites frequently have an open- ended date. 5) Browse: Nancy said that patrons have complained about the inability to limit Browse searches (e.g., not being able to limit New Book searches by a particular author). Luke said that limiting browse searches is a feature that is not available through Dynix. 6) Limiters: There was a lengthy discussion of limiters within the public catalog. Patsy said that CyFair, as a joint library, would like the option of limiting by some of the limiters used by HCPL, such as Picture Books, Adult Fiction, and Adult Non-Fiction. Greg said that MCMLS is interested in some of these limiters, also. Searching is frequently cumbersome without the availability of these options. After much discussion, Luke said to send him our prioritized "wish list" of limiters, and he would see what could be done, such as matching MCMLS’ and CYF's collection codes or gathering certain codes from the 2 systems and placing them under the umbrella of a unique limiter. 7) Reviews of films: Patsy asked about the availability of film reviews, such as those that are available through Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly, for books. Luke searched the catalog and found that PW does have reviews of some films, but they are not the mainstream films. He said Choice and Kirkus reviews could be added to the catalog for an additional cost, but this is something that all the libraries would have to do. 8) PIN numbers: Patsy asked about why the PIN number directions tell the patron to use the last 4 digits of their phone numbers, because most CYF patrons do not use these numbers for their PINs and it is confusing for the patron. Greg said that MCMLS has the same problem. Luke said that the other colleges automatically generate a pin for the patron using the last 4 digits of the phone number. He said that we may be able to change the directions to read something along the lines of : "If you are unsure of your PIN number, try using the last 4 digits of your phone number or check with the library." 9) ILL Light: Greg initiated a discussion about the possibility of arranging "unofficial" ILLs between MCMLS and HCPL. These would be delivered through Tomball Branch. Nancy suggested the use of a generic Harmonic holds card to place the request, much as they already place requests for patrons who do not yet own a library card. Staff would be required to call the patrons when the item comes in and override the system at the checkout procedure. Nancy and Greg decided to try a pilot program between Barbara Bush and MCMLS. 10) The committee decided that our next meeting should be sometime around June.