Aleph Update: New module distribution to resolve some Aleph problems

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Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2004 16:33:04 -0400
From: Patricia Hatch
Subject: Aleph Update: New module distribution to resolve some Aleph
problems
Reply-To: Patricia Hatch

Hello all,

To resolve some of the problems with the Aleph 16 client, OIS will be distributing new executable files of the Acquisitions, Circulation and Cataloging modules to staff workstations. This message contains information about the module distribution process, how to accept the new modules on your desktop, and identifies the problems resolved by the new modules.

New Aleph Modules to be Distributed to Staff April 26 -May 4, 2004

Beginning Monday evening, April 26, 2004, OIS will be distributing new executable files of the Acquisitions, Circulation and Cataloging Modules. These new executable files are required in order to resolve several issues reported by staff and found on the Aleph Version 16 Status Report (http://hul.harvard.edu/ois/systems/aleph/docs/huonly/aleph16-issues.html). To minimize traffic on network servers, OIS will be distributing each module separately over the period beginning Monday evening, April 26 and ending on Tuesday, May 4, 2004.

When Will Each Module be Distributed?

§ The Acquisitions Module will be distributed on Monday evening, April 26.

§ The Circulation Module will be distributed on Wednesday evening, April 28

§ The Cataloging Module will be distributed on Monday evening, May 3, 2004.

Each module will be distributed after normal working hours to minimize disruption to the staff.

How do I Accept the New Modules on My Workstation?

In order to receive the new versions of each module:

§ Staff should shut down their computers on the evenings of April 26, April 28 and May 3.

§ When you log into your local network the following morning you will receive an Aleph GUI Update Version Check Window that will contain the name of the module that is being distributed: acq.exe on Tuesday, April 27, circ.exe on Thursday, April 29, and cat.exe on Tuesday, May 4.

§ Staff must accept the module by clicking the All button located on the right hand side of the GUI Update Version Check Window.

§ Supervisors should insure that their staff have shut down or rebooted their computers during the week of April 26-May 4, and should also check to make sure that staff have accepted the updated version of each module on all relevant workstations.

What if I am Out of the Office on One or More of the Distribution Dates?

If you are not going to be in your office when one or more of the modules are distributed, you can request that your supervisor reboot your computer and accept the module(s) or you can simply reboot your computer and accept the module(s) the next time you log into your computer, following the instructions for accepting the module(s) found in the last section.

What Should I do if I Don't Receive the Aleph GUI Update Window?

Contact your local IT Staff who will be able to assist you with updating your Aleph client. If your local IT staff cannot update the modules, you may have to reinstall the entire Aleph client.

When I Accept the New Module, will I lose my Local Configuration Settings?

No. If you have set some of your own keyboard equivalents or set some specific column headings, you should not lose your local settings, as only the executable file of each module is being distributed, and not the entire Aleph client.

If you do not receive the Aleph GUI Update Window and your IT staff cannot replace the existing modules, you may have to reinstall the entire Aleph client in which case you will lose your local configuration settings.

What Problems will These New Modules Fix?

The following issues found on the Aleph Version 16 Status Report should be fixed with the distribution of the new client:

When the Cataloging module is pointing at HVD01 and you search in HVD30, pushing a retrieved record to the Items tab fails with the message catalog application is not authorized to access library.(Reserves #2)
When you do CCL search on multiple databases, and results for first database <= 5 records, you are taken to list of results for last database you included in your search. (Searching/Indexing #2)
You get an error message when use Jump To on Brief Recs (Searching/Indexing #3).

Please note that these fixes to searching will only work in the Search Tab after each module is distributed; therefore, you will see the search problems fixed in the Acquisitions Module on Tuesday, April 27, in Circulation on Thursday, April 29 and finally in Cataloging on Tuesday, May 4.

When you attempt to push from one module to another, the system will report an exe error (happens particularly when you do not have the module you are pushing to already open on your screen). (Partial Fix for General, #5).
One printing problem is resolved in the Cataloging Module. This is the printing problem that happens when you click on the Close One Record Icon in the Cataloging Module and then attempt to print. This fix also solves a memory leak problem that occurred when you press the Close One Record Icon (Partial fix for General, #4).

Please note that, even after this fix is installed, some printing problems will still occur in Aleph and staff should report all new, replicable printing problems to the Aleph Support Center at http://hul.harvard.edu/ois/systems/aleph/forms/f-supp-prod.html.

OIS will send out reminder messages the day before each new module is distributed to staff. Please report any problems or questions to the Aleph Support Center at http://hul.harvard.edu/ois/systems/aleph/support.html.

Thanks,

Patty

Patricia Hatch
Library Analyst/Training Specialist
Harvard University
Office for Information Systems
1280 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 404
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 495-3724
Fax: (617) 495-0491