Aleph Software & Logins
How to access Aleph
About the PC client
Policy and procedures for staff use of aleph clients from off-campus
How to access Aleph
Aleph production server:
- Technical services and circulation: use the AL500 19 client
- HOLLIS Classic OPAC: http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:hul.eresource:hollisct or via the Harvard Libraries portal
About the PC client
Requesting installation
Contact your local IT support group to request installation of the Aleph PC client. IT staff with questions about the PC client should consult the Aleph Support Center for instructions on getting assistance.
Troubleshooting client problems
Consult the Aleph FAQ for some tips to troubleshoot client problems. Consult the Aleph Support Center for instructions on getting help with desktop-related issues.
About Update Version
OIS uses "Update Version" to automatically distribute updates to your Aleph client. When updates are available, they appear on the Update Version list at the point you start up your PC.
OIS will notify staff in advance via the HULINFO email distribution list when an Update Version is expected. If you are not subscribed to HULINFO and have a question about Update Version, please call OIS for information (617) 495-3724.
In most cases, you should click on the "All" button to download all of the files. In some cases you may need to select the appropriate files for you. All of this will be explained on HULINFO.
Policy and procedures for staff use of aleph clients from off-campus
Off-campus access to Aleph is typically only available through the web OPAC. Staff access to Aleph using the desktop client should be from an on-campus network. For network and security reasons, the Aleph production server (LMS01) rejects all connection attempts coming from non-Harvard network addresses. On occasion, current active staff members with special circumstances need the ability to use the desktop client from an off-campus site. This document describes library policy, technical requirements, and the approval process for these cases.
Library policy on off-campus use of Aleph client
- Off-campus use of the Aleph client is limited to staff with both administrative and technical support from their "parent" unit.
- No circulation functions are allowed off-campus.
Technical requirements
- Access to staff functions in Aleph is restricted to the range of Harvard's on-campus IP addresses. A department-provided VPN account is required to secure the connection between off-campus and Harvard and to provide an IP address through which the user can connect to the Aleph production server.
- Department-owned and supported equipment must be used.
- Local IT staff arranges configuration/set-up.
- Desktop system patches and virus scanning must be monitored and supported by local IT department.
- Users must make sure that their ISP does not block port 6505 or 7505.
Approval process
- Staff member contacts/gets approval from supervisor or manager to request remote access.
- Supervisor or manager contacts local IT department to determine if technical requirements can be supported.
- Supervisor or manager contacts Aleph System Manager to explain circumstances and justification for staff use of Aleph from off-campus.
- Aleph System Manager passes request to Aleph Steering Committee for final approval/notification.
About Logins and Security
Login requests
Requests for new Aleph logins or changes to existing logins must be submitted through your Aleph Liaison.
Aleph Liaisons should print the Login request form, complete and sign it, and send to:
Aleph Security Administrator
OIS
90 Mount Auburn St.
Changing your password
When you receive your Aleph login for the first time, you MUST change the password immediately. To change your password follow these steps:
- Right-click on the key icon in lower right corner of Aleph screen
- Select Change Password option.
If this option does not display, maximize your Aleph window and try again. - Type in the initial password. Then type in new password.
- Type in new password again and click on OK.
Reporting login problems
To report a problem login, follow the instructions in the Login/Security section of the Aleph Support Center.
Security classes
Information about Aleph security levels is currently available in the Aleph documentation center at docs/login-info.pdf