Sonoma State Universitys ASRS at Six

1
Sonoma State Universitys ASRS at Six

• Issues for Long-Term Operations
• Geoffrey Skinner
• Sonoma State University
• Rohnert Park, CA

2
SSUs Context

• SSUs ASRS (local name ARS Automated Retrieval
  System) an essential and active part of daily
  Library operations NOT deep storage
• Fully operational since 2000 6 years of
  continuous operation.
• Quick turnaround for requests (10-20 minutes)
  allayed early access concerns by faculty

3
What works well?

• Some students prefer circ desk pickups over
  walking to stacks
• Usage for 7/1/04-01/19/06 1109 requests/mo (1958
  stores/mo)
• Makes Interlibrary Services paging go
  significantly faster
• Generally trouble-free operation

4
Challenges for Long-Term Operation
5
Unique Installations

• Butunanticipated issues regularly challenge us,
  in large part because each installation addresses
  unique needs despite basic similarities
• Other installations can guide, but not provide
  specific solutions
• Customized interfaces need to extra attention for
  Millennium upgrades

6
Institutional Knowledge Gap

• Institutional knowledge remains largely
  uncaptured
• HK manual difficult to use
• Local knowledge from installation not documented
• Staffing not optimized and key staff may move on

7
High Maintenance Support Costs

• Maintenance/support contracts prohibitively
  expensive
• Full support from HK very costly
• Minimal support means hiring contractors when
  major work needed

8
Hardware Costs A Big Unknown

• Many hardware costs costly and difficult to plan
  for
• HK recommends on-site spare parts inventory
  (25,000) without inventory, extensive downtime
  and expense for parts possible
• Actual lifespan of ASRS crane unknown
  engineered for different use patterns

9
Upgrading the OS

• Operating system upgrades must be planned for
• Linux or Windows? Original system is Linux, HK
  no longer supports the platform
• Unsupported OS could mean major expense in case
  of major software failure
• Cost for HK to make switch to Windows high

10
Solutions!
11
Closing the Knowledge Gap

• Document institutional knowledge about unique
  aspects of ASRS system
• Develop and maintain procedures to handle
  emergency situations
• Develop contacts with other sites
• Periodically review ASRS staffing to maintain
  optimal efficiency

12
Managing Hardware Software Costs

• Identify all potential problem areas
• Hardware
• Terminals
• Mechanical Systems
• Cranes
• Software
• OS
• Interface with III
• Develop fund to cover emergency expenses

13
Managing Hardware Software Costs Looking
Beyond HK

• Develop and maintain relationships with
  contractors who may provide necessary support of
  ASRS hardware/software/mechanical systems

14
For more infohttp//libweb.sonoma.edu/about/ars/

• Thanks to
• Brandon Dudley
• Director of SSU Library Technology Services
• dudley_at_sonoma.edu
• For background information
• And to
• Paula Hammett
• SSU Collection Development
• Web Coordinator
• hammett_at_sonoma.edu
• 707-664-3912
• And
• Sandy Heft
• Former Technical Services Coordinator, SSU
• sandyheft_at_earthlink.net
• For use of images from their previous
  presentation materials

Jean Charles Schulz Information Center Sonoma
State University Rohnert Park, CA 94928
15
Thank you!

• Geoffrey Skinner
• Technical Services Coordinator
• Sonoma State University Library
• skinnerg_at_sonoma.edu