PROJECT UPDATE

• The production load of our Dynix data on our new Horizon server began on February 16, 2004. In two weeks, over 100,000 authority records have been loaded as well as 250,000 of the 670,000+ bibliographic records.
• The Horizon training classes are filling up fast! Very few classes remain with any spaces for library staff. All online, pre-online, and union list libraries must send their staff (with a LINC security level of 3 or higher) to the Horizon classes. For training questions, contact Donna Schaal (dschaa@lincolntrail.info)
• LTLS staff received training on the Home Services (Homebound on Dynix) and Inventory functionalities and customizing the web-based catalog in Horizon.
• A memo, installation instructions, and CD's for both Horizon version 7.3.1 and Horizon PC Reliance are being sent to all LINC library directors this week.

Thanks to all who responded to the Horizon Printers and Notices Survey (60 of 91 libraries responded). LTLS will set up the requested format for notices for each location that responded to the survey.

The Horizon software works differently with notices than the current Dynix software. Horizon 'generates' the notices and saves them to a file on each workstation where they are generated. However, each library must then utilize their Windows printing capability to print the paper notices. This means that printer drivers must be installed on the PC that is performing the printing, and the printer must be able to communicate with the PC that is being used. If your workstation can currently print to either a laser printer or form feed printer (depending on the type of notice you requested), then you will be able to print Horizon notices.

LTLS can only be responsible for the 'format' of the notices and running Day End Processing to prepare the notices for generation at each workstation. Individual libraries must take responsibility for ensuring your in-house printer works with the PC that is printing the notices.

LTLS has been told that all scanners working with Dynix Classic software will work with the Horizon software. There is an additional easy 'test' to ensure that your barcode scanner will work with Horizon. Here are the steps of this test:

• Make sure the barcode scanner is connected to the PC and is working.
• Open the application on your PC called WordPad or NotePad so an empty document window appears.
• At this point, scan a barcode from an item. If the barcode appears in the document and is the same as the barcode on the item, then this barcode scanner will work with Horizon.

LTLS staff are in the process of re-customizing the Horizon web catalog product to resemble the web-based catalog that has been in use for over a year (LINCPac). This customization cannot be simply carried over from Dynix to Horizon.

Besides customizing the product, we are adding new functionality in the form of two new products for each library that currently has a LINCPac account:

• KidsPac - This is a 'kid-friendly' version of the web catalog that utilizes graphics and pre-formulated searches based on categories of interest to kids.
• WebFeat - This is the 'consolidated search' component that will let users do a search in not only the LINC Catalog, but also in other resources at the same time. There will be up to 16 databases selected for this one-stop search component. Likely databases will be WorldCat and some of the other databases included as part of the FirstSearch base package.

Here is a reminder checklist for the LINC library directors as we prepare for the Horizon Go-Live date on April 8, 2004. This checklist applies to all LINC libraries - online, pre-online, and union list.

Connectivity
If you received a letter from LTLS expressing concerns about Internet bandwidth, make necessary adjustments to correct the bandwidth problem so the Horizon client will work optimally in your library.
Make sure the printers that need to work with Horizon are networked or available to the PC's that will print. This may involve installing printer drivers on individual PC's.

Equipment
Upgrade PC workstations to meet the required specifications according to the Horizon minimum and recommended requirements at this website: http://www.ltls.org/HorizonUpgrade/Horizon_Specs.htm

Training
Register and send staff to the LTLS Horizon training sessions so they will be prepared to use the Horizon software on April 8, 2004.
Make sure staff who come to the LTLS Horizon training sessions can meet basic competencies described in this document before coming to training: http://www.ltls.org/HorizonUpgrade/horizoncompetencies.html

Software
Install the Horizon v.7.3.1 software on workstations (used for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and serials) that have been cleared through the LTLS firewall.
Install the Horizon PC Reliance software on all workstations that will be using this product for backup circulation either during the April 5, 6, and 7 downtime or after we go-live with Horizon and you have connectivity problems.

Don't forget to ask your questions about Horizon at this site: http://www.ltls.org/HorizonUpgrade/Horizonsurvey.html. Your feedback, comments, and questions are always welcomed.