Request Update
Lately, there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes activity in the Request project. The RFP for consortial borrowing system (CBS) software, issued late in 2000, has culminated in a contract with Fretwell-Downing for their VDX application. Implementation is planned to begin some time in December. The Team would like to especially thank Gail Nichols (UCD) and Marlayna Gates (UCSB) for their participation on the CBS RFP Bid Evaluation Subcommittee and their invaluable contributions to that process, and Bernie Hurley (UCB) for his extremely valuable participation in the contract negotiation procedures.
The contract signing represents a milestone for the project and has occasioned some change in membership of the Request Project Team. Karen Butter (UCSF), whose skilled leadership shepherded the development of the RFP, the evaluation of bids, and the negotiation of the contract, is leaving her role as Project Leader with the completion of the software acquisition process. Mary Heath (CDL) will succeed Karen as Project Leader. Tammy Dearie (UCSD), who has functioned as the ILL expert for the Project since its inception, is passing this role on to Claire Bellanti (UCLA). Fortunately, Tammy’s interest in the Project will keep her on the team, and we are fortunate to have two such knowledgeable experts to help us move forward in this next phase of the Project.
In order to fully facilitate campus involvement in the CBS implementation and to disseminate expertise about the system more broadly, the Request Project Team has expanded its membership by adding two more campus members for the next year. Jason Newborn (ILL at UCD) and Margaret Tapper (Systems at UCI) will join the team beginning this month. The level of expertise and local operational perspective that they bring will complement the Team’s existing knowledge. Margaret and Jason will work closely with Claire Bellanti and with the ILL units in their respective regions.
Current plans call for the CBS to be implemented across the system in three sequential stages during the first few months of 2002. ULs are confirming which implementation stage will work best for their campus. The timing for these stages is not yet firm. For information, updates and time lines for the CBS implementation, and a FAQ on the functionality of the CBS, please visit the Request web site [http://www.cdlib.org/libstaff/sharedcoll/pir/].
Training on VDX operations will be held in three separate sessions that parallel the three-implementation stages. The training for each group will be held shortly before implementation begins for that group.
In related news Claire Bellanti (Chair of the Desktop Delivery Subcommittee) reports that all campuses, with support from Resource Sharing funds, have now purchased scanners for use in Desktop Delivery. In most cases the scanners are installed, and in some locations campuses are beginning to install software to facilitate posting to the web. Campuses may choose to wait for the Desktop Delivery component of VDX in order to begin the service. RSC-IAG has prepared policy and procedural recommendations for RSC discussion. These recommendations will help campuses provide consistent Desktop Delivery Service when the software is ready.