OpenRS Updates

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

OpenRS Update for August 16, 2024

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

Testing, Testing, Testing...

Work this week with our testing sites continued as additional refinements have been made and deployed.

Development has installed a new release that will fix an OAI-PMHissue for ingesting instances into the OpenRS catalog. The fix will address reports by numerous MOBIUS libraries about instances missing from the union catalog. This is being tested and if needed, refinements will be made. Once this work is completed other, minor system adjustments will be made as necessary.

System Update Reminders (Too Important Not To List)

The MOBIUS office is working with EBSCO and K-INT to provide a list of all OpenRS requests each day. Those can be found here. This is being done until such time as this information can be output from the system by each member library as needed. The MOBIUS office is working on a way to breakout this data per library in a more usable format. Stay tuned!

A list of OpenRS issues is now available. This will be updated multiple times per week as we meet with EBSCO and K-INT staff and as issues are added/removed/addressed in detail. Keep in mind this is not the Road Map, which is a separate document. As we make our way through the list of issues, we'll turn more fully to the Road Map as many of our MOBIUS issues are also on the Road Map.

If a library returns a book that was expired off of the holdshelf or if the patron simply does not want the item and was not checked out, well, here's an idea. The item should be returned with"Unwanted" written on the bookband or the label to the library that sent the material to you. The book will still have a hold on it at the owning library. On arrival at the owning library the staff should note the "Unwanted" text. That should be their sign to look for the virtual patron that has a hold on the book and check it out to the patron and then back in, this will clear the hold and allow it to be put back on the shelf.

There is a document you should bookmark if you would like a better understand of the criteria for contribution, suppression and requesting items in the OpenRS DCB union catalog, right here.

OpenRS Update for August 9, 2024

The Work Continues...

Additional insights & work on duplicate handling took place this week and plans were finalized to make software changes in the next sprint. This should result in another noticeable drop in the error rate.

While all requesting and circulation issues are still priority #1, another group is working on the union catalog related reports. The primary areas include unexpected clustering, missing holdings, indexing and search issues. As the requesting and circulation rate of errors decreases, additional attention will be spent on union catalog related reports.

OpenRS Workaround

If a library returns a book that was expired off of the holdshelf or if the patron simply does not want the item and was not checked out, well, here's an idea. The item should be returned with"Unwanted" written on the bookband or the label to the library that sent the material to you. The book will still have a hold on it at the owning library. On arrival at the owning library the staff should note the "Unwanted" text. That should be their sign to look for the virtual patron that has a hold on the book and check it out to the patron and then back in, this will clear the hold and allow it to be put back on the shelf.

System Updates

The MOBIUS office is working with EBSCO and K-INT to provide a list of all OpenRS requests each day. Those can be found here. This is being done until such time as this information can be output from the system by each member library as needed.

A list of OpenRS issues is now available. This will be updated multiple times per week as we meet with EBSCO and K-INT staff and as issues are added/removed/addressed in detail. Keep in mind this is not the Road Map, which is a separate document. As we make our way through the list of issues, we'll turn more fully to the Road Map as many of our MOBIUS issues are also on the Road Map.

OpenRS Update for August 2, 2024

Continued Progress...

The numbers reflected in the chart above reflect an uptick in errors over last weekend heading into the first part of the week, but like many things in life, we need to look deeper. Some of these errors are the same patrons repeatedly attempting to place the same request after the first one doesn't go through, so while we can applaud their persistence, the actual number of folks who are encountering error messages are fewer than what they may seem on first glance.

The development teams are working at creating new ways in which requests may succeed, building in additional flexibility into the system. As those issues are resolved and messaging to patrons are refined, errors in the short term may go up but should go back down as additional fixes are deployed.

We have been working with two standalone sites that continue to have configuration issues. We had a breakthrough with one of them this week as we resolved an issue of new virtual records on their Sierra system creating new items that were suppressed. This has been resolved on the local system. Second, we're working with another site on their Single Sign-On issues and we hope to resolve those early next week.

The error rate continues to trend downward.

System Updates

The EBSCO / K-INT teams deployed updates this week including:

• Supplier-side cancellation - The first part is now working - this capability allows detection of the supplier cancellation so that OpenRS can cancel the request in the borrowing library. The second phase of this work is being tested now - which is to perform what is commonly known as “re-request”, in other words, automatically place the request on other holdings libraries.

Updated Road Map (Ahead)

An updated OpenRS Road Map is coming and once we have that we will make it available on the OpenRS wiki.

OpenRS Update for July 26, 2024

Trending Down...

Since the beginning of July, the error rate has dropped 5x with the overall trend continuing downward to about a 2.5% error rate over the last week. We have also seen a corresponding drop in the variation of the types of errors allowing for increased focus on the thorniest issues.

A large percentage of issues continue to be related to configuration. The development team is working with individual libraries to understand the cases and advise on solutions. As the configuration issues get resolved, the error rate will continue to drop.

In addition to the primary focus of identifying root causes for errors and resolving them, the development teams are working on feature development.

System Updates

The EBSCO / K-INT teams deployed updates this week including:

• Supplier-side cancellation – The first part of this capability allows detection of the supplier cancellation so that OpenRS can cancel the request in the borrowing library. The second phase of this work is up next in the roadmap which is to perform what is commonly known as “re-request”, in other words, automatically place the request on other holdings libraries.

• Polaris multi-part response handling within OpenRS.

Updated Road Map (Ahead)

An updated OpenRS Road Map is coming and once we have that we will make it available on the OpenRS wiki.

MCO Open Hours - if you have OpenRS Questions, come and ask!

The MCO Open Hours session from Monday, July 22nd is available for your review.

The MCO Open Hours session from Thursday, July 25th is available for your review as well.

The links above require the infamous MOBIUS password you all should know about by now. If you need it, of course, get in touch!

Upcoming Open Hours sessions are scheduled for:

• Monday, July 29th - 10:00 am

• Thursday, August 1st - 2:00 pm

• Monday, August 5th - 10:00 am

• Thursday, August 8th - 2:00 pm

=========================================================================

Your Friendly Reminder Section

If We Have It, It Is On The Wiki

As you know, you should, you really, really should bookmark this page on the OpenRS wiki. What you should look for this week on the wiki:

• OpenRS Troubleshooting Document *NEW.

• The Lifecycle of an OpenRS Request (FOLIO) *UPDATED.

• OpenRS: What's Contributed & What's Requestable

• Posted instructions on how authorized staff using FOLIO can fix books that are returned but keep the "in transit" status

• If you would like to see a document that highlights what happens on the local system to allow things to be viewed as well as requested in OpenRS, well, we have the document for you for you to bookmark!

Check these out and watch that wiki space for more updates as we move forward.

OpenRS Troubleshooting Document

Click to check out the Google Doc.

Created by MOBIUS on July 25, 2024

MOBIUS Life Cycle of a Request

Click to check out the Google Doc.

Created by MOBIUS on June 11, 2024

Updated by MOBIUS on July 25, 2024

OpenRS Update for July 19, 2024

Fine Tuning & More

Since the last update, we seen a steady drop in the overall number of errors per day and more relief is in sight as we’ve made progress on the underlying root causes of the errors we have been seeing.

System Updates

We've had issues with holds going through without a virtual patron record (as brief as they are). After further analysis, EBSCO and K-INT are designing on a solution that will address what is believed to be the root cause of this issue, specifically, the time it takes for each system to communicate successfully with one another. Currently, OpenRS is receiving the record number back but not all of the data. That will be changing shortly.

Following up on the outstanding issue of checking material out to the supplying library failing in Sierra, a solution was arrived at that does not require a change in Sierra. The OpenRS coding change should be available by the time you read this or on Monday.

Testing the manual selection of items as part of the requesting process has begun. Depending on how this evolves this this change should roll out to the production environment by the time you read this or very early next week.

Patron cancellations has been tested in staging this week and should be available shortly . This will result in a drop in the overall error rate.

We are continuing to investigate other areas of failures with a bit more focus on Polaris issues.

All of this work should result in a drop in the overall error rate.

Also expected soon is a document that identifies steps to resolve specific OpenRS errors. These will be collected and refined into a set of procedures for how to resolve these specific cases. Given the rapid pace of change here this document will be an ongoing, evolving set of instructions for the time being.

Updated Road Map (Ahead)

An updated OpenRS Road Map is coming and once we have that we will make it available on the OpenRS wiki.

MCO Open Hours - if you have OpenRS Questions, come and ask!

The MCO Open Hours session from Monday, July 15th is available for your review.

The MCO Open Hours session from Thursday, July 18th is available for your review as well.

Upcoming Open Hours sessions (the links below contain the Zoom info you need) are scheduled for:

• Monday, July 22nd - 10:00 am

• Thursday, July 25th - 2:00 pm

• Monday, July 29th - 10:00 am

• Thursday, August 1st - 2:00 pm

=========================================================================

Your Friendly Reminder Section

If We Have It, It Is On The Wiki

As you know, you should, you really, really should bookmark this page on the OpenRS wiki. What you should look for this week on the wiki:

• The Lifecycle of an OpenRS Request (FOLIO).

• OpenRS: What's Contributed & What's Requestable

• Posted instructions on how authorized staff using FOLIO can fix books that are returned but keep the "in transit" status

• If you would like to see a document that highlights what happens on the local system to allow things to be viewed as well as requested in OpenRS, well, we have the document for you for you to bookmark!

Check these out and watch that wiki space for more updates as we move forward.

OpenRS Update for June 28, 2024

Things Change Daily!

Work continues and troubleshooting is happening at a rapid pace with OpenRS., Right now we have 71 libraries who are setup for borrowing and 71 libraries who are setup for lending via OpenRS.

From "Contribution To Selectable" On All Systems

If you would like to see a document that highlights what happens on the local system to allow things to be viewed as well as requested in OpenRS, well, we have the document for you for you to bookmark!

Coming Up

It is a bit of a repeat from last week, but it is still true that the OpenRS folks are working on the following right now (this list is NOT comprehensive), but these are due in the near term. The developers are updating the OpenRS software multiple times per week right now:

• ISBN searching is being upgraded to a critical ticket

• Author searching is being re-indexed to fix issues with it

• Patron-initiated cancellation of requests for all platforms (coming next week)

• Expired patrons are no longer allowed to place requests

• Working with libraries/Ebsco about non-requestable materials in the catalog

• Posted instructions on how authorized staff using FOLIO can fix books that are returned but keep the "in transit" status

OpenRS Working Group..."Numquam Obliviscar"

UPDATE, June 25th: The OpenRS Working Group has been retired. In its place the OpenRS Beta Development Group will soon be forming. Stay tuned for those details in a future newsletter update.

All Things Wiki

As you know, you should, you really, really should bookmark this page on the OpenRS wiki. What you should look for this week on the wiki:

• The Lifecycle of an OpenRS Request (FOLIO).

• OpenRS: What's Contributed & What's Requestable

Check these out and watch that wiki space for more updates as we move forward.

OpenRS Road Map Is On The Wiki!

At the MOBIUS Conference earlier this month there was a presentation on the OpenRS Roadmap. And while we know many of you were in attendance for that presentation on Tuesday, we know you might like to refer to it again. So, without further ado, click here to download the PDF version of the presentation. Of course, check out the wiki for all-things related to OpenRS and MOBIUS.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on June 12th. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint,please get in touch and we will send it to you.

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Earlier this month we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

Created by MOBIUS on 6/28/24.

OpenRS Update for June 21, 2024

OpenRS & The TO-DO List

Just because a goal has been met doesn't mean that the thing is done. So even though OpenRS is now available, the work behind the scenes to refine, enhance, build out, and keep developing continues unabated. Right now (with more on the way) we have 68 libraries who are setup for borrowing and 71 libraries who are setup for lending via OpenRS.

So, What's Next? Like Right Around The Corner, Next?

The OpenRS folks are working on the following right now (this list is NOT comprehensive), but these are due in the near term. The developers are updating the OpenRS software multiple times per week right now:

• The Author Index is being enhanced and it will be rebuilt. However, there will be no downtime since it will be built in parallel and then "swapped" into place when it is ready.

• Patron side request cancellation (followed by Supplier side cancellation).

• Additional enhancements to the OpenRS' Admin console so configurations of each library can be evaluated and modified as needed. It

• Customization of labels for credential prompts

• Further development to more efficiently "On Board" and "Off Board" libraries.

OpenRS Working Group...

The OpenRS Working Group is being retired. In its place the OpenRS Beta Development Group will soon be forming. Stay tuned for those details in a future newsletter update.

All Things Wiki

As you know, you should, you really, really should bookmark this page on the OpenRS wiki. What you should look for this week on the wiki:

• The Lifecycle of an OpenRS Request (FOLIO).

• OpenRS: What's Contributed & What's Requestable

Check these out and watch that wiki space for more updates as we move forward.

Hey Hey See Our Too! (aka AACR2)

We're trending (in the world or library automation).

OpenRS Road Map Is On The Wiki!

At the MOBIUS Conference earlier this month there was a presentation on the OpenRS Roadmap. And while we know many of you were in attendance for that presentation on Tuesday, we know you might like to refer to it again. So, without further ado, click here to download the PDF version of the presentation. Of course, check out the wiki for all-things related to OpenRS and MOBIUS.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on June 12th. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint,please get in touch and we will send it to you.

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Earlier this month we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

We have the training video for the standalone libraries (those remaining on Sierra andPolaris) who will be the first to connect with and test OpenRS. As this rolls out, we'll connect all of the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries and then work with FOLIO.

So, if you are a standalone library (or, even if you're not), you can checkout the videofeaturing our friends at West Des Moines Public Library (Sierra) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris).

Please note that if you are a Polaris or Sierra standalone library, as you watch the video you may have questions or feedback. We have a form for that, so if you need it, get in touch and we'll get it to you.

Created by MOBIUS on June 21, 2024

OpenRS Update for June 14, 2024

OpenRS is...ALIVE!

Let's take a moment and acknowledge that Mel Brooks is a national treasure. He is a certifiable genius. Check out hisWikipedia page. It is an embarrassment of riches. He's helped define comedy in the last half of the 20th century and at 97 years old, he is still working hard and making his mark today. I couldn't help but think of the famous scenein "Young Frankenstein" earlier this week You know the one. You know why. Of course you do. Even if you haven't seen the movie, you know the scene. Gene Wilder at his zenith. The man had range. Utterly brilliant.

And so, OpenRS went live on Wednesday and it's..ALIVE!Considering that ours was the WORLD PREMIER of a new multi-platform, public-facing product that works with three different systems on Day 1. Well, that's something. In fact, you might even say it is close to Brooksian. One Day 1 we had close to 500 requests come in and double that on Day 2. Some errors are showing up and those are being analyzed in the Admin Console and adjustments are being made to individual configurations and Circulation Rules. We're all learning a lot, fine tuning, and improving the patron experience. Meanwhile, development continues. Things will be a little crazy for awhile but rest assured, it's alive.

Important Programming Note

The issues of preventing libraries who are not participating with OpenRS on Day 1 from requesting materials via the OpenRS catalog has been resolved. Going forward, patrons from these libraries should be prevented from placing requests in the system until they are ready to "go live" with OpenRS.

All Things Wiki

As you know, you should, you really, really should bookmark this page on the OpenRS wiki. What you should look for this week on the wiki:

• The Lifecycle of an OpenRS Request (FOLIO).

• OpenRS: What's Contributed & What's Requestable

Check these out and watch that wiki space for more updates as we move forward.

Hey Hey See Our Too! (aka AACR2)

We're trending (in the world or library automation).

The Week That Was & Continues To Be

• Friday, June 7th, all testing of OpenRS (placing requests and processing them in the local system) will stop at the end of the day

• Monday, June 10th, the OpenRS team will work with the libraries to close outstanding test requests and remove any and all virtual records in preparation for Wednesday's go live

• Monday, June 10th, the OpenRS team will finalize the list of libraries going live on Wednesday

• Tuesday, June 11th, the final update to OpenRS (before go live) will be deployed

• Tuesday, June 11th, the notification on the OpenRS Locate catalog will be removed

• Tuesday, June 11th, the team will verify and amend as needed the ingest status of all libraries going live on Wednesday

• Tuesday, June 11th, the MOBIUS office will release a document for workflow handling and materials management with regard to OpenRS

• Tuesday, June 11th, the MOBIUS office will begin using the OpenRS administrative console to monitor system performance and troubleshoot any potential issues beginning on Wednesday

• Wednesday, June 12th, the pass-through search will be enabled as part of go live

• Wednesday, June 12th, the team will triage any issues that arise and provide feedback to the development team on any necessary adjustments that will be required going forward

• Wednesday, June 12th - Friday, June 14th, the OpenRS team and the MOBIUS office will be monitoring system performance and providing any and all support as necessary

OpenRS Road Map Is On The Wiki!

At the MOBIUS Conference earlier this month there was a presentation on the OpenRS Roadmap. And while we know many of you were in attendance for that presentation on Tuesday, we know you might like to refer to it again. So, without further ado, click here to download the PDF version of the presentation. Of course, check out the wiki for all-things related to OpenRS and MOBIUS.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on June 12th. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint,please get in touch and we will send it to you.

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Earlier this month we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

OpenRS: From What’s Contributed to What’s Requestable

Click for more..

Created by MOBIUS on June 13, 2024

MOBIUS Life Cycle of a Request

Click to check out the Google Doc.

Created by MOBIUS on June 11, 2024

Updated by MOBIUS on July 25, 2024

OpenRS Update for June 7, 2024

OpenRS Goes Live Next Week on June 12th!

We are very close to the big "Go Live" moment, next week. A lot has taken place in the course of the last week. The testing libraries have worked hard, placing requests, working through using the system like a patron would use it. We've received a lot of new updates, both on what we can expect both next week and in the near term later this summer into the early fall. While some of the standalone libraries will wait a bit before going live, the vast majority will do so next week. OpenRS will continue to be enhanced throughout all of this so the product isn't "done" per say, it is ready for its initial release as its rapid development continues unabated. And so, with that, let's get into the details.

The Week Ahead

• Friday, June 7th, all testing of OpenRS (placing requests and processing them in the local system) will stop at the end of the day

• Monday, June 10th, the OpenRS team will work with the libraries to close outstanding test requests and remove any and all virtual records in preparation for Wednesday's go live

• Monday, June 10th, the OpenRS team will finalize the list of libraries going live on Wednesday

• Tuesday, June 11th, the final update to OpenRS (before go live) will be deployed

• Tuesday, June 11th, the notification on the OpenRS Locate catalog will be removed

• Tuesday, June 11th, the team will verify and amend as needed the ingest status of all libraries going live on Wednesday

• Tuesday, June 11th, the MOBIUS office will release a document for workflow handling and materials management with regard to OpenRS

• Tuesday, June 11th, the MOBIUS office will begin using the OpenRS administrative console to monitor system performance and troubleshoot any potential issues beginning on Wednesday

• Wednesday, June 12th, the pass-through search will be enabled as part of go live

• Wednesday, June 12th, the team will triage any issues that arise and provide feedback to the development team on any necessary adjustments that will be required going forward

• Wednesday, June 12th - Friday, June 14th, the OpenRS team and the MOBIUS office will be monitoring system performance and providing any and all support as necessary

OpenRS Road Map Is On The Wiki!

At the MOBIUS Conference this past week there was a presentation on the OpenRS Roadmap. And while we know many of you were in attendance for that presentation on Tuesday, we know you might like to refer to it again. So, without further ado, click here to download the PDF version of the presentation. Of course, check out the wiki for all-things related to OpenRS and MOBIUS.

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Last week we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on June 12th. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint,please get in touch and we will send it to you.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

OpenRS Roadmap (June, 2024)

MOBIUS Conference Update

Click directly below to download the PDF file.

Open

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

OpenRS Update for May 31, 2024

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

OpenRS Road Map Coming Next Week!

As part of the updates we will be receiving next week (Monday afternoon and all day on Tuesday) at the MOBIUS Conference, we will get an updated OpenRS Road Map. Look for more on that next week.

OpenRS Testing Continues

Sites are still testing and refinements are still being made to the software. Next week the MOBIUS office will receive training on the administrative application that helps to manage OpenRS.

OpenRS Q&A Sessions

We had two Q & A's related to the second OpenRS training video that was released late last week (see below). Those sessions can be replayed, below:

• Tuesday, May 28th, 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Vimeo Link

• Thursday, May 30th, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Vimeo Link

The password for both of these sessions is the usual, MOBIUS password that we use for all of our shared videos, links, etc. That being said, if you need it, please drop us a line.

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Last week we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

Timeline Update

Here's where we are:

Testing continues (thank you, standalone libraries!!!) and issues are getting resolved. Progress is being made.

• Wednesday, May 22nd, Go Live on FOLIO, EDS, and local Locate for the 62 MOBIUS (formerly Sierra) libraries

• Friday, May 31st, all of the libraries that are part of the MOBIUS Resource Sharing project will be ingested and indexed into OpenRS, ready for testing

• Tuesday, June 4th, OpenRS Road Map (at the MOBIUS Conference)

• Tuesday, June 11th, all testing efforts will cease by the end of the day

• Wednesday, June 12th, Go Live for all of the libraries who wish to go live with OpenRS in this phase

We will have more to share with you in the coming days including a more detailed calendar of events leading up to June 12th.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on June 12th. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint,please get in touch and we will send it to you.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

Below are our "regular" Open Forum sessions without EBSCO staff being present. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions! These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88101048487

OpenRS Update for May 24, 2024

OpenRS Q & A Coming Up Next Week!

We have two upcoming Q & A's related to the second OpenRS training video that was released late last week (see below). Those two sessions are as follows:

• Tuesday, May 28th, 10:30 am - 11:30 am - Zoom Link

• Thursday, May 30th, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - Zoom Link

The sessions will, of course, be recorded, but this is your chance to learn more as the second video focused on the interoperability of FOLIO and Polaris working with OpenRS (but any and all questions will be entertained).

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Last week we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

Timeline Update

Here's where we are:

Testing continues (thank you, standalone libraries!!!) and issues are getting resolved. Progress is being made.

• Wednesday, May 22nd, Go Live on FOLIO, EDS, and local Locate for the 62 MOBIUS (formerly Sierra) libraries

• Friday, May 31st, all of the libraries that are part of the MOBIUS Resource Sharing project will be ingested and indexed into OpenRS, ready for testing

• Tuesday, June 11th, all testing efforts will cease by the end of the day

• Wednesday, June 12th, Go Live for all of the libraries who wish to go live with OpenRS in this intial phase

We will have more to share with you in the coming days including a more detailed calendar of events leading up to June 12th.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint, please get in touch and we will send it to you.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

Below are our "regular" Open Forum sessions without EBSCO staff being present. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions! These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88101048487

OpenRS Update for May 17, 2024

OpenRS Will Now Launch on Wednesday, June 12th

While enormous strides have been made in recent weeks on the OpenRS front thanks to the quality and quantity of the testing that has been taking place thanks to the fifteen libraries who are actively engaged in the testing process (THANK YOU), the "Go Live" for OpenRS has been pushed back to Wednesday, June 12th.

Why The Delay?

Moving the go live date will allow more time for testing, especially testing among the FOLIO libraries since so much of the previous testing has centered around the Sierra and Polaris standalone libraries. Hitting pause on this for everyone will allow us to continue to use the pre-production environment and refine, test, and improve the overall experience.

Please keep in mind we are going to be the first group of libraries to use this new product and that on Day 1 it will need to support three different library automation platforms.

The Good News

• Six of the standalone libraries were able to successfully complete end-to-end OpenRS transactions as borrowers and as lenders

• We have identified the remaining issues for two of the libraries so we should shortly be at eight libraries who have successfully tested and completed end-to-end transactions

• Next week testing will expand beyond the controlled testing scenarios to stress test the platform

• Additional capability will be available next week to suppress holdings in in the OpenRS Locate public catalog based on item location

• Next week EBSCO will be testing OpenRS with the FOLIO ECS libraries

• Additional functionality is and will continue to be refined and tested

The Second OpenRS Training Video

Just today, we saw the release of the second OpenRS training video highlighting resource sharing between the University of Missouri (FOLIO) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris). That video can be found here (on Dropbox) and here (Vimeo). For the Vimeo link you will need to use the "MOBIUS password" that we use for just about everything. If you need help, please reach out to the Help Desk.

Timeline Update

Here's where we are:

• Wednesday, May 22nd, Go Live on FOLIO, EDS, and local Locate for the 62 MOBIUS (formerly Sierra) libraries

• Friday, May 31st, all of the libraries that are part of the MOBIUS Resource Sharing project will be ingested and indexed into OpenRS, ready for testing

• Tuesday, June 11th, all testing efforts will cease by the end of the day

• Wednesday, June 12th, Go Live for all of the libraries who wish to go live with OpenRS in this intial phase

We will have more to share with you in the coming days including a more detailed calendar of events leading up to June 12th.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki. If you can't download the PowerPoint, please get in touch and we will send it to you.

OpenRS Training Video (aka OpenRS Training Video #1)

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

Below are our "regular" Open Forum sessions without EBSCO staff being present. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions! These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• May 23, 2024 - 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88101048487

OpenRS Update for May 10, 2024

More Testing and Refining This Week...

This week standalone library testing continued. Revisions and updates toOpenRS are happening daily. Currently, we have connectivity and success in seeing OpenRS work with all three platforms, however some additional fine tuning is being done so holds move through the system more efficiently. Starting today, MU's FOLIOsystem data will start loading into the OpenRS production environment. The MOBIUS FOLIO ECS environment will start loading into OpenRS starting next week. As work continues the data load will be monitored and adjusted.

Next week we should receive a second OpenRS training video, this one will be for the FOLIO libraries (the first one was for the standalone Polaris and Sierra libraries).

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki.

OpenRS Training Video

We have the training video for the standalone libraries (those remaining on Sierra andPolaris) who will be the first to connect with and test OpenRS. As this rolls out, we'll connect all of the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries and then work with FOLIO.

So, if you are a standalone library (or, even if you're not), you can checkout the videofeaturing our friends at West Des Moines Public Library (Sierra) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris).

Please note that if you are a Polaris or Sierra standalone library, as you watch the video you may have questions or feedback. We have a form for that, so if you need it, get in touch and we'll get it to you.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We have an additional opportunity for you to ask your questions - this time next week. For this session EBSCO staff will be attending as well to answer your questions! So bring it! This meeting is a Zoom Webinar so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00 AM**COMING UP NEXT WEEK**

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89567614809

Meanwhile, below are our "regular" sessions without EBSCO staff being present. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask questions! These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• May 23, 2024 - 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88101048487

OpenRS Update for May 3, 2024

Open World Testing is Happening Now!

This week we saw more testing by the standalone libraries (THANK YOU). This includes testing the contributionand suppression

controls for Sierra libraries. Existing INN-Reach contribution and suppression record level controls will be supported by OpenRS for go-live. Polaris and FOLIO equivalents for contribution and supression are on the roadmap for development.

Patron blocks for Sierra and FOLIO is complete. Polaris is being worked on now. Patron blocks includes both automatic and manual blocks. Blocks based on eligibility for patrons to make requests is complete for all platforms.

Work in Progress includes:

• Restricting the display of pickup locations to only those affiliated with the patron’s library (as opposed to the entire set of consortium pickup locations)

• Allow patrons to select an item to request with the presence of an item volumestatement.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki.

OpenRS Open Forum Session - Check It Out

Did you catch the OpenRS Open Forum on Thursday, the 25th? You can watch the recording(the chat log is in the Vimeo "Description" field). The passcode for the video is the usual one, but if you need help please don't hesitate to contact the MOBIUS Help Desk.

Once we have answers to the questions that were posted by the audience in the chat log we will distribute them ASAP in a separate Buzz and include them in next week's newsletter.

Everything is consolidated on the wiki as well.

OpenRS Training Video

Please note that if you are a Polaris or Sierra standalone library, as you watch the video you may have questions or feedback. We have a form for that, so if you need it, get in touch and we'll get it to you.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We've added two additional opportunities for you to ask your questions - this time on Wednesdays in May - these sessions are different in that EBSCO staff will be attending as well to answer your questions! These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:00 AM**COMING UP NEXT WEEK**

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00 AM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89567614809

These are our "regular" sessions without EBSCO staff being present. Everyone is welcome.These meetings are Zoom Webinars so we should be able to host as many folks who would like to attend.

• May 9, 2024 - 02:00 PM **COMING UP NEXT WEEK**

• May 23, 2024 - 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88101048487

OpenRS Update for April 26, 2024

Open World Testing is Happening Now!

We've had a whirlwind of a week of testingOpenRS with many of the standalone libraries. We've had some successes and some additional failures, but we're moving forward and each day we test and refine, refine and test, all with the thought of getting everything to work.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality PowerPoint is on the Wiki

We have a document from EBSCO and K-INT onDay 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. This is the same PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon OpenRS session on April 25th. That can be found on the wiki.

OpenRS Open Forum Session - Check It Out

Did you catch the OpenRS Open Forum on Thursday, the 25th? You can watch the recording(the chat log is in the Vimeo "Description" field). The passcode for the video is the usual one, but if you need help please don't hesitate to contact the MOBIUS Help Desk.

Once we have answers to the questions that were posted by the audience in the chat log we will distribute them ASAP in a separate Buzz and include them in next week's newsletter.

Everything is consolidated on the wiki as well.

OpenRS Training Video

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We've added two additional opportunities for you to ask your questions - this time on Wednesdays in May - these sessions are different in that EBSCO staff will be attending as well to answer your questions!

• Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:00 AM

• Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - 10:00 AM

Your Zoom Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89567614809

For those of you who are moving to FOLIO and will be using Locate as your library catalog interface (along with EDS), we have an upcoming Open Forum that you will want to attend! These are our "regular" sessions without EBSCO staff being present:

• May 9, 2024 - 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 - 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 - 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link & Passcode

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82601644430 pwd=bFM4cVovQ3FSamUzZkJBWjI0NFd0UT09

Passcode: 026325

OpenRS Update for April 25, 2024

Here’s the link to the OpenRS Open Forum session from earlier this afternoon.

The chat log that occurred during the session is available in the Description field on Vimeo.

The session is password protected (it is the usual one), but if you need it/can’t get in, then please reach out to the Help Desk.

Here’s the PowerPoint that was shown at the Thursday afternoon session on the 25th.

Click below to download.

Open

OpenRS Update for April 19, 2024

Hello, welcome, and here's your update for the week!

Open World Testing - Coming Soon!

We've had a bit of a setback this week, but work is continuing on resolving some issues related toOpenRS so we can open up testing to everyone. Just as soon as that is done, Open Worldtesting for Polaris and Sierra libraries will recommence.

In the meantime, the necessary configuration settings for FOLIO are done - those are all in each FOLIO tenant. Those same settings have been shared with the University of Missouri and they are working on entering those settings on their system in anticipation of testing beginning very soon.

Day 1 OpenRS Functionality

Currently, we are waiting to get a finalized document from EBSCO and K-INT on Day 1 Functionality and what we can expect to go live with on May 22nd. As soon as we have that we will share that with you.

INN-Reach Borrowing Lending Has Stopped, Please Read On!

On April 18th the INN-Reach server was modified to not allow requesting. Patrons may continue to request materials ONLY from their own institution until May 6th. All other requesting has been disabled.

All materials that are in transit can be checked out at the borrowing library and returned and checked in until May 6th (in other words, if the material is in transit, please complete the circulation transaction). 

These transactions will be reconciled with the final circulation freeze.

OpenRS Training Video

We have the training video for the standalone libraries (those remaining on Sierra andPolaris) who will be the first to connect with and test OpenRS. As this rolls out, we'll connect all of the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries and then work with FOLIO.

So, if you are a standalone library (or, even if you're not), you can checkout the videofeaturing our friends at West Des Moines Public Library (Sierra) and St. Louis County Library (Polaris).

Please note that if you are a Polaris or Sierra standalone library, as you watch the video you may have questions or feedback. We have a form for that, so if you need it, get in touch and we'll get it to you.

Changing Over to OpenRS

At some point in the very near future (this could already be the case by the time you read this), our default web site address for INN-Reach (http://searchmobius.org) will resolve to OpenRS(http://openrs.searchmobius.org). OpenRS will not be live as of yet, of course, but it will be online and the soon-to-be new default for union catalog searching and requesting.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

For those of you who are moving to FOLIO and will be using Locate as your library catalog interface (along with EDS), we have an upcoming Open Forum that you will want to attend!.

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM **NEXT Open Forum

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link & Passcode

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82601644430 pwd=bFM4cVovQ3FSamUzZkJBWjI0NFd0UT09

Passcode: 026325

OpenRS Update for April 12, 2024

Hello, welcome, and here's your update for the week!

Open World Testing Begins!

We are beginning to roll out Open World testing for Polaris and Sierra libraries. The goal is to ease into the testing (at least at the outset), before opening up the doors and letting everyone in!

First up in this exciting new round of testing are Springfield-Greene County Library and Tulsa City-County Library. These two large and prominent library systems (both Sierra standalone systems) are starting their testing on Monday and we are lining up others to begin testing early next week. Look for further updates on that in this space next week.

API's, DCB, & Videotape

Remember that training video (see below) we were so excited about last week, demonstrating OpenRS and the interoperability of borrowing, lending, fulfillment, and return between Polaris(St. Louis County) and Sierra (West Des Moines Public)? Yeah? Great. And remember last week we discussed having a session or two to answer questions about the contents of the video at a future date and time? Yes again? Good. We should have some options for you perhaps as soon as Monday on that. No, the meetings won't be on Monday but we hope to get those dates out to you on Monday for later next week.

Keep Your Hands Off!

For those libraries who are moving to FOLIO - your OpenRS setup is done in your FOLIO library tenant! So, if you look around in your tenant and you see some new Patron Groups,Material Types, Text of Notices, and other new OpenRS-related settings that are new to you and you don't understand, well, that's by design so leave them alone. If you want OpenRS to work, you will, oh, how does it go?

No, you may not change them.

No, you may not rearrange them.

No, you may not delete them.

Yes, you can ignore them.

Informational Message On The INN-Reach Catalog

The INN-Reach catalog interfaces (Encore and Classic) received a new message:

Due to the migration to a new system, requesting will not be available on the MOBIUS Catalog starting April 18th. Requesting will return on May 22nd. Please ask your local library for other options.

This is on both the default and the classic union catalog interfaces. For more information about what's the current status of OpenRS, check out the OpenRS wiki (look specifically for the April 17th / April 18th entry) and get all of the details.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

For those of you who are moving to FOLIO and will be using Locate as your library catalog interface (along with EDS), we have an upcoming Open Forum that you will want to attend!.

• Apr 18, 2024 02:00 PM **NEXT Open Forum - this will focus on your LOCAL Locate**

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

The link for the session next Thursday, 4/18:

Zoom Info: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87354532593

Meeting ID: 873 5453 2593

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

OpenRS Update for April 5, 2024

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

Hello, welcome, and here's your update for the week!

We have more good news to report!

We have the training video for the standalone libraries (those remaining on Sierra and Polaris) who will be the first to connect with and test OpenRS. As this rolls out, we'll connect all of the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries and then work with FOLIO.

So, if you are a standalone library (or, even if you're not), you can checkout the video featuring our friends at West Des Moines Public Library (Sierra) and St. Louis County Library(Polaris).

Please note that if you are a Polaris or Sierra standalone library, as you watch the video you may have questions or feedback. We have a form for that, so if you need it, get in touch and we'll get it to you.

But what if you're NOT one of the standalone libraries keeping your Polaris or Sierra system? Not to worry. We'll be in touch soon with details on how you can join in on the fun!

OpenRS Web Site Launches!

Did you know there is an OpenRS Coalition of which MOBIUS is a founding member? Yes, it is true! I think you realize we are the first to go live with OpenRS but other consortia are interested in OpenRS and support its development. Galileo, a consortium in Georgia, is due to go live with OpenRS in the Summer of 2025.

The Coalition meets weekly working on governance structure, road map details, and strategic initiatives. The web site is live today!

OpenRS Setup Work is Complete in Each FOLIO Tenant!

The OpenRS setup is taking place is done right now and it is in your FOLIO library tenant! So, if you look around in your tenant and see some new Patron Groups, Material Types, Text of Notices, and other new OpenRS-related settings, well, that's by design so leave them aloneand we'll be using those as we move into testing OpenRS.

Informational Message On The INN-Reach Catalog

Last week the INN-Reach catalog interfaces (Encore and Classic) received a new message:

Due to the migration to a new system, requesting will not be available on the MOBIUS Catalog starting April 18th. Requesting will return on May 22nd. Please ask your local library for other options.

This is on both the default and the classic union catalog interfaces. For more information about what's the current status of OpenRS, check out the OpenRS wiki (look specifically for the April 17th / April 18th entry) and get all of the details.

Details, Details...

The MOBIUS office continues to enhance and provide additional details on the OpenRS timeline, spelling out what steps the various standalone systems need to do and when. Check it out and visit it often!

Outstanding Prospector / MOBIUS Materials

The MCO Help Desk is keeping track of what's still outstanding between the Prospectorlibraries and the MOBIUS member libraries. Check it out and be safe in the knowledge that we'll be updating these totals on a regular basis. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We have increased the number of Open Forums from once a month on the second Thursday of the month to twice per month (the second and fourth Thursdays of the month) until shortly after we go live with OpenRS & FOLIO.

Come on, if you have any questions of any kind - bring 'em and we'll do our best to answer them! If you have any questions that you'd like to ask us anonymously, that's fine too - just get in touch and let us know. It will be our little secret Your next time to join us for a no-holds-barredQuestion Fest is as follows:

• Apr 11, 2024 02:00 PM **NEXT Open Forum**

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 826 0164 4430

Passcode: 026325

OpenRS Training Video!

OpenRS Update for April 5, 2024 #1

Here it is, Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries:

Your OpenRS Training Video for the MOBIUS Standalone Libraries!

Check it out and let us know what you think by using the Q&A form available at the link below:

https://forms.gle/kWJdt6f2XWcNmM6w7

We will be scheduling a meeting or two soon to go over this once you’ve had a chance to watch the video!

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

OpenRS Update for March 29, 2024

Hello, welcome, and here's your update for the week!

We have more good news to report!

Last week we reported that work continues on the OpenRS development & testing fronts and that the interoperability issues between Polaris and Sierra have been resolved (while some fine tuning continues). That's all true. And now? Right now the plan is to produce at least one if not more OpenRS training videos of the end-to-end requesting, fulfillment, and return processes between West Des Moines (Sierra) and St. Louis County(Polaris) and get those out to you next week (the week of April 1st oh, great...) for you to review so you can queue up your questions at a meeting that will be setup shortly thereafter (this meeting I just referred to hasn't been setup yet). The plan after that? The plan calls for OpenRS testing for all of the standalone Polaris and Sierra libraries between April 10th and April 19th.

That's a lot to digest so let's summarize:

• We are moving away from having an online, live, OpenRS training to pre-recorded video training. You will get additional updates on that next week

• These OpenRS training videos will cover how OpenRS works

• Once the training videos are out there, we'll schedule a meeting to talk about them and answer your questions

• The plan includes testing for all of the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries - this will take place between April 10th and April 19th - more information to come on that will be shared with you shortly

Programming Note - I'm going to going to FOLIO - What About Me?

The OpenRS setup is taking place right now in your FOLIO library tenant! So, if you look around in your tenant and see some new Patron Groups, Material Types, Text of Notices, and other new OpenRS-related settings, well, that's by design so leave them alone for now and we'll be using those as we move into testing OpenRS.

Informational Message On The INN-Reach Catalog

Last week the INN-Reach catalog interfaces (Encore and Classic) received a new message:

Due to the migration to a new system, requesting will not be available on the MOBIUS Catalog starting April 18th. Requesting will return on May 22nd. Please ask your local library for other options.

This is on both the default and the classic union catalog interfaces. For more information about what's the current status of OpenRS, check out the OpenRS wiki (look specifically for the April 17th / April 18th entry) and get all of the details.

Details, Details...

The MOBIUS office continues to enhance and provide additional details on the OpenRS timeline, spelling out what steps the various standalone systems need to do and when. Check it out and visit it often!

Today is THE Last Day...

Today is the last day for the line haul between Goodland, Kansas and Kansas City. So, materials that need to get back and forth after today should be sent to the MOBIUS office and we will make arrangements for them to be returned.

Outstanding Prospector / MOBIUS Materials

The MCO Help Desk is keeping track of what's still outstanding between the Prospectorlibraries and the MOBIUS member libraries. Check it out and be safe in the knowledge that we'll be updating these totals on a regular basis. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We have increased the number of Open Forums from once a month on the second Thursday of the month to twice per month (the second and fourth Thursdays of the month) until shortly after we go live with OpenRS & FOLIO.

Come on, if you have any questions of any kind - bring 'em and we'll do our best to answer them! If you have any questions that you'd like to ask us anonymously, that's fine too - just get in touch and let us know. It will be our little secret Your next time to join us for a no-holds-barredQuestion Fest is as follows:

• Apr 11, 2024 02:00 PM **NEXT Open Forum**

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 826 0164 4430

Passcode: 026325

Created by MOBIUS on March 29, 2024

Welcome To Your OpenRS Update

OpenRS Update for March 22, 2024

Hello, welcome, and here's your update for the week!

We have some good news to report!

Dutiful programmers and coders have successfully addressed the latent issue with Polaris that caused us to put on hold (for now) the training we had scheduled previously for the standalone members. While that issue has been addressed we have another bit of good news. For some time now the OpenRS team have successfully been making title level requests and now, thanks to a modification in the Sierra API, we now have successfully tested placing an item level requests as well. The fix (for Sierra libraries) requires opening up a ticket with Innovative, some specific changes requested regarding how their API works, and a restart of the API - all of which that can be done overnight. If you are a Sierra standalone library, you should have received an email on this, so please do that right away, and of course if you have any questions, be sure to let us know.

So, what's next you might ask? I'm glad you're reading along.

Right now, both West Des Moines (Sierra) and St. Louis County (Polaris) are engaged in testing these fixes. They are also documenting their efforts because in part due to time constraints and the challenges that are inherent whenever you attempt to schedule a meeting for a large group, they will be making a video of their successful end-to-end testing for all of the standalone libraries, showing in detail how it works. Once that is done and you've had a chance to look at the video and submit questions, we'll regroup for some Q&A's in early April, and roll out the testing to the other standalone libraries. It is planned that this will be a comprehensive MOBIUS beta environment.

When is this all coming? Very soon. Stay tuned.

Message In A Bottle On the INN-Reach catalog...

Did you notice a message (in RED) on both of the INN-Reach catalog interfaces indicating the changes that will be coming next month? For all of the details, you should check out both the default and the classic union catalog interfaces as well as the OpenRS wiki and look for the April 17th / April 18th entry for all of the details.

Details, Details...

The MOBIUS office continues to enhance and provide additional details on the OpenRS timeline, spelling out what steps the various standalone systems need to do and when. Check it out and visit it often!

Outstanding Prospector / MOBIUS Materials

The MCO Help Desk is keeping track of what's still outstanding between the Prospectorlibraries and the MOBIUS member libraries. Check it out and be safe in the knowledge that we'll be updating these totals on a regular basis. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions

We will be increasing the number of Open Forums from once a month on the second Thursdays to twice per month until shortly after we go live with OpenRS & FOLIO.

• Mar 28, 2024 02:00 PM **NEXT Open Forum**

• Apr 11, 2024 02:00 PM

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 826 0164 4430

Passcode: 026325

Created by MOBIUS on March 22, 2024

Welcome To Your OpenRS Update

OpenRS Update for March 15, 2024

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

What a week it was - so much to cover to let's get to it.

OpenRS Training for the Polaris and Sierra standalone libraries has been postponed!

OK, so we have some good news to report and some not-so-good news to report. First, the good news is that the issues surrounding placing and filling requests on the Sierra side of things with OpenRS have been materially resolved and that part is ready for testing. The contrary is that some issues were discovered on the Polaris side of the technology divide and the teams are working on resolving those issues so we can bring our test sites back into the conversation (St. Louis County Library & West Des Moines Public - on Polaris and Sierra respectively) to first test this between disparate systems and then roll it out to the other standalones so we can reschedule that training session. Right now we don't have a new date to share with you, but stay tuned since thing are moving fast and as soon as we have additional updates to share you will see it in an upcoming Buzz as well here, in the OpenRS Weekly Update.

Your OpenRS Updates For the Week

While programmers and coders have been busy working on, you know (see the paragraph directly above), others involved with the OpenRS project have been having follow-up meetings with individual standalone libraries going over their settings so OpenRS can be loaded up and ready to go with all of the profiling data that is needed to do resource sharing in such a heterogeneous environment. Who and how many, you might ask? This week we met with Tulsa City-County, Altoona Public, Bettendorf & Davenport, Saint Louis University, Saint Charles City-County, Missouri River Regional, and Springfield-Greene County. Thanks to everyone for your attention to detail and for your feedback on your settings. This is essential to the future success of OpenRS!

Message On the INN-Reach catalog...

On Monday, March 18th you will notice a message (most likely in RED) indicating the changes that will be coming to the INN-Reach catalog in exactly a month. For all of the details, you should check out the OpenRS wiki and look for the April 17th / April 18th entry for all of the details.

Details, Details...

The MOBIUS office continues to enhance and provide additional details on the OpenRS timeline, spelling out what steps the various standalone systems need to do and when. Check it out and visit it often!

Outstanding Prospector / MOBIUS Materials

The MCO Help Desk is keeping track of what's still outstanding between the Prospectorlibraries and the MOBIUS member libraries. Check it out and be safe in the knowledge that we'll be updating these totals on a regular basis. Reach out to us if you have any questions.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We will be increasing the number of Open Forums from once a month on the second Thursdays to twice per month until shortly after we go live with OpenRS & FOLIO.

• Mar 28, 2024 02:00 PM

• Apr 11, 2024 02:00 PM

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 826 0164 4430

Passcode: 026325

Created by MOBIUS on March 15, 2024

Welcome To Your (Regular) OpenRS Update

OpenRS Update for March 8, 2024

We now have a logo as well as a header and a footer!

OpenRS TRAINING for POLARIS & SIERRA Standalone Libraries on Tuesday, March 12th!

Exciting news!!! Coming up next week on Tuesday, March 12th, the standalone libraries on Sierra and Polaris will have the very first training session on OpenRS. Ever. This is so new...it will be the first of its kind anywhere to any audience. So, you know what? We are going to call it a World Premier™ event.

Now if you are a library or a system already on FOLIO (Hello, University of Missouri system) or if you are a library or a system that is moving to FOLIO (you know who you are), you will have your training on OpenRS at a later date. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you. Right now, getting the settings synchronized between OpenRS and all of the standalone Polaris and Sierra libraries is the main point of emphasis. Updates aplenty coming in the next issue.

The Call Is Out To All Of The Standalone Libraries - "All Aboard!"

Follow-up meetings along with individual conversations stemming from last week's "onboarding" session with ALL of the standalone libraries took place this week (a couple will trickle into next week). The data that is needed and the issues that we discussed fall into the following categories: 

• Provisioning: Access details to harvest bib records into the union catalog and connect the local system to validate patrons

• Patron authentication: Authentication profile used for placing requests

• Service configuration: Reference data and mappings for your patron types, item types, shelving and pickup locations

Individual library shelving locations and local item types that will be used as part of testing coming up in April was discussed and final worksheet configurations from each standalone library will be submitted as a result of these conversations.

Standalone Loan Rule Instructions for INN-Reach Cessation

The MOBIUS office is working on a set of instructions and a timeline (within the overall timeline) on what the standalone libraries need to do in order to wind down INN-Reach. Please note and bookmark this page and we'll be adding to and revising it as we move along.

More Opportunities To Ask Us Your Questions!

We will be increasing the number of Open Forums from once a month on the second Thursdays to twice per month until shortly after we go live with OpenRS & FOLIO.

• Mar 14, 2024 02:00 PM

• Mar 28, 2024 02:00 PM

• Apr 11, 2024 02:00 PM

• Apr 25, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 9, 2024 02:00 PM

• May 23, 2024 02:00 PM

• Jun 6, 2024 02:00 PM

Your Zoom Link:

Meeting ID: 826 0164 4430

Passcode: 026325

Created by MOBIUS on March 8, 2024

OpenRS Update for March 1, 2024

Hello and Welcome to your OpenRS Update!

We now have a logo!

Important Timing Updates:

On March 18th the following message will be added to the MOBIUS Catalog:

Due to the migration to a new system, requesting will not be available on the MOBIUS Catalog starting April 18th. Requesting will return on May 22nd. Please ask your local library for other options.  

In the overnight hours of April 18th (about 1 am) the MOBIUS office will be changing the local due dates for checkouts on the 18th. Books will have an absolute date of May 17th, with no renewals. AV will have a normal 10 day no renewal due April 28th or the 29th is the library is closed that day. Innovative will be removing all pickup locations with regard to INN-Reach.

At that time, https://openrs.searchmobius.org will come online.

https://searchmobius.org & https://classic.searchmobius.org will go offline and be redirected to https://openrs.searchmobius.org.

FAQ For MOBIUS Users & Patrons or Just the FAQ's, Please

The MOBIUS office is providing a brief FAQ for libraries to share with their patrons, faculty, and staff about the upcoming changes to our resource sharing system. Libraries are free to edit and change this as they see fit or to not use it, but some kind of handy FAQ has been requested so we thought we would share this here:

So, why does the MOBIUS catalog look different?

On April 18th the MOBIUS catalog will be upgraded and the look of the catalog will change.  

Many libraries across the region are members of the MOBIUS Consortium.  These libraries all share a technology platform dating back over twenty-five years!  While there have been many updates since then these libraries are in the final stages of changing their backend systems to something more modern and flexible and part of this is a new, combined MOBIUS catalog. 

Can I still request materials?

You will not be able to request materials from the MOBIUS catalog from April 18th through May 21, 2024.  Starting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, you will be able to use the MOBIUS catalog to place requests.  

Why can't I request materials for about a month?

It will take time to migrate data from our old system to our new system.

There may be options for you to request materials through your local library.  Please talk to your library to discuss any options that they may have available for you.

I have materials checked out.  Do I need to return them back by a certain date?

Please contact your local library when these materials are needed back.

Will I still get the materials I have on hold?

Requested materials will be sent out through April 18th.  After April 18th, all outstanding holds will be canceled.  Materials will be able to be requested and put on hold starting on May 22nd.

Your OpenRS & Related Updates:

The OpenRS Working Group held a meeting on Tuesday morning and the group discussed the worksheet that EBSCO and K-INT need from each standalone library to both confirm and verify their settings as we head into the "onboarding" process. The group received an update on the coding that is taking place which that will roll into OpenRS. Additional testing was discussed and agreed upon and that is being coordinated between the standalones on Polaris and Sierra.

The standalone libraries had an "onboarding" session with the MOBIUS office as well as with the EBSCO and K-INT teams. As part of this there was a brief demo and a walk through of the product and a discussion of the form that has been sent by K-INT to gather information on each of the settings from the standalone libraries. Sierra and Polaris Libraries -- a poll will be sent via email on Monday asking you to choose a day and time over the next two weeks for a one-on-one meeting to go over the profiling data.

Created by MOBIUS on March 1, 2024

Colorado (Prospector) is Now Offline

Our connection with Prospector and our ability to request materials from our partner libraries in Colorado (and likewise, their ability to request materials fromMOBIUS) is now offline as of Friday, January 12th.

As we migrate to FOLIO & OpenRS later this year many of our individual and collective workflows will be changing. As we cycle down our union catalog and bring up OpenRS later this spring, we will have new opportunities to connect with others and expand our resource sharing network. We will look to reconcile materials back home again this spring. A more details schedule of events ccan be found elsewhere on this wiki.

Created by MOBIUS on January 17, 2024

Prospector Update

No, we're not talking about the silver and gold type, although that's important as well. One consequence of our migration to FOLIO and OpenRS is that it will result in a temporary disconnection from our friends in Colorado and that means our MOBIUS INN-Reach catalog will no longer be joined with the Prospector INN-Reach catalog. So what does this mean to you and your patrons?

• Friday, January 12th is the last day for requesting material via from Colorado (and the last day Colorado patrons can request materials from MOBIUS).

• After the 12th, settings will be changed on each INN-Reach system (including our label maker) and we'll plan on at least a month for materials to be returned to every owning library.

• We will curtail the courier line haul between Kansas City and Goodland, Kansas once we feel our bags, totes, and of course, library materials have been returned.

• We will work with each of you to reconcile any lost or missing material.

Created by MOBIUS on November 29, 2023

Open RS Working Group Updates

Going forward we will attempt to summarize the progress of the OpenRS Working Group (those folks are listed below).

The group is currently testing the contribution and the suppression of records from Sierra (and now Polaris) into OpenRS. Meanwhile, we are going to start testing the “life cycle” of a request from the point of the patron placing the request in the Locate / OpenRS public catalog, through to fulfillment, and the return of the item to the lending library. For more information on the timeline of the project, check out this page for more details.

Open

Created by MOBIUS on October 24, 2023

EBSCO Joins OpenRS

Click here for more.

EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) has officially joined Project OpenRS to provide financial contributions and expertise to the OpenRS Community. The OpenRS Community is drawn from libraries, consortia, information organizations and developers. The OpenRS Project is building a user-centered, app-based, community-owned resource sharing platform for libraries.

EBSCO's application for membership, was driven by three aims: to develop the features and functionality of the OpenRS platform reflecting the needs of consortia globally, to resource additional expert input from Knowledge Integration being applied to that development, and to expand the pool of vendors contributing to OpenRS.

OpenRS Steering Committee Chair, Dr. Adam Murray, says that EBSCO's participation in Project OpenRS brings additional expertise and a new level of commitment to the project's development. "EBSCO has extensive experience and knowledge working and collaborating on open source projects with the library community of developers, consortia, libraries and vendors. EBSCO joining expands the number of vendors capable of sustaining OpenRS, while leveraging the expertise of Knowledge Integration in driving OpenRS forward as an innovative resource sharing software."

EBSCO Information Services Director of Product Management and representative for EBSCO on the OpenRS steering committee, Mark Allcock says that partnerships with community-driven open source projects like Project OpenRS are essential to the success of libraries. "In our conversations with OpenRS, our joint goals were clear: to ensure continued sustainability and synergy of open source library technologies through financial contribution, and to give libraries a broader choice of vendors, as we have with FOLIO."

Ian Ibbotson, co-Founder and Director of Knowledge Integration says, "Knowledge Integration is keen to extend its foundational work to OpenRS and work with EBSCO, as part of the OpenRS Community, to meet the needs of consortia globally."

EBSCO has a long-standing commitment to supporting open source projects, including its involvement as an original founder and architect of the FOLIO project. EBSCO continues to provide financial support and expertise to the development, project management, marketing and communications of FOLIO, while also maintaining support of other open source projects like Kuali OLE, Koha, BlackLight, VUFind, Samvera, SWORD, and Evergreen.

Last Updated by MOBIUS on August 8, 2023.

OpenRS Working Group Established

The following individuals have volunteered to serve on the OpenRS working group. THANK YOU!

Please note that these fine folks are listed at random, so please do not infer anything either positively or negatively by the order of the names listed below!

Last Updated by MOBIUS on February 20, 2023.

OpenRS Requirements - Updated 1/11/2023

Please check the update here.

Created by MOBIUS on January 11, 2023.

OpenRS Update - 12/9/2022

Please see the update from the OpenRS team, below:

Since the membership and director meetings in late October and on-site meetings in early November, the OpenRS team has made significant progress. Thanks to all of you for your insights and contributions during this time, the Discovery and Planning phase. 

The following are a list of accomplishments since late October/early November:

• We have determined the best path forward for implementing the standalone libraries by using the public API’s available for both the Polaris and Sierra platforms. Specifically, on both platforms we’ve used the APIs to search for and create patrons, along with placing holds for pickup and to track the status of requests. While we have a few weeks of evaluation remaining, we are on-track for creating a very streamlined circulation workflow within Polaris and Sierra.

• We will be leveraging OpenRS’s pre-existing streamlined circulation workflows in FOLIO in the context of Resource Sharing. That said, we will confirm over the coming weeks where modifications might be needed.

• While our primary focus of the API investigation was on circulation workflows, we also understand how we will implement initial and on-going record loading across all platforms. Obviously, this is a must for creating and updating the union catalog.

• We have defined much of the requirements for matching and merging records in the union catalog build. This is where all of the holdings are consolidated from multiple libraries onto one instance and, also, the identification of the best cataloged record for representation in the union catalog (i.e. “master record” selection).

• We have defined the union catalog requirements for patron search, LOCATE (the “native” Folio public interface).

• We have defined the requirements for item selection in the requesting process.

As we move into the new year and the Development phase, we will continue to tap your knowledge and expertise to guide us to a successful beta and launch!

Created by MOBIUS on December 9, 2022.