With Feet Planted Firmly in Mid-Air Staff Training for Automation System Migration

• Published in: The Serials librarian Vol. 36; no. 3-4; pp. 407 - 413
• Main Authors: Ralston, Rick, Rioux, Margaret A., Ellis, Kathryn D.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.1999; Haworth Press; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Automation; Exact sciences and technology; Information and communication sciences; Information science. Documentation; Libraries; Library and information science. General aspects; Library staff; Library technology; Periodicals; Professional aspects; Sciences and techniques of general use; Staff; Systems migration; Training; Serial; Library management; Migration; Automatic system; Library; Change; Occupational training
• ISSN: 0361-526X; 1541-1095
• DOI: 10.1300/J123v36n03_07

Migrating from one automated system to another has become a common experience in libraries. Such a migration is as great a change for serials staff as implementing the library's first automated system. It involves conversion or re-entry of data, alterations in workflow, changes in system "philosophy," and a lot of relearning. Much of the success of the process depends on staff training. This workshop offered practical ideas and suggestions for training serials staff to deal with a new system and the transition process. The emphasis was on practical steps to help with the migration process from initial planning through implementation and on to daily operations under the new system.