The UC Research Repository upgrade is scheduled to take place next Tue (1st Aug) around 9am. This is a major upgrade from DSpace 6.3 to 7.6.

In order to allow time for us to migrate the data over to the new server, there will be a change freeze on all edits to DSpace records from Friday evening until we give notice. Any changes made to records during this time will be lost.

We will also be switching off Elements deposits during the freeze. Digital Services will be putting a notice banner on Elements to inform academic staff, but library staff may need to field questions from academics about why there is no deposit option in Elements during this time.

There will also be a period of time after the upgrade when handle links (e.g. https://hdl.handle.net/10092/105745) won’t be working while we coordinate the switchover with the handle organisation.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Library Systems.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

We’ll be completely rebuilding the VuFind/Library Catalogue index tomorrow morning, which means there will be a period where searching is either unavailable or will retrieve only partial results. We’ll aim to start the reindexing before 8am to minimise the impact on users.

We’ll add a notice on the catalogue homepage so that users know what’s happening.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

Digital Services will be making some changes today to the underlying systems that support PaymentPlus, and this may have some impact on the performance for a short period this afternoon.

Testing should occur around 1.30pm. If there are any problems with the changes, then they will be reverted shortly afterwards.

If there are any reports of problems with payments, please let Library Systems know.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

Update, 8.30am, 6th April: “CAS and OpenAthens continue to investigate the problem and isolate the cause. CAS has waived IP authentication for University of Canterbury until the problem is resolved. Access via OpenAthens is not needed. https://scifinder-n.cas.org should be available both on-campus and off-campus for university professors, staff, and students.”

Please use the link provided – https://scifinder-n.cas.org – until the problems is resolved. We will update the database links in the meantime.

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We are currently experiencing problems with SciFinderⁿ – users are either able to log in, but are not able to perform any searches, or they can’t log in at all.

We’ll update this post when we find out more about what’s going on.

Donna
Library Systems

We’ve made the decision to not have the HIP linkmaker tools (below) migrated to the new intranet, since we’ll be moving to VuFind in the new year.

Create stable links to records in the Library Catalogue
Advanced options to create stable links to records in the Library Catalogue

Fortunately, all VuFind links are stable, so if you need to share search results and records from the new VuFind catalogue, you can just copy the link from your browser address bar.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

Mōrena,

This week we’ll be running some maintenance tasks on Horizon to keep it ticking along for the new year. We’ll try to minimise disruptions to performance, but you may notice Horizon getting a bit slow at times and possibly even freezing. If the freezing persists, please contact Library Systems.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

In my last post about the new library catalogue, I promised there would be a near-completed first release available by early December. We’ve still got a lot of work to do to get it up to scratch, but we thought it would be a good idea to release what we have now before everyone starts leaving for the Christmas break.

Try it out here!

Our recommendation is that you bookmark this site and switch to using this version of the catalogue now so that we can incorporate your feedback into the final release before Semester 1 classes begin. It’s live and connected to Horizon, so you can use it as a full replacement for HIP.

We may not be able to get all of your suggestions into the first release, but we are planning to release an updated version later in 2023.

These are just some of the things that are already in the works, or that we’re planning to do:

• • A reo Māori translation (AUT are kindly providing us with their translation, which we hope to put in place after it’s been checked over and approved by Ohu Reo)
  • Further improvements to the branding and layout
  • Further MARC additions to record display, including 880s for displaying different scripts
  • Course code in advanced search
  • Further fixes and additions to indexes (some aren’t fully functional yet or are missing important fields)
  • Additional authority data displayed for author/contributor records (including iwi/hapū affiliations)
  • Truncating the display of lengthy serials holdings with a “more” expansion option

We look forward to hearing your feedback. Either pop it directly in the comments below, send an email to Library Systems, or contact a VuFind Working Group representative (Damian, Donna, Jenny, John, Linda, Rebecca).

Ngā mihi
Donna Barber
Library Systems

Update 8:38am: HIP is working again. If you started Horizon this morning and got the “Failed to initialize middle tier connection” warning, just restart Horizon and it will now connect to HIP.

Mōrena,

We’re just experiencing some problems with the catalogue (HIP) after server patching last night. It should be up and running again shortly.

Ngā mihi,
Donna

There currently seems to be an issue with access to Lexis Advance databases from off campus. We’ll follow up and report back when we find out more.

Access on campus (or via remote access to UC) is still working.

Ngā mihi,
Donna
Library Systems

The Library Systems team is in the process of replacing the library catalogue (HIP) with VuFind. The goal is to be live in time for Semester 1, 2023.

A working group (Damian Cairns, Donna Barber, Jenny Owens, John Arnold, Linda Sarihan and Rebecca Fisher) is currently reviewing the functionality, features and record displays.

What is VuFind?

VuFind is an open source library discovery platform that is supported by the Open Library Foundation. Have a play with the VuFind demo sites to find out more.

Why are we replacing HIP now instead of waiting until Horizon is replaced?

HIP is a legacy product and no longer supported by SirsiDynix. It’s running on older server software and can no longer be upgraded, which means that it can potentially become a security risk, and we may be forced to shut down HIP and/or the server at very short notice.

VuFind can be used as a discovery layer for any library management system/services platform, as well as other services, such as institutional repositories and digital image collections. This means we can continue to use it, even when Horizon is replaced.

Will VuFind have all the features currently available in HIP?

One downside is that bibliographic record data will only be updated overnight from Horizon exports. However, there are many improvements, including a more user-friendly and mobile responsive interface, and better user tools such as lists that can be categorised and made public.

A very early beta version is available to look at, but it is still mostly an out of the box implementation.
Please note, this catalogue is LIVE – any requests and cancellations will be actioned in Horizon!

What is the implementation timeline?

As soon as the working group’s recommendations are implemented, we will be asking for feedback. If you have any ideas that you’d like to contribute to the group now, feel free to get in touch with a working group member or Library Systems beforehand.

The goal is to have a near-completed first release available for library staff from December, providing enough time to update teaching materials in time for Semester 1.

We’ll then aim to go live in early February. At that point, we’ll replace HIP links on the website, publicise the new catalogue, and begin the process of updating links in Subject Guides and AKO | LEARN. HIP will continue to run in the background until links have been updated.

What impact will this have on staff and students?

VuFind has a relatively user-friendly interface that should make it an easy switch for most users.

My Lists in HIP may need to be migrated over to VuFind. In the event that this isn’t feasible, then users may need to manually recreate their lists in VuFind.

Academic staff that link to HIP in AKO | LEARN will need to update their links (we will try to do the bulk for them) and start to use the new linking format. Linking in VuFind is much more straightforward and links can be copied directly from the browser search bar.

Library staff may need to update teaching and learning materials, including screenshots and videos that may include HIP.

Any questions or comments?

Please post below or contact Library Systems.

Ngā mihi
Donna Barber
Library Systems