Response from Michael Ervin

(See post below from December meeting for reference, - Ira)

Encourage Baker & Taylor site to make link to Bibliostat easier to find
See Attachment A (B&T Site) (posted at the end of this response - Ira)
* Bibliostat Development Team will work with B&T Web Administrator to add additional links to B&T’s Corporate Website.

Connect

Graph Function – Is there an alternative to Active X?
* Development Team has looked at alternate graphing tools that would not require an Active X download. At this time, however, we feel that our current application provides the best features/functionality. We will continue to monitor outside development efforts for a comparable solution.
See Attachment B (Active X.doc) – Handout on dealing with Active X (posted at the end of this response - Ira)


Default Settings with the Password
* The assumption is that this statement refers to automatically remembering who you were so you don’t have to enter a User ID/Password? If this is a correct interpretation, we will look at code changes to automatically remember User Names/Passwords.


Collect

State and Federal Notes could be different colors
* This is currently possible. We would need consensus and feedback from all Collect Users on the colors.


Some way to draw attention to new items or changes
* We currently work with each state on individual surveys. However, we could incorporate a consistent method (decided upon by all states) to reflect changes.


Ease in adding new federal elements and definition changes.
* We take guidance from each state before implementing new elements/changes. Some states prefer to wait until the next survey year to implement any new elements or changes. We can, however, implement them in the current survey if an individual state wants.


Some way to batch update
* With the new WEBPLUS format, we can take an updated spreadsheet back (for federal elements) and update Collect. We now include instructions on this option when delivering your WEBPLUS files.


Can software change to avoid pop up blocker problem
* We are currently testing new code to overcome the pop-up blocker issue.


Ability of local libraries for read-only access when their survey is done
* This functionality can be added to Collect. We need the help of Collect users to prioritize development efforts.


Ability to minimize screen instead of logout
* Depending on how updated your service packs are (Internet Explorer related), you might have already noticed that you can minimize the Collect Screen. We have been testing a version of Collect that allows for minimization. Keep in mind if you can currently minimize your Collect screen, it will not save your data if you accidentally hit the X and close your browser. Collect was originally developed to take up the entire screen without navigation to prevent the accidental closing of the browser. Again, we need the help of users to prioritize development efforts.


SDC View – ability to view all or print all
* Need additional clarification on this requirement. There are current options available to view all libraries and printing options are also available.


Export Admin file interactively
* The creation of the ADMIN file can (depending on the size of the survey and the number of libraries) take hours to process. This processing time if done interactively could affect performance. We currently process these in batch and run them overnight. We do, however, understand emergencies and can request the file interactively on behalf of the SDC. Again, it could take a few minutes to a few hours to process depending on the size.


Clear Timelines in formation of next year’s survey
* Each state is assigned a Bibliostat Customer Support Representative. A few weeks prior to the beginning of the current year’s survey, each SDC will receive a letter of intent from their Support Representative outlining the dates and requirements to complete the coming year’s survey. We will work with each state to adjust those timelines as necessary. Keep in mind the standard development window is 90 days.


Ability to include Narrative Text
* This option is currently available. If you have needs for Narrative Text, please contact your Customer Support Representative and they can discuss the options available for your survey.


Flash Tutorial
* Both Collect and Connect have help documents already available. We welcome feedback on those documents and what can be done to improve them. In what areas would a Flash Tutorial benefit the current help documents?


Ability to not see “Add Groups” for branches, etc.
* The way Collect is currently programmed, repeating groups are necessary when dealing with Outlets, etc (even though there is only one outlet). We can work with each individual state to pre-fill N/A so the user won’t have to populate unnecessary groups.


Eliminate or improve PDF report
* The PDF is not a mandatory report. Users can choose to print via the Web Report. We would like additional information from Collect Users on why the PDF report is not useful. How can we improve the PDF report?