Library computer conversion ‘ going well’ in spite of glitch

Garland County Library Director John Wells said although the library’s conversion to a cloud computing network is “going well,” a glitch shut down some of the library’s online offerings including its database and card catalogue for about two weeks.

“We stubbed our toe in the sense that remote access to the card catalogue and some of our databases were temporarily screwed up. We’re pretty sure we got most of that fixed,” Wells said.

He said the malfunction involved “something about IP addresses” and electronic communications between computer systems. IP, or Internet Protocol, addresses identify individual computers using the Internet.

“We were dealing with our computer company, the Arkansas Department of Information Services, Resort TV Cable and a computer company out of Utah trying to figure this out where it would all make sense,” Wells said. “We’re closing in on it. We have the card catalogue back up and things are getting better.”

He said such problems routinely occur “when you’re making a change.”

“The toe- stubbing was losing that database, losing the card catalogue. People use that a great deal,” he said. “In- house we could use it, but outside the building we were down.”

He said library patrons were still able to download e- books and audio books while the card catalogue and databases were inoperable.

Wells said the library’s staff is undergoing indepth training to use the cloud system expected to go online on June 7. He said the training is “a time eater” and is keeping library staff from being involved in “all the cool stuff we usually get to do.”

Wells said the library will be closed three days when the switch is made to the new computer system. He said the dates the library will be closed will be announced soon.

Wells said the installation of the $ 150,000 cloud computer system by Sirsidynix, of Lehi, Utah, will eliminate on- site servers and greatly increase the speed and bandwidth of the library’s computer operations. The system will be managed at several secure sites in the United States and Canada.

Wells said the cloud computing system includes an expansive off- site information back- up network.

The new system will also enable library personnel to send emails and smartphone notices to patrons when books and other information they’ve requested are available. Formerly, library staff have relied on standard mail and telephones to contact patrons.

The upgraded computer system will contain a T1 phone and cable line, a special copper or fiberoptic telephone line that can carry more data than traditional telephone lines.

Wells said the benefits to library patrons will include faster computers and quicker information access. He said some patrons have complained about the library’s “slow” computer system.