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Attendees: Suzanne Fisher, Katie Quinn, Sharon O’Brien, Denise Coblish, Rob Carle, Jo-Ann Benedetti

IPAC issues:
In general - Most of the problems with the staffpac are fixed. The IPAC continues to be a source of frustration. Library staff are tired of constantly apologizing and making excuses for it. They can’t provide training because it freezes up so frequently, and they can’t produce a users manual or documentation because it keeps changing.
Basic Search – Still does not reflect the Title, Author, Keyword, Subject search boxes without dropdown menus, with “or” in between. Do not put the words “Title” “Author” etc into boxes.
Advanced Search – When the browse function works, change to browse, not keyword.
Other locations/branches – When limiting to a specific library and the item is not owned, put (in the empty tan bar) “No copies at this location.”
IPAC training – Rob is available to come to individual libraries for further training.
Request copy vs. request item – This should be clearer to the patron now.
Add To List – No further questions about this.

Circulation prior to official publication date: Libraries are honoring publishers’ instructions about pub dates.

Summer database trials – Rachel asked that library staff look at the trial databases that are on the Intranet this summer, and provide her with brief email evaluations. Suggestions for other databases to try are welcome.

Reference issues – None.

Adult programming issues – BETH is undergoing a renovation Fall 2003-Spring 2004, so programming will be limited. They will help other libraries market their programs to BETH patrons.

Other – Suzanne will look into rescheduling the book discussion group forum for October.

Comments about existing databases: Problems continue with Learnatest, Hoovers, and Groliers. There was general consensus that Grangers is not very good, and neither is Hoovers.

Next meetings:
Thursday, September 18, 2003 at EGRN - Topic: trends and changes in reference, including budgeting and staffing.
Thursday, November 20, 2003 at GUIL – Topic: “chat class,” a demonstration of instant messaging and chat by a local teenager.