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----------------------------Original message---------------------------- -----Original Message----- From: Dan Fermon [SMTP:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, August 01, 1997 2:01 PM To: 'ARTSIG-L' Subject: The second meeting of ARTSIG (METRO) was held Tuesday July 22, 1997, 3-5 P.M. It was hosted by Kathy Reddick (Continuing Education/ Member Services Coordinator) and Kevin Hutchinson (Information Technology Manager). Seven members attended. The agenda posed questions arising from the previous ARTSIG meeting: 1) What is the status of METRO's WINDOWS interface? Is it running? How does one access it? Can we use our WINRLIN software with the full range of tech. services activities (e.g., inputting, importing, exporting, ILL)? ANSWERS: METRO's graphic interface is running and available at a rate of $15 a month per account. Earlier "DOS" interfaces will be billed at a rate of $10 a month, shortly. Floyd Sweeting (Frick) noted that even the $15 is approximately $10 less than commercial providers already used by some ARTSIG members and that the METRO interface has the additional advantage of METRO support and NYSERNET technical know-how. RLIN software will, of course, run on it, conceivably helping some of those libraries having trouble with internet connectivity. Those interested should contact METRO to set up an account. 2) What is the status of METRO's training schedule for new classes in Windows95, MS ACCESS, MS EXCEL, etc? What would be required of ARTSIG to set up these programs (i.e., is there a minimum number of members we would have to guarantee before METRO would begin?) ANSWERS: There have been discussions at METRO about advanced MS Office software training, but, as yet, there is no program. The group urged Kathy and Kevin to report to Joe Spadaro [et al.] about the importance of this for us. Dan (MoMA) cited MoMA library's new Voyager system's reliance on MS-ACCESS for convenient report generation as a justification for training MoMA library personnel. Greta Earnest (Pratt) pointed out that requests for an MSOffice program came up in the early days of ARTSIG's formation over a year ago, and yet, there has been no progress. Kathy and Kevin said they would convey the urgency of ARTSIG's request and ask that it be classed as a priority. 3) Can METRO begin exploring the possibility of shared access to databases, such as, LC DESKTOP, ART INDEX, Encyclopedia Britannica, and other products (presumably available on the web) that might be prohibitively expensive for individual libraries? How long will this take? Does METRO need to "sign up" a minimum number in order to inaugurate such a subscription? ANSWERS: Kevin said this was certainly possible and could even be done as an "Extra net" arrangement, a kind of small network within the internet that could be shared among ARTSIG member libraries. Deborah Kempe (Frick) cited a few limitations of shared arrangements. She mentioned that when the Frick was considering the RLG/METRO shared access to BHA, the requirements (developing and coordinating a consortium of at least 5 institutions; administering and managing the arrangement, etc.) were problematic enough to make the discount not as attractive as a private CD-ROM subscription. And when considering using METRO's OCLC First Search shared program, she found that the selection of databases was limited, more useful, perhaps, for a public library or general academic environment. Of course, ARTSIG could campaign for an enhanced list that would be more appropriate for art libraries. Generally, however, the idea can't be dismissed out of hand. All those present felt it offered possibilities for future programs and should be explored further. 4) What is the progress of the new RLG-NYSERNET east coast mirror site? ANSWER: Kevin said the mirror site was up and running. More recent information (culled after the meeting) reveals that this mirror site is only available through METRO. 5) If an individual ARTSIG institution needs consulting on a technological problem (e.g., local software package that doesn't work right), what is the mechanism for expediting that consulting? Does METRO provide addresses? Are there discount rates if more than one institution uses a consultant? Some useful and encouraging answers were forthcoming. METRO could perform simple, over-the-phone consultations--if time and circumstances allow. METRO could also suggest names of consultants. But Kathy suggested that someone in the group submit an "article" to the METRO newsletter soliciting recommendations and evaluations from libraries regarding consultants they have used and also inviting consultants themselves to "post" their credentials and (most importantly) their library experience. Everyone could then draw from this list. Dan Fermon agreed to write it up and work with Kathy, etc. to get it published. The next meeting of ARTSIG will be in the fall, the announcement will be forthcoming on ARTSIG-L, METRO-L and ARLIS-L. Daniel Fermon Asst. Librarian/Cataloging Museum of Modern Art Library (New York, N.Y.) [log in to unmask] (212) 708-9434