Notes from HIP Customization Meeting - 10/7/2004 West Warwick Public Library.

Peter began the meeting outlining that this session would detail what changes are possible with HIP using the Administrative Tools.  He explained there is a great gap or differences between these type of changes & the more detailed XML customizations.  

Possible Admin Customizations are:

1. Images or Icon from individual libraries may be substituted where the HIP Logo appears.  The size of the file can not be too large.
Exact size will be determined.

2. Most text can be changed as it appears on the screens.  Each individual library location may choose what they would prefer. Examples can be viewed on the Welcome Screen, many libraries have changed this message.  Buttons that give an user a choice like to place a request can be edited or changed but the size of the box will limit the text.

3. Elimination of booksellers links is possible.

4. Customizing the Location Holdings to be displayed can range from just your library's holdings to the order of all locations holdings.  Peter will look into if a library & their branches can be included as one location group.

5. Customization of colors for the background can be made.   Searching Netscape's 216 colors was recommended to determine the choices available within Windows.

Into the Future:

It now is possible to enable Self-Registration for borrowers.  This can be customized by each location however the shared database necessitates that all members would be in agreement for this option. The demo of the Self Registration led to many questions & opinions.

What fields display on the Bibliographic Record must be a Network decision but customization is possible.

A new software version of HIP 4.0 is scheduled though no release date has been set by Dynix.  We are planning to wait until it has been tested by others sites.  The information we have received is that "uportal" technology or "content" delivery is the basic structural design.  An additional plus is now Dynix is telling it's customers that if XML custom programming changes have been incorporated these will be transferred with each Release without starting from the beginning, again.
There also is a possibility of hiring & paying Dynix to do some of these XML changes.  Peter estimates that the cost for a system our size would be minimally $20,000+ depending upon the level of customization.  Some of the other Horizon consortiums have done this or have added additional staff to support this level of customization.

At the close of the meeting it was suggested that if libraries were interested in changes to please forward a detailed list in email to Cindy at cstamour@provlib.org.  Peter & I will work through them as we are able.

Submitted By
Cindy St Amour
10/8/04