Re: Library Elf

[Elizabeth Thomsen <et at noblenet dot org>]

There are lots of non-Dynix systems listed, though, including ours, and 
in our limited testing, it's working just fine with our data.

Fifarek, Aimee wrote:
> I found this in the FAQ.   Looks like it's Dynix only at this point:
>
> Can I add my library? [ Top ] 
> If your library is a Dynix library system (excluding Java-based Dynix
> WebPAC), send the name of the library and its URL to request @
> libraryelf.com. (For an example of a Dynix-based library, see Upper Hutt
> City Library.) If all goes well, the library will be added within a day or
> two and appear here. 
>
> Other library systems are still in beta because some features may not have
> been verified. 
>
> Why are some libraries designated as beta? [ Top ] 
> These libraries are designated beta because the communication protocol
> between these libraries and Elf requires more monitoring. 
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Norman, Melora [mailto:Melora dot Norman at maine dot gov]
> Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 7:34 AM
> To: IUG INNOPAC List
> Subject: RE: Library Elf
>
>
> Their motives are of interest because how they may or may not use people's
> personally identifiable information may or may not be considered invasive or
> exploitive.  Here is their privacy policy, which is worth looking at:
>
> http://www.libraryelf.com/Privacy.aspx
>
>
> Melora Ranney Norman, outreach coordinator
> Maine State Library
> LMA Cultural Bldg., SHS 64
> Augusta, ME 04333
> melora dot norman at maine dot gov
> (207) 287-5653
> www.maine.gov/msl/outreach
> You CAN get there from here . . . @your library
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: innopac-bounces at innopacusers dot org
> [mailto:innopac-bounces at innopacusers dot org] On Behalf Of Bridge, Frank
> Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2005 10:11 AM
> To: innopac at innopacusers dot org
> Subject: Library Elf
>
> Library Elf--regardless of the motives of the Web site in question: 
>
> 1.  There is little we can do with regard to stopping customer use of
> this site, and it does provide a desirable customer service.  
>
> 2.  A customer is taking a risk when providing all library-related
> personal information and PIN to a third party; that risk and its
> consequences fall squarely on the customer.
>
> 3.  I therefore recommend a disclaimer in one's Web OPAC and in the
> Library's policy manual that encompasses the concepts embodied Items 1
> and 2 immediately above.  
>
> In an analogous example, would you find it wise to provide to a third
> party--for whatever value-added service they might provide--the names,
> account numbers, and PINS to your bank and/or credit card accounts?
> You'd be in a difficult position to blame your financial institutions
> for any misuse of that data (or theft of your money), when you provided
> to a third party such open access to your accounts.  
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 20:42:10 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Elizabeth Thomsen <et at noblenet dot org>
> Subject: Library Elf
> To: innopac at innopacusers dot org
> Message-ID:
> 	<Pine dot LNX dot 4 dot 44 dot 0508242015210 dot 8682-100000 at mail dot noblenet dot org>
> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
>
> I would be interested in hearing what you think about Library Elf,
> http://www.libraryelf.com.  If you haven't seen this, it's a free
> service that helps users manage their library accounts: checked out
> items, overdues and holds.  You set up an account on this system,
> provide an e-mail address, library ID and Pin, choose your library from
> a rapidly-growing list, and make a few option choices.  Once you've done
> this, Library Elf logs into your account and sends you rather nicely
> formatted HTML-based e-mail notices.
>
> The user has much more control over notices here than they do on our
> real system.  They aren't limited to the library's notice schedule.  For
> example, we're not currently providing courtesy notices, but users can
> get them through this system.  Users also have options for overdue
> notices, including the option to have one sent every day as long as an
> item is overdue.  There are also RSS and text-message options.
>
> This service is free to users, and as for configuration on the library 
> end, there isn't any.  They say all the right things about privacy, 
> including the fact that they're in Canada and therefore not subject to
> the 
> US Patriot Act.  
>
> It seems strange to me to have users bypass our notice options and
> setting 
> up their own, and I can see possible confusion for users between what 
> they're seeing through Library Elf and directly.  But I can see why
> users 
> would want to use this-- it really works pretty nicely.  And I don't
> think 
> we have any choice.  If your library appears on this list, your users
> can 
> find and use this service even if you don't know about it.
>
> I know that some libraries are promoting this to users-- any comments?  
> Anyone run into problems with this?  Anyone attempting to monitor or
> block 
> this?  
>
> Anyone wonder what other sorts of alternative interfaces and services
> might be around or coming along from totally outside our ILS systems?


--
Elizabeth Thomsen, Member Services Manager
NOBLE: North of Boston Library Exchange
Danvers MA 01923
et at noblenet dot org