SWAN libraries-
Today we presented at the Quarterly meeting for library directors and administrators our recommendation to move forward with Aspen Library Discovery App (LiDA). The SWAN Board met afterwards and approved that recommendation with ByWater Solutions, the company supporting the LiDA app.
We experienced some technical difficulties with the live Zoom stream this morning, so we will be work on that presentation tomorrow that will be shared as a recording for everyone that was not able to attend in person. There will be other SWAN hosted events about Aspen LiDA where you can seek clarification on the app and our roll-out plan.
Here is a basic timeline for the Aspen LiDA roll-out.
* December 7th Apple & Google App store submission
* App appears in app stores as soon as mid-December
* Soft-launch: Libraries notified app is available to begin downloading and testing as soon as mid-December
* Webinars for library staff December/January
* Full launch: recommended go live/public announcement date in January 2024
Please make sure you stay tuned for SWANcom announcements about the status of the Aspen LiDA app!
Thank you all that attended the meeting at Oak Brook Public Library.
Regards,
Aaron
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hello SWAN member libraries & staff-
Here is an important outline for how SWAN is proceeding with a replacement mobile app.
Quarterly meeting 12/7/23 at Oak Brook Public Library & Zoom
This is a reminder that the SWAN Quarterly meeting will take place tomorrow at Oak Brook Public Library. The event will be live streamed via Zoom. The agenda, packet, and Zoom link can be found on the URL below.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/meeting/92384
Library directors and staff can ask questions during the presentation at the meeting or in the Zoom chat.
SWAN Board Special Meeting 12/7/23 at Oak Brook Public Library
At the conclusion of the Quarterly membership meeting, there will be a SWAN Board special meeting that will be held at Oak Brook Public Library.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/23_12_07/9451…
Memo to SWAN Board recommending Aspen Library Discovery App
I have posted a memo for the SWAN Board to take action on a recommendation to move forward with an agreement for the Aspen Library Discovery App, otherwise known as LiDA, with ByWater Solutions. You can read the recommendation and background details on what has occurred to-date since our library mobile app stopped functioning on Sunday, November 26th.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/23_12_07/9451…
I think you can appreciate it has been a very hectic 10 days at SWAN, but I am excited to bring forward a recommendation for you.
Regards,
Aaron
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hello SWAN library directors & administrators,
We have our Quarterly membership meeting next week at Oak Brook Public Library, Thursday, December 7th at 10:00 a.m. We will lead off with an overview of what occurred to the SWAN Library App. We were taken completely by surprise by this development with BLUEcloud Mobile. This has not only impacted your libraries directly, but many other libraries across the world.
The good news is we are working quickly on a replacement mobile application for all SWAN libraries. This replacement and the details are still being worked out, but I am confident we will be able to present it at the meeting for you on Thursday. I am unable to share details for you yet in the meeting packet, but we will show you the new app, its features, implementation timeline, and cost at the meeting.
We will also provide an overview of a membership satisfaction survey the SWAN Board has been working on since the past Quarterly meeting. There is a memo in the meeting packet that gives the background and rationale for the survey.
The agenda and packet for next week's meeting at Oak Brook Public Library is available from the link below. The meeting will be streamed via Zoom which is provided on the agenda. I am sure there will be many library staff that will want to join the Zoom meeting. I encourage library directors to be at the meeting in person if possible.
Meeting information below:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/meeting/92384
I look forward to seeing you Thursday!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
To all member libraries:
SirsiDynix and Solus, the vendor that provided support and development for BLUEcloud Mobile, have been unable to come to an agreement that would continue functionality of the current BLUEcloud Mobile app. The current BLUEcloud Mobile app is *not expected to be restored.*
SWAN has been in the process of researching and preparing for a pilot of a new app. Unfortunately, this development with BLUEcloud Mobile means we need to move to a new app much sooner, and the transition will not be as smooth as we would have liked.
We're in discussions with SirsiDynix and other vendors to find the best path forward for our patron-facing mobile app. That said, we anticipate an app will not be available for several weeks and the new app may require patrons to download a new app.
SWAN template for member library messaging to patrons
The vendors that work with SWAN to develop and support the SWAN Libraries App have unexpectedly disabled the app. We're working to get a new app up and running in the new year, but in the meantime, you can use the library catalog on your phone and still access your account and library card for self-checks.
We have outlined some tips for using the catalog on your phone or tablet here, which you can feel free to adapt for your library communications:
https://swanlibraries.net/blog/2023/11/28/using-the-catalog-on-your-phone-o…
We have updated the Known Issues on the SWAN Support site and have news post as well. The Aspen Discovery catalog has been updated with a banner to help library patrons adjust to using Aspen.
The situation is evolving, and we will continue to provide updates.
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Good afternoon member libraries,
SirsiDynix continues to work to resolve the BLUEcloud Mobile outage. In the meantime, we encourage you and your patrons to use the mobile web version of the Aspen catalog where patrons can access their account, place holds, and access their library card to use at self checks.
We will continue to update this known issue on our support site as we have more information:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/issue/94507
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
SWAN Member Library Staff:
Please be aware that one of our nightly indexing reports is running longer than anticipated. Other morning reports are delayed as a result.
While the system catches up, please refrain from scheduling any non-critical reports.
Please see the SWAN Support Site<https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2023-11/94503> for updates.
Thanks!
Michael Szarmach
Systems Administrator, Information Technology & Systems Support
michael(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:michael@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-8929
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>