Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

10-5-2023

Abstract or Description

Like many libraries, the Georgia Southern University Libraries (GS Libraries) rely on tools to support library services which are run on in-house servers. The servers are run by main campus Information Technology Services (ITS), and ITS is not familiar with how each piece of software is used and how it is supposed to work. ITS monitors the basic high level server architecture but does not work with the actual applications installed on these servers.

Tools like EZProxy and ILLiad are mission critical and are run in-house. Over the past year, the GS Libraries have formalized an upgrade process for the ILLiad server. Having a more formal process helps the libraries to "own" it and work more closely with ITS to seamlessly and efficiently keep these tools running. This session will cover the process of planning and systematizing a software upgrade to a server.

All upgrades will follow a basic path: make a backup, do the upgrade, do testing, solve any problems, then accept the upgrade and discard the backup. This presentation covers ways to demystify the process. For example, onboarding materials for training new employees on software are a fantastic source for task lists and checklists for testing software. Having a good upgrade process ensures that the libraries can approach upgrades with confidence and certainty of a good outcome.

Our take is unique in that we are covering server upgrade best practices for software from a vendor where the libraries need a simple easy-to-manage process. Most presentations in this area focus on large systems with custom development or even fully programmed within a library and represent a higher level of involvement and time commitment. We are focusing on support for “shelf ready” tools which are mission critical and require support but where a simpler process is a best fit.

Additional Information

Georgia Southern University faculty members, Wilhelmina Randtke and Melissa Jackson co-presented Software Maintenance: Planning a server upgrade - a library perspective in the Georgia Libraries Conference, October 2023.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

Georgia Libraries Conference

Location

Athen, Georgia

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