So what does "AG" mean anyway?

I thought I'd provide an update on the work that the initial group of libraries are currently working on.  They are actively working together to develop their system configuration, rules and mapping. Much of this work is being based on the outcomes of the consultation that has been occurring across the network, while some of the minutiae is based on local library needs.

Because of the time constraints that exist there have been a few times when decisions have had to be made relatively quickly. One of the decisions was to review all of the shorthand codes that have been used for ages within the SA public library network.  And of course the use of the code "AG" for large print books came up, along with "CA" for teen materials. The Transitional User Group had to make a decision on Tuesday as to what codes would be used, so that the libraries configuring their systems could move forward.  

I am not sure that you will be surprised, and many will be greatly relieved that there was unanimous agreement to adopt LP for large print materials and T for teen materials.  While these codes will appear in the staff part of Symphony the customers will see the terms Large Print and Teen. There will be no need to actively change existing labelling unless people wish to do so, however we will be working with suppliers to ensure that catalogue records of the future reflect these changes. (It should be noted that every Large Print book has this in print at the top of the spine of these items. So removing the AG stickers could suffice in making the transition to the new if people wanted to do this.)

These are only small changes, but I see them as indicative of the opportunities that this project has provided for the network to undertake reforms of long outdated or idiosyncratic ways of operating that have grown up over time.

I would like to pay a particular tribute to Kathy Haese of the City of Onkaparinga Libraries who has been driving the configuration and set up of the system.  Kathy works part time at Onkaparinga, but has come on board in what are her usual days off to work with PLS to drive this part of the project.  She has been exceptional in both the intellectual capacity and rigour she has brought to the project, and has been outstanding in her dedication to getting things right and done on time. (Phone calls to me on a Saturday afternoon & emails late at night to clarify things are indicative of the effort she has put in on behalf of everyone in the network.)

Kathy has been working on an ad hoc basis to fill a position within the project team that it has taken us some time to fill.  However we are just winding up that process & I will inform you of the outcome in the next day or so.