Policy & Procedure for Libraries considering Library Management Products
Policy & Procedure for Libraries considering products that need an interface with PINES (i.e. Library Management Products)
The PINES staff has been asked to make the PINES database available to outside vendors via library management products. The PINES staff should be consulted during all negotiations with vendors to ensure that their product(s) are compatible with the PINES Database.
Scenario 1: If they are able to create 1 custom SIP 2 interface, all vendors must be able to use this interface. This may limit the functionality available with a vendor.
Scenario 2: If more than one custom SIP2 interface must be created in order for Library Management products to work, the cost of developing and supporting the interface will fall to the library purchasing the product.
PINES is currently in compliance with the latest SIP standard published by 3M. When contracting out for SIP-specific technology, it is responsibility of the 3rd party vendor to build the crosswalks necessary for compatibility with Evergreen, as it is the responsibility of the vendor when providing compatible technology for any ILS. Source code for Evergreen and the SIP Server are available for the vendor to use for development or reference purposes.
In order to collaborate with the PINES libraries in contracting for 3rd party technology, PINES will provide a test environment within which the library and/or the vendor may develop and test the crosswalks necessary in order to insure compatibility with Evergreen. Contact the PINES Helpdesk for access. If it is determined that existing SIP2 interfaces do not work with a vendor’s product, the PINES Helpdesk will put them in contact with appropriate contact.
Submit the following information to the PINES HelpDesk 30 days prior to making a purchase decision for evaluation of functionality and support by PINES.
- What need are you trying to fulfill? (PC reservation, Internet Access, print management, etc.)
- What products have you evaluated and why have you chosen this particular product for your situation?
Some things to keep in mind when selecting a product:
- Software upgrades frequently break these SIP connections. Libraries may want to consider using a product that does not depend on the PINES server.
- During PINES system upgrades or downtimes, Evergreen functionality will be the priority. Maintenance to SIP connection(s) will be prioritized accordingly after Evergreen is stabilized.
PINES policy approved September 2002. Updated April 2010.