Systems Analysis for Library Management Robert M. Hayes 2002 Summary of Modules Module 0. Module 1. Module 2. Module 3. Module 4. Module 5. Module 6. Module 7. Module 8. Module 9. Module 10. Summary & Overview Conceptual Framework Supporting Software Structure of Systems Analysis Objectives & Requirements Methods for Analysis The Library Planning Model Requests for Proposal Measures of Performance Issues in Determining Costs Details of RFP Module 0. Summary & Overview Summary Contexts for Library Systems Analysis Methods for Dealing with such Tasks Supporting Software Tools System Schematics Steps in Systems Analysis Stages in Systems Analysis Approaches to Systems Analysis Summary (cont.) Definition of Objectives Determination of Requirements Functional Requirements Methods for Analysis Approaches to System Design Requests for Proposal Assessment of Effectiveness Assessment of Costs Overview A. CONCEPTS, REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION, SCOPE 1. Introduction & Overview 2. Systems Analysis Concepts 3. Scope & Requirements B. METHODS OF ANALYSIS 4. Dimensions of Analysis & Design 5. Data Structures 6. Description of Relationships among Dimensions C. METHODS OF DESIGN & EVALUATION 7. Systems Design 8. Measurement of Effectiveness 9. Measurement of Cost D. PROJECT MANAGEMENT 10. System Implement, Project Manage, Monitor 11. Software Module 1. Conceptual Framework Contexts for Library Systems Analysis Implement Library Automation Evaluate a New Library Service Determine Staffing Assignments Compare Alternative Means for Storage Adapt to Institutional Priorities Justify Budget Submittals Plan a New Library Building Develop Inter-Library Cooperation Support National Library Policies Methods for Dealing with such Tasks Experience and Intuition Politics and Negotiation Trial and Error Systems Analysis Hermeneutics Analogy Systems Analysis SYSTEMS ANALYSIS is derived from scientific and mathematical tradition. It attempts to understand a phenomenon – which it calls a system – by breaking it into successively more detailed component parts – the process of analysis – until the parts can be understood in themselves, without further stages of analysis. The great strength of systems analysis is its ability to deal with exceptionally complex phenomena and to provide means for dealing with them, especially for pragmatic purposes. The great deficiency of systems analysis is inherent in the very process of analysis: The approach to analysis predetermines the final picture of the phenomenon; the phenomenon as a whole may be destroyed; and essential inter-relationships among component parts may be lost. Of course, the methodology can in principle compensate for the deficiency by providing means to reconstruct relationships and to identify larger contexts. Hermeneutics HERMENEUTICS is derived from theological and philosophical tradition. Originally, it was a methodology for Interpretation, especially of scriptural text. It attempts to understand a phenomenon by identifying its relationships to other phenomena, ultimately encompassing the entire universe. The great strength of hermeneutics is its emphasis on inter-relationships and the resulting ability to interpret interactions and to see the effects on the whole. The great deficiency of hermeneutics is that it provides no means to delve into the structure of a phenomenon or to set boundaries on the scope of inter-relationships to be considered. Inevitably, it thus must encompass the universe. Of course, the methodology can in principle compensate for the deficiency by incorporating some methods of analysis and by setting boundaries on the scope of phenomena to be inter-related. Analogy ANALOGY is derived from mathematical and pragmatic tradition. It attempts to understand a phenomenon by identifying its similarities to other phenomena, drawing analogies from them to suggest form, structure, function, and operation. The great strength of analogy is its ability to draw upon past experience and bring it to bear on new situations without the delays that arise from other approaches to dealing with new phenomena. The great deficiency of analogy is that it fails adequately to deal with essential differences, treating similarities as though they reflected identity. As a result, it can lead to serious mis-understanding and disastrous results. Of course, the methodology can in principle compensate for the deficiency by assuring that essential differences are recognized and even emphasized in developing understanding and, especially, in use of the understanding. Module 2. Supporting Software Supporting Software Tools Word Processing, for Reporting Spreadsheets, for Data Analysis Database Management, for Data Storage PowerPoint, for Data Presentation Computer Aided Systems Analysis, for Methods The Library Planning Model, for Evaluation Project Managers, for Planning & Control Computer Aided Analysis Methods Flow charting Data Flow Diagrams State Transition Diagrams Structure Charts Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) Data Dictionaries The Library Planning Model Represent Workloads in User Services Represent Workloads in Technical Processing Estimate Staff Requirements for Workloads Account for Overhead, G&A, and Expenses Determine Requirements for Facilities Allocate to Means for Storage and/or Access Apply various Models of Library Operations Optimize Means for Inter-Library Cooperation Evaluate Future for Information Distribution Assess National Information Development Project Management Establish Work Breakdown Structure Determine Task Inter-Relationships Schedule Sequence of Tasks Assign Resources Identify Schedule Conflicts Module 3. Structure of Systems Analysis Information System Schematic Input Communicate Storage Process Feedback Objectives Communicate Output Hierarchy of Systems National Policies Cooperation Context(s) Information Technologies Political Context(s) Information Sources User Context(s) Information Facilities Administrative Context(s) The Library as System of Focus Sub-System 1 Sub-System 3 Sub-System 2 Sub-System 4 Steps in Systems Analysis Define the problem, its scope and focus Determine the needs Analyze the data, operations, components Synthesize alternative systems Evaluate and make decisions Iterate these steps until satisfied Implement the selected system Monitor its operation Stages in Systems Analysis (1) Analyze Feasibility (2) Specify Requirements (3) Detailed Design (4) Develop Software (5) Develop Procedures (6) Functional Test (7) Implement and Install (8) Monitor & Maintain (1) Analyze Feasibility Estimate development costs Check reasonableness of estimates Prepare summary budget plan Estimate current and future costs Prepare cost/effectiveness evaluation (2) Specify Requirements Determine detailed requirements Analyze contexts Determine hardware & software needs Compare alternative systems Prepare performance specs Assure concurrence of policy makers (3) Detailed Design Determine specific equipment Determine details of activity Determine details of response times Determine details of operating environment (4) Develop Software (5) Develop Procedures (6) Functional Test Produce software specifications Review and evaluate available software Analyze make-or-buy Develop Procedures Functional Test (7) Install & Implement (8) Monitor & Maintain Install Hardware Install Software Prepare Documentation Train Staff Convert Data Files Convert Operations Orient Users Monitor Operations Maintain Hardware, Software, Procedures Module 4. Objectives & Requirements Definition of Objectives MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Strategic and Contextual Objectives Tactical Objectives Operational Objectives TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES Functional Requirements Performance Requirements Cost & Budget Requirements POLITICAL OBJECTIVES Administrative Responsibilities Professional Concerns Capital Commitments Personal Perspectives & Goals Determination of Requirements Performance Expectations Boundary Conditions Functional Requirements Political Factors Performance Expectations Level of Performance Resource Implications High Performance Resource Exploitation Frugal Resource Creation Subsistence Resource Preservation Boundary Conditions Issue Boundary Conditions Funding Available Resources Staffing Maintain, Reduce, Reallocate? Equipment A Means or an Objective? Alternatives Prescribed or Proscribed? Functional Requirements Context Requirement Operating Procedure Formalize Reporting Identify Formats ad hoc Procedures Establish Means ad hoc Requirement Isolated Event? Political Factors Context Political Issue Capital Commitments Reluctant to Change Administrative Responsibilities Protect Authority Professional Perspectives Maintain Commitments Personal Objectives Hidden Agendas Contexts for Determining Requirements Past Experience Present Operations Future Operations Sources for Data on Past Operations Specifics Examples and components Internal, Informal Memos, ad hoc reports,personal databases Internal, Formal Reports, database files, procedures manuals, documentation, organization charts External, Formal Publications, national databases External, Informal Exchanges with colleagues Present Operations Specifics Examples and components Walk-Throughs Observe forms and documents, procedures, individual persons Statistics Transactions, files, reports Survey Instruments Questionnaires, Interviews, Surveys Use Logs Monitoring online operations, recording transactions Close observation, Experiments Time & Motion Study Future Operations Specifics Examples and components Critical Incident Technique Specific need, antecedent context, means used, outcome Delphi Technique Discussion, Questionnaires, Statistics, commentary, Iteration Scenarios Teams: Identify Needs,Postulate System, Describe Events, Assess Project Statistics Time Horizon, Alternative Bases for Projecting Module 5. Methods for Analysis Alternative Approaches Evolution from Current Operations Maintains consistency in operations Builds upon data from actual experience Tends to perpetuate existing assumptions and deficiencies Determination of Objectives in terms of User Needs Aims to avoid pre-existing assumptions Builds upon studies of users and their needs Is difficult to identify what are “real” objectives Revolution to a Brave New World Looks to an ideal system Builds upon models and hypothetical data Tends to create its own assumptions and deficiencies Alternative Approaches There are two dramatically different approaches to determination of the requirements for an information system and, as a consequence, to the entire concept of system analysis: the evolutionary approach and the revolutionary one. The former starts from the existing operation, determines what it does and how it does it, then uses the resulting picture as the basis for identifying requirements, extrapolating from current needs, usually as represented by workloads. The latter tries to create a more conceptual picture of an ideal or total set of requirements, determined not by examination of any current operation or the needs it serves but by an examination of users themselves, focusing on the functions they perform and determining requirements from them. Between them lies an approach that mixes the two extremes, by starting from the Evolutionary approach but placing special emphasis on needs of users. The Evolutionary Approach Underlying the evolutionary approach are several rationales. First, whatever the new system may be, there must be a process of transition from the existing system; therefore, at least the implementation stage of the systems analysis process must be designed around that necessity. Second, the existing system presumably reflects a pragmatically determined set of requirements, with which users are familiar and with which they expect to be served; determination of requirements must, at some stage, recognize and deal with those expectations. Third, like it or not, the existing system is the only source for real data about actual experience in meeting requirements; those data are crucial if any new design is to have a basis in facts rather than mere conjectures or speculations. Finally, users are difficult to examine, remarkably variable in their behaviors, so any attempt to investigate their "true needs" is fraught with difficulty and likely to be idiosyncratic; in contrast, an existing operation is comparatively easy to examine, and the results are likely to be much more robust. The Revolutionary Approach Underlying the revolutionary approach are two fundamental rationales. One rationale is the perception that any existing system pre-determines what needs it will serve by the very nature of what it provides; therefore, if there is to be any possibility of recognizing unmet needs, one cannot start by accepting the existing set. The second rationale is embodied in the "total systems concept" which argues that a new system should be conceived and implemented as an integrated whole rather than as a set of relatively isolated sub-systems; only by looking at requirements external to the means for implementation can such integration be achieved. In a very real sense, the second reflects the addition of a hermeneutic element to the process of systems analysis. My Choice of Approach These are not necessarily exclusive alternatives. In fact, in each approach there will be elements of analysis that are best handled by the other. But each systems analyst does adopt one or the other as the basis for working, and I must record that in my own case it is the evolutionary approach combined with emphasis on needs of users. Among my reasons for choosing the evolutionary approach is my experience with the importance of political factors in the entire process. The facts are that information systems, the way in which they are implemented and operate, affect people – the people that work in them, the people they serve, the people that provide the resources needed. Those political factors need to be understood and, like it or not, are largely determined by the current situation and the reasons for wanting changes from it. In fact, my experience as a consultant universally has been that the need for analysis arises not from the technical decisions, though they may be seen as providing the answers, but from the political ones. Therefore, as we later examine the determination of scope and of requirements, I will place some emphasis on the political factors. Approach Adopted in this Course The approach adopted and presented in this course emphasizes Evolutionary development from current operations. It does so for several reasons: The most reliable data are from current and past operations. Whatever the ultimate system may turn out to be, there will need to be transition to it from current operations, and the evolutionary approach, makes that transition most effectively. Other approaches create their own assumptions and deficiencies which will produce their own problems. Turning first to the Conceptual Approach: The Role of Methods The following discussion will present a set of methods to support the process of systems analysis, design, and evaluation. They also assist in communication among the members of the systems team and with others, outside the team, such as management. It is important to note that these are tools, so they should be used as tools and not as not straight-jackets. Dimensions of Analysis Underlying all of the methods are four dimensions: Data • Entities & Relationships • Records & Fields Functions • Processes • Decisions Components • People • Equipment Time • Sequence • Events The Role of Structure In each dimension (Data, Function, Component, and Time), there are structures that provide the basis for defining entities within the dimension and relating the entities within that dimension to each other. The first task in analysis is to identify those structures. Among the dimensions, there are relationships among entities from two or more of them. The second task in analysis is to identify inter-dimensional relationships. The Types of Methods The methods are means for describing either the structures within each dimension or relationships among dimensions. Some of the methods are graphical, presenting the description in the form of charts. Some of them are algorithmic, providing the basis for creating programs. The Foundation for Methods Underlying the methods, whether graphical or algorithmic, is a database, the entries in which are: a characterization of an entity in one of the dimensions a relationship among entities within a dimension A relationship among entities across dimensions The entries for a relationship across dimensions take the following form: Data Entity Function Component Time Parameters Entity Entity Entity Maintenance of this data base is a central task in conduct of a systems analysis project. Let’s first look at the Data Dimension, since it is the foundation for everything: APPROACHES TO DEVELOPMENT OF DATA STRUCTURES (1) In discussing approaches for methodologies of analysis, I identified two contrasting approaches to the process: the conceptual approach, focused on the ideal requirements, and the pragmatic approach, starting from the current operation. As I have indicated, one must in fact encompass both approaches within one's own procedures, so the issue is not which of them one uses but with which one starts. I have found the pragmatic approach to be the most effective starting point for me, but it does have the disadvantage that it is conservative and biased toward definitions of requirements that reflect the current operation rather than an ideal one. APPROACHES TO DEVELOPMENT OF DATA STRUCTURES (2) These two approaches can be exemplified by the analysis of data structures. The conceptual approach starts with the identification of "entities", representing external objects relevant to the system (such as persons, places, things, organizations, activities, etc.), moves to the characterization of them by data elements, and in successive stages analyzes those data elements into increasing depths of detail; the final result is the identification of "values" that can appear in the data elements at the lowest level of detail. In later stages of analysis and, later, of design, the entities and their data elements become the potential bases for file structures and then may become related to each other, using specific data elements (serving as identifiers) as the means for establishing the relationships. APPROACHES TO DEVELOPMENT OF DATA STRUCTURES (3) In contrast, the pragmatic approach starts with existing records, forms, files, reports, and related data structures. The data elements that make up the "formats" of those data structures serve then as means for identifying the entities and their component data elements to be encompassed by the system. The initial relationships among entities are evidently those embodied in the existing files, records, forms, reports, etc. Of course, that initial definition of relationships does not preclude one from establishing others or from restructuring the initial ones, but it does tend to bias one's thinking along the lines of current operations. Data Structures Data Dictionary Meaning of Data Element Composition of Complex Data Element Acceptable Values for Data Element Alternative Values for Data Element Entity and related Properties Key Field Other Required Fields Optional Fields Iteration of Fields (zero or more) Objects: Types and Sub-Types of Entities Shared Properties Distinct Properties A data dictionary is a centralized depository of data about data as a means for dealing with databases systems of increasing size and complexity. Such systems can have dozens of programs, hundreds of thousands of lines of code, hundreds of data field names in dozens of types of records, many relations and reports, dozens of professional programmers maintaining the system, and hundreds of users. A data dictionary is a necessity to maintain control, to assure uniformity in development, to communicate with users. Historically, this functional need was represented by forms control. Each form, record, and report would be identified and given a form control number. A forms control record would show the fields incorporated in it, identify who was responsible for generating it and transmitting it. The resulting file was a the counterpart of the modern data dictionary. Maintenance of a data dictionary requires the following elements: Means for defining entries Means for adding, modifying, and deleting entries Means for validating entries Means for inter-relating entries Data Structures – Examples Data element: Name Alternatives: Corporate, Individual Structure: (Name), ((Title), First, (Middle), Last), Value: (Alpha-Numeric), (Alphabetic) Data element: Customer ID Value: (Numeric) Data Element: Address Structure: (Street, City, State, Mail Code, Country) Alternatives: (Home Address), (Business Address) Data Element: Customer Record Key Field: Customer ID Required Fields: Name, Address Optional Fields: Alternative Address(es) Relationships A Relationship is an operational connection among two or more Objects For example, a Purchase is a Relationship among the following Objects: Customer ( there may be one or more) Item Purchased (there may be one or more) Sales Representative Order form A Form (such as an Order Form) embodies a Relationship and contains Fields identifying the Objects (as shown above) Normalization in Relational Databases Problems can arise with multiple occurrences of a given Object in a Relationship: There can be redundancy, with values appearing multiple time can consuming storage space. There can be inconsistencies because of errors in entry of multiple values. To avoid those problems, a Relational Database defines canonical forms for each Entity and Object which have the following properties: There is no redundancy, so a given field and its value for a given record (except for IDs) appears only once in the file. All references to an entity are by means solely of its ID field. Illustration of Normalization (1) Let's illustrate the process of normalization by considering the following entity types as related to an Order Form. First, an order form typically includes of a "header" containing information about the supplier (name, address, perhaps discount rate, etc.) and about the overall order (date, "deliver to", "bill to", order number, etc.). Second, an order usually consists of a series of "line items", each relating to a particular thing being ordered (quantity, name, identifier, unit price, applied discount, extended amount). Just from the structure of the order form itself, we can establish two entities: the order (represented by the header) and the line item (represented by each of the line items in the order form). But beyond them, there are at least two other entities implicitly represented: the supplier and the purchased thing (for a book, for example, that would be a title). We must now determine, for each of these entities, the minimally necessary data elements for identification and description: Header: Header ID#, Date, Supplier ID#, ... Line Item: Header ID#, Line Item ID#, Thing ID#, Quantity, ... Supplier: Supplier ID#, Name, Address, Discount, ... Thing: Thing ID#, Name, Price, ... Illustration of Normalization (2) In each case, there may be additional data, not included in the entity record but calculated from a combination of data from the several entities (such as the extended amount for each line item and the total of them for the header). Furthermore, the ellipses ("...") reflect the fact that there may be essential data elements not evident a priori but that will arise from the operational needs; there may be data elements needed for error control even though redundant (such as a count of the number of line items and an entry for the total of the extended amounts, both included within the header). It is important to note that the record for each entity type (and therefore for each entity within it) contains an ID#. This is a unique identifier, used to relate entity types with other entity types, as is illustrated in the line item entity record (in which Header ID# and Thing ID# provide the links to those entity records). In the case of the entity type called "Thing" above, the data elements necessary for description are likely to be far more extensive than the simple example shown. In the case of books, in fact, necessary data elements are represented by the MARC format, with recognition that some (such as publisher fields and sub-fields) may be replaced by links to other entities (the Publisher entity type, for example). Warnier-Orr Diagrams The Warnier-Orr technique uses graphical displays that combine brackets, circular arrows, vertical arrows, numbers (N), and plus signs (+) to portray activities or data elements and the relationships among them. The Warnier-Orr technique as applied to description of data elements starts with the system outputs, including reports, forms, and files, perhaps using means similar to the Worksheets 2 & 3 (to be presented later). Each of them is decomposed into data elements. Hierarchies are identified (for example, as involved in sub-fields of a MARC record) and schematically shown by brackets that enclose data elements supporting or involved in the label to the left of the bracket. Options for data elements, sequences of them, or repetition of them are then shown by the appropriate symbol. The following slides have been copied from http://www.kenorrinst.com/wo1.htm Hierarchy Hierarchy for Data Structure Hierarchy for Processing Structure Hierarchy is equivalent to “Consists of” or “Is composed of” Sequence Sequence example Repetition Repetition example (1) Repetition example (2) Repetition example (3) Alternation shown by Alternation Example Concurrency example Recursion (i.e., Repetition) Let’s now turn to the Functional Dimension: The Functional Dimension Data Input and Output Processes Data Storage and Retrieval Processes Computational Processes Decision Processes Communication Processes Dataflow Diagrams Process Flow Diagrams (e.g., Flow Charts) State Transition Diagrams Program Languages Data Flow Diagrams Data flow diagrams are schematic representations of systems, using symbols to show the ways in which data flows from one entity or process to another. It does not show decisions or usage patterns or great detail. However, by use of data flow diagrams at different hierarchical levels, one can show increasing details. The following example of a data flow diagram is based on the Stages in Systems Analysis as discussed earlier. Note that just four symbols are used: Arrowed Line, to represent data flows within the system Square Box, to represent data sources,stores, or destinations Rounded Box with Headers, to represent data processes or transformations Square Box with Corner Labels, to represent entities outside the focus Actual procedures, such as those to accomplish a specific task, would be detailed in a procedure specification. Procedures will present not only data manipulation, but control, such as deciding which path to take in performing a procedure. Details that are not shown in a data flow diagram (such as amounts of activity, timing, frequency, etc.) are shown on supplementary diagrams. Project Requestors Management Stage 1 Stage 2 Feasibility Requirements Stage 3 Systems Development Data Base Detailed Design Stage 8 Stage 7 Stage 6 Stage 5 Stage 4 Monitor & Maintain Implement Install Functional Test Develop Procedures Software Design Management Project Requestors Vendors The focus is on Data Flow, not Sequence It is important to note that the focus of a Data Flow Diagram is on the paths of data flow, not on the sequence with which flow may take place. In the Data Flow Diagram of the prior slide, the several stages are not necessarily executed in the sequence implied by the stage numbers, since the data does not flow from stage to stage but instead from each stage to and from the central database, or to and from the external entities. Nothing would prevent the stages from occurring in parallel. Indeed, in some systems development projects, that is exactly what happens. Data Flow Diagram Symbol Conventions Various computer software to aid systems analysis may have slightly different conventions for the symbols they use in data flow diagrams. The following two slides are taken from two software packages, using different symbols from the ones of the prior slide. The user needs to become comfortable with whatever may the conventions in the software being used. Flow Charting Flow charting is a tool used to show the sequence of steps in a computer program, a procedure, or a process. There are typical conventions for the use of symbols in a flow chart, as illustrated in the following slide. But, as with other examples of schematics, the various computer software packages will differ in the conventions they use. Again, the user needs to become comfortable with whatever may the conventions in the software being used. Co re C om m e nt C on ne cto r O ff-pa g e Co n ne ctor D isp la y O utp ut D ocu m en t O fflin e S to ra ge G e n eric P roce ss Term in a l Pro cess (be gin, e nd ) On line Stora g e De cision Pro cess De cisio n P roce ss Dis ke tte M a nu al O p e ratio n In pu t-O utp ut Pro cess M a gn etic Tap e M an ua l Inp u t P re p ara tio n Pro ce ss M a gn e tic Dru m Pred e fine d P roce ss Inte rna l Su b -ro u tine Pu n che d C ard Ca rd D eck Extract Pro cess C olla te Pro cess Pu n che d Ta p e M erg e P roce ss So rt P ro ce ss Flowcharting of Systems Analysis Stages The following flow chart is again based on the stages identified for the process of Systems Analysis. But this time the focus is on the sequence with which the stages take place. The flow chart is structured into several levels of detail. First, there is an overview. Second, for each process in the overview, there is a chart with greater detail. Systems Analysis Flow Chart – Overview Details of Preliminary Stage Details of Stage 1 Details of Stage 2 Details of Stage 3 Details of Stage 4 Details of Stages 5 & 6 Details of Stages 7 & 8 State Transition Diagrams State transition diagrams are probably the most esoteric of the means for picturing operations in a system, since they are based on the most theoretical concepts of what are called “finite state machines.” They focus on very specific components of the system – entities, such as machines but also parts of the symbolic structure of the system. The entity is pictured as receiving events from the outside world, and each event potentially as causing a transition of the entity from one state to another. State models require identifying each of the possible state of an entity. Thus, they are ideal for describing the behavior of a single entity but they are not useful for describing behavior that involves several entities. Now, let’s turn to the Components Dimension: Component Dimension Personnel Components Equipment Components Organization Charts Operational Relationships Charts Administrative Hierarchy – Centralized Library Management M anagement Support Systems Budget & Accounting Hardware Personnel Server Development External Facilities Terminals Training Software Cataloging Circulation Acquisitions Library Operations Central Library Branch Libraries Technical Services Reader Services Selection Reference Acquisition Circulation Receiving ILL Humanities Social Sciences Physical Science Biological Science School of Law Cataloging School of M edicine Conservation School of Engineering Administrative Hierarchy – De-Centralized University Administration Central Automated Bibliographic System Humanities Faculty Physical Sciences Faculty Engineering Faculty Library Library Library Technical Services Readers Services Readers Services Technical Services Readers Services Technical Services Social Sciences Faculty Biological Sciences Faculty Law Faculty Library Library Library Readers Services Technical Services Readers Services Technical Services Readers Services Technical Services Medicine Faculty Library Readers Services Technical Services Finally, turning to the inter-relationships among Dimensions: Inter-relationships among Dimensions Data – Component Function – Component Function – Data Data – Time Component – Time Function – Time Responsibility Matrix Responsibility Matrix Application Matrix Dataflow Diagram Gantt Chart Flow Chart Component-Function Responsibility Matrix The “Component-Function” responsibility matrix provides means for supplementing the administrative hierarchy among component by description of the operational relationships among them. It provides means for identifying the workloads for each component as the relate to functions entailed in the execution of major tasks within the library. The following examples illustrate the elements in the responsibility matrix. Component-Function Responsibility Matrix Examples The following two examples (one for ILL processing and the other for Collection Development) show a sequence of functions for the respective tasks and components responsible for each. The first column identifies the sequence of processes for the function. The third column identifies, by classification code, the position of the component in the administrative hierarchy. The fifth column identifies, again by classification code, the position of the software component in the software system. The codes in the third and fifth columns can be used to sequence the matrix so as to bring together all of the functions, in whatever task, for which a given component is responsible. In this way, the responsibility matrix provides means for determining workloads on each component. Functional Relationships among Components Example of ILL-related Functions ILL Borrowing 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Personnel Component Receive Request Check OPAC Check Bibliographic Request via OCLC Select Source Establish Record Receive Material ILL Manage Circulate to User Return Material Account for Transaction Reconcile Accounts 11 11 11 11 11 14 23 14 12 12 14 1 Reference Reference Reference Reference Reference ILL Management Receiving ILL Management Circulation Circulation ILL Management Budget & Accounting Software Component 12 13 13 13 23 23 23 21 21 1 1 OPAC Module OCLC Module OCLC Module OCLC Module ILL Module ILL Module ILL Module Circulation Module Circulation Module Accounting Module Accounting Module Functional Relationships among Components Example of Collection Development Functions Collection Development Personnel Component 1 2 3 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 Collection Policy Collection Priorities Budget Allocation Recommendation Recommendation Recommentation Selection Ordering Ordering Receiving Processing Paying Paying Cataloging Shelving 0 0 1 11 30 21 21 22 22 23 23 22 22 24 12 Library Management Library Management Budget & Accounting Reference Branch Libraries Selection Selection Acquisitions Acquisitions Receiving Receiving Acquisitions Acquisitions Cataloging Circulation Software Component 1 21 21 21 21 21 1 21 12 21 1 22 12 Accounting Module Acquisitions Module Acquisitions Module Acquisitions Module Acquisitions Module Acquisitions Module Accounting Module Acquisitions Module Circulation Module Acquisitions Module Accounting Module Cataloging Module Circulation Module Gantt Chart A Gantt chart shows the sequence of a set of functions or activities (called a “work breakdown schedule”) much as does a flow chart, but in addition it shows the duration of each activity and the inter-dependencies of activities. One can therefore see when, in time, things will occur and can determine which activities may causes delays. In addition, a Gantt chart will frequently show the assignments of activities to components and the resources implies by those assignments. One can therefore see where there are too few or too many resources and where resources may need to be allocated in order to deal with potential delays by shortening the duration of an activity. Gantt Chart Illustration (1) The following three slides present an illustrative Gantt Chart which is based on the stages involved in systems development. The first slide presents the preliminary stage and then Stages 1 and 2. The second slide presents Stages 3 and 4. The third slide presents Stages 5 and, more briefly, Stages 6, 7, and 8. These slides were produced using the software package “Project Manager Pro”. Gantt Chart Illustration (2) The following three slides present much the same schedule, but this time using the software package “Time Line”. There are several reasons for presenting this package: It includes capabilities for showing PERT charts It includes capabilities for assigning resources It includes capabilities for dealing with calendars Unfortunately, it is DOS-based software rather than Windows-based. Even more unfortunately, it is no longer produced so it is not readily available. Despite those difficulties, it still works well and serves an an illustration of its capabilities. Note that I have left the schedules for tasks under Stages 3 thru 8 undefined, so we can use them as exercises. PERT Chart Capabilities The original (i.e., in 1900) Gantt chart, useful though it was, lacked several important features, including dealing with dependencies among tasks. During the 1960s, a variety of extensions of the Gantt chart were created, among them PERT (“Program Evaluation & Review Technique”), as illustrated in the following three slides. Staff Resources implied by Schedule A primary value of a Gantt chart is that it provides a basis for determining the staffing requirements per task and per time period. The following two slides present a distribution of staff over tasks during a ten month period in the implementation of a new system. They are based on an actual project in a large academic library. The tasks include those in database conversion, in training, and in technical work on the software, as well as in current operational responsibilities. MACRO-SCHEDULE: WORKLOAD DISTRIBUTIONS OF SYSTEM STAFF TO ACTIVITIES FOR AUTOMATION PROJECT Entries are Person-Days per Week Staff are A# = System Staff and L# = Librarian Staff STAFF DEC JAN FEB MAR APR ACTIVITIES A# L# D1 D2 D3 D4 J1 J2 J3 J4 F1 F2 F3 F4 M1 M2 M3 M4 A1 A2 A3 A4 DATABASE ACTIVITIES OCLC Retrocon Assess 3 3 3 3 3 3 System Convert Asssess 7 7 7 7 Transfer to new System 1 2 Transfer OCLC to new system 1 2 Transfer system to lbys 1 2 TRAINING ACTIVITIES New Software Mgt Course 5 1 New Equipment Mgt Course5 1 New System Lbn Course 2 12 54 28 54 28 54 New System Lbn course 6 TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES New system Tables 2 5 14 14 New system Language Translation 2 5 6 6 6 Non-bilio file convert 1 3 6 12 Sys Oper Procedures 2 Lby Oper Procedures 12 OTHER ACTIVITIES Current Ops Responsibility 5 12 28 25 24 18 Holidays & Vacations 5 12 72 85 85 85 85 85 34 TOTALS 5 3 3 3 7 7 24 24 24 21 21 54 21 14 14 6 6 14 6 6 6 17 13 22 7 12 85 85 85 88 85 88 85 88 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 3 3 24 21 54 21 21 54 30 6 6 14 14 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 8 17 17 3 11 17 85 85 85 55 85 MACRO-SCHEDULE: WORKLOAD DISTRIBUTIONS OF SYSTEM STAFF TO ACTIVITIES FOR AUTOMATION PROJECT Entries are Person-Days per Week Staff are A# = System Staff and L# = Librarian Staff STAFF MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP ACTIVITIES A# L# M1 M2 M3 M4 J1 J2 J3 J4 J1 J2 J3 J4 A1 A2 A3 A4 S1 S2 S3 S4 DATABASE ACTIVITIES OCLC Retrocon Assess 3 System Convert Asssess 7 Transfer to new System 1 2 Transfer OCLC to new system 1 2 Transfer system to lbys 1 2 TRAINING ACTIVITIES New Sys Mgt Course 5 1 Ne Equipment Mgt Course 5 1 New System Lbn Course 2 12 New System Lbn course 6 TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES New system Tables 2 5 New system Language Translation 2 5 Non-bilio file convert 1 3 Sys Oper Procedures 2 Lby Oper Procedures 12 OTHER ACTIVITIES Current Ops Responsibility 5 12 Holidays & Vacations 5 12 TOTALS 5 12 12 12 9 21 54 54 42 54 21 21 30 30 30 6 30 7 6 6 14 14 14 14 14 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 12 9 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 46 30 6 30 30 6 2 53 17 47 55 85 49 78 55 85 55 85 1 12 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 34 13 11 7 40 30 34 Turning now to the Pragmatic Approach: Worksheets for Data Gathering Three worksheets will be presented as means for recording data needed for the processes in systems analysis. (1) Worksheet 1 provides means for recording data about the administrative structure (2) Worksheet 2 provides means for recording data about files. They would include collections of material (each type of collection being a separate file) as well as administrative and operational data files. The relevant data include identification of the types of records that are stored in each file together with numbers of those records that are stored and are acquired. (3) Worksheet 3 provides means for recording data about records that are stored in files. The relevant data include identifying the fields that are included in the records together with the size and frequency of occurrence of each field. Worksheet 1: Administrative Description Administrative Unit Building Location Net Sq. Ft. Purpose: Special Responsibilities: Supervisor (Name & Title) Reports to (Name & Title) Related Administrative Duties: Special Administrative Duties: Community Served: Units of Work: Remarks: Personnel FTE Cler Stu Total Function Prof Date Analyst Costs Direct Burden Source Dly Workload Mnly Yrly Unit Costs Workload/Costs Page Worksheet 2: File Description File Name Storage Medium File Number File Purpose: Who Needs Access: File Location: Sequenced by: Label: How Current Retention Period Remarks Seq Date Record Name Analyst Chars/Record Avg Peak Source Records per File Avg Peak Transaction Volume Avg Peak Page Worksheet 3: Record Description Record Name Record Location Record No. Other Names Used: Related Record Numbers: How Prepared: Operations Involved In: Remarks No. Fields Name Date Analyst Chars/Field Avg Peak Source Frequency Per Rec Per File Nature of Data A/N Source Page Module 6. The Library Planning Model The Matrices for Services & Materials LPM is based on eight matrices, four of clients and services for them and four of materials and technical processes for them. In each case, the first matrix contains data for determining workloads involved; the second contains data for the extent to which workloads use specific services or processes; the third contains workload factors as means for estimating required staff and costs; the fourth contains factors for estimating the need for facilities. Populations Served Materials Acquired Estimation of Required Staffing Based on the data entered into these matrices, LPM can then estimate the staffing required to handle the associated workloads and compare it with data about the actual or planned staffing. Served Selection of Populations “Results Menu” (1) (2) Estimation of Facilities LPM includes means to estimate the facilities needed to meet the needs of users. LPM includes means to estimate the facilities needed to meet the needs for storage of materials. Since data are reported in many different ways, LPM provides means to convert from one means of measurement to another. Estimation of Facilities LPM includes means for estimating the requirements for facilities to meet the needs of users and to store collections. Representative Space Conversion Parameters Microform Drawers per Cabinet Square feet per microfilm cabinet 16 mm reels per Drawer 16mm reels per Square Foot 16mm reels per Linear Foot 35 mm reels per Drawer 35mm reels per Square Foot 35mm per Linear Foot Microfiche, Items/Drawer Microfiche, Square feet/Drawer Archives, linear feet/square foot AV & Electronic, Items per Linear Foot AV & Electronic, Items per Square Foot Bound Materials per Linear Foot Bound Materials per Square Foot 17 11 135 209 20 80 124 10 2,500 1 3 15 30 10 15 Module 7. Requests for Proposal Request for Proposal (Sections 1 through 7) Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. Section 7. Introduction and Summary Instructions to Proposers Evaluation Of Proposals General Requirements Installation & Conversion Documentation, Training, & Help Maintenance Request for Proposal (Sections 8 through 11, Appendices 1 through 3) Section 8. Benchmark & Acceptance Testing Section 9. Specifications For Required Modules Section 10. Desired Optional Modules Section 11. Specifications For Hardware Appendix 1. The Institution Appendix 2. Computing & Telecommunications Appendix 3. Requirements For External Interfaces Section 2. Instructions to Proposers Summary of Proposed Solution Status of Development & Implementation The Substantive Proposal Sub-Section Software for Essential Modules Software for Desired Modules Hardware The System Support Sub- Section The Proposer Qualifications Sub- Section The Cost & Contract Sub- Section Section 3. Evaluation Of Proposals Hardware & Software Performance Capability to Deliver Support Services Time Schedule Contractual Provisions Cost Other Criteria Evaluation Process Section 4. General Requirements System Structure Control of Access Workloads & Response Times Languages of Operation Systems Requirements System Availability & Reliability Operation of Terminals Software & Hardware Enhancement Rights to Use of Software Section 5. Installation & Conversion Installation Conversion & Migration of Data Conversion of Procedures & Operations Section 6. Documentation, Training, Help Documentation Training of Institution Staff Help Support Education of Users & Assistance to Users Section 7. Maintenance Staff Policies of the Proposer Hardware Maintenance Software Maintenance Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (1) Library System Management System Records Report Control Records Access Control Records Tables of Definition Records Acquisitions Acquisition Records Vendor Records Fund Account Records Serials Serials Subscription Records Serials Holdings Records Materials Management Receiving & Processing Inventory Control Binding Conservation & Preservation Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (2) Cataloging Bibliographic Records Authority Records Cataloging Records Opac Services Circulation Transaction Record Patron Record Reserve Book Record Accounting Record Reference Support ILL Transaction Records Accounting Records Multi-media Management Title Record Equipment Record Rooms & Facilities Network Access CD-ROM Access Campus Databases Internet Interfaces to External Environments Section 10. Desired Optional Modules E-mail Publishing Article Record Journal Record Subscription Record Selective Dissemination of Information Tables of Contents Access Source Record Patron Record Section 11. Specifications for Hardware Current Equipment Central & Faculty Library Servers Database Storage Terminals Appendices The appendices provide data about the institution, its current information hardware and software, and the needs of the environment external to the institution itself. Module 8. Measurement of Performance Needs in Proposal Evaluation Procedure for Carrying Out Assessment It is important that there be a well-defined procedure for assessment and that it involve as participants that will represent the persons who will be involved in or affected by the system. That procedure should be clearly identified. Requirement for Objectivity and Justifiability For both legal and ethical reasons, it is important that the procedure and assessments be objective and that the basis for the assessments be documents and justifiable Flexibility in Representing Actual Needs by Specifications The actual needs may or may not be well represented by the specifications embodied in the RFP. Therefore, they should not be used as a straight-jacket but as a set of guidelines. Procedure for Assessment The procedure for assessment could include any or all of the following steps: A set of Functional Evaluation Teams, each focused on a specific aspect of the RFP, will evaluate the functionality, quality, suitability, and adaptability. A separate Cost Evaluation Team will assess the costs of the proposed systems and the corporate qualifications of the proposers. Each team will make independent rank order assessments and recommendations to the Executive Review Committee which will then weigh and compare them to arrive at it final rank order evaluations and decisions. In is possible that, based on the assessments by the Evaluation Teams, a list of as many as three proposals may be established as the basis for more detailed discussions and demonstrations of the proposed systems at mutually agreed upon sites. In that case, the decision by the Executive Review Committee will then follow the conclusion of those discussions and demonstrations. Following that selection, negotiations would then be started with the selected proposer in order to arrive at a mutually agreeable contract. Criteria for Assessment The criteria used in assessment should be identified. The primary criteria should include all of the following: hardware & software performance capability of the vendor to deliver & to provide support services contractual provisions cost Other criteria might include quality of the proposed training program ability to adapt to future changes in hardware and software ability of the system to serve additional future requirements such other factors as may be deemed relevant Sources of Data for Assessment The primary source of data to be used in assessment should the proposal itself. Beyond it, though, other sources might include: other documentation from the proposer data from other users of the system records of prior performance by the proposer Issues in Assessment BALANCING COSTS WITH EFFECTIVENESS Difference Measures – the Problems Ratio Measures – the Traps THE MEASUREMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS Multiple Functional Requirements Weighting their Relative Importance Qualitative and Quantitative THE MEASUREMENT OF COST Full-Cost or Marginal Cost Full-Cost or Direct Cost Cost/Effectiveness Measures of Information System Performance System Evaluation S = (Information)/(Response Time) = N/T (Cost) C Sub-System Evaluation S = (System Cost) – (Sub-System Cost) = N/T * (C – CS) (System Cost) CS C MEANS TO INCORPORATE QUALITATIVE ISSUES (1) To illustrate one means to represent a qualitative issue, consider comparing levels of quality in cataloging. One catalog record may be more detailed than another, more accurate than another, more conforming to standards, or more specific to a given library's needs than another. How does one represent such differences in quality of cataloging? One means to do so is to represent the alternatives by the functions required to produce them, measuring them by the costs for each. To illustrate, one expects that the quality of the original cataloging will be better than that of copy cataloging (though not necessarily so, since there may be issues of conformity with standards). Let’s see what that looks like: MEANS TO INCORPORATE QUALITATIVE ISSUES (2) The following matrix represents costs by the labor costs per hour for two levels of staff by (C1 and C2) and the workload factors are the default values used in The Library Planning Model: Clerical Professional Copy Cataloging C1*(0.18*2000/1000) C2*(0.02*2000/1000) Original Cataloging C1*(0.05*2000/1000) C2*(1.15*2000/1000) Let’s take C1 as $8/hour and C2 at $16 per hour, and consider three different mixes of the two levels of quality with copy cataloging at 100%, 90%, and 70%: Clerical 3.60 0.10 Professional 0.04 33.00 Mix 1 Mix 2 Mix 3 10 9 7 0 1 3 N/T = 10 10 Cost 1 Cost 2 36.00 32.50 0.40 33.36 10 C = 36.40 CT/N = 3.64 64.86 6.49 Cost 3 25.50 99.28 124.78 12.48 How to Measure Information? Definition of Information as Processing of Data Levels of Data Processing Measures Appropriate to each Level Module 9. Issues in Determining Costs Alternative Means for Cost Assessment LEVEL MEANS FOR EVALUATION Minimum Time & Motion Study RULE OF THUMB RATIOS (Basic)/(Minimum) = 1.50 Basic Direct Labor (Full Salary)/(Basic) = 1.50 Full Salary Salary & Benefits (Burdened)/(Full Salary) = 1.50 Burdened All Costs Workload Factors for Estimating Direct FTE FTE per 1000 Transactions FUNCTION Acquisition Cataloging Circulation Serials Physical Handling ILL Borrow ILL Lending Reference TOTAL Direct FTE PROCESS Select Order Invoice Original Copy Maintain Charge Shelving Receiving Records Receiving Labeling BibID Handling Records BibID Handling Records WORKLOAD FACTORS Prof Cler Stud 0.25 0.20 0.20 1.60 0.20 0.25 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.10 0.10 0.02 0.06 0.20 0.10 0.20 0.05 0.10 0.20 0.25 0.25 Workload Factors Relation between FTE per 1000 Transactions and Minutes per Transaction Assume that a typical working year is 42 weeks (which allows 10 weeks for holidays, vacation, and sick leave). Note that are almost exactly 100,000 minutes in a typical working year: (42*40*60 = 100,800). Hence, one FTE can be taken as 100,000 minutes. Given that, 1.00 FTE per 1000 Transactions implies 100 minutes per transaction and similarly for other numbers of FTE (e.g., 0.25 FTE per 1000 transactions implies 25 minutes per transaction, etc.). Means for Determining Workload Factors Time and motion studies. These tend to focus on limited functions (such as keyboarding, sorting, and filing – as will be illustrated). Ex post facto accounting. This uses data from current operations, including workloads and staffing, and then analyzes those data, fitting them into a standard accounting structure. Data from a large number of institutions provides means for calibrating, validating, and generalizing. Analogies. These use data from a variety of contexts, including many different types of institutions and operations, and makes comparisons among them to identify common or similar functions and, by analogy, arriving as generalized estimates of rates if performance. Sorting Time per item in a batch as a function of (Batch Size) log(Seconds per Item) = 0.25 + 0.25*log(Batch Size) log(Seconds per Item) 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 0 1 2 3 4 5 log(Batch Size) High 10 Percentile Average Range Low 10 Percentile 6 7 Filing Time per item in a batch as a function of (File Size)/(Batch Size) log(Seconds per Item) = 0.75 + 0.25*log(FileSize/BatchSize) log(Seconds per Item in Batch) 3.00 2.50 2.00 1.50 1.00 0.50 0.00 0 1 2 3 4 5 log(FileSize/BatchSize) High 10 Percentile Average Range Low 10 Percentile 6 7 Illustrative Application of Workload Factors FUNCTION Acquisition Cataloging Circulation Serials Physical Handling ILL Borrow ILL Lending Reference TOTAL Direct FTE PROCESS Select Order Invoice Original Copy Maintain Charge Shelving Receiving Records Receiving Labeling BibID Handling Records BibID Handling Records Workload 30 K titles 20K orders 20 K orders 4 K titles 26 K titles 30 K titles 846 K circs 2537K shelves 30 K titles 30 K titles 91 K items 91 K items 12 K borrows 12 K borrows 12 K borrows 29 K lends 29 K lends 29 K lends 137 K hours Full Time Equivalent Prof Cler Stud 7.57 4.04 4.04 6.15 5.29 7.57 25.37 25.37 50.73 3.03 3.03 1.82 5.45 2.42 1.21 2.42 1.46 2.91 5.82 34.22 68.44 51.82 97.25 85.07 (FTE) Total 7.57 4.04 4.04 8.15 5.29 7.57 50.73 50.73 3.03 3.03 1.82 5.45 2.42 1.21 2.42 1.46 2.91 5.82 234.1 3 Alternatives for Overhead Allocation Category Percent of Total Non-Profit Allocation Total Salaries 1.00T 1.00T Direct Salaries 0.67T Indirect Salaries Salary Benefits Overhead Expenses 0.33T 0.14T 0.20T Industry Allocation 0.67T = 1.00D 0.14T 0.20T 0.67T = 1.00D Sub-Total 1.34T 1.34T = 2.00D G&A Total 0.13T 1.47T 0.13T = 0.20D 1.47T = 2.20D Module 10. Details of RFP Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (1) GENERAL submit proposal by deadline identify as "Proposal in Response to RFP" clearly identify the name of the proposer stipulate proposal is good for 120 days PROPOSAL STRUCTURE submit proposal in five specified sections submit each section in three copies submit in three-ring binder Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (2) PROPOSED SOLUTION respond directly to Sections 4, 9, & 10 present single best answer avoid presenting multiple strategies fully respond to requirements, specifications state extent to which each requirement is met explain means for meeting each requirement provide explanation for any that cannot be met identify exceptions and related requirements Substantive Proposal in specified sequence Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (3) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS • address general requirements SOFTWARE FOR ESSENTIAL MODULES • fully implemented turnkey software system • address specifications from Section 9 SOFTWARE FOR DESIRED MODULES • identify desired modules that are included • or specific statement that none is included Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (4) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL HARDWARE • integrated turnkey including hardware, etc. • identify hardware required to implement system • include all equipment necessary for operation • identify differences for essential & optional • alternative hardware platforms • detailed list of the site requirements • detailed list of electrical, etc. requirements • identify special conditions or restrictions • deliver supplies for initial operation • list supplies necessary for initial operation • estimate supplies for continued operation • provide specifications for all supplies Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (5) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL STATUS OF DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION • declare the current status of development • declare status for any alternatives presented • identify sites for OPTIONAL functions • identify sites in test and evaluation • identify dates for completion of testing • identify dates for completion of development • identified status of planning Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (6) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL THE SYSTEM SUPPORT SECTION • INSTALLATION & CONVERSION, DATA & PROCEDURES – respond to requirements in Section 5 • DOCUMENTATION, TRAINING & HELP – respond to requirements in Section 6 • MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT – respond to requirements in Section 7 Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (7) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL THE PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS SECTION – data to assess financial and staffing • CORPORATE DESCRIPTION – brief description of the company and parent – history, description of organization, staffing – identify persons responsible for implementation – provide brief resumes for each • FINANCIAL CONDITION – provide a copy of financial statement – audit certified by an officer of the company – name, etc. for banking organization – disclose judgments, litigation, other problems – warrant that no judgment or litigation exists – identify any termination of contract – warrant if there have been no terminations Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (8) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL THE PROPOSER QUALIFICATIONS SECTION • EXPERIENCE – identify customers – academic library of the size of the institutional – provide data about the size of operation • PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PLAN – describe management to provide the system – time schedule of activities and events – provide checkpoints for institutional to review progress – identify activities required of institutional Section 2. Instructions to Proposers (9) THE SUBSTANTIVE PROPOSAL THE COST & CONTRACT SECTION • COST PROPOSAL – itemized list of initial & continuing costs – costs as unit prices extended to required units – identify costs for the essential modules – identify costs for desired optional modules – identify costs for with – identify restrictions on use of the software • CONTRACT PROPOSAL – identify restrictions on use of software compatible with requirements in institutional usestate owner or licensed to provide software – provide licenses to run third party software – provide access to source code Section 3. Evaluation Of Proposals (1) CAPABILITY TO DELIVER SUPPORT SERVICES previous customers as references evidence of financial viability and continuity evidence of the means for continuing support identify means to provide onsite support identify means to recover from failures identify means to provide hardware maintenance identify hours of support for software Section 3. Evaluation Of Proposals (2) HARDWARE & SOFTWARE PERFORMANCE identify extent of meeting each requirements as necessary identify effects of exceptions extent of flexibility provided and means for it compatibility with US -MARC extent to which multiple languages accommodated means to provide interfaces to other networks conformance with accepted standards limitations on ability to provide reports stipulate if there are no limitations identify statistics that are most valuable Section 3. Evaluation Of Proposals (3) TIME SCHEDULE CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS COST OTHER CRITERIA training, documentation, means to instruct means for training other institutional library staff ability to adapt to change in technologies ability to serve added requirements EVALUATION PROCESS Section 4. General Requirements (1) SYSTEM STRUCTURE integrated database covering all collections viewing whole collection or faculty library switch between one view and the other modular, with easy modification or replacement CONTROL OF ACCESS control of access by different categories basis for access, centrally and at libraries SUPPORT TO LIBRARY & SYSTEM MANAGEMENT information for library and system management information for management of operations management of the system detection and prevention of system failures support library and system management centrally library & system management at faculty library Section 4. General Requirements (2) WORKLOADS & RESPONSE TIMES response times rapid enough replacement values with explanation of reasons extent response time is affected by bandwidth message "Transaction in Process" updated 2 secs indicate likely remaining time for processing LANGUAGES OF OPERATION able fully to operate in multiple languages operation in Local Language, Other Language, and English means for switching languages additional Roman alphabet languages \ Section 4. General Requirements (3) SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS GENERAL • software is vendor independent • software can be moved to various computers • can be output & transport data to other systems • means to export and import US -MARC data • means to export and import data in MICROISIS • means to export and import data in UNIMARC • means for import of data for other files • fully UNIX compatible • consistent with a client/server operation Section 4. General Requirements (4) SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS SYSTEM AVAILABILITY & RELIABILITY • regularly scheduled downtime • hours for scheduled downtime • percent time fully functional • function in a partially connected network • procedures for backup of data files • procedures for fail-safe operation • procedures for operations when system is down • schedule of backup to minimize effects OPERATION OF TERMINALS • text-based & graphical user interface operation • support both PC and Mac terminals • support menu driven & command driven operation Section 4. General Requirements (5) SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS SOFTWARE & HARDWARE ENHANCEMENT • means for software and hardware enhancement • training support for new or enhanced features • requirements to effectively run improvements RIGHTS TO USE OF SOFTWARE • guarantee right to use of all software Section 5. Installation & Conversion (1) INSTALLATION detailed plan for installation of the system events: hardware, software, conversion percentage of records to be converted plan for phasing into full-scale operation institutional proposed phasing acceptable to the proposer institutional proposed plans for conversion and migration number of records for effective operation alternatives for conversion and of data current system in parallel with the new system schedule for transition from one to the other Section 5. Installation & Conversion (2) CONVERSION & MIGRATION OF DATA derive database from existing system & US-MARC records derive authority files from existing system scenario of conversion process views of the most for accomplishing the CONVERSION OF PROCEDURES & OPERATIONS manuals for procedures in use of the system experience in prior conversions Section 6. Documentation, Training, Help (1) DOCUMENTATION documentation sufficiently complete deliver full documentation for the hardware provided in English and in Local Language documentation provided by the training time instructions for solving standard problems indexes in both Local Language and English operator manuals for hardware and software provided in both Local Language and English updates during the contract to reflect changes online help for elements of documentation online help in Local Language, English, and Other Language Section 6. Documentation, Training, Help (2) TRAINING OF institutional STAFF provide a program of training for institutional staff training services for various levels of staff content of training programs means used for instruction the schedule and length for training sessions levels of staff and management each training resources and facilities for training sessions language of instruction means for trainees fluent only in Local Language copies of training manuals included qualifications that institutional staff to train others means they will use for instruction means for training in an operating environment Section 6. Documentation, Training, Help (3) HELP SUPPORT context sensitive help screens for users tutorial support for untrained users specific help if the system sees a problem hypertext capability help screens to untrained user needs available in Local Language, English, Other Language EDUCATION OF USERS, ASSISTANCE TO USERS advice concerning best means for user education sample materials as an appendix to the proposal Section 7. Maintenance (1) STAFF POLICIES OF THE PROPOSER policies affecting the staff commit of time HARDWARE MAINTENANCE procedures for obtaining support for hardware appropriate inventory of parts to be stocked test equipment to be included on site procedures for obtaining support at the site maximum time delay for field support staff costs for alternative delay times support at sites other than central processing procedures for preventive maintenance Section 7. Maintenance (2) SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE maintenance of software responsibility for software maintenance procedures for upgrading software costs associated with upgrading procedures for obtaining support for software Section 8. Benchmark & Acceptance Testing Procedure for acceptance testing Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (1) LIBRARY AND SYSTEM MANAGEMENT functions for management the system reporting on system operation reporting for management of the library system means to specify scope of statistics means to specify content of reports exchange data with all other modules alternatives by which statistics are acquired reports both online, printed or to files output in formats for application software levels of access to functions and data means for specifying formats of displays Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (2) SYSTEM HARDWARE & SOFTWARE RECORDS record for each item of hardware & software fields as specified for the record REPORT CONTROL RECORDS record for each report both standard and ad hoc for each new report, for search and access fields for content, calcs, format, sequence fields for use, frequency, and distribution fields identifying the responsible person, etc. Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (3) ACCESS CONTROL RECORDS record for each aspect of control of access basis for access control & for effecting it links to records related to individuals TABLES OF DEFINITION RECORDS record for each definition of format of display fields for the role, current spec, history Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (4) ACQUISITIONS selection, ordering, receiving, and accounting reporting support management of acquisitions consistent data centrally, at faculty libraries output in institutional specified formats types of orders used in research libraries various conditions of purchase faculty production, student dissertations identify duplicates in the collection identify institutional for exchange in acquisition Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (5) ACQUISITIONS support currency conversion exchange data with all other modules available to the OPAC for display to users make OPAC records available to acquisitions means for user to place a request for selection provide data to the serials module means for linking to bibliographic utilities means for linking to book jobbers and databases means to create acquisition record in selection Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (6) ACQUISITIONS means for checking for potential duplicates defaulting in repetitive fields consistency criteria for appropriate fields accounting functions for receipt or claiming change acquisitions record & OPAC at receipt means for processing partial shipments growth workloads over the five-year period Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (7) ACQUISITION RECORDS acquisition record for each item selected fields as specified searchable and accessible as specified VENDOR RECORDS record for each vendor easy means for processing vendor records fields as specified accessible as specified management of correspondence with vendors information about policies of vendors Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (8) FUND ACCOUNT RECORDS fund accounting tracking by institutional criteria track amounts budgeted, encumbered, expended post fund accounts as items are processed adjust values based on authorized changes provide full audit trails for all transactions means for institutional to specify format of reports be a record for each fund account means for processing of fund account records fields as specified Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (9) SERIALS means of acquiring and controlling series exchange data with all other modules support all functions in serials interface with all other essential modules receive data from acquisitions at ordering send data to OPAC to display of holdings accommodate active and total titles Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (10) SERIALS SUBSCRIPTION RECORDS record for serials with fields as needed SERIALS HOLDINGS RECORDS US-MARC compatible ANSI standard for Serials Holdings Statements fields as specified Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (11) MATERIALS MANAGEMENT manage the physical items in the collection deal with both separate items and serials exchange data with all other essential modules interface with OPAC for change in status interface with circulation missing items Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (12) RECEIVING & PROCESSING control receiving of materials support inspection of received items provide means for entry of invoice data identify the person for data entry deal with non-existing records support the physical processing of materials Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (13) INVENTORY CONTROL means for taking inventory of library materials means for obtaining the identification data record the date of most recent inventory determining mis-shelved and missing items recognize the status of items update appropriate record to reflect status Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (14) BINDING support binding identify materials ready for binding specify details of binding CONSERVATION & PRESERVATION identify items needing preservation work monitor the status of items in preservation Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (15) CATALOGING GENERAL • create and maintain bibliographic records • online processing • exchange data with all other modules • be available to the OPAC for display to users • use records in the OPAC to creat new records • linking to bibliographic utilities • accommodate multiple items with the same record • identify faculty library where item is located • one bibliographic record for each title • linkage from other records to the master Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (16) CATALOGING GENERAL • display records related to a current one • provide validity and consistency checks • detecting duplicates & potential errors • spelling checks in Local Language, English, Other Language • over-riding mandatory field requirements • view authority files and tables in a "window" • maintain an "audit trail" of changes in records BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORDS • fully compatible with US-MARC Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (17) CATALOGING AUTHORITY RECORDS • interactive authority control • authority control for author publisher names • fully compatible with US-MARC authority records • provide different classification schedules • handle non-standard classifications CATALOGING TRANSACTION RECORDS • record for each cataloging transaction • specified fields Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (18) OPAC SERVICES OPAC to access and use bibliographic records exchange data with all other modules available from public and staff terminals accessible through dial-up be available for access through the Internet conform to ANSI/NISO Z39.50-1994 standards switched from full to faculty library catalog user searching by natural language or mnemonics screen design and messages Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (19) OPAC SERVICES single term search of specified fields specifying an exact match of a field boolean combinations of terms use of comparators use of adjacency, proximity, sequence of terms right truncation of any single word to provide means for left truncation truncation for more than one word in a query display formats be definable Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (20) OPAC SERVICES showing the number of hits one-line entries, multiple entries per screen full bibliographic records in full screens highlight search terms within each entry specify sort sequence of multi-entry displays display entry content in user format or US-MARC restrict display of US-MARC to specific users select an entry for full-screen display Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (21) OPAC SERVICES "browsing" in the bibliographic file on fields "browsing" in authority files specify retrieved records to be downloaded means for the user to request the download specify the format of downloaded records set limits on the number of records downloaded easy to modify a search query means to narrow a search query by date means to narrow search query by faculty library narrow any search by the type of material store user queries and results Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (22) CIRCULATION • provide all functions involved in circulation • alert operator re any potential problems • interface with all other essential modules • communicate with OPAC for display of status • display of materials charged out to the user • providing statistics and reports on operation • statistics on frequency of use of items • means to identify physical state of materials • means for flagging materials as "missing" • provide for charge-out, renewal, and discharge • accommodate different loan periods • provide means for calculating due-dates Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (23) CIRCULATION • permit circulation of materials in process • identifying a borrower lacking a borrower card • means for ready creation of a borrower record • charge-out of multiple items to a borrower • prevent charging prior patron for a current one • provide for holds and recalls • inform a hold or recall of return of materials • cancel holds and recalls for a deleted borrower • provide means to control renewal of an overdue • have means to block circulation of materials • provide means to over-ride restrictions • provide for determining overdue status of items Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (24) CIRCULATION • provide for overdue notices and accounting • update accounting records for deleted borrowers • means for patrons to self-charge-out materials • means for patrons to renew charge-outs • functions related to reserve book operations • means for online change of parameters • means for back-up operation during down-times Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (25) TRANSACTION RECORD • a record for each circulation transaction • specified fields • searchable by all fields • a notes field for data about the transaction PATRON RECORD • be a record for each patron and library • specified fields • searchable by specified fields • means for updating from other files • a notes field for data about the patron Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (26) RESERVE BOOK RECORD • record for each item in reserve book operation • specified fields • field for use in the reserve book operation RESERVE BOOK CLASS RECORD • a record for each class with reserve books • specified fields ACCOUNTING RECORD • a record of accounting data for fines and fees • specified fields Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (27) REFERENCE SUPPORT tools to support reference in use of the system interface with all other modules readily exchange data with each of them Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (28) ILL: BORROWING & LENDING OR DOCUMENT DELIVERY • support borrowing, lending, & document delivery • online ILL management of ILL requests • interface with the circulation and reference • provide reports as necessary for ILL management • access by specified fields • provide for online editing of requests • interface with of electronic mail • provide for copyright accounting as necessary Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (29) ILL: BORROWING & LENDING OR DOCUMENT DELIVERY TRANSACTION RECORDS • a record for each ILL transaction • specified fields ACCOUNTING RECORDS • a record for each partner institution • data for statistics and financial accounting • capability for requester records as needed Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (30) AUDIO-VISUAL MEDIA & MULTI-MEDIA MANAGEMENT • means to manage collections of AV & multi-media • means to manage equipment and rooms • capability for booking materials and equipment • graphic displays for visual review of bookings • interface with all other essential modules • not duplicate data available in other modules Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (31) AV TITLE RECORD • a record for each AV or multi-media title • managed within the bibliographic database • specified fields • fields for description of physical condition AV EQUIPMENT RECORD • specified fields • a record for each item of equipment AV ROOMS & FACILITIES • a record for each room or facility • specified fields • field for booking status of room or facility Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (32) NETWORK ACCESS • provide means for access to networks • tightly integrated with the OPAC module • ability to move seamlessly among networks • repeat a request on a succession of databases CD-ROM ACCESS • be available from the OPAC main menu CAMPUS DATABASES • easy to add databases identified as available INTERNET • be directly available from the network module Section 9. Specifications for Required Modules (32) NETWORK ACCESS INTERFACES TO EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS • interface with the Institutional Computing System • interface with libraries of the State • access from other libraries within the State • access to the Internet • accommodate "World-Wide Web" THE END
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