Ramapo Catskill Library System

Transcription

1 Ramapo Catskill Library System Automated Network Services Department A proven team of computer and network professionals working together for the benefit all the member libraries and RCLS Anthony Castaldo ANSER Manager and Network Administrator

2 A team built with overlapping skills and responsibilities for business continuity in the absence of one or more staff members, with the manager able to assume the role of any one of the staff as needed. Each Member has at least one primary responsibility and can assume the responsibilities of at least one other team member. All team members handle phone calls as necessary according to their primary specialty, with Karen being the primary help desk person and first point of contact. Karen Boyle Automation Technical Assistant Lenard George Automated Systems Technician ANSER Manager John Schneider Assistant Network Administrator Dave Krawczyk Senior Automated Systems Technician

3 The ANSER Department: Who we are and what we do A small department, but the largest fulltime staff in RCLS, with five full time staff members including the manager - with cooperation and assistance with the Electronic Resources Consultant, Jerold Kuntz and his assistant, Susan Scott. A team that provides exceptional service, made possible by: demanding high quality, reliable equipment from our vendors use of remote control where possible to correct problems maintaining staff skill and knowledge through on-going training the efficiencies afforded by the broad skill sets of the team members.

4 The ANSER Department: What we do, by priorities Maintain the Wide Area Network (WAN) no network, libraries are down. Maintain 52 routers for telecommunications to libraries and our Internet access. Maintain the Integrated Library System (ILS) server (Symphony), our mission critical service for our member libraries no server, no service

5 The ANSER Department: What we do, by priorities Respond immediately, as a top priorty, to any circulation computer failures. Maintain all library equipment that is under contract with ANSER. Monitor the operation of the WAN using specialized software to make sure service level agreements are adhered to by us and our vendors. Monitor Symphony server activity to make sure the server is providing adequate response Maintain VMware servers and all virtual machines within the six Vmware Hypervisor containers (physical computers)

6 The ANSER Department: What we do, by priorities Maintain 28 separate virtual servers at headquarters to support all RCLS services - , web page, calendar, business office, ILS etc. Install new servers as needed for new applications, e.g. NYLTO, BlueSocket virtual wireless server. Implement a disaster recovery system with remote backup This will always be a work in progress as we add new servers, simplified greatly by the implementation of server virtualization.

7 The ANSER Department: What we do, by priorities Help desk phone support for all libraries for day to day problems Maintain over 600 computers and 1000 total devices Use remote control (the ability to monitor and control library computers from headquarters) as much as possible to avoid driving time and increase efficiency. Maintain servers at the member libraries on a contractual basis. Implement Virtual Desktop Initiative (VDI) pilot project. In progress.

8 The ANSER Department: Current and completed projects Public Access Catalog (PAC) interface, (at libraries) updated from AquaBrowser to Sirsi/Dynix Enterprise completed Patron PC s converted from Public Browser (workstation security software) to secure Firefox completed, eliminating yearly licensing headaches. Secure wireless for libraries on-going (based on request for services). Began conversion from BlueSocket hardware to BlueSocket Virtual server at RCLS, decreasing costs to libraries. Disaster Recovery completed for the moment, but always in progress VMWare server virtualization completed but new servers are always being added (at little or no cost). New Windows 2012 Datacenter Server license eliminated individual Windows server licensing, lowering new virtual machine costs. PC replacement program on-going over 250 computers installed this year. Department staff training on-going never ending Purchased and installed replacement UPS battery backup for computer room. UPS had to be replaced due to EOL/EOS from vendor. Purchased and installed replacement air conditioning unit.

9 ANSER Department: Where Are We Going From Here Server virtualization has decreased the need to purchase servers every year, decreased power consumption and air conditioning needs in the computer room, creating long term savings in hardware, and utility costs. Servers will need to be purchased only as current hardware can no longer support additional VM s. Server virtualization enabled us to purchase Windows Datacenter licenses (at much reduced cost), enabling us to create as many Windows 2008/2012 servers as needed or will fit into our current hardware, at no extra cost. New Windows Datacenter Server license will be required only when new physical machine is purchased. Disaster recovery provides us a means of dealing with any situation that may disable our central computer site and allows us to return to full operation within 72 hours after purchasing new servers. Some servers are already in place for very limited services (Symphony, Business office server, Mail server, Symphony reporter). Constant change and innovations in technology require our team to monitor the field and maintain our skills through training. Constant work on updates of the RCLS technology plan, a requirement of the federal E-Rate program, to reflect our technology applications as they are today and to project our needs for the next several years.

10 ANSER Department: Where Are We Going From Here Move to desktop virtualization on a gradual basis for all computers in all libraries, reducing hardware costs to libraries and reducing travel time and costs for RCLS. With trends in computer science moving ever faster, we will need to keep up with these changes and challenges, always keeping in mind the needs of the libraries and RCLS.