[Web4lib] What print management system(s) are you using?

[Jenny Novalis]

We use Librarica's CASSIE system for PC and print management.  Below  
are the advantages for us (document was originally produced maybe 2  
years ago - 2 upgrades ago - in response to other requests for  
information).  Feel free to contact me off list with any additional  
questions.

Jenny Novalis
Technology Librarian
Bedford Public Library System
540-586-8911 x1114
techlibrarian at bplsonline.org

Patron authentication

	• set CASSIE to recognize the same patron blocks we use for materials  
but, cannot manually override a block.  If a block exists, patron will  
be told to see staff member.
	• set particular patron types to initiate a filtered Internet session  
or an unfiltered Internet session.
	• block particular patron types from using a computer and customize  
the message a patron will receive.
	• allow staff to create a guest account (in one click)  for each  
patron that needs it.

User session features

	• set session lengths and provide automatic time extensions when no  
one is on the waiting list
	• between sessions, computer displays its current status
	• allow users to sign on at an open computer or a kiosk (for waitlist)
	• allows users to pick the next available computer, or a specific  
computer.
	• timer in the corner of user’s session counts down, letting patron  
know how much time is remaining in their session
	• user receives a warning 5 mins before session ends and another 1  
minute before session ends.  If an extension is granted, user will  
receive that message as well.
	• add a ‘click through’ screen after patron authentication for our  
Internet usage policy.
	• ability for patron to lock the screen when stepping away from the  
computer, unlocks when patron re-enters his or her barcode number.   
And prevents other patrons from signing on to that computer.
	• users can end their own session if leaving and time is not up yet.
	• all programs are closed at the end of a session and browser  
history, cache and cookies are erased.
User printing features

	• allows patrons to keep a ‘running tab’ of print jobs and print all  
at once or pick and choose particular print jobs to print.
	• shows patron what the cost will be before patron can print and  
forces patron to ‘ok’ it

Staff features

	• create single use or day use guest accounts
	• monitor the status of any computer in the system through a visual map
	• send a message to any or all users
	• take a ‘screen shot’ of any user’s computer
	• add, delete or reorder users in a waiting list
	• force a user’s session to end early or force an extension, even  
while others are waiting
	• unlock, reboot or shut down computers remotely
	• if all computers are in use, staff can give the next patron an  
approximate ‘wait time’
	• time specific shut down and power up – customizable pre branch
	• set different session length times for different computer groups
	• edit almost all prompt text
	• add/remove computers from a group easily
	• printer charges are set on a printer by printer basis
	• ability to print a ‘cover sheet’ at the start of each user’s print  
job.  Cover sheet contains patron ID, name and cost of print job.
	• any print charges will not be reflected in patron’s account through  
TLC’s circulation module
	• ability to set a maximum ‘credit limit’ for all patrons to print.   
Meaning that if a patron reaches the maximum limit, that patron will  
have to pay off those print jobs before being allowed to send any more  
print jobs to the printer.
	• staff can make refunds to the CASSIE user print account, if patron  
intends to print more during that session
	• page count stats reported on a printer by printer basis.

Statistics reporting

	• generated in either CSV format [for use in an Excel spreadsheet] or  
in HTML format
	• create customized reports on the following statistics:
		• Print accounting: cash analysis for daily reconciliation
                                                i.     Data columns  
are received, disbursed, reimbursed and net

                                              ii.     Can display  
systemwide or per branch

		• Printing stats: number of pages printed and canceled
                                                i.     User privacy  
maintained – no stats collected regarding user names, document names  
or web site names.

                                              ii.     Data columns are  
paid pages, free pages, canceled pages

                                             iii.     Can display each  
branch by printer; each branch all printers; or all branches and  
printers combined

		• Session stats: location, patron ID & name, start & end time,  
session length [ability to turn this stat collection feature off]
                                                i.     Data columns  
are ID, name, computer, session start & end time, length

                                              ii.     Can display  
stats for a specific patron ID, specific branch, or specific group of  
computers

		• User stats: number of users and total print account value
                                                i.     Data columns  
are total users; normal admin users; enhanced admin users; super admin  
users; disabled accounts; total print account balance

		• Usage stats: number and length of sessions, maximum waiting time,  
etc.
                                                i.     User privacy  
maintained – no stats collected regarding user names or usage patters  
of specific users

                                              ii.     Data columns are  
total user sessions; total session length of all users combined;  
average session length; total waiting list sessions; total waiting  
list wait; average waiting list wait; maximum waiting list count time  
[time/date when the waiting list reached the count given by the max  
waiting list count]; max waiting list wait time

                                             iii.     Can display  
summary stats for each branch by user station group, by each branch  
all groups combined or systemwide  all groups combined




On Sep 9, 2009, at 5:13 PM, M. Jean Williams-Adams wrote:

> FAMU is shopping for a reliable print management system for our  
> library.  Please indicate which system(s) you use at your respective  
> libraries and the advantages/disadvantages of using it.
>
> How many of you use Pharos?
>
> M Jean Williams Adams
> Systems Librarian
> Florida A&M University
> Coleman Library
> Tallahassee, FL 32307-4700
> Phone:  (850) 561-2131
> Fax:  (850) 561-2599
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Web4lib mailing list
> Web4lib at webjunction.org
> http://lists.webjunction.org/web4lib/
>
>

Jenny Novalis
Technology Librarian
Bedford Public Library System
540-586-8911 x1114
techlibrarian at bplsonline.org