What is happening with LibAgent's service at BGU?

There is a Hebrew translation of this page.

At this point, we do not renew books for BGU subscribers. The reason is that the BGU librarians had informed us that they do not wish for us to renew books on behalf of their readers.

How did it come to this?

Here is a timeline of the events (according to how we experienced them).

• July-August 2004: The existing BGU server suddenly stops working. We inquire, and find out that BGU library is moving to a new version of the server software ("ALEPH-500").
• 18 August 2004: The new ALEPH-500 server is brought into service.
• 30 August 2004: We perform a technical test, which proves that LibAgent can flawlessly renew the books of BGU users against the new server.
• 31 August 2004: BGU staff informs us that we should not start renewing books on the new server, and wait for a decision on this matter. The decision is expected "after the holidays".
• 12 October 2004: We send a reminder to the BGU librarians. We are answered that this matter has not been decided yet.
• 14 November 2004: We send a reminder to the BGU librarians. We are answered that they decided, in the meantime, not to continue LibAgent service.

Wait, LibAgent is not part of the library?

No, and it never was. This is a volunteer-run project, not affiliated or supported by any library.

What do I do to renew my books now?

We are really not the people to ask here, but we believe the library wants you to either:

• Use the web interface at: http://www.bgu.ac.il/aranne/
• Use the phone at numbers 08-6461411/2

Can LibAgent renew my books at BGU?

Technically speaking, yes. It is running the same software version as in other libraries which we currently support. We tested this for BGU, and it worked. We just need to "flip a switch" to make it happen automatically.

How many users are affected?

Somewhere in the order of 2000.

How long was LibAgent service offered for BGU?

We don't have accurate historical records to answer this. We do know it was before August 1998, but no sooner than October 1997. So, at least six years.

Will it require more work to the librarians if libagent is running?

No, we maintain all of our software and servers ourselves, and as far as the ALEPH server is concerned, we just access the web interface like a normal person would.

Why is the library's consent even needed here?

Because the library servers are the property of the library, and accessing them on a large scale against the operator's consent is rude.

Will LibAgent fight to change this decision?

No. The volunteers are overworked as it is. We are busy enough just keeping the site up and in service for the other libraries.

Can I do anything to change this?

We don't know. We are not the people to ask. You might want to talk to the librarians, or maybe your AGUDAT STUDENTIM. In any case, we will neither stop nor encourage you.

Can I translate this page into Hebrew?

Yes! If you can compose Hebrew HTML and translate this page, please mail it to libagent and we will post it here.