New Network Services
This page is www/staff/memos/link1996-29.html, last updated June 19, 1996.
96-29
From: Greg Barniskis, SCLS Network Administrator
To: All LINK Libraries
Date: June 19, 1996
Re: New Network Services
Service Implementation Timetable
Many of the long-awaited and much-debated LINKcat modules, Internet access
options, and related network services are now in the final stages of testing
or are swinging into full production. This includes Serials, Gateways, TeleCirc,
Internet access PCs, Internet email, the SCLS web server, magazine index
vendor demonstrations, public access to the SCLS Internet domain and much,
much more. Each of these services were planned to come up one at a time
in easily understood steps, but the inevitable delays and the inter relation
of some services has resulted in all the projects converging. A revised
timetable is attached for your review.
The Network Services Manual
A tremendous amount of fundamental information needs to be distributed over
the next several months, followed up with endless additions, clarifications
and enhancements. For efficiency, and to better show how each piece fits
into the big picture, you will find as much information as possible being
published via the SCLS web server. For instance, this memo is being mounted
(made available online) in the /staff/memos directory of the web server.
As the /staff branch of the web server continues to take shape, this area
will become home to the LINK Network Services Manual, taking full advantage
of the ability to post frequent updates, to cross-reference online information
and to provide interactive learning.
Of course, for most network service users, printed documentation is still
essential. SCLS will continue to provide printed materials, and any major
updates to the web server will be announced via established SCLS mailing
lists and memo groups. However, if printed documentation pages or email
announcements contain Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), you are encouraged
to access the information using a web browser such as Netscape or Lynx.
This will ensure that you get the latest information and will allow you
to bring up cross referenced materials on demand. The Lynx web browser should
be available on staff terminals by late summer or early fall (see the timetable).
Attached are some of the pages that are currently available from the web
server. Please take the time to review them, and feel free to call the Automation
office if you have concerns or questions about these network services. Be
sure to check the electronic versions of these pages for updates over the
next several months.
System and Local Policy Issues
Attached are copies of the SCLS Acceptable Use Policies (one for staff and
one for patrons), and a copy of the SCLS Security Guidelines. These documents
are available in the www/staff/policy directory of the web server. Your
library may wish to consider whether a formal or informal local policy is
needed. One area that needs immediate review is the use of email accounts
by your staff; who gets one and what can it be used for? As stated before,
SCLS encourages you to allow fairly open access, but scheduling use of a
shared PC may be an issue you need to address.
Internet Email Accounts
An email account application form is attached to this memo. Copy this form
to your staff as necessary. Also attached are the installation instructions
for Eudora Light for Windows 95 (the program you will use to send and receive
email). If you need the Eudora installation instructions for Windows 3.1
or MacOS, feel free to call me at (608) 266-6394 or send me LINKcat mail
requesting them.
The Eudora installation is complicated. If you need help with any part
of the installation, please call me to schedule a time when I or another
SCLS staff member can provide telephone support. The complete installation
should take less than 30 minutes barring any major problems.
For those of you with new Maximus Pentiums: Your PC came with Eudora Light
version 1.5.2 installed. The latest version is 1.5.4 and includes some important
bug fixes, so it will be necessary for you to delete the existing Eudora
installation (the folder named c:\eudora) then re-install Eudora using the
attached instructions.
Attachments:
Network Service Implementation Timetable packet
Web Server Sample Pages packet
Acceptable Use Policies packet
LINK Internet Mailbox Request Form
Eudora Light for Windows 95 Installation Instructions