Hardware and Backups

Make sure you are comfortable with a backup plan that will pretty much guarantee that WHEN (not if) your computer crashes you don't have to start entering all your data again from scratch.  Backups are the most important thing you can know about a database... TextTracker Suite is no exception.

We have included three backup methods in the software but we recommend you burn non-multisession CD-Rs at least once a fortnight as a "just in case".  USB drives have proven a very reliable option over the last few years so feel free to use them instead of CD-RWs for the daily External Backup.  USB flash drives are great but, as usual, don't put all your eggs in one basket... have at least two drives (we recommend three) that you can alternate in case on fails. We suggest 128Mb as a minimum although one copy of most databases will fit on a 64Mb drive.

Barcodes

The two companies we recommend at this stage for barcodes are -

Leigh Mardon - Graphics

Tel:   03 9556 8111

Fax:  02 9553 1740

www.leighmardon.com.au

All Barcodes Australia

Tel:   07 3832 7383

Fax:  07 5445 5603

www.allbarcodesaust.com.au

Contact either one and ask for an order form for the LibCode Library System

Scanners

Scanners are available from LibCode.  We stock several brands and can source special requests.  See the www.libcode.com.au for details of the most popular modules.

Resource Markings

Barcodes and copies numbers are important for each and every resource.  Barcodes can be stuck anywhere (outside the book makes for very fast stocktaking... of the cover at least! Stuck inside barcodes will last longer but stocktaking is much slower)  A copy number is the number of the book within a given set and should be clearly visible (Nikko Pen a great option) from all sides when viewing a stack of books.  This makes it very fast to check if a 'missing' text book has found it's way back to the bookroom.

Funding from various Departments (Who's paying for what)

Funding is well worth clearing up with HOD's before work begins.  Many headaches have been created by a lack of structured contributions!!