Well, didn't we just have fun!

[Kathy Graves <kgraves@SISNET.SSKU.K12.CA.US>]

Just wanted to file a short report with the list and then ask for some ideas.

We just emerged from a major Novell Network Software bug which crashed our
system and left us with two weeks of bookings (for our AV system) and
checkouts/checkins (for the library) which are lost. All of our backup
systems failed, and even though our tape drive said we had successful
backup tapes, when we went to restore, the information was unreadable.  No
way to recover them.  Kaput! Flooey! GONE!

We are now relying on the honesty and good graces of people to whom we sent
things to return them without our being able to send them reminders because
we don't have the information to send them.  We also know that we will
inadvertently send overdue notices to people who really did return items,
but did so in that 2-week period when our backups failed and for which any
transactions are gone.  I've already published an explanation and a plea
for mercy in my IMC Newsletter, so we hope that will urge people to look
around for items of ours which might be at their school.

All I can say is that it's a good thing spring break came along so we could
all get out of here for a little R & R.

Here's my request:  we've decided to create a box entitled, "IMC Computer
Disaster Kit."  In it we are putting some things which will help us
circulate, book videos/films, check in items, etc.  We've included
instructions as to what to do and how to do it; an old circulation card
tray; sheets on which to jot down names, BC numbers, etc. when things go
out or come back in so we can later input them into the databases when we
get back up and running again; an envelop for a second set of backup disks;
a bottle of Advil; and a large bag of M & M's for ourselves.  If you can
think of anything else you'd put in such a kit, please let me know.  We
hope this will never happen again, but we need to be better prepared.
Thanks.

***********************************************************************
Kathy Graves, IMC Director/Librarian
Siskiyou County Office of Education
609 South Gold Street,
Yreka, CA 96097

e-mail: kgraves@sisnet.ssku.k12.ca.us           FAX: 530-842-8436
hmpg: http://www.sisnet.ssku.k12.ca.us/~imcftp  AV:  530-842-8428
Phone:  530-842-8427                            Library: 530-842-8430
***********************************************************************

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