Finally, we seem to have a working Version 17 Aleph client that we can use for testing and training on our Spruce test server. Last week, Ex Libris managed to resolve some long-standing problems with the conversion of our Aleph staff users and permissions to V. 17. Over the past weekend, they also seem to have resolved some remaining problems with editing and savings holdings and bibliographic records, and have given us an updated system backup script for the new version of the system.

We are continuing to work with Ex Libris on some remaining issues, including a problem with some new options for the configuration of patron sharing. However, it looks like PALNI Systems Librarians and staff may be able at last to begin working with the GUI client to access V. 17 on our Spruce test server, and our module target teams may now be able to begin training library staff on the the Version 17Aleph modules.

We are about 8 weeks behing the migration schedule that Ex Libris originally gave us, and we all have a lot of work to do now to get ready for our planned August 8 "Switch to Production" on Version 17. Please report problems with Version 17 to the PALNI online help desk system so that we can forward them on to Ex Libris.