2005-2006
Managed website redesign. Project included implementation of events calendar using PHP iCalendar. Developed custom membership management system and online directory.
2004
Provided content for, and helped develop Califa’s RFID Information Forum.
2003
Conducted efficiency analysis of Peninsula Library System’s delivery system. Made recommendations for immediate improvements and long-term planning.
2002
Responsible for developing training to libraries implementing digitization projects with LSTA funding.
2001
Evaluated delivery system for 188-member library network and made recommendations for improving services and reducing costs.
2014-2015
The Library sought assistance from The Galecia Group to procure a next generation library system. The goal was not to simply assume that migrating from their current integrated library system (ILS) was a given but instead to explore the options currently available from ILS vendors and their strategic partners. To that end, The Galecia Group (including Lori Ayre, Lucien Kress and Sam McBane Mulford) worked with the Library to define the requirements for what they would consider a next generation library system. These requirements were distributed to library vendors from the integrated library system world as well as the vendors that provide critical services to library and which have critical integrations with the ILS such as automated materials handling and RFID vendors, self-service vendors, public computer and copy/print vendors, and discovery layer vendors. The Galecia team developed an RFP and assisted the Library in evaluating the options.
Based on the findings, the Library decided to pursue a discovery layer solution and forego transitioning from their existing library system for the time being. The decision resulted in a vast improvement for the patron experience with very little disruption to staff and patrons and cost a fraction of what a full ILS migration would have cost (for an insignificant gain on the staff side).
2015-2016
ChicagoAncestors.org is an online map allowing users to find and share historical Chicago resources in their own neighborhood or their own family history.
2011-current
Developed a new website for Southern California Library Cooperative. The client was partway through the development of a new website when the contractor went out of business. The Galecia Group stepped in and helped SCLC complete the project. We worked with them to simplify the site to make it more manageable. We continue to provide Drupal maintenance support.
2015-
The Galecia Group was hired by the California Library Association (CLA) to support implementation of the Great Reading Adventure (GRA) summer reading program software in Summer 2015. CLA had received a grant that would allow them to offer the program to approximately 25 California libraries to use for free but they needed help with the technical aspects of doing so. After that first year of supporting libraries on the GRA softrware,we advised CLA to rebuild the software on a non-Windows platform (Linux, Apache, PHP, Drupal). Using the GRA software as a model, we recreated the program (with some exceptions) in time to offer it to the libraries to use again the next summer. We named the new software Bookpoints. Most of the libraries stayed with the pilot project of Bookpoints and worked with us throughout the development and testing. They used the software successfully and have been excellent development partners. Throughout this time we have been working with the Library of Virginia who also used GRA and then moved with us to Bookpoints,providing critical development funding for our development efforts.They also hosted another group of libraries on their own VA server.
After summer 2017, we worked closely with the libraries that had used the software to identify the high priority features that they wanted us to focus upon. We also brought in additional development resources from BitSource and DevCollaborative to supplement our Galecia team led by Jim Craner. The 2017 version is being released in April, 2017 and libraries will be going live on their customized versions starting in May, 2017.
As soon as the 2017 season of summer reading is launched we will begin working on the 2018 version. We will continue to partner with the Library of Virginia, however, California libraries libraries have lost their grant funding and CLA will no longer be involved in the project. The Galecia Group will continue to work with Virginia and our development partners, and hopefully most of our California libraries to host and support them in 2018 but the service will be fee-based. We will also be seeking additional support to keep the development going.
2016 - 2017
This engagement built on previous work done with Solano County in 2006 and 2007. At that time, the materials handling workflows were analyzed and numerous recommendations made. Since that time, many of the recommendations had been implemented. In 2016, Solano County Library contacted Lori Ayre of The Galecia Group to assist them in re-evaluated the recommendations given changing conditions. After conducting site visits, reviewing current data and working closely with the Library, a revised set of recommendations were developed and the Library began the procurement process shortly thereafter.
Ayre developed the RFP for procuring the recommended AMH and RFID technologies and is working with the Library to select a vendor. This process includes guiding the Library through the evaluation process which includes the RFP development plus evaluation, facilitating demonstrations and faciliating scoring and final vendor selection.