2018 - 2020
The MOBAC consortium included several libraries running stand-alone instances of the open source library system, Koha. All were hosted by ByWater Solutions. One member of MOBAC was running a hosted version of Polaris. The group was interested in exploring the options of joining together as a resource-sharing consortium using Koha.
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.
2019 - 2022
Mississauga Library (Ontario) was finalizing plans for a remodel of the Central Library which was to include automated materials handling. The Library's couriers operate out of the Central Library basement, while the Circulation Dept operates on the main floor. The Library sought a thorough analysis of how best to implement materials handling for the Central Library operations as well as Courier operations. Lori Ayre provided the analysis and recommendations and worked through numerous design options with the design and Library teams. Ayre is now working with the Library and City to procure the system.
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.
2019 - 2020
This project involves capturing the work space requirements of every individual and workgroup currently occupying the Library's Administration Building in Fremont and developing a plan to reallocate space to provide improved workflows and optimize
2011-current
Developed a new website for the State Library of California's Get Involved project. The objective of the project is to provide an easy-to-use website for library staff working with library volunteers. The concept was based another site built and maintained by the Group, the Rural Initiative's Resource Round-Up website, https://resourceroundup.net/.
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).
2021 - 2022
The members of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) consortium are considering moving to RFID as a consortium. Some members are currently using RFID while others are not. Lori Ayre will be working with the libraries to provide a cost estimate for moving all members to RFID and also helping them determine whether that is the right course of action. Ayre will be evaluating their circulation and materials handling workflows and providing recommendations for how to efficiently address their primary pain points and position themselves for the future.
2015-2020
In November of 2014, Charleston county residents passed a $108.5 million referen-dum to address the Library’s building and technological deficiencies. The Library then sought the services of an architectural/engineering firm to develop a program guide manual for the subsequent Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) Capital Improve-ment Project (CIP) that would affect all 16 outlets of the CCPL system. Lori Ayre of The Galecia Group was included in the proposal submitted by McMillan Pazdan Smith to provide guidance related to RFID, automated materials handling, and workflow optimization.
The CIP project includes building five new library buildings as well as a new Operations Center. In addition, virtually every one of the other branches would be remodeled. The scope of the original engagement included developing guide specifications for certain building systems including security, access, A-V, RFID and product standards for other library items.
Once the program guide had been completed, Ayre was hired by Charleston County in order to assist the County in finalizing RFID and AMH product specifications and help- ing the staff to re-envision how service delivery could be changed with the help of self-service and materials handling technologies. Ayre also developed the scope of services that would be used to identify suitable AMH and RFID vendors.