Preparing for Alexandria

From COMPanion

This section provides an overview on how to prepare for the automation of your library collection.

When following the steps provided in this section, it is best to have Alexandria open and active in order to fully understand the program as you follow along.

Automating Your Library Overview

Use the following steps (and links provided) to prepare your library for automation with Alexandria:

1. Develop strategies for both secure backup and item/patron importation; see Develop a Secure Backup Strategy.
2. Barcode your collection; see Barcode Your Collection.
3. Install Alexandria; see Installing Alexandria.
4. Set Scheduled Events preferences for both Archive and Rebuild.
5. Configure your essential System Preferences Window.
6. Add your item and patron information; see Importing Patrons and Items.
7. Develop an Alexandria/machine maintenance strategy; see Develop Maintenance Strategies.
8. Evaluate the security of your Data Station; see Evaluate the Security of Your Data Station.

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Related Alexandria Preparation Topics

• Archiving Your Data
• Backing Up Your Data
  • What to Backup
  • Why You Must Backup Your Data
  • Determining a Backup Strategy
  • Backup Hardware
  • Sample Backup Strategy
• Barcode Your Collection
  • Guidelines for Choosing Barcode Number
  • Sample Barcode Numbering Scheme
  • Classes of Barcode Labels
    • One and Two-Part Labels
  • Where to Place Barcode Labels
  • When to Label Items
  • Barcode Readers
• Enter Item Data
• Enter Patron Data
• Set Your Library Preferences
• Develop a Machine Maintenance Strategy
• Develop an Alexandria Maintenance Strategy
• Evaluate the Security of Your Data Station