Hi Brad,

My current workplace is set up in the campus CMS, Umbraco. It is very
limiting in what we can do (can't use widgets without permission), and
time-consuming to make edits. Apparently the state purchased another CMS,
and no other options will be available. I can't speak for what the new CMS
will be like, and how much freedom we will have with it (I'm not on that
committee), but I can say that the current CMS is not good for the library.

Hannah


On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 11:39 AM, Brad Coffield <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I would love to hear from people about what sort of setup they have
> regarding linkage/collaboration/constrictions/freedom regarding campus-wide
> IT practices and CMS usage and the library website.
>
> Some history: For a very long time our library ran its own server and its
> own website, completely independent of campus-wide concerns (save for
> occasional requests for help from IT with server issues). A few years ago
> the server began to reach EOL and it was determined that we couldn't afford
> to get another. Also around the same time it was deemed that the library
> website needed a complete re-do. I was tapped to do that re-do. During that
> process the Marketing dept got involved and it was agreed upon that the
> library's general look should be aligned with the university's public site
> (which I think was a good idea). Then it was determined that because of
> that decision that the simplest way to achieve it was to put us inside
> their existing CMS which was already setup etc etc.
>
> Part of the problem is that the existing CMS is Ektron...
>
> The revised library site went live in Ektron 2 years ago. My marketing
> contact was a massive help in getting it live and training me in ektron
> etc. He is now no longer with the university and we are in the middle of a
> transition period.
>
> My inclination and desire is to regain some level of independence wherein
> we collaborate with IT in getting our own server space on their servers but
> are not tied to their decisions regarding CMS, how and when to go
> mobile-friendly, etc. Our site is still not fully, truly what it should be
> because of limitations with Ektron and I would like to get out of it. I
> would like to have the option to either run a CMS of my choice or go
> CMS-less (since I'm the only editor). I fear that the site will be held
> back from being able to do the things that it needs to do.
>
> I'm hoping that I can get some responses from you all that way I can
> informally say "of x libraries that responded y of them are not firmly tied
> to IT." (or something to that effect) I'm also very curious to read
> responses because I'm sure they will be educational and help me to make our
> site better.
>
> THE QUESTION:
>
> What kind of setup does your library have regarding servers, IT dept
> collaboration, CMS restrictions, anything else? I imagine that there are
> many unique situations. Any input you're willing to provide will be very
> welcome and useful.
>
> Thank you!
>
> Warm regards,
>
> Brad
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Brad Coffield, MLIS
> Assistant Information and Web Services Librarian
> Saint Francis University
> 814-472-3315
> [log in to unmask]
>