2006 Conference |
Unicorn Preconferences 
Fun Preconferences Evening Activities
Mix and match preconferences as desired!
Deadline to Register for Preconference Sessions is October 10
There will be something for every administrator at this boot-camp style training. No pushups, we promise! Come and learn--or review--everything you need to confidently manage your Unicorn system. The Camp is split into two sections, so take either, or both!
I. Basic Unicorn Administration
8:00 AM - Noon at Del Mar College, $35 for this session or $50 for both Unicorn sessions
During the morning, we'll cover the basics of system administration--what to do if you've found yourself with the administration job without sufficient training or preparation. Topics to be covered include:
- So now you are an admin...what should you do first?
- SirsiDynix RATS list, and maintenance reports
- Coping with Client Care, and the SirsiDynix web site and forums
- Basic system security--the least you can do to protect your system
II. Advanced Unicorn Administration
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM at Del Mar College, $35 for this session or $50 for both Unicorn sessions
In the afternoon, we get deeper into the system. You'll gain a more thorough understanding of what makes Unicorn tick, and some of the things you can do to maximize its' usefulness to your library staff and patrons. Also, we'll spend some time exploring tools to help a system administrator keep organized and efficient. Topics include:
- Advanced unicorn admin: data structure implementation, indexing, and format policies
- API: What is it, what does it do, why do you need it
- Stress management: Using open-source tools to keep yourself looking like the genius you are
- Fundamental iBistro customization
About the Presenter:
David Bavousett is the System Administrator for the Abilene Library Consortium, where he has served since ALC's conversion to Unicorn in 2002. From 1992-1997, he as the Assistant System Administrator with ALC, managing a DRA Classic system. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from Abilene Christian University.
Lunch Planning
Eat on your own at nearby restaurants or reserve a box lunch with the Boot Camp
Texas State Aquarium with Behind the Scenes Tour
Spend the morning touring the Texas State Aquarium. The Texas State Aquarium showcases the aquatic environments of the Gulf of Mexico. Click here to read a description from the visitors guide. See what it takes to keep the aquarium running in the Behind the Scenes tour.
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Minimum attendees: 10 Maximum attendees: 30 Cost: $12.00
Dolphin and Nature Tour
Travel to nearby Port Aransas, Texas to go on an excursion boat to view dolphins, coastal birds and sea life. Tour is subject to cancellation due to weather. November is a better time for birding than dolphin viewing, but there are always dolphins in the area. Whooping cranes winter in the area and should be arriving in time for the tour. Click here for more information.
Tour time is subject to change due to seasonal changes. Please note that those going on the nature cruise should, but may not, make it back in time for the casino cruise.
Anticipated cruise tour time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM plus travel from/to hotel. Maximum attendees: 14 (additional welcome if they can provide transportation from the hotel to Port Aransas) Cost: $25.00
Lunch Planning
Eat on your own at nearby restaurants. Subway restaurant is in the aquarium food court.
SirsiDynix Sponsored Reception
SirsiDynix has sponsored a reception for conference attendees that will be held in the ballroom prefunction area of the Radisson from 4:30-6:30 PM
Texas Treasure Casino Cruise
Sail on the Texas Treasure and try your luck at more than 500 slot machines and 20 table games of chance. Includes dinner buffet, complementary drinks while gambling and shuttle transportation from hotel to/from ship.
Shuttle leaves hotel at 5:30 PM sharp and returns about 1:30 AM.
Minimum attendees: 10 Cost: $10.00
Dining and Discussions
Would you like to host a discussion group at a local restaurant? Let Merry know so she can assist you with restaurant selection and reservations.
More Options?
Want another option? Contact Merry and she will assist you in arranging your plans.