Working from home

  • Those who can work from home are asked to do so as much as possible. This permits us to maintain effective physical distancing and a safe limit to number of persons in the library building.

Technical guidance for at-home work

Any TS staff working from home will need to access various library platforms/software. You can bring in a personal laptop to have software installed, or there is a possibility that laptops will be available for check-out (stay tuned for more info). Sierra and Connexion also offer web-based apps that can be used instead of desktop clients. 

PLATFORM

ACCESS

NOTES

PLATFORM

ACCESS

NOTES

Library VPN

See guidelines on this page: https://lib.msu.edu/staff-telecommuting-guide/

  • Use your library sign-in (the same one you use for email) to log in

Sierra desktop client

The Sierra client can be downloaded using this link: http://magic.msu.edu:63000/web/installers/

  • The download is a .zip file. For Windows 10, Stephanie Bour recommends installing Windows Pure 64 bit ZIP for downloading and unzipping this file. For Windows 8, she recommends Windows ZIP.

  • During install:

    • Accept the default settings

    • When asked for “Server URL,” enter magic.msu.edu

  • Desktop client can only be downloaded to PCs; Mac users can use the browser based app below or Remote Desktop instead. (Link goes to an intranet page – must be on library VPN and sign in with netID to view.)

  • Must be signed into the library VPN to use the desktop client.

  • Log in using your usual credentials.

  • Macros, text strings, etc., will need to be recreated in any new installation.

Sierra web-based app

https://magic.msu.edu/sierra/sierraweb

  • Must be signed into the library VPN to use the web app.

  • Log in using your usual credentials.

  • Macros, text strings, etc., may not be available.

  • We are limited to 16 seats at the moment.

Connexion desktop client

Download Connexion on your personal machine using these instructions.

 

  • Desktop client can only be downloaded to PCs; Mac users can use the Connexion browser instead.

  • Library VPN not required for access.

  • Log in using your usual credentials. 

  • Records can be saved to the online save file and accessed later for export to Sierra.

Connexion browser

http://connexion.oclc.org/

Zoom conferencing software

  • Can be downloaded to PCs, Macs, and mobile devices

  • Can be used just with audio or with a webcam

  • Participants can also dial into Zoom meetings from their phone if desired – no computer required

Considerations for using Connexion from home:

  • Be sure you know your authorization number, plus any additional authorization you may use for Rovi work.

    • Email Joshua if you need help with your authorization number.

    • In all cases, your password is your last name, capitalized.

  • Macros and text strings might need to be recreated manually. Copy your text strings while in the library so they can be re-created at home. Macros and text strings may not be an option in the Connexion browser.

  • Constant data can be saved to the online constant data file and accessed from home.