Co-presented at the Innovative Users Group Conference, April 20, 2010. Program Description: Many libraries already use program-specific macros to automate tasks in Millennium, OCLC, and other programs. While these macros help with task automation, they are limited to their specific programs. Several libraries have turned to 3rd party automation tools, including AutoIt, in efforts to automate tasks in Millennium and other programs. AutoIt is a Windows automation scripting language that has seen successful implementations at various libraries. This presentation will explore the various ways AutoIt is utilized in academic and public library settings as well as the benefits and consequences of using AutoIt for Millennium task automation.

1. Using AutoIT for Millennium Task Automation Becky Yoose- Miami University

2. What to Automate? (shamelessly stolen) Inconvenient schedule Frequently done Tedious / prone to human error Time consuming Limited set of decisions

3. How can that be automated?!

4. Part 1 – Data Entry Local codes Locations Statistics Status Etc. Notes Local fields

5. Part 2 – Decision Making Data on screen can be “read” Data can then be processed If “a” contains “b” then do “c”, else do “d” How does AutoIt read screen data?

9. Database Maintenance – The Problem 3000+ MARC records, mostly LP music records Invalid ‡h in 240 field But wait – there’s more! Corrupted 007 field (consistent) Outdated 262 and 305 fields (consistent) Potpourri of other issues (varies)

10. Database Maintenance – The Solution Screencast demo http://www.screencast.com/t/THTw1n9ty Scripts (.zip file) http://tinyurl.com/yff3fta

11. Receipt Cataloging – The Process All items go through receipt process If item meets certain criteria, it is then fast tracked to physical processing Examples of criteria (over 40 in total) DLC, pcc Item is not an added copy/volume 008, 050, and 260 ‡c dates match if not a conference publication

12. Receipt Cataloging – The Script Screencast demo http://www.screencast.com/t/gegg952u8gS Process Documentation (scripts coming soon) http://tinyurl.com/ykroact

13. Ordering Notification Items – The Process Data entry in ordering process affects receipt cataloging scripts Incorrect codes lead to incorrect processing Workflow was not developed around automation like receipt cataloging was Complex process, but has a core progression for the majority of items GOBI III OCLC III GOBI

14. Ordering Notification Items – The Script Screencast demo http://screencast.com/t/MDkzZmIxYW Process Documentation (scripts coming soon) http://tinyurl.com/yekoc3h

15. AutoIt Problems with Millennium…

16. Thank You Becky Yoose Miami University yoosebj@muohio.edu Twitter – yo_bj Thank You

17. Photo Credits Slide #3 - “Offering” by A30_Tsitika, http://www.flickr.com/photos/frozen-in-time/1838671566/ Slide #15 - “Fail whale” by Twitter. Slide #15 - Logo of Innovative Interfaces lnc. Other photos from presenter and Microsoft Image Gallery Thank You