Contents

1. What is the RMS/ILLiad?
2. How is it better than traditional ILL systems?
3. Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system?
4. Why do I need a username and password to use the system?
5. What if I forget my password?
6. What Web browser should I use?
7. Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?
8. Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?
9. What is Electronic Delivery?
10. Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about the system?
11. Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

What is the RMS / ILLiad?

The HAM-TMC Library RMS is the electronic system you use to request an item through Photocopy Services or Interlibrary Loan. It is an implementation of the OCLC ILLiad system, developed by Atlas Systems, Inc.

Note: This system is separate from "Remote Access," which allows you to access electronic journals and databases remotely. Call the Circulation Desk (713-799-7147) for more information on Remote Access.

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How is it better than traditional ILL systems?

1. You will find it easier to submit your interlibrary loan requests. With the RMS, you enter your name, address, and other personal information into the system only once, at the time of your first request.
2. Your request will be handled more rapidly and accurately as problems relating to misinterpretation of hand-written requests are eliminated.
3. You can get many of your photocopies more quickly through Electronic Delivery.
4. You can get information about the status of your request through the Web at any time from any location without having to call the Photocopy/Interlibrary Loan Department.
5. Library personnel are able to serve you better because all data about your request and its handling is stored in a searchable database. We are able to respond quickly to your inquiries about your request. We are also able to gather statistical information about the performance of the libraries that lend to us, enabling us to make better decisions when choosing a lender to supply an item.

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Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system?

Some people might find it troublesome to have to log into the RMS using a username and password. We believe this is less trouble than traditional paper and electronic systems which require you to enter your personal information with each new request.

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Why do I need a username and password to use the system?

Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.

Your username can be anything you like, such as your name, abbreviations, or an alphanumeric code. Your password also can be anything you like. We recommend that you follow good security practice and choose a password that is different from those you use to access other systems. However, no one but you will know your password, not even the library staff. The password you set is stored in an encrypted file.

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What if I forget my password?

In the event that you forget your password, please contact the Photocopy/Interlibrary Loan Department at 713.799.7179. We can then reset your password allowing you access to the RMS. Please change your password once you logon again.

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What Web browser should I use?

You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and, preferably, one that can handle frames.  We recommend either Netscape Navigator version 3.0 or greater or Microsoft Internet Explorer version 3.0 or greater. Both browsers are available for the Windows 3.x, Windows 95 or NT, and Macintosh O/S operating systems. Netscape Navigator is available for UNIX.

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Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?

Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:

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Why don't I see all my older requests when I look at my request history?

From time to time we will purge older records from the system. Our policy is to keep requests online for several years in order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.

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What is electronic delivery?

Similar to the Prospero system we have been using for the past year, the RMS will offer you the option of electronic delivery of your articles in PDF format (Adobe's Portable Document Format). You can read more about electronic delivery on the Electronic Delivery Information page.

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Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about the RMS?

• System Problems or Service Questions: Photocopy/Interlibrary Loan Department at 713.799.7179 (8am - 5pm, M-F) or by email.

• Technical Support Questions: E-mail anytime to tmcariel@exch.library.tmc.edu.

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Why does my browser say that you're sending a cookie? What's in it?

The Active Server Pages technology that we use to provide live reporting for the web sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use the RMS without any problems.

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