Over the past few years I had the opportunity to meet many SirsiDynix users and to also to help/assist many of them, especially with our current challenge with regards to inventory (stocktaking) and auditing (GRAP17). It was an honor to be elected and to have the opportunity to create the COSAUG user group www.cosaug.co.za  However, it is with sadness that I am withdrawing from the COSAUG User Group, perhaps not just because of the absence of interest/support from our local service providers but mostly due to non-existent financial support from the ILS software company. My profession is Systems Librarianship (www.systemslibrarian.co.za) and I will continue sharing my knowledge and information relating to Library Management Systems (LMS), Integrated Library Management Systems (ILMS), Library Automation, Library software industry developments, and all other Library IT Technology developments/advances.
 31 August 2012

COSAUG - Customers of SirsiDynix Africa User Group

About COSAG

COSAUG was initiated by Universal Knowledge Software (UKS)

The Customers of SirsiDynix Africa User Group (COSAUG) was established at the Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) Africa User Group Meeting held on the 11 November 2009 at DBSA Auditorium in Midrand, South Africa.

COSAUG is an independent user group that acts as a forum for discussion and interaction between African library’s and other organisations who are customers and users of SirsiDynix products. This User Group also serves as a communication channel between members and Universal Knowledge Software (UKS).   

Aims and Principles

1) Who can be member?

• COSAUG is open to any institution in Africa that has installed or in the process of installing Library  Automation System (Integrated Library Management System) software supplied by SirsiDynix.
• COSAUG is open to all Customers of SirsiDynix in Africa, not SirsiDynix or employees or their agents, so you can talk openly and honestly about any matters regarding the company, its products or services, as well as the COSAUG User Group activities.

2) Who do we represent?

• COSAUG represents the interests of customers and users of all products provided by SirsiDynix in Africa.
• Please take note that COSAUG - Customers of SirsiDynix Africa User Group is not connected to or intended to replace any of the LIASA ICT Libraries Interest Groups, e.g., ICTLIG - Information and Communication Technology in Libraries Interest Groups.

3) Communication

• COSAUG promotes communication between users and systems administrators to increase awareness of SirsiDynix development initiatives.
• COSAUG is there as a tool for:
  - exchange information and expertise between all Customers and users of SirsiDynix in Africa on matters relating to all products of SirsiDynix
  - develop and encourage effective communication and good relations between customers and users in Africa and Universal Knowledge Software (UKS).

4) Site/Forum

COSAUG created an online forum to:
- promote communication amongst customers and users of all products provided by SirsiDynix in Africa and to increase awareness thereof.
- encourage mutual exchange of ideas, interests and experiences for users of information management software supplied by SirsiDynix.
- provide support and foster the sharing of information amongst the SirsiDynix customers and users.
- educate SirsiDynix customers and users on the use of the products, especially the Library Automation System (Integrated Library Management System).  

5) Product development/Product enhancements

• Customers and users of products provided by SirsiDynix in Africa may prescribe functionality & features that they believe SirsiDynix should add to the software.
• COSAUG can respond to product development and/or product enhancements suggestions by recommending possible alternatives.
• COSAUG is there as a tool to influence system development for the benefit of Africa SirsiDynix customers and users. To ensure all customers and users are able to participate in the request process for SirsiDynix product development and enhancements.

6) Relationship with Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) and SirsiDynix

COSAUG offers a mechanism to represent the interests of SirsiDynix customers and users in Africa and to maintain a constructive and collaborative relationship with Universal Knowledge Software (UKS) and SirsiDynix.

7) Meetings/Workshops

COSAUG holds meetings/workshops to allow the user community (customers and users of products provided by SirsiDynix in Africa) to exchange knowledge and ideas as well as facilitate networking opportunities.

Committee Members of COSAUG (Customers of SirsiDynix Africa User Group)

Looking forward to the interactivity of COSAUG and SirsiDynix (Africa) users and customers.

Regards,

Joe Kirsch
Chair: Customers of SirsiDynix Africa User Group (COSAUG)

Behind every well functioning Library System is a Systems Librarian!