Purpose of the Course

Libraries rely on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to enable efficient electronic communication, such as exchanging quotes, orders and invoices with stock suppliers. Although this is a mature technology, it is important for libraries of all kinds to be able to understand and manage their EDI systems efficiently. This online training course is designed to help librarians to manage EDI, to use industry standards, to solve EDI issues and to gain the benefits of their EDI investment.  

Benefits of Attending 

This course will:

  • Provide delegates with the knowledge and confidence to understand and manage their library’s EDI systems and the various methods of exchanging business messages, such as quotes orders and invoices, with their suppliers.
  • Include an overview of EDI, the EDI messages and standards and how to use them, and how to solve issues and obtain help.
  • Be an opportunity for librarians to dive behind the scenes and understand how their library systems and their supplier’s systems communicate. They will develop the confidence to problem-solve with systems suppliers and stock suppliers when EDI issues arise.
  • Cover EDI as used by both public and academic libraries.

Course Level

This course is aimed at those who are completely new to EDI or who have had some involvement but have never felt completely at ease with EDI systems and standards. Attendees do not need technical know-how but should understand the basics of key library processes, especially acquisitions. Library staff, who deal with 3rd parties providing day-to-day EDI services, would also benefit from attending this course.

Course Outline

This seminar-based course consists of information slides with informal discussion combined with exercises exploring practical areas such as the make-up of EDI messages, mapping to the EDI standards, and how to cope with specific requirements. The topics covered will include:

  • What is EDI for Libraries?
  • How does it work?
  • Standards and technologies: Tradacoms, EDIFACT and APIs
  • Setting up EDI with the Library Management System and Library Stock Suppliers
  • Importance of EDI standards for Libraries
  • Exploring the benefits of EDI
  • How to solve Library EDI issues
  • How to obtain help and guidance

Course Preparation

Ahead of the course, BIC will send a brief survey to course delegates covering EDI issues they may have encountered. This is to ensure that the course is as relevant and useful as possible.

The Trainers

Heather Sherman, Bibliographic Data Services Ltd and William Scott, Peters. (Read about BIC Trainers, here).

Date & Frequency of this Course 

Next training date to be confirmed.

Course Location

Online / Virtual Training – using GoToMeetings.

We strongly advise that you check you able to access the GoToMeetings platform in advance of the course. Try a test session: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/758234845    

Course Length

This is a 2.5 hrs course.

Prices

BIC Members £15.99 + VAT
Friends of BIC £20.99 + VAT
Non Members £26.25 + VAT

Discounted rates apply to BIC members only. Not sure if your organisation is a BIC member? Check our members list here.

Registration

Registration coming soon

Registration is solely carried out via Eventbrite. Payment on Eventbrite is accepted via VISA, Mastercard and American Express.

Read BIC’s Course Cancellations & Refund Policy here.