We migrated from SIRSI to Voyager (Endeavor) late last year.  (As you may
be aware, University System of Georgia Libraries--of which we are a
member--decided to form a consortium and have one integrated system
statewide.  Committees were chosen/appointed and meetings were held
whereby we created lists of essentials, and desirable features.  Three
phases were established--those that had dead/dying systems [read
homegrown], those with no system, and those that were automated.)

Transition has been anything but pleasant...but going from any system to
another is always fraught with problems.  Workflow changed significantly,
tho existing staff have remained in their same positions.

The biggest change was going from an integrated system to a modular one. I
have not seen the newer SIRSI product, but I can tell you quickly that we
lost functionality with Voyager. Voyager is much more labor-intensive in
creation/editing/receipt. We are using Voyager 99.1; to receive an issue
of a journal, there are five mouse clicks. Except for the time already
spent creating lost/inaccurate records, etc. if I were told we could go
back to SIRSI, I would.  Granted SIRSI had many problems, but the fact
that it was an integrated system was a definite plus.  I work in the
Acquisitions/Serials area; I understand from those who work Reference that
Voyager is very well received by patrons. Circulation also seems to like
the new system. Checkin on Voyager is very easy...but only for those items
that are completely standard (no deviation, no extra issues, etc.)

Please keep in mind that views expressed are mine alone.  I was on the
selection committee but held no sway except for establishing features
criteria.

Debbie Harrell
Ingram Library, State University of West Georgia
phone: 770-836-6498
fax: 770-836-6626
<dharrell@WESTGA.EDU>