Odyssey servers run a website for administering the system. There are literally hundreds of options a library may set to make the system run exactly the way they want. Some options are simple, like setting the hours of operation. This is done via a web form. It can be done by any compatible brower running on any workstation in the library. Access to System Administration functions is protected by usernames and passwords assigned to authorized menbers of the library staff. Setting the hours of operation ensures users can only log on to workstations after the library has officially opened. More important it assures they log off, or are logged off before the library closes. If the closing time is 8:00 PM and a patron walks in a 7:30, when they register they see they will only be allowed a 30 minute session.
The Odyssey Administration System is also used to set up printing options, such as per page charges, which printer are default for which workstations and numerous others. The Administration System can be used to disallow logon to certain workstations during certain hours on particular days. Suppose each Wednesday, between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM a special program is run in the Childrens' Area, the system can be set so the workstations in the Childrens' Area cannot be used during that period.
Each of the many options is set with to a default so they do not all have to be individually configured. While all are relatively intuitive, they are all accompanied by a short descriptor explaining what they do and how they are set. Typically a senior member of the library staff will learn the options and how they can be used to tailor the system to a library's specific needs. Other staff members will typically use only a basic set of functions, such as those to extend or teminate session times or temporarily turn off a particular group of workstations.
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