The document provides ten strategies for data migration projects: 1) Maintain relationships in the data and between project teams; 2) Establish regular communication plans including listening, adjusting language, and considering body language; 3) Thoroughly document all project information, issues, and general knowledge; 4) Ensure familiarity with workflows, processes, and consistent terminology; 5) Maintain consistent processes and standards; 6) Pay attention to aesthetics and usability; 7) Use clear language appropriate for all audiences; 8) Remain flexible to meet libraries' specific needs and expertise; 9) Anticipate future needs and impacts; 10) Engage users and maintain transparency of the migration process.

1. M i g r at i o n H e u r i s t i c s
Top Ten Data
Migration Strategies
Joy Nelson
Migration Specialist

2. Maintain Relationships
•
Relationships in the data
•
Relationship between you and your client
•
Empathy
•
Expectations or ‘premeditated resentments’

3. Communication Plan
•
Maintain a Regular Schedule
•
Listening and adjust the
language
•
Mind the body language

4. Document, Document, Document
•
Project Specific Information
•
Issues Related to Project
•
General Knowledge Base

5. Familiarity
•
Workflows
•
Process

6. Consistency
•
Standard processes in all
migration projects.
•
Consistent terminology in Koha

7. Aesthetics
•
Appearances matter –
•
Design the OPAC
•
Attractive and easy to use
worksheets and/or
checklists

8. Watch the Jargon
•
Guilty! Heuristics? Really?
•
Modify your technical language
to your user.
•
Ask your users to do the same
for you if needed to explain
process.

9. Flexibility
•
Meet your library where they
are in terms of technical
expertise and time.
•
Find tools to assist them.

10. Anticipation
•
Long Range Vision
•
What’s coming around
the corner?
•
How will this decision
impact them on go-live
day?

11. Transparency of Process
•
Resist the ‘black box’ migration
•
Engage your users