Reasons for inaccurate address book information in Outlook

Using Microsoft Outlook at Indiana University, you may find that some of the address book information is incorrect. Possible explanations for this include:

• Inaccurate information from providers: The data for user records comes from one or more of the following information providers: Human Resources (HR), the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Academic Affairs. This same data is used for the online IU Directory.

  If your information is listed incorrectly in the Outlook address book, you may be able to update it yourself, or you may need to contact the relevant information provider. See View and modify your personal information (such as preferred name, home address, birthday, or emergency contacts) for IU employees, groups, or affiliates.

• Changes in your status: If your status has changed recently, you may have to wait a few weeks before your information accurately reflects your current status, as some records take time to process within HR, the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Academic Affairs. If your information is not updated in a timely manner, contact the appropriate information provider (see the links in the previous section).
• Errors in address book views: When you open the address book in Outlook, you have access to the Exchange directory, displayed as an address book with multiple views. The Global Address List (GAL) is likely your default address book, unless Outlook has been configured to use a different view by default.

  Besides the GAL, the address book is divided into logical groupings of addresses called departmental ABVs, which are determined by the value input into the "department" field in each individual's record in the Exchange directory. In some cases, a departmental ABV might be combined with that of another campus's department if the names match. A campus department might also be displayed in multiple ABVs. Departments that are made up of people funded by multiple departments or sources may show up in multiple ABVs.

  If you find that your department's ABV is not accurate or useful, you may wish to use the GAL instead.