Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Being Thankful

This is the time of year that we are encouraged to stop for a moment and consider all that we are thankful for. It’s not saying that we can’t be thankful throughout the whole year. It’s just a reminder on the calendar that we should take stock of everything that has happened through this year to give thanks.

As many know, the year has been full of peaks and valleys. Every year is like this. Within our libraries each of you have gone through those valleys, whether it be budgeting, reconsiderations, or just some interactions with patrons that you wish you never had to have. The valleys can be difficult to get out of, but concentrate on the bright light ahead and reach that summit to see the wondrousness of your library.

Think of the patron that left the library with a smile on their face because you took the time to stop and say hi and visit with them. Or even better when you see a patron come through your doors with an excited look on their face because the book or movie they have been waiting for is finally able to be put in the library or you got it for them through interlibrary loan and they can check it out. I bet you had a smile on your face when they left and the sense that you had a hand in making that persons day.

Many of our libraries through whatever means were able to add to their services for their communities. You working and taking the time with other entities brought about the new services being introduced in your library. Take pride that your library brought these services to your patrons. Show them how the services work to make their experiences at the library better and they will be thankful as well.

Some of our libraries have finished remodels or gearing up for them. This is a stressful time for you, but remember the excitement that you had when all of this began and the excitement you will have or had once the project is complete. When the project is complete you will see your patrons come in and their faces will light up in amazement on how everything worked out and how beautiful the library looks.

The programming that each of you do throughout the year is hard work. From coordinating the events and/or doing the program yourself with your library staff. Many do not see the work that goes into programming at the library and I know how exhausted your are from beginning to end. However, remember to think of those children, teens, and/or adults that came and had a fun time at your library and left with smiles on their faces saying they can’t wait until the next event. This should bring warmth to your heart.

As System representatives each of you also put in time to be at our meetings and being a part of the System’s committees and/or officers. You have also assisted the System and it’s membership when we call out for presenters to make workshops more enjoyable and hear what is happening and working in other libraries that might be something others can take back to their local library. This is a gift you give each time you do something of this nature.

Everything mentioned above is because of you, the director, the staff that assist you, and your library boards having faith in themselves and you to bring about these positive experiences to your community.

I am also thankful for the staff we have here at the System office. We have had some changes, but we are moving forward. Each of the staff has worked hard in being available for our members. We are here to assist you in what your library is endeavoring. Even our members that don’t contact us as much as others, please contact us and we will help you to the best of our abilities. Even if it is just printing posters for an event at your library, we would be glad to help and take that bit of stress off your plate.

The staff themselves are a pleasure to work with. They help me in making sure the office is running smoothly and the membership is getting services that are needed. Being able to come to the office in a familial atmosphere has brought us together. Each will help the other when needed and that is something I truly appreciate.

Because of all of this the System office and I are truly thankful for you, your staff, and boards. Be thankful with us in celebrating you and your communities.

To the System Staff a heart felt thanks from me to you. You make this enjoyable.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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In literary news, this week . . .

NPR’s Read List of “Books We Love” is Out

Looking for collection development inspiration, or even just your next good read? NPR (National Public Radio) continues their tradition of publishing their list of “Books We Love,” in its 10th year. This year, there are over 400 selections! To read their list – and look over past years’ lists – click here!

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New Resources for You!

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Technology

By: SWKLS Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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After Lunch Course with Sharon Morris

The last After Lunch Course for the 2022 year will be held December 8 at 1:30 pm CT. The title of the webinar is “Lead from Where You Are” with Sharon Morris. As the title suggest the webinar is “focusing on leadership skills that apply to everyone”. This is to be an interactive session for you to “learn about the research on behaviors of effective leaders and identify your leadership strengths”, and, “walk away with strategies and a plan to grow yourself and others in leadership behaviors.”

Sharon Morris has a doctorate in Managerial Leadership in Libraries from Simmons College and attended Emporia State for her MLIS. She has provided workshops nationally on library leadership and development topics and has co-created several leadership institutes.

If you are interested in attending the this After Lunch Course you can register through this link.

Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging Seminar/CSLP’s Virtual Summer Symposium Links Live

The registration links for the “Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging for LGBTQIA+ Youth” seminar and CSLP’s Virtual Summer Symposium are now live.

This “Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging for LGBTQIA+ Youth” seminar is presented by the Kaleidoscope Youth Center’s Director of Education and Outreach, Amanda Erickson, brought to you by CSLP’s Inclusion Committee. “Participants will learn about implicit bias, the complexity and depth of gender, and explanation of acronyms. The participants will be given strategies to create a welcoming environment in their library and their library’s summer reading program for LGBTQIA+ youth.” The seminar will be on November 22, 2022, beginning at 1:00 pm CT.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program Symposium is being held virtually December 8, 2022. It will begin at 10:00 am CT and last until 3:30 pm CT. The day will include: a keynote from Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of ALA, addressing “The Library as a Civic Bridge and Community Learning Hub”; “Summer Library Outreach to Underserved Children and Caregivers”; “All Together Now with Intergenerational Summer Programming”; and “Decorating Together”.

Registration Links:

Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging for LGBTIA+ Youth” Seminar Registration Link

CSLP’s Virtual Summer Symposium Registration Link

Safety on Spotlight Webinar for Libraries

The Public Library Association, Urban Libraries Council, and The Association of Rural & Small Libraries have joined together to offer a webinar on “Safety on Spotlight: Addressing Threats in Public Libraries. The webinar will be held on November 30, 2022, at 1:00 pm CT.

The webinar will cover and give ideas for libraries on how to:

• “Support colleagues and communities facing attacks on their libraries;
• Recognize the impact of trauma on library work and library workers in times of uncertainty or threats;
• Understand and be able to use de-escalation techniques in responding to library safety and security issues; and
• Identify resources and opportunities for support to help manage the emotional impact of being on the receiving end of threatening behavior.”

The panelists will include: Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge (MA); Justin Lock, Senior Counsel to the Director for the US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service; Manya Shorr, Director of the Fort Worth (TX) Public Library; Leah Esguerra, a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; and Dustin Koopman, Director of Security at Mid-Continent Public Library (Independence, MO).

If you are interested in this webinar you can register through this link.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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In literary news, this week . . .

The Brooklyn Public Library Announces Its Most Borrowed Book Ever

The Brooklyn Public Library first opened its doors 125 years ago and now, they are ready to share with the world what their most checked out book of all time has been. It’s a children’s book, they have 163 copies of it (according to NPR), and it’s a banned book! Can you guess what it is? Click here to see if you’re right.

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Training and Education

This week, I thought I would share this inspirational TED Talk by author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about the importance of acknowledging different points of view in literature. The ALA’s Library Bill of Rights tells us that as librarians, we have a responsibility to offer our communities a balanced look at the world through our collections and Ms. Adichie highlights why we should all have access to more than a single story about a person, place, or concept.

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Technology

By: Steve Andrews

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New Computers

New computer orders are shipping fairly quick and we’ve received about two-thirds of the outstanding orders at this point. We’ve begun scheduling visits this week to deploy what we have ready. The first model of desktop computer that we received a quote on has ran out of stock but we do have another model with similar specs and pricing still showing availability. As a reminder, all new computers will be loaded with Windows 11!

E-Rate 2023-2024

Our E-rate consultant, Toby Sykes, has begun sending emails concerning the upcoming 2023-2024 E-rate cycle. As a reminder, I am copied on all of these emails so no need to forward anything from Toby to me. Please be sure to read these emails as some of our libraries will need to submit new Letters of Authorization for Toby to handle your filings. In a few cases your EPC portal primary administrator account may need to be updated with new Director information which will typically require contacting the EPC helpdesk. Instructions for all of this are contained within Toby’s email(s) if needed.

Toby usually sends out emails prior to the end of the year asking about any anticipated changes or purchases beforehand. The SWKLS tech team will begin reviewing Category One (Internet access) and Category Two (equipment) needs after the first of the year, and once we have a chance to review your library’s needs I’ll reach out to everyone.

If your staff computer is displaying a message concerning the free upgrade to Windows 11 we encourage you to let allow / proceed with the upgrade. Our advice is to do this toward the end of the day near closing as the process does take a bit of time. If you encounter any issues please let us know.

Please note that this upgrade cannot be processed on patron computers due to Deep Freeze, so the SWKLS tech team will need to do that for any compatible patron computer.

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Grants for Small & Rural Libraries

The American Library Association has opened it’s Libraries Transforming Communities grant for small and rural libraries. Selected libraries will receive: $10,000 to $20,000 to support costs related to a community engagement project; virtual training in developing their community engagement; facilitation & disability service skills; a suite of online resources to support local programs; and project support through ALA Public Programs office during the grant term.

The grant is open to libraries that serve small and rural libraries in the U.S. and U.S. territories. Small and rural libraries are defined for this grant as a library located in an area that is more than, or equal to, five miles from an urbanized area and with a population of 25,000 or less.

Libraries can apply online now until February 28, 2023 at this link. Up to 300 libraries will be awarded in this application period. Additional information and guidelines of the grant can be found at this link.

CSLP’s Virtual Summer Symposium

The Collaborative Summer Library Program Symposium is being held virtually December 8, 2022. It will begin at 10:00 am CT and last until 3:30 pm CT. The day will include: a keynote from Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of ALA, addressing “The Library as a Civic Bridge and Community Learning Hub”; “Summer Library Outreach to Underserved Children and Caregivers”; “All Together Now with Intergenerational Summer Programming”; and “Decorating Together”.

If anyone is interested registration will open Monday, November, 14, 2022. Even though registration isn’t open yet you can find additional information at the following link.

Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging Seminar

Also on Monday November 14, registration will be opening for the “Cultivating Affirmation & Belonging for LGBTQIA+ Youth” seminar, registration link will be sent out went it goes live. Information can be found at the same link as the CSLP’s Virtual Summer Program Symposium link.

This seminar is presented by the Kaleidoscope Youth Center’s Director of Education and Outreach, Amanda Erickson, brought to you by CSLP’s Inclusion Committee. “Participants will learn about implicit bias, the complexity and depth of gender, and explanation of acronyms. The participants will be given strategies to create a welcoming environment in their library and their library’s summer reading program for LGBTQIA+ youth.”

The seminar itself will be on November 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm CT.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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In literary news, this week . . .

Chris Farley’s Brother Working on a Graphic Novel

Kevin Farley, brother of the late comedian, Chris Farley, is working to bring to us a graphic novel memoir about growing up in Wisconsin, in the Farley family. His memoir, entitled Growing Up Farley: A Chris Farley Story is set to be published in the fall of 2023 (Schaub, 2022). Many of remember Chris for his work on Saturday Night Live and his roles in comedy movies such as Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. This graphic novel is sure to be one that fans will enjoy. For more detailed information, see this link.

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Training and Education

Free seminar! Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, Families, and Communities. From Webjunction: “Libraries are well positioned to provide information and referral services to connect Veterans and members of military communities with Veterans Health Administration programs and initiatives that address risks and protective factors for suicidal behaviors. Join us for this webinar with presenters from the Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, who will provide an introduction to military culture and share how libraries can help raise awareness of the resources available to Veterans, their families, and other members of military communities.” This seminar is available November 15th.

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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System Spotlight

By SWKLS Staff

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

FROM PLAINS COMMUNITY LIBRARY

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

Daylight Savings Time

Just a quick reminder for everyone about Daylight Savings Time. Sunday, November 6, Daylight Savings Time Ends. So remember to set your clocks back 1 hour!

Election Day and Veterans Day Activities

This next week has two events you can spotlight, by making displays or joining in with your community on local programs.

The first event, November 8, is Election Day. Make displays of past Presidents/Governors and/or National/State Legislators using books, Blu-rays or pictures. Honor the past and encourage voters to make their voices heard. For those that are not able to vote, provide instructions/pamphlets on how they can register to vote for the next election.

Next is Veterans Day on November 11. If your library has multiple display areas you can have the Election Day display and a Veterans display in the other display area. Your communities will also host events for Veterans day. To show your support you could look into who is providing the program and see if their is anything your library could do to assist them. They might have it covered for this year, but they could put you down as a helper for next year.

Family Creative Learning Workshop

November 10, 2022, PLIX is teaming up with Ricarose Roque and Celeste Moreno of Creative Communities group at University of Colorado Boulder. The workshop will discuss how you can host your own Family Creative Learning Facilitated Workshop and is free to all who would like to attend.

‘The program this group has developed is a workshop series that engages children and their families to learn together—as designers and inventors—through the use of creative technologies. These workshops are designed to build on families’ relationships and cultural backgrounds and to strengthen their social support and expertise around computing.’

If this sounds interesting to consider for your library you can register through this site.

Early Literacy Symposium

The 2023 Early Literacy Symposium is set for April 14, 2023, at the Shawnee-Topeka County Public Library. Registration opens January 11, 2023, however the System Consultant Representatives encourage anyone interested to register as early as possible, because the sets are limited and they have sold out in the past. There is a $20.00 registration fee.

“This engaging session will bring together early childhood educators and library and museum professionals who work with families of children aged birth through Kindergarten and their families. 

Through a combination of professional instruction and group interaction, we will explore three key topics:

• Engineering and Empathy – helping young children explore STEM concepts
• Mind in the Making – promoting and practicing executive function life skills
• Family Engagement – best practices, given a pandemic

Sponsored by North Central Kansas Libraries System and Northeast Kansas Library System. Contact Sandy Wilkerson (swilkerson@nckls.org) or Anna Foote (afoote@nekls.org).”       

For additional information you can visit their website here.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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In literary news, this week . . .

Penguin Random House/Simon & Schuster Merger Blocked by Court

From Andrew Albanese at Publisher’s Weekly: ” [. . .] The order comes a little over two months since the conclusion of a blockbuster trial that captivated the publishing industry, and nearly two years since Penguin Random House parent Bertelsmann announced its proposed acquisition of Viacom CBS subsidiary Simon & Schuster for a hefty $2.175 billion.

On November 2, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice announced its suit to block the deal, with U.S. attorney general Merrick Garland saying the deal, if consummated, would give Penguin Random House ‘unprecedented control over this important industry.'”

Here is a link to the rest of the article: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/90798-court-blocks-penguin-random-house-s-s-merger.html

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Training and Education

From the State Library of Kansas: “Join PBS Books, WETA, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and ALA to learn about THE U.S. AND THE HOLOCAUST, a film by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick & Sarah Botstein and free educational resources available to engage in this important topic.” THE US AND THE HOLOCAUST Resources Webinar for Libraries (Programming Librarian). This webinar is available November 8!

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Technology

As many of you are aware, Microsoft has released the new Windows 11 operating system for general availability. Bernardo and I have examined the hardware requirements for the current computer inventories of our members and have added an extra column to your online inventory view that denotes whether a given computer can be upgraded to Windows 11. (see: https://forms.swkls.org/inventory/)

Overall, 63% of the current computer inventories that SWKLS manages are not compatible with Windows 11. Microsoft will end support for the Windows 10 operating system version on October 14th 2025, which gives roughly three years to make appropriate upgrades or replacements.

The first thing we will need to do is ensure that each of our member libraries obtain a single (1) Windows 11 volume license so that the SWKLS I.T. department can legally re-image / reload your Windows 11 computers as they are purchased or as they need servicing. As a reminder, new computer purchases are shipped to the SWKLS office so that they can be re-imaged with the correct settings and applications before being physically deployed at your library. This process (re-imaging) requires that the member library owns at least one volume license key for the operating system version being used. The current price for a single (1) Windows 11 license is currently $55.82. We can add this onto your next new computer order.

In regards to getting across the finish line with the Windows 10 end of support in 2025 and transition to Windows 11, there are a few different options.

The first option is purchasing / replacing non-compatible computers. New computers are already shipping with windows 11 from the manufacturers and SWKLS is ready to support them. New orders will be for computers that run Windows 11.

The second option is taking advantage of a free upgrade for compatible computers. Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to Windows 11 through Windows update for computers that meet the new minimum hardware requirements. This is similar to the free upgrade option that Microsoft provided Windows 7 users when they released Windows 10 back in 2015. Eligible computers can be determined by using the inventory page (see: https://forms.swkls.org/inventory/).

The third option is to look at your actual need for patron / staff computers and determine if some could be eliminated. With the decrease in computer usage as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by uncertainty of a rebound in usage afterwards, many of our member libraries elected to decrease their patron computer count afterwards as the demand had not returned. The caveat here is to be sure you are within accreditation guidelines for computer count (see: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php?title=Accreditation_Computer_Requirements)

As next year will be an accreditation application year which also entails an updated technology plan, I wanted to give you this information ahead of time. I know three years seems a long way off, but I also know that time flies when we are having fun!

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