Weekly Wrap-U.P.! March 31, 2023


System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler


Morton Co. Public Library

The technology guru’s from the system office traveled to Morton Co. Public Library to configure and test VR headsets for the community of Elkhart on Tuesday. Patrons will be able to ride a roller coaster and play the popular game Beat Saber. Chris also demonstrated the drawing robot Artie to staff.


New Carpet @ Greeley Co. Library

By Rhonna Schmidt

The Greeley County Library has gone through a transformation. We have been excited to have received multiple grants that helped us to update the library’s lighting, replace old carpet, and purchase mobile book units. We started this project on January 20th and finished on March 24th . We want to thank the IT staff at SWKLS for all their wonderful assistance and willingness to come to Tribune on multiple
occasions. We couldn’t have done this without your help. Thanks guys.



Future Dates & Training Opportunities

April 4, 2023, 2:00 pm – Train UP “Windows 11 Intro”- Registration Link/Zoom Link

April 11, 2023, 7:00 pm – “Words for War” at the Kinsley Public Library

April 21, 2023, 10:00 am – SWKLS Hybrid Board Meeting at Dodge City Public Library

May 5, 2023, 10:00 am – #TrendyLibrarian – Registration Link


Consulting

By Richard Brookman


“Words for War” Poetry Reading at Kinsley Public Library

On Tuesday, April 11, at 7:00 pm, Joan Weaver and the Kinsley Public Library has scheduled an very topical event “Words for War: New Poems from Ukraine”. April is National Poetry Month and the program Joan has developed gives voice to the people of Ukraine.

The library is inviting anyone that would like to attend for a reading of poems that have come from Ukraine since the invasion of Russia. The program will be led by Dr. Galen Boehme and the poetry read by the Kinsley community.

Lyuba Curtis will be joining the discussion for a personable viewpoint having grown up in Kremenchuk, in central Ukraine and lived most of her life in Kiev, Ukraine’s Capital. She know lives in Kinsley with her husband, the City Manager for Kinsley.

If you would like more details you can contact Joan at the library at 620-659-3341 or director@kinsleylibrary.info.

You are welcome to share this flyer and information with your community.

April Train UP: Windows 11 Intro

April’s Train UP will be on April 4, beginning at 2:00 pm. The Train UP is being conducted by our Tech Department this month. An Intro to Windows 11 is the topic to get everyone started thinking about the upgrade to come for your library’s computers.

If you are interested please follow this link to register and to attend the meeting you will use this Zoom link.


Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson


Collection Development Inspiration


Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction



New Resources for You!

StoryWalk®s

This new bilingual StoryWalk® is now available!


Materials Replacement Fund

If a book that you borrow is lost or not returned by your patron, you are eligible to apply for the Materials Replacement Fund through SEKLS. 

The materials replacement fund does not cover bulk loans and there is a minimum claim of $5. Libraries using the Materials Replacement Fund can do so up to 8 times per calendar year. If you think your library will need to use it more than that, you’ll need to carefully consider which lost items are worth submitting a claim for vs. reimbursing the lender directly.

Here is the process for submitting an application for materials replacement, from the SEKLS website:

1. Contact the lending library to let them know you’re trying to retrieve the lost item. Be sure to keep the lending library informed throughout the process. As you try to recover the missing item, follow the steps outlined on the claims form. Give it your best shot. Most of the time, these steps will work.

2. Use your library’s policy to determine when the item is considered lost. If your efforts to retrieve the item are unsuccessful and you have written off the item as lost, submit the claim form. Please wait at least two months beyond the due date before filing a claim, but claims must be filed within one year of the due date.
3. Since the MRF reimburses the replacement cost, some verification (such as an invoice from the lender, a printout from Amazon.com, or other evidence of the item’s replacement cost) must be submitted along with the completed form.
4. If the item was returned by Kansas Library Express, contact Caroline Handwork at courier@nekls.org. If the material was sent or returned via a delivery method with a tracking mechanism (such as UPS, FedEx, or the COKAMO courier), please submit a tracking request and apply for reimbursement through that service before turning to the MRF.

Remember, before submitting a claim, do your best to get the item back. And to sustain your library’s good standing as a responsible ILL participant, keep the lender informed throughout the process.


In Case You Missed It


For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit & New Courier Shipping Labels

From Deborah Hensler, SHAREit Product Manager:

Hello, SHAREit Users

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for Wednesday April 19, 2023 at 1pm.

The topic for April’s webinar is ILL Statistics.

Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/3028270957240247809

As usual, there’s space on the registration form to ask questions in advance, and we try to answer as many as possible that are asked during the session.


From Caroline Handwork:

Olathe Public Library/KS122 has new courier shipping labels with a new address.  The correct shipping labels for Olathe Public Library/KS122 moving forward will have the following address:

KS122

Olathe Public Library

260 E Santa Fe

Olathe, KS 66061

Please pull and discard any old labels you might have for them.  Please download the new set of courier shipping labels found here, https://kslibexpress.mykansaslibrary.org/shipping-labels/


Technology

by Christopher Dressler


How to recognize a phishing email

Lets Not Go Phishing

Phishing is a technique (through email) that cybercriminals use to gain access to personal, private, or sensitive information like bank accounts, credit cards, browser histories, or a total remote takeover of your computer. This includes access to your social media accounts and may even create mirror/copies of them. The goal is to identify a phishing email before you fall victim to the crime. Most of these cybercriminals go unpunished for these crimes.

7 Signs of a Phishing Email

  1. Generic Greeting – “Dear Sir/Maam”, “Dear, (your email address)”
  2. From an unofficial(fake) email address
  3. A request for information like a personal information or simply a reply to the email.
  4. Buttons to click
  5. Attachments. Usually malware.
  6. Links to other websites.
  7. Spelling and grammar mistakes.

For one example in the images to the left, the email account it was sent from (noreply@coin…) and the actual address (bakarjadejumoxdrew@…) which do not match and therefore is not trustworthy. Based off of that bit of information (let alone the generics, the attachment with a strange name, and the poor grammar) I would delete this email immediately.

As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! March 17, 2023


System Spotlight

By SWKLS Staff


Pictures From Our Travels

We didn’t travel far from home, this week. Okay, we didn’t travel from home at all. 🙂 We just went down the street and popped in on our friends at our local public library right here in Dodge City. Watch out – we might pop in on you, next! 🙂


Dodge City Public Library Displays

Dodge City Public Library has some creative displays that highlight resources that meet the needs of their diverse community as well as local organizations and public health issues. Way to customize for and engage your community, DCPL!


Kansas Heritage Center Displays

The Kansas Heritage Center brings together history and pop culture with their fun displays! If you’ve ever wondered about the house that inspired our state song, “Home on the Range,” you can see their Home on the Range display and read all about it and see the photos. Of course, they have historical literature on display, as well. This looks great! Well done, Kansas Heritage Center!


Future Dates & Training Opportunities

March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link & Zoom Link

March 28 & 30, 2023, 1:30 pm – Online Grant Writing Course through K-State/Registration Link

March 30, 2023, 1:30 pm – After-Lunch Course “Universal Design for Libraries”/Registration Link

March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link


Consulting

By Richard Brookman


Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor Mariakray

March 24 System Board Meeting Zoom Link

As of this time we still do not have a quorum for the March 24, System board meeting, at Grant County Library in Ulysses. If you haven’t registered please do so at this link. We have extended the deadline to register to Tuesday, March 21, at Noon. The System office needs you to register so we know who will be in-person and staying for lunch. This will allow Tandy to turn in the number staying for lunch for the caterer.

Summer Library (Reading) Workshop

The Summer Library (Reading) Workshop is fast approaching. It will be at the Finney County Public Library on March 31, with registration for the day at 9:30 am and the workshop starting at 10:00 am. If you are interested in attending and haven’t signed up yet there is still time to register. Follow this link to register so we can get a count for the lunch order.

First After-Lunch Course for 2023

March 30, at 1:30 pm, the first After-Lunch Course for 2023, will be “Universal Design for Libraries” presented by Carli Spina. Carli Spina is an Associate Professor and Head of Research and Instructional Services at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

“Making libraries accessible and inclusive can be a challenge. Fortunately, the principles of Universal Design offer guidance on how to create libraries that are usable and welcoming for all patrons. This presentation will introduce the principles of Universal Design, explain how this concept contrasts with accessibility, and offer concrete advice on how to apply these principles at your library. These examples will provide advice for those looking for low-budget, high-impact changes that can improve accessibility and those who are planning for large-scale renovation projects.”

If you are interested in attending you can register at this link.

2023 Round of On-Line Grant Writing Workshops through K-State

This year’s round of Grant Writing workshops has been scheduled and registration is open. There is a fee of $60.00 for the course. The course is online so you would not have to travel. The first course is March 28 & 30, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm each day.

“This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices. This online course is adapted from a highly rated face-to-face training with proven results.

Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share. The format of the class allows a writer to formulate their grant ideas into a grant proposal, if they are ready.

Classes are recorded for later reference or classes missed.

You will learn:

  • Sources of data for community needs
  • Where to find grants
  • Elements of a great grant proposal
  • Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget”

For more information you can contact Nancy Daniels at nkdaniels@ksu.edu.

If you are interested here is the registration link for the March Course.


Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson


Collection Development Inspiration


Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction



New Resources for You!

StoryWalk®s

These new StoryWalk®s are now available! Happy Within and It’s Skeleton Time are both bilingual books (English/Spanish) and 21 Cousins is English with some Spanish words introduced.

STEAM Collection

These new robots are now available for check-out! If you would like to demo one, first check our VERSO (typing “SWKLS STEAM Collection” into the QuickSearch bar to see if one is available), then call our office or email Sara and we’ll arrange a day/time to drop it off at your library for 30 days!


In Literary News


Over 1K Simon & Schuster Manuscripts Stolen

A former employee of Simon & Schuster has stolen over 1000 manuscripts by impersonating publishers and agents over email. He pled guilty in a New York court to wire fraud and will be sentenced April 5th. Why and how did he steal the manuscripts and which authors were affected? Click here for more information.


Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News

Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list!)

Florida Will Review Social Studies Textbooks for ‘Prohibited Topics’ (Flordia)

Experts Say Attacks on Free Speech are Rising Across the U.S. (From PBS)

Davis School District Bans Nobel Prize-winning Book ‘The Bluest Eye’ from all Libraries (Utah)

Metro Detroit Prosecutor, Librarian Clash Over LGBTQ+ Novel (Michigan)

ALA OIF Blog 3.3.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-03-10-2023/

First Amendment Coalition: https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/news-opinion/first-amendment-news/

Empowered by Reading (Unitedagainstbookbans): https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Empowered-by-Reading-final.pdf


Tomorrow (3/18) is Global Recycling Day!

“Out with the old, in with the new,” I always say! In the spirit of Global Recycling Day, maybe it’s time to spring clean your collection. Do you have several books that need recycled, but you’re not sure where to start? Do you need an extra pair of hands? You can call or email me here at the office and I will gladly help you to evaluate your collection and get a weeding project underway.

For those titles you’d like to hold on to, but that need some reinvigoration, come to #TrendyLibrarian on May 5th to hear System Director Richard Brookman talk about breathing new life into your collection. He’s got ideas about cover art, pop culture, and displays that are sure to get those pages turning again. Hope to see you there!


In Case You Missed It


For All VERSO Users: VERSO Update

There was an update to VERSO, this week, on Wednesday. Click here to see the release notes for details.

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Important information about Google Analytics – If your library uses Google Analytics to track VERSO page views, you will need to switch your account to use the new Google Analytics 4 (G4) tag. With this release, VERSO will be switching to the new G4 tracking method which is replacing the old UA tracking method. Google is discontinuing the UA tracking method in July 2023, and old UA tags will no longer work in VERSO as of March 15, 2023. For more information visit: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9744165#zippy=%2Cin-this-article


For ILLers: SHAREit Update

There was an update to SHAREit, this week, on Wednesday. Click here to see the release notes for details.


Technology

by Christopher Dressler


Tech Clinics/Business Working Day

Last week we had Tech Clinics/Business Working day at the SWKLS office and I think it was a good success. Bernardo introduced and demonstrated to our attendees the different types of 3D printers that we have here at the office. The first is and Ender 3 and prints with PLA. It does a great job and is one of the better printers I have seen.


The second is a ToyBox. This small printer is easy to use, and it doesn’t take up too much space. The media it uses is PLA and the company calls it “Food”. Our official taste tester here at the office gave it a thumbs down for taste and texture.

Thirdly, we have a resin printer. This printer uses a liquid media and using UV light produces a rigid plastic object. Quality of these prints are slightly better than the Ender 3.


A couple of other demonstrations we did were the Osmo kits. These fun and family friendly games are geared for children 4 to 10. These game help children learn to read, count, and be creative with art. Compatible with Fire Tablet and iPad. We then demonstrated our Snap Circuits. These fun educational toys are used to make simple electronic circuits that help children understand electric connectivity.


Some of the other sessions we had included Quickbooks How-To and Excel for intermediate users.
Thats all I have for this week. We hope to see you at the next Tech Clinics/Business Workday.


As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! March 10, 2023


System Spotlight

By SWKLS Staff


Pictures From Our Travels

Here are some pictures we took while out and about, the past couple of weeks, of some cool things happening at our member libraries! Will we feature your library next?


Hanston Public Library Displays

Hanston is getting into the spirit of winter with their cute, whimsical winter displays! They’re also highlighting book and movie tie-ins, a great way to generate interest in the collection. Way to go, Amy!


Liberal Memorial Library Uses Glowforge to Customize

Liberal Memorial Library Director Royce Kitts took us on a tour of his library and showed us his Glowforge, which he uses to customize signs around the library, awards for patrons, and even name tags for staff and community organizations. These look awesome, Royce!


Plains Community Library Displays & Activities

Plains Community Library has eye-catching displays as well as a gaming center and their meeting room is all ready for the next Lego club adventure. Looking great! Thanks for the tour, Patsy!


Future Dates & Training Opportunities

March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online

March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link & Zoom Link

March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link


Consulting

By Richard Brookman


Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor obpia30

Daylight Savings Time

This is it! Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Our clocks are going to need to “spring” forward one hour, so 6:00 am will become 7:00 am. Remind your staff so they can get ready to adjust there clocks as well as their bodies.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor ranagy

Legislative Updates

There are 4 bills that are being monitored at the moment SB 149 and 188 and HB 2176, 2205, 2236, and 2271. Here is the status of each as of today:

SB 149 – “Expanding the crime of promoting obscenity to minors to include drag performances.” This bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary on February 3, and no further activity has occurred.

I am monitoring this bill because if it does pass it could effect public libraries. Here is the language that I am looking at ““drag performance” means a performance in which one or more performers: (A) Exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup or other accessories that are traditionally worn by members of and are meant to exaggerate the gender identity of the performer’s opposite sex; and (B) sings, lip-synchs, dances or otherwise performs before an audience of at least two persons for entertainment, whether performed for payment or not;… (5) “performance” means any play, motion picture, dance or other exhibition performed before and audience.

This language could change how library collections look and can contain.

SB 188 – “Removing an affirmative defense for public, private and parochial schools from the crime of promotion to minors of material harmful to minors.” This bill was referred to the Committee of Judiciary on February 8 and no further activity has occurred.

This bill only covers taking away a public, private and parochial schools, which include their libraries. This can very quickly change in the future to include public libraries given the current political climate.

HB 2205 – “Creating the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 463 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.”

HB 2276 – “Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 470 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.”

Both HB 2205 and 2176 have been combined into just HB 2176 and has passed the House and is in the Senate. The Senate has referred this to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation and a hearing is set for March 14, at 9:30 am in Room 548-S.

HB 2236 – “Establishing parents’ right to direct the education, upbringing and moral or religious training of their children including the right to object to harmful and inappropriate educational materials.” This bill was referred to the Committee of Education and had a Hearing on March 9, that I was unable to watch, for personal reasons, to see if it has been moved to the floor or remains in committee.

I am keeping track of this for the same reason of keeping track of SB 188. Even though, in my opinion, it is a duplicate to K.S.A. 38-141, and pinpoints educational materials, it could turn upon public libraries.

HB 2271 – “Authorizing any nonresident student whose parent or guardian is employed by a school district to enroll in and attend such school district.” This bill has been referred to the Committee on K-12 Education Budget on March 1, and no further activity has occured.

This bill has had the “Parent Portal” wrapped into it, that was in last year’s legislative session.

I know not all of these bills cover public libraries, but they easily could. I am also looking at these for our school libraries that could be facing difficulties if these bills are pass and made into law. Hence why I did the presentation at the KASL Regional Workshop this past Saturday.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor TotalShape

March 24 System Board Meeting Zoom Link

The Zoom Link for the March 24 System Board meeting has been established and is in the calendar part of the Weekly Wrap UP and at the bottom of this piece.

A representative from the Ulysses Compass office will be visiting with our members on how librarians can assist and interact with patrons that have challenges. The program is entitled “Know the Warning Signs”.

Some of the topics I have asked them to discuss are: recognize patrons with challenges; how to visit with patrons with challenges without having them feel threatened; how to de escalate situations with patrons with challenges; how to visit with staff that might have challenges; and what librarians need to be aware of so they don’t accidentally violate health privacy of a patron.

This session will not be recorded.  If you have already registered as attending through Zoom and you would like to change to in-person you will need to contact Tandy as soon as possible so we can have accurate numbers for lunch.

If you haven’t registered yet you can do so through this link. If you are attending through Zoom here is that link.


Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson


Collection Development Inspiration


Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction


In Literary News

Ian Falconer, author and illustrator of the beloved Olivia books, has died. He was 63 years old.

Falconer’s starring character, Olivia, got her own TV show that aired on Nick Jr., premiering in 2009 and lasting two seasons. The glamorous pig in her signature red dress was a hit with children of all ages.

To read more about Ian Falconer’s life and creative endeavors, see this NPR tribute. This sad occasion creates an opportunity to honor Falconer in your library by displaying his most beloved books for fans of his work.


R.L. Stein Denies Green-Lighting Censorship of His Books

R.L. Stein, author of the acclaimed Goosebumps series, has been under fire recently for allegedly okaying the censorship of more than 12 of his beloved books. Stein, however, denies the allegations and alleges that his publisher made the edits without his knowledge. Scholastic admits to having made the changes, but hasn’t made a statement one way or the other about the level of knowledge or involvement of the author. Click here for more details.


Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News

Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list, this week!)

Oklahoma Libraries Once Again Under Microscope at Capitol (Oklahoma)

State House Committee Rejects Bill That Would Make Librarians Criminally Liable for Distribution of Obscene Material (Arkansas)

Senate Bill Allows Prosecution of Educators Over ‘Bad Books,’ Also A Grievance Process (Indiana)

Minot ‘Read-In’ Protests Book Banning Legislation (North Dakota)

House Committee Looks to Enforce Age-Appropriate Books, School Discipline (Iowa)

Librarians or Parents? Idaho House Bills Differ on ‘Harmful’ Materials Responsibility (Idaho)

As Bills in Multiple States Threaten Librarians with Criminalization, Advocates Are Fighting Back (From School Library Journal)

ALA OIF Blog 3.3.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-03-03-2023/

First Amendment Coalition: https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/news-opinion/first-amendment-news/

Empowered by Reading (Unitedagainstbookbans): https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Empowered-by-Reading-final.pdf


ALSC Wants to Register Your Library’s El día de los niños/El día de los libros Event

From Jessi Harris of NEKLS:

Is your library hosting an El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) event in 2023? Add your event to the national Día program registry provided by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)!

Día program registry: http://cs.ala.org/websurvey/alsc/dia/index.cfm

Día history: https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/d%C3%ADa-history

Día book lists and social media graphics: https://www.ala.org/alsc/initiatives/dia/free-resources-2023


In Case You Missed It


For All VERSO Users: “Versed in VERSOComing Up

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Are you curious about upcoming VERSO features and enhancements?

At this month’s Versed in VERSO, Cheryl Slinkard, Chief Operations Officer at Auto-Graphics, will be presenting a quarterly product update.

Please join us Tuesday, March 14, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00AM Pacific. The first 15 minutes of Versed in VERSO will be a product update followed by the regular Q&A session.

If you have a question, please ask it here:  https://forms.office.com/r/kr1N0U7G85

To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1165596002130880779 


For ILLers: “Sharing About SHAREit” Q & A Coming Up

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for March 22, 2023 at 1pm.

Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/7726015750177957632

In this Q&A we’ll answer more questions about ILL Request Management. Please enter your question(s) on the registration form.

A confirmation email containing information about joining the training will be sent after registering.


For Non-Public Library ILLers: Non-Public Library ILL Survey Deadline

Just a reminder that the 2022 Non-Public Library ILL Survey  is due today, March 10! If you have any questions about how to fill out the survey or how to generate SHAREit stat reports, contact Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian with the State Library of Kansas & she’ll be happy to help you!


Technology

by Christopher Dressler


Tablet Entertainment Learning

For this week’s Wrap-U.P., I want to write about an item we have for you to evaluate that you may have heard about called Osmo. Many of you may have these in your library already. For me, the first time I played with them was 2 weeks ago. I wish I had these when my kids were growing up as they are a fun and entertaining for children 3 to 10 years of age depending on the game.

Here is a little bit about the company: “Tangible Play Inc. — the business behind the Osmo brand — was founded in 2013 by Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, who set out to create ‘something awesome that inspires the youngest generation,’ while at the same time addressing a concern of many parents about how to have their children interact with technology without losing the value of hands-on play. By 2014 the first three Osmo games, Newton, Tangram, and Words, were launched to universal praise from parents, educators, industry experts, and most importantly, with overwhelming support (and giggles) from our most challenging critics, children.” To date, Osmo has been named one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions, is a Parents’ Choice award winner, a winner of the prestigious Oppenheim award, and a 2016 finalist for Toy of The Year. Osmo is sold in over 42 countries, delivered via nine international distribution centers and has been embraced in more than 30,000 schools. — “About us | Osmo”   Playosmo, https://www.playosmo.com/en/about-us/. Accessed 1 Jan. 1970.

So if you would like to evaluate one of our kits, please contact Sara at our office to check one out to demo at your library. These kits do require you to have an iPad or Kindle which is included when you evaluate the product. If you’ve decided these are a good fit for your library, contact Steve here at the office for pricing.

As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! March 3, 2023


System Spotlight

By SWKLS Staff


Fowler Public Library Receives Grants

Director Kelli Humiston accepted checks from the Fowler Legacy Foundation and Meade County Community Foundation for grants that will go towards the library’s summer reading program as well as revamping their children’s section.

Congratulations, Fowler Public Library!


Stevens County Library Patrons Enjoy Gaming Group

From Laurie Crawford, Adult Services Coordinator:

“Since August 2022, a small group of patrons have met at the Stevens County Library to play Mah Jongg.  Mah Jongg is a tile-based game developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players.  The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 pm and we continue to recruit new players, offering to teach the game to anyone who is interested.”

Great job, Stevens County Library!


Future Dates & Training Opportunities

March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link

March 6-7, 2023 – SWKLS Tech Clinic and Business Working Day/Registration Link

March 7, 2023 – March Train UP/Registration Link, Zoom Link

March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online

March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link

March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link


Consulting

By Richard Brookman


Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor obpia30

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time is set for March 12. Our clocks are going to need to “spring” forward one hour, so 6:00 am will become 7:00 am. Remind your staff so they can get ready to adjust there clocks as well as their bodies.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor geralt

March 7 Train UP

The March 7 Train UP will be presented by David Fischer, Technology Support and Ordering from Northwest Kansas Library System.  David will be discussing the open enrollment for OverDrive’s Sunflower Cooperative.  If you are interested in attending you can still register through this link and the Zoom Link is here.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor TotalShape

Continuing Education for March 24 System Board Meeting

A representative from the Ulysses Compass office will be visiting with our members on how librarians can assist and interact with patrons that have challenges. The program is entitled “Know the Warning Signs”.

Some of the topics I have asked them to discuss are: recognize patrons with challenges; how to visit with patrons with challenges without having them feel threatened; how to de escalate situations with patrons with challenges; how to visit with staff that might have challenges; and what librarians need to be aware of so they don’t accidentally violate health privacy of a patron.

This session will not be recorded.  If you have already registered as attending through Zoom and you would like to change to in-person you will need to contact Tandy as soon as possible so we can have accurate numbers for lunch.

If you haven’t registered yet you can do so through this link.


Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson


Collection Development Inspiration


Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction


In Literary News

Children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel would have turned 99 years old yesterday, March 2nd, 2023! Happy Birthday to the iconic Dr. Seuss!!

What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? How did your library celebrate the day? Let us know and we’ll be happy to put your answers in next week’s Weekly Wrap-U.P.!

Here are the SWKLS team’s favorite Dr. Seuss Books:

  • Tandy: “Oh The Places You’ll Go”
  • Richard: “Fox in Socks”
  • Steve: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
  • Sara: “Horton Hears a Who”
  • Bernardo: “Green Eggs and Ham”
  • Chris: “The Cat in the Hat”

Terry Pratchett’s Publisher To Release Author’s Short Story Anthology

Fans of the late Sir Terry Pratchett will be delighted to learn that the author’s publisher, Transworld, will be releasing an anthology of short stories that he had written under a pen name, Patrick Kearns. The stories have been compiled into a book called 20 Tales in A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories that will debut on October 5 of this year. Click here for more information!


Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News

Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list, this week!)

‘Egregious Overreach’: Librarians Could Risk Jail Time Over ND Book Ban Bills Targeting Sexual Material (North Dakota)

Indiana Senators Debate Ban on ‘Inappropriate’ Library Materials for Minors (Indiana)

Hundreds Gather Outside Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library to Protest Proposed Censorship Laws (North Dakota)

Committee Kills Library Bill Targeting ‘Harmful’ Materials for Minors, Punts on Another (Idaho)

New Hampshire Bill Would Remove K-12 Exemptions from Obscenity Laws (New Hampshire)

ACLU of Missouri files lawsuit on behalf of MLA: https://www.aclu-mo.org/en/news/aclu-missouri-professional-library-organizations-challenge-government-censorship-and-book

Book-banning has seen a revival (Kansas Reflector): https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/26/black-history-month-means-empowerment-that-provokes-powerbrokers-in-kansas-and-elsewhere-to-attack-education/

Politicians need to address book bans – scroll down for Leavenworth, KS connection (BookRiot): https://bookriot.com/politicians-need-to-address-book-bans/

ALA OIF Blog 2.24.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-02-24-2023/

First Amendment Coalition: https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/news-opinion/first-amendment-news/

Empowered by Reading (Unitedagainstbookbans): https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Empowered-by-Reading-final.pdf


March is National Reading Month!

In honor of Dr. Seuss, the month of March became National Reading Month in 1994 and since then, readers of all ages have celebrated literacy in fun and unique ways. From read-ins to book clubs to everyday reader’s advisory, librarians have been championing literacy for as long as the profession has existed. You provide your communities with resources and entertainment to engage their minds and enrich their lives in so many meaningful ways. Hats off to you, librarians! You’re literacy leaders and National Reading Month is your time to shine!

If you would like assistance with developing your collection, our Collection Specialist is here to help! Give our office a call or email her at swilson@swkls.org.


In Case You Missed It

For ILLers

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

Thank you for attending last week’s Sharing about SHAREit Q&A.

The recording and slides from the webinar are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – the Sharing about SHAREit webinars are posted at the top of the chart.

We hope you found the webinar helpful and that we’ll see you at the next Sharing about SHAREit session!


Lending Policy Update

Also, from Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian from the State Library of Kansas:

I just want to let everyone know that the lending policy for the NWKLS Kansas Humanities Council Talk Book Series has been updated. The previous wording was incorrect so keep in mind these titles can only be borrowed as a set, not individually.

Thanks


For Non-Public Library ILLers

From Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian from the State Library of Kansas:

Just a reminder that the 2022 Non-Public Library ILL Survey  is due on March 10. I only have 35 responses at the moment so I’m looking forward to seeing more flood in. If you have any questions about how to fill out the survey or how to generate SHAREit stat reports, let me know.

Thanks!


Stopping a Hung or Frozen Program in Windows Task Manager

by Christopher Dressler

For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the SWKLS Wiki. We have lots of information there in regard to many facets of the library world. As I make tech training videos, I will place the under the Members section in the Online Training / Workshops page. This week’s training video is about stopping a hung or frozen program in the windows Task Manager. The idea for this video came from a member library gathered from a survey. As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.