Month: May 2023

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 26, 2023

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler

Lane Co. Childrens Dept.

We redid our kid’s area. It has been a two-year project. We won America’s Farmers Grow Communities in 2021. We bought new shelves with that money. Then our library foundation helped us buy the rest of the shelving with some of the money that was left to the library from someone who had passed away. The foundation also bought us the chairs. We were able to use some other memorial money for the rest of the decorations. The border is made from books that we have bought and took the covers off. We were also able to weed a lot of the books that needed to go. Now our area is in alphabetical order so you can go back and find what you are looking for.  We are very proud of what we have gotten done. It will be ready for Summer Reading.

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

May 26 – Aug 13, 2023 – Sunflower Summer Program/Website for Information

May 29, 2023 – System Office Closed/Memorial Day

June 15, 2023, 1:30 pm – After-Lunch Course Intellectual Freedom: Privacy/Registration

June 16, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting (Online Only)

June 19, 2023 – System Office Closed/Juneteenth

Consulting

By Richard Brookman

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor MUHANN

System Office Closure

The System Office will be closed Monday, May 29, in recognition of Memorial Day. For all the soldiers that have given for this country we wish to honor you and your families.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor Mariakray

June System Board Meeting

The next System Board meeting is on June 16, 2023. This meeting will be an online meeting only through Zoom. It will begin at 10:00 am. The registration link will be up today for Board Members to register for the meeting. June is usually a smaller meeting so it shouldn’t take to long. The primary business will be the review of the audit that Kennedy and McKee prepared for the System.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor muellkiller1

State Park Passes

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is providing passes for libraries to purchase for their patrons again this Summer.

If you are “interested in purchasing single-use Kansas State Park permits to give to library patrons can contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) Office in Pratt to request permits. Permits are $5 each and are sold in books of 25 Permits.  Once permits have been received, it is up to the library to determine how to distribute permits to library patrons. Each library may have a different permit check-out process.

The program ends December 31st, 2023. Participating libraries will have one month to return unused permits and libraries will be invoiced for the number of permits used or not returned to the Pratt Office.”

To learn more you can visit the Department of Wildlife and Parks website.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Wishing you all a safe and meaningful holiday weekend, honoring those no longer with us.

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

In Literary News

Winnie the Pooh School Shooting Book Distributed in Texas Schools

A.A. Milne’s beloved character, Winnie the Pooh, is being used to teach pre-K and elementary school children about school shootings. The character, who is in the public domain, was recently used by a law enforcement consulting firm in Texas to create the books, which were sent home in students’ backpacks on Monday. This also happens to be the same week as the one-year anniversary of the Uvalde shooting. Click here to find out how parents and teachers are reacting.

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!)

Illinois Set to Become First State to End Book Bans

PEN America, Penguin Random House Sue Florida School District Over Book Bans

Book Removals May Have Violated Students’ Rights, Education Department Says

Book Bans? Beavercreek, Bellbrook [OH] Schools Review Books After Gender, Sex Content Complaints

ALA OIF Blog 05.26.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-05-26-2023/

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

In Case You Missed It

For ILLers

Courier Holiday Notice

From Caroline Handwork of NEKLS:

Next Monday, May 29 is Memorial Day and a KLE holiday.  The courier will not run on May 29, 2023.

Thank you!

New Book Discussion Set Library Added

From State of Kansas Resource Sharing Librarian Nicole Hansen:


Derby Public Library has joined the Book Discussion Group Set list and has added the titles “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell and “The Other Typist” by Suzanne Rindell. Please see the Library Information tab on the spreadsheet for their borrowing and contact information.

Library Closing

From Caroline Handwork of NEKLS:

The Wetmore Acad Ctr-Prairie Hills USD 113 is closing and is no longer on the KLE Courier.  Please remove their shipping labels from your collection.  They are listed as Wetmore Acad Ctr-Prairie Hills USD 113/KS241. 

Their code will be removed from the SHAREit lender lists, so there is no need to update those on your end.

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Ransomware Roulette

In last weeks “Cyber What?” article I wrote about the many types of cyber threats that are on the internet and I thought I would start a series breaking down the different threats in more detail. The first is Ransomware.
What is Ransomware? In my story last week, I stated that its “Software that is used to lockout a user from accessing his/her own equipment and accounts.” What does that look like though? The way this works is by encrypting files on your computer that have a common file extension and are associated with productivity software. These file extensions may be familiar to you and include .jpg, .doc, .xls, and .ppt so you cannot access or open them till you pay money for an encryption key to unlock those files.
Why is Ransomware still widely used as a form of attack? According to ProofPoint.com, “80% of the businesses experienced a ransomware attack in 2020.” and 68% of those that were attacked paid the ransom.
How do we protect ourselves? First thing is education. Learning about this type of attack and what the plan is for when it happens (internet self-defense 101). The second, is making sure that your Windows updates are occurring regularly. Thirdly, make sure your computer backups are running. With these 3 operations running, we have tools to fight against these attacks.
Next week I will write about Adware.

Always feel free to contact me for training requests, library cards, or technology issues at cdressler@swkls.org or (620)225-1231. – Christopher Dressler 5/26/2023

Spanish PaperCut Instructions

Hello and welcome to the special update section here with Bernardo you’re SWKLS Systems Administrator with a great announcement. I’ve been putting together my limited knowledge in Spanish writing and google translate to the test in creating Spanish translations of our Papercut mobile printing instructions while trying to keep them fluent and easy to understand! At the moment only Windows laptops, IOS, and Android devices are translated for patron use but I am working on the rest as time fits into my schedule. If you see any inaccuracies in my translation, please email me to make changes. – Bernardo Gamboa

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 19, 2023

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler

Congratulations Graduates!

Haskell Co Township Library

Emily Froese — Library Clerk — South Gray HS Graduate — will be attending Wichita State University in the Fall majoring in Forensic Science. She will be coming back and filling in at the library during her breaks!

Deanna Fehr — Library Clerk — 21st Century Learning Academy/Kiowa County High School Graduate — will be working part time at the library and we are excited she will be here with us!!

Sara Koehn — Library Director— Emporia State University Graduate — Master’s in Library Science with emphasis in Leadership and Administration — will continue as the HTL Director.

Stevens Co Library

Congratulations to Emily and Jaxen. They are graduating this weekend and we are super proud! We are so excited for both of them, and can’t wait to see what the future brings. Jaxen has worked at the library since March 2019, and Emily started August 2020!

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

May 26 – Aug 13, 2023 – Sunflower Summer Program/Website for Information

June 15, 2023, 1:30 pm – After-Lunch Course Intellectual Freedom: Privacy/Registration

June 16, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting (Online Only)

Consulting

By Richard Brookman

Intellectual Freedom After-Lunch Course

The next After-Lunch Course speaker will by Professor Trina Magi entitled Intellectual Freedom: Privacy. Professor Magi is a Reference & Instruction Librarian at Howe Memorial Library, at the University of Vermont. Trina has spoken and written widely about privacy and libraries and was the editor of the 9th Edition of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual. She has also worked with then Congressman Bernie Sanders to introduce the “Freedom to Read Protection Act” and has won several awards to include ALA’s Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change.

This course Professor Magi will discuss why patron privacy matters and how you can protect it. If you are interested in this training it will be held June 15 at 1:30 pm CT. Follow this link to register.

SunFlower Fun

The Kansas Department of Education if providing Summer Activities for families. Your library can help spread the word about the program and website called “Sunflower Summer”. The website is available now to visit and find out what the program is about. The program officially starts May 26 and goes until August 13, 2023.

“Sunflower Summer is a program of the Kansas State Department of Education and is designed to provide a wide variety of ways for families to get out, explore something new, and enjoy time together. Kansas students in Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are included. Students attending public schools, private and faith-based schools, or who are home-schooled are included. Students enrolled in 18-21 Transition Programs are also eligible for free tickets via the Sunflower Summer program. Up to two adults may access a ticket voucher on the Sunflower Summer app, when accompanying Kansas students enrolled in Pre-kindergarten through 12th grade on a visit to a Sunflower Summer participating attraction.

Parents and guardians can download the Sunflower Summer app free from either Google Play (Android) or Apple (IOS) app stores. To register your account, you simply open the app and follow the prompts. Then it’s as simple as selecting your first attraction, and then tap and go.”

The site answers additional questions that you might have about the program.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

In Literary News

K-Pop Stars Are Releasing a Book

The singers of the wildly popular K-pop band BTS are releasing a book about their lives, titled “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS.” The book will come out in July and will include exclusive photos of the group. If members of your community are part of the “BTS Army” (a devoted fan group), they’ll surely want to get their hands on a copy of this book! To read more about it, click here.

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!)

Penguin Random House and Florida Parents Sue School District Over Book Bans

Police Called Over Illinois Teacher Offering ‘This Book is Gay’

School Librarians Face Prison Time for Distributing Banned Books

The 15 Most Banned Books in America This School Year

‘This is immoral’: Pastor Slams NC School Board Over ‘Pornographic’ Library Book

Mansfield ISD Considers Plan to Ban Books in School Libraries

CT School Board Deadlocks On Whether to Limit Access to Two Books

ALA OIF Blog 05.12.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-05-12-2023/

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

In Case You Missed It

For All VERSO Users: Versed in VERSO Posted

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Greetings VERSO Users,

The video and PowerPoint from the May Versed in VERSO session have been posted. 

They are available both in VERSO (Support > VERSO) and in the Auto-Graphics Portal.

For ILLers

New Shipping Labels

From Caroline Handwork of NEKLS:

Please check your KLE shipping labels for: Caney City Library, Cedar Vale Memorial Library, and Sedan Public Library.  They should have ” ICT ” in the top right corner.  If they have ” PAR” please throw them out.  Those are old and their current hub is Wichita, (ICT).  Any labels with ‘PAR” will delay materials getting to them.

Here is a link to the current set of shipping labels, https://kslibexpress.mykansaslibrary.org/shipping-labels/

Thank you

Sharing About SHAREit

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.

Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/6260051191640699905

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.

New Book Discussion Group Sets

From State Library of Kansas Resource Sharing Librarian Nicole Hansen:

I just thought I’d make sure everyone knows there have been some additions/changes to the Book Discussion Group Sets spreadsheet. Along with the other titles that have been submitted, Louisburg PL has replaced their previous titles with a new list and updated their lending information. https://kslib.info/448/Book-Discussion-Group-Sets

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Cyber WHAT!

Many of you may have been the victim of a cyber-criminal. These people are out to get money and fame at your expense. These cyber criminals can come from anywhere and pose as anyone. There are however tools that we use to keep you and your patrons safe.

Today I want to write about a few of the tools that they use to gain access to your network and in a later article, how security experts stop their access to your network and data.

  • Ransomware – Software that is used to lockout a user from accessing his/her own equipment and accounts.
  • Adware – Redirects your browser to look elsewhere for search and advertisement data.
  • Pharming – A DNS attack that can (unknowingly to the user) force your browser to alternative websites.
  • Spoofing – Emails messages sent from fake accounts that look real in an attempt to gain access to user data.
  • Botnets – Software the works in the background that hackers use to attack other systems.
  • DDOS – Distributed Denile Of Service floods a systems bandwidth, denying access to it from other legitimate users.
  • Malware – Malicious software unknowingly installed on computer to perform a criminal act.
  • Trojans – Software that looks legitimate that contains malicious code.
  • Worms – Software that contains code to automatically spread itself to other computers on a network.
  • Phishing – Uses mass email that looks legitimate in an attempt to capture a user’s sensitive information.
  • Spyware – Software used to covertly monitor a user’s activity on their devices.

Not all of these are stopped by anti-virus or anti-malware tools so please be aware it you are going to website that you are not sure about when preforming your Google searches.

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. -5/17/23

Price Increases for Google Workspace

Google has announced price increases for Google Workspace accounts that will be rolling out this year. For our members that use Google Workspace, the Business Starter plan will increase from $6 per user (per month) to $7.20 per user (per month). The new pricing started rolling out in April of this year and will continue through 2024, depending on factors that include number of user licenses, current contract terms, and payment plan.

Google Analytics Notifications

Google is sending out notifications concerning the transition from Legacy (Universal) Analytics to the new Google Analytics 4 (GA4). As a reminder, the SWKLS I.T. department has already provisioned GA4 analytics for all websites that we manage. Please ignore these emails if we host and manage your website!

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 12, 2023

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler

Bring on Summer Reading!

Director Sara at Plains reports: “We got our new outdoor sidewalk sign.  This is the first time we have had one, but we are using this to encourage Summer Reading, and then we can swap out the message boards.  It can be filled with water or sand; however, it is surprisingly heavy so it will be fine most of the time.  Right now, we have it set up inside.  Bring on Summer Reading!” If you have questions or comments, please email plainslibrary@plainslibrary.com

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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

May 15, 2023, 1:00 pm – Niche Academy “Disability Accommodations in Libraries”/Registration Link

June 16, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting (Online Only)

Consulting

By Richard Brookman

New Template Policies on SWKLS Wiki

Two new template policies have been added to the SWKLS Wiki page. One is a template for “Budget/Capital Improvement” and the other is “Interlibrary Loan”. These templates are to provide a starting point for the members. When you download the policy you will notice it will be a Word document. This will allow you to edit the template to make alterations to fit your community.

As mentioned above you can see these templates and the other templates on the System Wiki page.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor BookBabe

Beyond Barriers

This past week I visited with Mignon Lucky of Beyond Barriers. She wanted me to pass along what Beyond Barriers is and if any of our member libraries might like to contact her or give their information to patrons that might be interested in contacting the organization.

Beyond Barriers is an organization providing disability services for living independently. They help individuals live as independently as possible through training, education, advocacy and support. Just a few of the services they offer are: independent living training and support; employment services; blind/low vision services; ADA compliance/community education; medical supply loan closet; and more.

Anyone with any kind of disability qualifies. You don’t have to “prove” anything. The organization’s goal is to eliminate barriers.

If you or anyone in your community would like to contact Beyond Barriers for more information you can contact:

Mignon Luckey, Independent Living Specialist/Older Blind Program

Email – mlucky@BeyondBarriersKS.com

Phone – Direct: 620-371-7018 or Main: 620-371-7690

New Characters at the System

SpongeBob, Cat in the Hat, Red Book or Page the Book, Grinch, and Classic Santa character costumes have been added to the System’s cast of characters. The characters are to help augment your programs and/or help with your Parade Program Entry for the library in your community.

Member libraries can contact the System Office to reserve the costumes through an interlibrary loan request or by email/phone. The library can just receive the costume if they have someone that will dress up as the character. If not I will make arrangements to be at your library to dress as the character you selected for your program.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

In Literary News

Grief Book Author Charged With Murder

A widow wrote a children’s book, recently, to help her own kids cope with the sudden death of their father. The book was called “Are You With Me?” and the author, Kouri Richins, said her children helped her with the writing process. Now, it’s come to light that she is being charged with the murder of her husband, the man whose death inspired the book. To read more about the case, click this link.

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!)

School Censorship Violates Basic Human Rights: https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/03/us-school-censorship-violates-basic-human-rights

Illinois to Become First State to Ban Book Bans: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/05/03/illinois-to-become-first-state-to-prohibit-book-bans-00095151 & https://bookriot.com/illinois-to-become-first-state-to-ban-book-bans/

Missouri Escalates Battle Over Books: https://www.kcur.org/education/2023-05-04/library-funding-becomes-the-nuclear-option-as-the-battle-over-books-escalates

ALA OIF Blog 05.05.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-05-05-2023/

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

You Can Learn Birdsongs!

In this informational video, Jackie Augustine, from Audubon of Kansas, teaches you about how to learn to recognize birdsongs. The Audubon of Kansas provided many of our libraries with free birding adventure backpacks a few months ago. If you have not received one and would like one for your library, please let me know and I will connect you with contact information. This video would be great to share with patrons interested in going on a birdwatching adventure this spring/summer.

In Case You Missed It

#TrendyLibrarian Workshop Pics

We had a great time last Friday at the #TrendyLibrarian workshop! It was so great to see those of you who were able to make it out. We hope you learned new things and had fun doing it! 🙂 If you missed it, we hope to see you next year! Here are some pics from the day’s events:

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

How It Works – Library S.T.R.E.A.M. Ed.

As many of you have seen at the #Trendy Librarian Workshop, we have lots of toys that many of your patrons would enjoy using. These toys are fun to use, and you might even learn something while playing. Maybe, “toy” is not the best way to describe what these devices should be described.

From another perspective these tools can fix real world problems, at home, on the farm, or at work. For an example, the Makey Makey can be used as a water detector to detect plumbing clogs near drains, water heaters or your HVAC systems. The Toy Box 3D Printer can be used to print parts that were broken on equipment, temporary fittings, or an emergency fix when you can’t get a part right away.

These tools can be used for practical purposes like prototyping, making molds, and even making tools for specific purposes or one time uses. Let your patrons brainstorm ideas and decide if a 3D printer is right for your library. Call us today to setup a demo of our many STREAM tools that we offer. See our S.T.R.E.A.M. site for our list.

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. -5/8/23

Three AI Programs for Librarians (Steve Andrews)

During our recent Trendy Librarian workshop, I shared some useful Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs that you can test and use. These programs are designed to make your work easier and help you save time. In this article, I will introduce you to three different AI tools that I find particularly useful.

  • ChatGPT:
    ChatGPT is a language model developed by OpenAI. It is a program that can simulate human-like responses to text-based input. You can access ChatGPT for free by signing up for an account on their website. The latest version available is 3.5. To learn more about ChatGPT, you can visit their blog at https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt.
  • Canva’s Text-to-Image:
    Canva is a popular design platform that offers a Text-to-Image app. This app allows you to create images based on your text input. You can use it to create social media posts, posters, or any other visual content. The app is available on Canva’s website, and you can access it by visiting https://www.canva.com/apps/text-to-image.
  • Google’s Bard:
    Google has developed a conversational AI called Bard. It is an AI-powered writing tool that can help you with creative writing. You can access Bard by visiting https://bard.google.com/. If you are a Google Workspace user and would like to try Bard, please contact me to enable access.

In conclusion, these AI tools can help you save time and improve your productivity. They are easy to use, and you can access them online. I hope you find these tools helpful, and I encourage you to give them a try.

Price Increases for Google Workspace

Google has announced price increases for Google Workspace accounts that will be rolling out this year. For our members that use Google Workspace, the Business Starter plan will increase from $6 per user (per month) to $7.20 per user (per month). The new pricing started rolling out in April of this year and will continue through 2024, depending on factors that include number of user licenses, current contract terms, and payment plan.

Google Analytics Notifications

Google is sending out notifications concerning the transition from Legacy (Universal) Analytics to the new Google Analytics 4 (GA4). As a reminder, the SWKLS I.T. department has already provisioned GA4 analytics for all websites that we manage. Please ignore these emails if we host and manage your website!

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 5, 2023

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler

El dia de los Libros

The Kinsley library recently celebrated El dia de los ninos/El dia de los libros (The Day of the Child/The Day of the Book) a literacy holiday originating in Mexico to honor children and wonderful books.  Traditionally the holiday falls on April 30th, but when there was no school on April 21, librarian Yaneth decided to hold the fiesta on April 21. Thirty-six children attended and heard a story, made maracas, danced the Mexican Hat Dance, played loteria (bingo), demolished a pinata and had treats. It was so successful, Yaneth wants to make this an annual reading event to highlight a different culture every year.  

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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

May 15, 2023, 1:00 pm – Niche Academy “Disability Accommodations in Libraries”/Registration Link

June 16, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting (Online Only)

Consulting

By Richard Brookman

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt

Legislative Update

HB 2236 “Education; relating to school districts; establishing parents’ right to direct the education and upbringing of their children including the right to object to educational materials and activities that are not included in approved curriculum or standards or impair a parent’s beliefs, values or principles” did pass both Houses and went to the Governor’s desk.

Governor Kelly vetoed the bill. The State Legislature did attempt to override the Governor’s veto, however the override failed to reach 2/3 vote in the State House of Representatives with a vote of 78 Yea to 45 Nay.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt

Film Programming Ideas for May

The System’s movie licensing company Swank is sharing ideas that your library might consider doing in conjunction with a display or just the movie itself. For some of the day’s in May that have an event associated you show:

for National Technology Day (May 11) it is suggestion to show Reminiscence;

for Mother’s Day (May 14) the library could show Life as We Know It;

on May 16 it is Dinosaur Day and it is suggested to show Dinosaur 13;

for International Museum Day (May 18) you could do a showing of Night at the Museum;

Armed Forces Day, which is on May 20, the library could have a viewing of All Quiet on the Western Front; and/or

on May 29 it is Memorial Day and a showing of Hacksaw Ridge is suggested.

These titles are covered under the Movie License that is provided for each of our member libraries. If you choose to do a different movie don’t forget to go to Swank’s website for “public libraries” and search the title to make sure it is covered under the license.

Image provided by Collaborative Summer Library Program

Talking Books and the Summer Library Program

The Talking Books Department of the State Library of Kansas is offering their annual Summer Reading Program in conjunction with this year’s theme. Maggie Witte, Outreach Librarian for Talking Books, is requesting you help in supporting this program and inform your qualifying patrons in your area. If the patron isn’t part of the Talking Books program be sure to download and fill out the application, at this link, and return it to the Talking Books Department, in Emporia. As a librarian you have the authority to certify that the Kansan is eligible for services.

Image provide by freepix.com contributor freepix

Accommodations in Libraries Niche Academy Webinar

To continue with having libraries be a welcoming place for all Niche Academy is having a webinar entitled “Disability Accommodations in Libraries. The webinar will be held on May 17 at 1:00 pm CT.

The webinar presenter will be JJ Pionke and is a general introduction to the topic of disability accommodations. The discussion will cover “Americans with Disabilities Act, how the accommodations process works, as well as issues surrounding the process.”

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

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

In Literary News

Fourth Grader Pens Entrepreneurial Guide for Kids

Reimer Strauss, a nine-year-old from South Carolina, has written a book called “The Big Money Squeeze” that was published by Forbes Books and is now available on Amazon. Inspired by his desire, and that of his friends, to kit out his treehouse, the kids put their heads together and set out to make money. When it was all said and done, Reimer thought other kids could benefit from what he and his friends learned. For more information, you can read the article here.

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!)

Librarian Says She’s Being Called a Predator Over Books at School. She’s Suing

York County Councilman Takes Aim at Children’s Library Books with LGBTQ+ Content

Over Half of 2022’s Most Challenged Books Have LGBTQ Themes

Book Bans are Getting Everyone’s Attention – Including Biden’s. Here’s Why

Missouri GOP Proposes a Frighteningly Efficient Way to Ban Books

Banned Books Recommended for National Day of Action

ALA OIF Blog 04.28.23: https://www.oif.ala.org/intellectual-freedom-news-04-28-2023/

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

SWKLS Resource Sharing Taskforce

We are starting an ILL roundtable group called the SWKLS Resource Sharing Taskforce. If you are involved in the day-to-day administering of ILL and you are interested in adding your thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a bi-monthly Zoom meeting, please reach out to Sara at swilson@swkls.org for more information!

In Case You Missed It

Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

We will be hosting a special edition of Versed in VERSO on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, to show you all the updates to our new mobile site. Some of the updates will also impact the desktop site. These updates are expected to be released May 16. Please keep an eye out for upcoming release notes for the exact release date.

The current phase of the mobile redesign will impact patron-facing functionality: mobile header, mobile search box, mobile search “controls,” mobile/desktop search filters. We are also implementing improved “holds” workflow so that your patrons can more easily place holds from a search result.   

Mobile header and search box

Mobile search filters

Search “controls”

We should still have time for your questions, so please submit them with this form: https://forms.office.com/r/50khet8qPR

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

For ILLers: KLE Updates

From Caroline Handwork:

There are a few KLE updates to be aware of:

1) Council Grove High School Library/KS314 – their last day on the courier is this Friday, 4/28/2023.  If you have their shipping labels printed off, please dispose of them.  If you have any of their ILLs to return, please use the Council Grove Public Library/KS316 shipping label. 

There is no need to upload new lender lists in ShareIt.  Nikki Hansen at the State Library has done a bulk removal from all lender lists in ShareIt.

2) Longton Library/KS702 has a new library location and new shipping labels.  Please dispose of their old shipping labels and print off new ones here, https://kslibexpress.mykansaslibrary.org/shipping-labels/

Their new address is: 501 Kansas Avenue, Longton, KS 67352

3) For those libraries that use Trans-Amigos Express: 4/28/2023 is the last day for University of Texas – El Paso, Site # 22, Hub ELP.  They are leaving the TAE courier. 

Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX has joined their network.  They are Site # 19, Hub ABI.  You can find current TAE participants here, https://www.amigos.org/node/137.

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

The Library Card that Opened Doors

Our library card printing service provides libraries with the ability to print and produce library cards for their patrons. There are a variety of options for card designs and customizations, such as adding the library’s logo, barcodes, and custom color scheme. The process of ordering library cards typically involves submitting a logo, submitting a design, evaluating a proof card, and specifying the quantity needed. The price per card is $0.53/ea for year 2023, 50 of those cards are free per year call or email us for details. They can also be used as punch cards, name badges, and even business cards. Our cards are PVC CR80 and are the same size as a credit card. Please give us a call and we can get the process started for your own customer cards.

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.