Month: November 2023
Weekly Wrap-U.P.! November 17, 2023
System Spotlight
By Staff
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
Nov 15, 2023 – 1:00 pm CT, CSLP’s ‘Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” Webinar/Registration Link
Nov 23 & 24, 2023 – Southwest Kansas System Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 7, 2023 – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm CT, CSLP’s 2023 Virtual Summer Symposium/ Registration Link
Dec 12, 2023 – 2:00 pm CT, Train UP: End of Year Reports Overview with SWKLS Director Richard Brookman/Registration Link
Dec 15, 2023 – 10:00 am CT, SWKLS Full Board Meeting (Online Only)
February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
SWKLS’s New Consultant/Program Coordinator
It gives me great pleasure to announce that our own Sara Wilson will be moving up to become the new System Consultant/Program Coordinator. Sara comes into the position with the education, excitement and new ideas to share with our membership. She has been a valued member of the System staff and has contributed skillfully and seamlessly in our staff events to include TechDay+ and her own #Trendy Librarian workshops.
During the transition, until we fill the now vacant Collection Specialist position, Sara will be pulling double duty and learning some of the intricacies of her new position. Congratulations to Sara and I look forward to her ideas moving forward.
Image provided by Will Stuck
2024 Summer Library Program Workshop
The 2024’s CLSP’s theme is “Adventure Begins at your Library”. To get everyone excited and ready for the Summer we are having Will Stuck return for a full day of information and ideas to share with you. The workshop has been scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2024. The Summer Library Program Workshop will be at the administration building U.S.D. # 443. We will begin at 9:30 am with registration then move into the workshop at 10:00 am and go until 3:00 pm.
I’m sending this out early so for those that have your 2024 calendar’s already you can mark the date. We will get a formal registration up towards the later part of December.
Image provide by pexels.com contributor congerdesign
CSLP Virtual Summer Symposium
On December 7, 2023 CSLP is having a virtual symposium for the 2024 Summer Library Program Theme. It will begin at 10:00 am and will go until 3:30 pm CT. Sessions for the symposium will be:
Simplifying Summer: Adventurous Observations from a Seasoned Storyteller;
2024 Manual Highlights;
Practical Tips for Gathering Stories to Promote your Library; and
Programming and Partnerships.
For more in-depth descriptions for the day’s session you can see them through this link. If you are interested in attending the CSLP’s 2023 Virtual Summer Symposium you can register through this link.
Image provided by pixabay.com contributor JillWellington
Thanksgiving Holiday
Just a reminder that the System Office will be closed next Thursday and Friday (November 23 & 24) in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Thank you for all you do for the System and your local libraries. Lately the profession has been under pressure. However, I believe that many within your communities still support your library. Reach out to your patrons and thank them for their support. Also reach out to your community that doesn’t think about the library and what you have to offer them and their families. You might find some hidden support you didn’t know you had and begin building those relationships.
Always remember you have support and appreciation for all you do for your communities here at the Southwest Kansas Library System’s office. If you need us always reach out and we will assist you in all we can. Some answers we give you might not be what you wish to hear, because we are limited in the law or procedures. Whatever the answer or advice we give is given to you to help you and try to protect you in your service to your community.
Thank you again for all you do and your support for SWKLS.
Kansas Library Association’s 2023 Conference
If you have never attended a Kansas Library Association Conference please consider it in the future. At conference you get to gather knowledge from so many different people. This can be done during sessions, talking outside of a session, at luncheons, and even when you get a chance to relax and enjoy companionship. You see friends of old and make friends anew to network with during the year.
It was good to see everyone.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
A New Adventure Awaits 🙂
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your congratulations and warm welcome into my new position as Consultant/Program Coordinator. I am beyond delighted and grateful for this opportunity to serve our membership in a new way. As Richard said, I will be pulling double duty until the Collection Specialist position is filled, so please continue to reach out to me for all of your technical services needs until then as I will still be performing the duties of that role, as well. It is a privilege to work with you all and to be entrusted with the responsibilities of this new role. I am excited about our future together and dedicated to the enrichment of our regional libraries and the communities that we serve.
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
New Year, New Nook Books? Not Anymore!
Barnes and Noble is sunsetting some of their Nook models released from 2011-2013 and those will no longer be able to acquire new books, beginning in 2024. If some of your patrons have older Nooks, now would be a really great time to lean into advertising about the wonderful benefits of using the Cloud Library app provided by the State Library of Kansas. To read more about what’s happening with the Nooks, click here.
For All VERSO Users
VERSO Update Yesterday, 11/16
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider, here is the change that occurred with the most recent update:
IMPROVED
| AG-2771 | Facet chips for custom rangesWhen adding a custom range for a facet or filter, a facet chip indicating the selected range will appear. |
November’s Versed in VERSO Recording Posted
Also from VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
To access the recording and slides, go to Staff Dashboard > Support > VERSO.
Topics/questions covered:
- New Reports
- Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) Catalog Enrichments
- Is there a way I can remove the override function that demands a password to continue? This comes up when patron is over a certain level of accrued fines.
- How can I make a report to pull up items only in a certain category?
- Could someone point me towards instructions on how to make a specific tag visible in patron-view records?
The next Versed in VERSO will include a Quarterly Product Update. It is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.
The question from for the December Versed in VERSO session is open. If you have a question or topic you’d like covered, please submit it here: https://forms.office.com/r/e3cbQ6saKW
Registration for the December Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2812974491027422048
Technology
by Christopher Dressler
Roku for Checkout
The November edition of Computers in Libraries has an interesting article addressing the exclusive release of TV shows and movies on streaming platforms. Devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Apple CODA enable patrons to access these materials but pose potential issues by divulging library purchasing information and credentials. Notably, the Roku device emerges as a solution, as it restricts users from accessing sensitive information while allowing patrons to stream content.
Each streaming service permits a limited number of simultaneous device connections. Paramount Plus allows three, Hulu permits two, and both Discovery and Disney accommodate four. Each device intended for offering services is pre-registered with the respective streaming platform, and each Roku device exclusively supports a single service. Additionally, streaming services like Tubi, Freevee, and PBSKids, which allow unlimited simultaneous connections, are ad-supported.
Several precautions must be taken before deploying these devices, as streaming services aim to streamline app and subscription purchases. Notably, library credit card information should never be stored on the device. To thwart patrons from using personal credit card information, each Roku account is secured with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Service management occurs through dedicated websites linked to the login created during account setup, rather than through the Roku interface.
While Roku devices can be acquired with tax exemption, subscriptions to streaming services are regrettably ineligible for tax exemption. Credit card payments are accepted for each service, with some offering annual subscription options. In the event of lost or missing devices, remote disconnection and disabling capabilities exist. Each Roku device has a unique login, allowing the Roku account linked to streaming services to be unlinked and transferred to another device.
It is important to note that this model is not applicable to Netflix due to a policy change limiting accounts to a specific IP address. Setting up a Roku for checkout, particularly in multiples, can be time-consuming. Upon return, each Roku must undergo a reset to eliminate histories and stored information, such as location history. Restricting the number of staff members authorized to reset a device is recommended to mitigate potential password leaks. A meticulously maintained spreadsheet for tracking device information proves invaluable in this process.
Always feel free to contact me for training requests, library cards, or technology issues at cdressler@swkls.org or (620)225-1231. – Christopher Dressler – 11/17/2023
Weekly Wrap-U.P.! November 10, 2023
System Spotlight
By Staff
Fowler Public Library Receives Grant
Congratulations to Fowler Public Library on receiving the Fowler Legacy Foundation Grant! Way to go, Kelli!
System Members Learned and Had Fun at KLA
This year’s Kansas Library Association conference was held November 1-3 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita, KS. The theme was “Meeting the Challenge.” Several of our member librarians attended, as well as SWKLS Director Richard Brookman.
See who you can spot in this candid photo provided to us by Fowler Public Library Director Kelli Humiston! 🙂 Did you attend this year’s KLA? Do you have pictures? Send them to us and we’ll be glad to post them in the Wrap UP!
Fabulous Fall Displays!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
Nov 15, 2023 – 1:00 pm CT, CSLP’s ‘Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” Webinar/Registration Link
Dec 15, 2023 – 10:00 am CT, SWKLS Full Board Meeting (Online Only)
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provide by pexels.com contributor Sora Shimazaki
Kansas Attorney General Opinion No. 2023-10
A question about whether a board member can be excluded from an Executive Session has recently been asked of the Kansas Attorney General. Specifically when the said public board is discussing the petition or possible future litigation.
The majority of what I will be writing is from the AG Opinion. If you would like to read the complete opinion you can do so at this link.
“KOMA does not directly address this situation…Nonetheless, KOMA’s language implies members of a public body may be excluded from an executive session under these circumstances.”
…”to invoke an attorney-client executive session, the ensuing discussion must be privileged under the attorney-client relationship. The presence of an opposing party at the meeting waives the privilege, thereby defeating the justification for the executive session and placing the public body at risk of violating KOMA.”
“In sum, we conclude a public body may exclude members who have threatened litigation against the body from an executive session held to discuss the possible litigation with its attorney. By reaching this conclusion we stress that our opinion is limited to these circumstances; we do not suggest a public body may generally exclude a present member from an executive session.”
So in brief a public board (library board) may exclude a board member(s) from an executive session only if said board member(s) is threatening possible litigation. This allows the library board to go into executive session under attorney-client privilege. You cannot exclude a board member(s) from executive session for any other reason.
Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Peggy_Marco
Question on Workplace Nepotism
The State Library office submitted a question to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission regarding local workplace nepotism. The following is the key take away in the Commission Counsel’s response.
…”the Commission only has advisory authority regarding conflict-of-interest questions for local level libraires…and for the regional system of cooperating libraries.”
“For local libraries, the only conflict-of-interest laws that would apply are K.S.A. 75-4301a et. seq. There are no prohibitions on hiring family members or a spouse under the local level conflict-of-interest laws. So, hiring family would only be prohibited if the municipality has enacted rules prohibiting nepotism. The only conflict-of-interest prohibition that is likely to apply to the local library employees is K.S.A. 75-4304, which, concerns the making and administration of government contracts.”
Here is my opinion on the last sentence of the last paragraph. When the library board is looking at contract submittals and a board member is related to an entity or person submitting a bid for contract, then that particular board member should recuse themself from any decision making in regards to the contract. As with any questions concerning legalities you should consult with the appropriate legal counsel.
The office of the Ethics Commission also stated that, “Any of the three kinds of libraries you have identified,” (State, regional, local), “can request formal Commission opinions, including the local level libraries.”
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
Science, But Make it Fashion!
Here at the system office, we have lots of circuits, but you may be wondering how you can use circuits in your programming. Fortunately, StarNet has provided us with the STEM Activity Clearinghouse! If you don’t know what that is, it’s a TON of programming ideas – absolutely FREE – that are centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! So, back to those circuits. Here’s a cool, creative idea to use circuits in your programming: making high tech fashion accessories! This is a great program idea for kids ages 9-12 that will keep them motivated to learn new scientific concepts in a fun, creative way. What else could you do with circuits? Check out the STEM Activity Clearinghouse to find out! To borrow some of our circuit kits, call our office or email swilson@swkls.org.
National Book Awards Finalists
You may have heard the buzz that one of my personal literary heroes, Levar Burton (former host of the TV show Reading Rainbow) will be hosting the 74th Annual National Book Awards, but do you know which books are being considered? Lit Hub has the list, as well as short interviews with some of the finalists. The awards will be held November 15th, in person and online.
For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Coming Up 11/29
From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:
The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.
Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/1707955408538086401
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.
Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, December 20, 2023
- Wednesday, January 24, 2024
The link to register for each session will be sent about a month in advance.
The recording and slides from last week’s Sharing about SHAREit Q&A are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – they’re in the section at the top of the User Guides.
For All VERSO Users:
Versed in VERSO Coming Up 11/14
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
Dear VERSO users,
This is a reminder for the upcoming Versed in VERSO.
Please join us Tuesday, November 14, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00AM Pacific.
If you have a question, please ask it here: https://forms.office.com/r/g611y0f4Q5
To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8765797513376280918
ICYMI: Details About the Latest VERSO Update
VERSO had an update on 11/02. The following are changes that occurred during that update, provided by VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:
RESOLVED
| AG-2675 | Some component colors, such as the “Show More” option in a facet list, have been adjusted to provide better color contrast. The changes comply with Section 508 requirements for accessibility. |
| AG-2728CS-77616 | After entering a Username/Barcode and Password/PIN on the Login screen, users were required to click the Submit button to log in. This has been corrected so that users can enter their Password/Pin and hit the Enter key to log in. |
| AG-2695 | Guests are prompted to login as patron or staff when requesting a hold on an item. After hold is placed, user was being returned to the login screen. This is resolved so that users return to where they were when they clicked on the hold button. |
| AG-2739 | When using the OverDrive API and selecting an issue of a magazine, the issue did not update on the screen. This has been corrected. |
| AG-2772CS-77796 | Searching orders using the Item Status screen and navigating the results screen sometimes led to an error. The issue was addressed, and the error screen resolved. |
| AG-2803 | Order status results were not displaying ISBNs when ISBNs existed in the order. This is corrected so all ISBNs in an order are displayed. |
| AG-2594 | Duplicate reports have been removed from the Reports Module. |
| AG-2799 | When transactions are not associated to a user, the Circulation by User Type report displayed the user type as “Undefined*.” This has been corrected so that only user-defined circulation data is displayed. |
| AG-2805 | The Weeding by Collection Type header of the downloaded report did not match the header shown on screen. This has been corrected. |
IMPROVED
| AG-2796 | The Circulation by Material Type report has been updated. The online view of the report is now displayed without page breaks. The PDF view of the report now displays a repeatable page header, and footer and report column header. This view also includes pagination and the report grand total in the page footer. |
NEW
| AG-2760 | A new search function has been added to the new Reports Module. This feature provides the functionality for users to filter by report name. |
Technology
by Christopher Dressler
No More Dust Bunnies an AI Poem
In the season of Fall, a cleaning tune,
Not just for homes, but for gadgets too, and soon.
Dust off the cobwebs, wipe the grime away,
Extend the life of tech, let’s do it today.
Old photos and videos, from your phone let them soar,
To the cloud they go, OneDrive and Google, and more.
Social media, a storage treasure,
Making space for Winter, a memory-filled pleasure.
Now gather supplies, a mix with care,
Isopropanol and water, a tech-friendly pair.
Electronics, wipe them down with a microfiber dance,
A poetic cleansing, a digital romance.
Cellphones, tablets, and monitors, behold,
A solution on cloth, a tale to be told.
A dance with the screen, camera, and case,
Canned air joins, a dust-busting embrace.
Laptops, computers, a saga unfolds,
A screwdriver’s touch, a story to be told.
Fans and heatsinks, secrets they hold,
Cautiously open, let the story be bold.
Metal fins and chips, a delicate dance,
Canned air whispers, a cooling chance.
The cover back, a protective stance,
Wipe it down, a poetic advance.
Cables, the unsung heroes, under desks they roam,
Unplug, swipe, check for breaks, make them a poem.
Shielding worn, cracked, or torn,
Replace the cable, a tech reborn.
In the poetry of Fall, a cleaning ballet,
Gadgets revived, ready for the day.
So, unplug, wipe, and dance with glee,
In the rhythm of cleaning, let tech roam free.
Always feel free to contact me for training requests, library cards, or technology issues at cdressler@swkls.org or (620)225-1231. – Christopher Dressler – 10/6/2023
Weekly Wrap-U.P.! November 3, 2023
System Spotlight
By Staff
Halloween at Member Libraries
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link
Nov 7, 2023 – 2:00 pm Train UP “Unite Against Book Bans”/ Registration Link
Nov 8, 2023 – 1:00 pm “Library Programs for Homeschoolers: A Guide” Niche Academy Webinar/ Registration Link
Nov 15, 2023 – 1:00 pm CT, CSLP’s ‘Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” Webinar/Registration Link
Dec 15, 2023 – 10:00 am CT, SWKLS Full Board Meeting (Online Only)
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provide by pixabay.com contributor geralt
Don’t Forget to Reset Clocks
This weekend Daylight Savings Time ends November 5. So remind your staff to set their clocks back one hour. 8 o’clock will become 7 o’clock and I doubt anyone wants to get to work an hour early.
Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt
Homeschooling Webinar
On Wednesday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. CT, Niche Academy is having a free webinar entitled “Library Programs for Homeschoolers: A Guide”.
In the latest US Census Bureau’s household survey, it was reported that there are over 4 million homeschooled students. With this statistic raising these parents that are decided to homeschool they will be needing local support. Part of this support can be provided by the local public library.
This webinar features Christina Giovannelli Caputo, author of Library Services for Homeschoolers: A Guide. This workshop will go into how to engage homeschoolers and alternative learners within your community, by providing tips and tricks, proven programs, and more.
If you are interested in attending this workshop you can register through this link.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
Congratulations to Scott County Library on receiving the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant! Way to go!!
Also . . .
Congratulations to Greeley County Library on completing our Very Merry VERSO catalog clean-up project! You rock!!
November Train UP: Unite Against Book Bans
New Resources for You
The following are new items that have been added to our Professional Collection & StoryWalk Collection this week. If you would like to check one of these items out, please feel free to reach out to us in any one of these ways that you prefer: 1.) Request it yourself through SHAREit. 2.) Ask your ILL personnel to request it for you on SHAREit. 3.) Call the SWKLS office. 4.) Email Sara at swilson@swkls.org. We will send the book or StoryWalk to you over the courier. Check-out periods are 30 days. Renewals are allowed.
The CSLP Inclusion Committee is hosting a free webinar on November 15th at 2 PM CST (Click here to register), led by Ruth Wilson, Ph.D., about her book, Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors and how it connects to this year’s theme of “Adventure Begins at Your Library.”
We now have this book here at SWKLS for you to check out! 🙂 From Amazon: “In this inspiring book, Dr. Ruth Wilson explores the great potential of connecting young children with special needs to the natural world. Drawing on her knowledge of research and her decades of work with children in nature, she weaves together advice, real-life examples, and testimonies from educators and families on the healing, nurturing power of nature in the lives of young children with diverse abilities.”
We also have the Kansas Reads to Preschoolers book, “My Heart Fills With Happiness: Mi corazón se llena de alegría” available as a StoryWalk!
For All VERSO Users:
October’s Versed in VERSO is Now Available
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
The October Versed in VERSO is now available in the customer portal and VERSO Support pages.
To access the recording and slides, go to Staff Dashboard > Support > VERSO.
Topics/questions covered:
- The New Reports Module
- A-G CAT Module Update
- Is there a way to run a report for items due on a certain date (e.g., Oct 23)?
- What is the best way to delete items from the catalog?
- Can a carousel be added to the library website outside of Verso?
- We would like to change the length of how long a patron can go before their library card must be renewed. I want to change it from one year to three years.
- What does “not defined” mean in circulation statistics?
The next Versed in VERSO will be held on Tuesday, November 14th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.
The question form for the November Versed in VERSO session is open. Please submit questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/g611y0f4Q5
Registration for the November Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8765797513376280918
Technology
by Christopher Dressler
No More Dust Bunnies
It now Fall and it’s time to get that some cleaning done. This can apply to your computer and other electronics as well. Dusting, wiping the dirt off, and deleting files can extend the life of your computers and other electronics.
First, let’s take some time to move old photos and videos from your phone to cloud storage. OneDrive and Google Drive are the most popular, just to name a few. Some users will even use social media for storage. Now that we have freed up some space for all the Christmas/Winter pictures and videos, we can clean the outside.
Supplies
Most electronics can be wiped down with 50/50 91% isopropanol and distilled water (there are cleaners specifically for electronics) and a microfiber cloth.
Cellphones/Tablets/Monitors
When wiping down a cellphone for example, a couple of pumps of this solution on a microfiber cloth should be enough. You can wipe the screen and the camera lens as well as the case that was protecting your phone. These recommendations also will work for cleaning off tablets. Canned air is good to removing larger pieces of dust and debris from your screen before wiping it down. This can help reduce the possibility of scratching your screen. Using the same cleaner, you can wipe down the screen of your laptop. Be sure to use a lint free microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
Computers
Slightly more involved than a cellphone or tablet, cleaning a computer requires the addition of a screwdriver. If you are not comfortable doing this, place call the office. In order to get to the fans and heatsinks of a computer, you need to take the cover of the CPU off. This is an important part of cleaning out a computer but use caution when doing so. In many cases there are metal heat dispersing blocks with fins that love hanging onto dust and debris. These metal objects are fastened to chips with clips or adhesives. Using canned air at all angles at the heatsink will allow those chips to stay cooler and therefore extend the life of your computer. Once the case cover is back in place. You can spray a cloth with the same cleaning solution from above and wipe down the cover, monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
Cables
The final thing to wipe down before turning the computer back on, (often overlooked) is the cables. Make sure you unplug them first, run the cloth over them and take time to check for breaks in the shielding. If you notice any, throw the cable away and replace it before turning your computer on again. Cables the run under desks get stepped on and the shield can wear and crack and tear.
Always feel free to contact me for training requests, library cards, or technology issues at cdressler@swkls.org or (620)225-1231. – Christopher Dressler – 10/6/2023