Weekly Wrap-Up! – May 31, 2024

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

Library Leadership Group Awarded FoKL Challenge Grant

Hamilton County Library Leadership Group (LLG) has been awarded a $500 Challenge Grant from the Friends of Kansas Libraries (FoKL). The grant will be used to purchase appliances to for the kitchenette in the library’s new Program Room.

In the fall, senior LLG member, Kerrigan Baker, asked Amy to please let her know about any “extra” activities should could do through the organization. When FoKL announced their grant in January, Amy approached Kerrigan to co-write the grant. “I felt it would be a great learning opportunity for Kerrigan and a great addition to her resume.” Kerrigan jumped on board and sat in on a Friday morning Zoom where FoKL board members shared what they were looking for in a successful grant application. Then the work began. Kerrigan, along with Amy, completed the grant by the April 15 deadline. The grant outlines how LLG would be contributing funds for the appliances in the Program Room. It focused on how the ability to cook and serve food on-site will enrich the library’s current programs for youth and adults, as well as provide new opportunities for creative food and cooking programs. One program in particular that LLG members are excited about is a dining etiquette workshop.

“I am really proud of Kerrigan for stepping outside of her comfort zone and putting her name on this grant with me. It really shows the difference LLG can make at our library and in the community.”

FoKL is a state-wide organization that provides encouragement and support to new and existing local Friends groups, facilitates the exchange of useful information among organizations of Friends, and advocates for excellent library services. Library Leadership Group is the only teen friends of the library group in the state and the group has been a member of FoKL since 2013. They were awarded a Challenge Grant that year to assist with the teen room renovation.

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

June 4th – 1 PM – Audiobooks for Youth (Booklist webinar)/Register Here

June 5th – 1 PM – Inside Outreach: Transformative Strategies to Overcome Service Barriers Webinar/Register Here

June 6th – 3 PM – 4:30 PM – Supporting Domestic and Sexual Assault Survivors at Your Library Webinar/Register Here

June 12th – 11 AM – Yodeck Simplifed with Chris Dressler (Zoom)/Register Here

June 14th – 11 AM – Idea Lab: Impact of Net Neutrality on Library Services Webinar/Register Here

June 21st – 10 AM – SWKLS Board Meeting Online/Registration Link

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

June System Board Meeting Registration Open

The next Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting is on June 21, 2024. This is an on-line meeting only and will begin at 10:00 am CST. Please register for the meeting. This will give us a count of who will be attending to meet quorum. When you register the Zoom link has been established and the office will also send out the link through the agenda packet. Here is the registration link.

Reminder: SWKLS Retreat Coming in September

This is a reminder that we have our retreat coming up on September 26th and 27th in Syracuse, KS. We have a speaker lined up and it’s going to be a fun, relaxing experience! Come get to know your area colleagues, share stories, laugh, learn, and get away from it all.

Governor Kelly Calls Special Session

In a previous Wrap Up the likely hood of a special session being called by Governor Kelly was mentioned. At this time the Governor has called such a session. Below is the message, from May 29, 2024, from Kearney & Associates, Inc., KLA’s Lobbyist, of why it was called and that when in session they could take up other topics:

“About an hour ago, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced, by her authority from the Kansas Constitution, that she is calling the Legislature back to Topeka on June 18th for a special session to take up the issue of tax cuts. During the 2024 Legislative session, the Legislature and Governor could not agree on a comprehensive tax cut package. The Kansas economy has roared back from the dark days of the pandemic, and the state has over 3 billion dollars in excess revenue. Both parties agree a tax cut is necessary but disagree on the package’s elements. If they choose, the Legislature can take up other legislative matters, but tax cuts will be the top issue. We expect the special session to last two or three days. We will be there on your behalf, watching the activity very closely.”

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

For All VERSO Users: VERSO Update

VERSO experienced an update on Thursday, May 30th. To find out what issues the update addressed, please see the attachment below.

VERSO-Release-Notes-05-30-2024 Download

For ILLers:

SHAREit Update

SHAREit experienced an update on Thursday, May 30th. To find out what issues the update addressed, please see the attachment below.

SHAREit-Release-Notes-2024-05-30 Download

Packaging Reminder

For anyone who may have missed the email that went out about it: please make sure that you are repackaging borrowed items to return in the same manner that they were packaged when sent to you. If your patron returns something in worse condition than when they borrowed it, please contact the lender and give them a heads up. Thank you!

For Catalogers Using WorldShare Record Manager

Record Uploading Issue Update

I have been working with OCLC and Auto-Graphics both to figure out what is happening and get the issue resolved. I have open tickets with both companies and while we are closer to an answer, we don’t have one yet, so please refrain from copy cataloging in WorldShare Record Manager until the issue is resolved. While I am on vacation, Steve is continuing to work on the issue with both companies. We hope to have it resolved for you soon.

OCLC Contract Renewal Deadline

This is a reminder that we will soon be renewing our contract with OCLC and we need to know where you stand on how many units you believe your library will need for the next year. If I have not heard back from you by now, please make your wishes known to me by June 14th. I will be out of the office, but if you leave an email, I will get your request when I return.

See you when I return, on June 14th! Aloha oe!

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Weekly Wrap-Up! – May 24, 2024

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

May 27th – System Office Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 27th – Humanities Kansas Culture Preservation Grant Applications Due/Click Here for More Info & to Apply

May 29th – 1 PM – 2 PM – How to Get Your Board to Fundraise Webinar/Register Here

May 30th – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Kansas Regional Library Systems Present – After Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World/Register Here

June 6th – 3 PM – 4:30 PM – Supporting Domestic and Sexual Assault Survivors at Your Library Webinar/Register Here

June 21st – 10 AM – SWKLS Board Meeting Online/Registration Coming Soon

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

Adopt a Kid Librarian!

Do you have older kids who tag along with their younger siblings to programs, but seem bored or restless? They might be interested in becoming a Kid Librarian. What’s that? It’s an older kid who is given the responsibility of helping with tasks like designing a display, reading to younger kids, or helping prepare craft materials.

This can be a program all on its own, as this librarian suggests on the ALA’s Programming Librarian website, or it can take place while another program is happening. Be sure to get the parents’ permission!

This is a great way to engage older kids, give them a sense of ownership of the library, and encourage growth of interest in the field of Library Science. Who knows? You may visit your Kid Librarian in their own library someday.

9 Places You Can Apply for Programming Funds

Are you looking for places to apply for grants for programming, but aren’t sure where to start? This comprehensive list includes some great links and bonus resources! If you’re tapped for ideas of where to apply, you may find some inspiration. It’s for programming only. Please check the terms of any grant that you apply for to determine if your library qualifies.

Reminder: SWKLS Retreat Coming in September

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

Fun Fact About ILL: Conditional Status

Most of the time, when you request an item, a lender will either fill the request or deny it for a host of reasons, but very occassionally, you’ll get a status that says “Conditional.” Since this happens so rarely, it’s common for ILL personnel to be stumped as to what this means. Conditional means that the library is willing to lend the material to you on a condition that they set (they might tell you the patron has to use it on site and it can’t leave your library, for example). If you get a request with the status of “Conditional,” it means that you need to check the lender notes and if nothing is there, call or email the lender to find out what the condition is. At that point, you can choose to accept or decline. If you accept their condition, they will fill the request. If you decline, the request will move to the next lender in the lender string. As in all things, communication is key! Happy resource sharing! 🙂

Collection Development Crash Course

The American Library Association is offering an online crash course in Collection Development. The courses are not free and the prices can be seen by clicking “Learn More” under each session. It is a four-session course that includes Developing the Youth Collection; Developing the Adult Fiction Collection; Developing the Adult Non-Fiction Collection; and Weeding Your Collection. If you need to brush up on your collection development skills, weeding skills, or you have someone new in the role that would benefit from this course, it could potentially be a great continuing education opportunity. Click here for more information.

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Emma Used Weak Passwords and Got Hacked

Emma was alarmed when she received a text alert from her bank confirming a $700 transfer request she hadn’t made. When she tried to log into her bank account to cancel the transfer, her password was rejected. She tried to reset her bank password but then found that she couldn’t log into her email to get the reset link

That’s when Emma knew she’d been hacked—and it was because she’d used the same password on both accounts. Later Emma would discover her password was a part of a company breach that was posted online.

Emma spent many hours on the phone sorting through this mess and trying to reclaim her accounts. After many conversations, she finally got back into her email and bank.

Afterward, Emma knew she had to get serious about passwords. Her friend helped her set up a password manager, which was easier than she thought it would be. It suggests hard passwords when she makes new accounts. It also tells her which passwords are weak and helps make them stronger. She finally feels in control of her online safety.

Use Strong Passwords https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords

Weekly Wrap-Up! – May 17, 2024

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

Grant County Library Has Special Visitors

Grant County Library had an extra special visit from a minion and Booky! They were at the library to celebrate the upcoming summer library program and encourage kids to sign up!

What a fun way to get kids engaged! If you would be interested in checking out a costume for your upcoming event, please reach out to us here at the office. 🙂

Lookin’ good, Grant County!!

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

May 21st – 1:30 PM – 2 PM – NEKLS Presents Focus On: K-State Libraries/Register Here

May 21st – 2 PM – 3 PM – Twosday Takeaway: Cosplay and Anime: Creative Programming for Teens with Sara Wilson/Register Here

May 22nd – 1 PM – 2 PM – Should You Overcome or Embrace Imposter Syndrome? Webinar/Register Here

May 27th – System Office Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 27th – Humanities Kansas Culture Preservation Grant Applications Due/Click Here for More Info & to Apply

May 30th – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Kansas Regional Library Systems Present – After Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World/Register Here

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

May’s Twosday Takeaway

This month’s Twosday Takeaway has been postponed until Tuesday, May 21st!! Please join us then as Sara Wilson (with help from Richard!) encourages your mind to go wild with creative ideas for Gen Z programming. Register here!

After-Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World

The Kansas Regional Library Systems invite you to join us for a webinar on Thursday, May 30, 1:30 – 2:30 PM via Zoom. Advocacy in a Polarized World will be presented by Peter Bromberg of EveryLibrary Institute. A link to the recording will be shared directly with all who register. You can learn more about this upcoming webinar on the regional system website: https://systems.mykansaslibrary.org/. There is no cost to attend this webinar – this course is on us! Zoom registration: https://kslib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vdO-hqzwrGtbhDuOLV6i2nvbhURot2ppv

Reminder: SWKLS Retreat Coming in September

Kansas Legislative update:

All of the new bills introduced this legislative session, except for one, died in committee. The one bill that did make it through both houses and Governor Kelly signed into law was HB 2176. This bill authorizing the creation of the Arkansas City and Utica Public Library Districts.

This did have an amendment placed in it to have all government boards that had budgetary powers would have to be elected boards. This amendment did not make it through committee and was not part of the bill that Governor Kelly signed.

The budget for 2025 was approved with State Library Director’s $1,000.00 base grant for State Aid and on top of that a per capita increase of $.02. The interesting point with the per capita increase is that the per capita is for the whole state’s population, so he reported to the System Directors that this would be approximately a $.06 increase. As always to receive State Aid you have to meet the two standards: complete the yearly Public Library Survey and your local government has to make a “Maintenance of effort” in your budget (increase the mill). If those two standards are not meet you will not receive State Aid.

The Systems will receive an increase in our State Aid as well. This increase would be approximately $34,000.00 for SWKLS. So total State Aid for the System in 2025 will be approximately $84,000.00. Staff would like to see it go back out in the form of grants to our member libraries.

There is one caveat to this budget increase. Governor Kelly is expected to call a special session because she and the legislature have not agreed on tax relief. The State Librarian stated that when they are in session they do have the ability to take another look at the 2025 budget as part of the tax relief discussion. The State Library Director also mentioned that the increase in State Aid to libraries is not a guarantee for the 2026 budget. The budget committee will start out with the 2025 budget structure for the State budget, but it can recommend decreases in State Aid. This can be done because the increase was not done by statute.

With this in mind, as I recommend with grants, don’t figure State Aid into your general operating budget. These funds need to be an augmentation to your budget. This allows for if a grant decreases you won’t feel the affect on your library budget for operations.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

For All VERSO Users: May Versed in VERSO Recording Posted

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:

The May Versed in VERSO recording and presentation is posted. To access the recording and slides, go to Staff Dashboard > Support > VERSO.

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For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Recording Posted

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

The recording and slides from April’s Sharing about SHAREit Q&A are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – the Sharing about SHAREit webinars are posted at the top of the chart.

The next Sharing about SHAREit webinar is scheduled for next Wednesday, May 22. Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/9182349695273609216 We’ll be answering questions as usual and will do a short demo of the new reports.

Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

Tuesday, June 18 – ILL Basic Training – note that this is on a Tuesday due to the federal holiday on June 19
Wednesday, July 24

Please send the above information to your libraries. It has been sent to everyone who registered for last month’s Sharing about SHAREit.

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Weekly Wrap-Up! – May 10, 2024

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

For all who celebrate, from SWKLS to you . . .

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

May 14th – 10 AM – 11 AM – Universal Class Webinar/Zoom Link

May 15th – 1 PM – 2 PM – The Change Factor: Unravel Drama, Shift Dynamics to Transform & Thrive Webinar/Register Here

May 15th – 2 PM – 3 PM – Addressing Body Shape and Size Stigma in Libraries: Getting Started Webinar/Register Here

May 16th – 3 PM – 4 PM – Supporting Healthy Communities: Public Library Responses to the Opiod Crisis Webinar/Register Here

May 21st – 2 PM – 3 PM – Twosday Takeaway: Cosplay and Anime: Creative Programming for Teens with Sara Wilson/Register Here

May 27th – Humanities Kansas Culture Preservation Grant Applications Due/Click Here for More Info & to Apply

May 30th – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Kansas Regional Library Systems Present – After Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World/Register Here

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

CSLP April Newsletter

Click on the link above to read the CSLP newsletter for April!

May’s Twosday Takeaway

After-Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World

Reminder: SWKLS Retreat Coming in September

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

2024 William Allen White Award-Winners Announced!

Click this link to see who won!! The winners will be meeting fans and signing books at Red Rock, the home of William Allen White (926 Exchange Street in Emporia, KS), before the awards ceremony on October 5th, which is free to attend and open to the public. Soo, if you’re looking for a fun little literature-centered getaway this fall, this is definitely one to consider!

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get that spring 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 summer pictures and videos, we can clean the outside.

Supplies

Most electronics can be wiped down with cleaners that are mostly isopropanol and distilled water but there are cleaners specifically for electrics as well. You can make your own using 50/50 91% isopropanol and distilled water.

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. 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. The final thing to wipe down before turning the computer back on, (often overlooked) is the cables. Make sure you plug 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 turn your computer on again. Cables the run under desks get stepped on and the shield can wear and crack and tear.

Weekly Wrap-Up! – May 3, 2024

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

Haskell Co had a visit from Skippy Jon!

We had the Sublette Kindergartners come for a visit during National Library Week. They had a picnic under our pavilion, listened to a Skippy Jon Jones book, made cat masks and ate dirt and worms, played with our toys and Legos, and took a walk around our Storywalk and of course met Skippy! A few of the kids said it was “the best day ever!”

**Kinsley Library Conducts an “Aprende Ingles” Class**

The Kinsley Library conducted an “Aprende Ingles” class this spring. On April 24, eleven adults graduated in conversational English after meeting on Wednesday evenings for 12 weeks with librarian Yaneth Holguin as the instructor. Because learning any new language fluently consist of daily practice, Yaneth had every participant download the free Mango app from the State Library of Kansas so they could have a tool right at home to help with pronunciation and practice.

“One of the students compared the Mango App to having me at home with them,” said Yaneth. “It was so much better than staring at English words she had no clue about their meaning.”

Each week, Beside teaching new vocabulary and how to use verb tenses in their sentences, they reviewed what they had practiced on the app throughout the week. The last half hour of each class, Holguin introduced games to help the students practice listening and capturing English without trying to read a script.

“I could see each time we met and played games”, said Yaneth, “that their process of translating their thoughts to English was faster than when we started. They were all asking each other questions and answering them, talking about things we liked and shared, like childhood memories. We laughed a lot, which was a good break as learning a new language is a little nervous versus growing up with a language. I feel proud that I could break down language barriers so they can pursue their personal goals, and this too, was a learning experience for me! “

This was the first time the Kinsley Library offered a class in English to Spanish speakers and it was Yaneth’s first formal experience teaching it. Director Joan Weaver reports that it was a great success and they hope to repeat it in the future.

Rolla Library Story Hour: Rain Forests and May Baskets

From Librarian Phoebe Brummett: My Story Hour children walked through a “rain forest” display that the Rolla 5th and 6th grade science classes created. They learned about all kinds of animals that live in a rain forest. We then made May Day baskets with flowers from a local garden to deliver later in the day.

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

May 4th, 2024 – Star Wars Day

May 8-10, 2024 – MPLA Conference in Salt Lake City, UT

May 9th – 10 AM – 11 AM – Scholastic Bookflix Webinar/Zoom Link

May 14th – 2 PM – 3 PM – Twosday Takeaway: Cosplay and Anime: Creative Programming for Teens with Sara Wilson/Registration Coming Soon

May 15th – 2 PM – 3 PM – Addressing Body Shape and Size Stigma in Libraries: Getting Started Webinar/Register Here

May 27th – Humanities Kansas Culture Preservation Grant Applications Due/Click Here for More Info & to Apply

May 30th – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Kansas Regional Library Systems Present – After Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World/Register Here

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

After-Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World

Take a Hike! : Adventures on the Appalachian Trail

Are you looking for some adventurous programming for summer? From Bucklin Public Library Director Shelly Huelsman: About 6 years ago, I hiked a whopping 58 miles of the Appalachian Trail. I could come and do a program about my week long adventures and misadventures on the trail along with some do’s and don’ts. (Don’t do your first ever backpacking trip on the AT.) So, if you might be interested, let me know!

SWKLS Retreat Coming in September

May the Fourth Be With You!

Break out the Wookie Cookies and Yoda Soda! It’s time to celebrate Star Wars Day!

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

For ILLers: SHAREit Update

According to SHAREit Product Manager Jessica Kirk, SHAREit updated on April 30th. A defect was corrected and no new enhancements were added. Hopefully, your SHAREit will either be unaffected or running smoother. As always, if you have any issues please contact Nikki and let her know.

New Book Discussion Kit Titles

From State Library of Kansas Resource Sharing Librarian Nikki Hansen:

New titles have just been added to the Book Discussion Kit spreadsheet. Take a look! https://kslib.info/448/Book-Discussion-Group-Sets

While you’re there, take time to check your library’s own list of titles and Library Info to see if there’s anything you would like to update. If so, just let me know!

Cataloging Training

Although our WorldShare Record Manager pop-up trainings are done, I am always available to come to your location and train you and/or your staff on the new cataloging software. We want to make sure everyone is comfortable using the new platform. If you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call or email and I’ll be happy to work through it with you.

WorldShare Record Manager Cataloging Unit Renewal

Please be advised that next week, I will send out your Cat Express report (which will switch to being your Record Manager Report). I will also send out a reminder of how many units your library has alotted for the year and ask for your feedback in informing next year’s unit alotment for your library. Our renewal date is July 1, so I will have a deadline by which we need this information, as well. Please keep an eye on your email for this info, next week! Thank you!

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Surviving the Internet with NCA

We’ve seen it all (actually, probably too much). So, we’ve compiled our best #online survival tips into a guide that you can take with you to all the corners of the internet.