Month: June 2024

Weekly Wrap-Up! – June 28, 2024

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

Grant Co. – “The Taste of Tuscanny.”

The library offered an International Cooking class for adults “The Taste of Tuscanny.” The Grant County Extension agent presented the class and shared what she learned while visiting Italy. The class was an hour and a half, for adults, and part of the Summer Reading Program. The food was delizioso

Lane Co. Hatched Chicks

We have 7 chickens!!! They are so cute… Very very very smelly, but so much fun! If you get a chance to do it in your library I would highly suggest it!

I have named one of them. His name is Sargent Fluffy Butt. and no I don’t know if it is really a boy or not. LOL – Director – Savanah

Kearny County’s Sweet Summer Library Decorations

Summer never looked so sweet! Check out these creative, awesome decorations by the ladies at Kearny County Library!

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

June 27th – July 2nd – ALA Conference in San Diego, CA

July 2nd, 10 AM – 10:30 AM – Help! We’re in the Middle of a Strategic Plan But We Were Thrown Off Track: Tips & Tricks to Plan Your Strategic Plan/Register Here

July 4th – SWKLS office closed in observance of Independence Day

July 5th, 11 AM – 11:30 AM – How to Talk About Tik Tok (Webinar)/Register Here

July 8th, 12 PM – 1 PM – Amazing STEM Experiments Made Easy (Webinar)/Register Here

July 10th, 2 PM – 3 PM – Why Do We Fall for Misinformation? (Webinar)/Register Here

July 11th, 3 PM – 4 PM – DEI Taskforce Meeting Online/Zoom Link

July 17th, 2 PM – 3 PM – Cultural Humility in Library Work (Webinar)/Register Here

July 23rd, 9 AM – 9:45 AM – Koha eCard Admin Training/Zoom Link

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

Summer Library Program Evaluation

For many of you, the Summer Library Program is coming to a close. Congratulations on another awesome year! 🥳 Please take the time to fill out the Summer Library Program Evaluation Form, now available on Google Forms. All Summer Library Program Evaluation forms must be turned in by the end of August. Thank you!

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.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

For All VERSO Users:
Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavendar:

Dear VERSO users,

Registration is open for the next Versed in VERSO: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7945533257032555095.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Stay Secure! Use MFA.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), also known as Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two or more different types of authentication factors to verify their identity before gaining access to a system or account. These factors fall into three categories:

  1. Something you know: This is typically a password or a PIN.
  2. Something you have: This can be a physical device like a smartphone, security token, or a smart card.
  3. Something you are: This refers to biometric traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or retinal scans.

By combining these factors, MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password, making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to access an account even if they manage to obtain the password. It’s an effective way to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.

Continuing our journey through cyber security and I want to talk about one of many resources I use. CISA.gov is a government funded agency that “to defend against today’s threats and collaborate to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future.” “CISA is the operational lead for federal cybersecurity and the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience. We are designed for collaboration and partnership. Learn about our layered mission to reduce risk to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure.” You can read more about MFA by clicking here. Please call the office if there is a topic that piques your interest that you would like to know more about. I bet many of us would benefit from your suggestions.

https://www.cisa.gov/

Weekly Wrap-Up! – June 14, 2024

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

DCPL started off the Adult Summer Learning Program with the musical stylings of the Dodge City Community College Jazz Band.

Stanton Co Public Library was visited by Skippy Jon

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

June 19th – SWKLS Office closed in observance of Juneteenth

June 20th – 1 PM – 2 PM – Proven Strategies for Library Outreach & Programming Webinar ($49/person)/Register Here

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

June 25th – 10 AM – 11 AM – Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! Nebraska Library Commission Webinar/Zoom Link

June 26th – 12 PM – 5 Social Media Tips That Will Help You Turn Heads and Raise Funds for Your Non-Profit Webinar/Register Here

June 26th – 2 PM – Managing Effective Library Boards Webinar/Register Here

June 27th – July 2nd – ALA Conference in San Diego, CA

Consulting

By Sara Wilson

Father’s Day Last Minute Craft Idea!

With all of the excitement of the Summer Library Program, Father’s Day may have slipped your mind! If so, don’t worry – we found the perfect last minute Father’s Day craft for all ages and abilities. Help kids butter up their father or father figure this Sunday with this special treat:

Adventures on the Oregon Trail

I am showing my age by sharing this, but when I was a kid, Oregon Trail was all the rage. If you didn’t get bit by a rattlesnake or die of dysentery at least once a week, chances were you probably weren’t playing. For those of us who remember, the popular, bleak pioneering game is back! It’s been back in board game format for a while, but now, libraries are doing LIVE Orgeon Trail games! How does that work? What’s their budget for it? How much time does it take to put together? The answer to those questions and more can be found at this link. The library sharing this program used it to teach teens financial literacy while having fun. It’s also an “adventure,” so it would fit right in with the summer library program. Saddle up and check it out! 🙂

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.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

Collection Development Inspiration

Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction

For ILLers:

SHAREit Update

SHAREit did an update yesterday, June 13th, 2024. To see what was changed, please read the attached release notes.

SHAREit-Release-Notes-2024-06-13Download

Printing ILL Transaction Sheets

This is an FYI to anyone who is unaware. Back many years ago, several of us – myself included – were trained to print our transaction sheets while lending orders were statused as “Will Supply – In Process” and write the due date on the transaction sheet. Things have changed since that practice was the standard. Now, the due date won’t populate on the printed paper until the status is “Shipped.” So, please make sure your lending requests are in “Shipped” status before printing your transaction sheet to include with the shipment. If you have any questions, please email me at swilson@swkls.org or call the office. Thank you!

For All VERSO Users:
VERSO Update

VERSO updated on June 13th, 2024. To see what was changed, please read the attached release notes.

VERSO-Release-Notes-06-13-2024Download

June’s Versed in VERSO Posted

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavendar:

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

A computer screen shot of a support Description automatically generated
A computer screen shot of a computer screen Description automatically generated

Topics covered:

  • Content Enhancement options with VERSO
  • Quarterly Product Updates
  • New Catalog Maintenance with Staff Search and Manage Items screen demonstration
  • Creating Quick Links in Staff Dashboard
  • Overview of Your Account

The next Versed in VERSO is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.  Registration for the July’s Versed in VERSO is open: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7945533257032555095 If you have a question or topic you’d like covered, please submit it when registering. 

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Yodeck Training Video

Yodeck-Simplified – SWKLS WIKI

Thank you so much to those that attended. This video is archived on the SWKLS Wiki. If you would like to view this training, please click the link at the top. If you have questions, please contact us through email or phone.

Weekly Wrap-Up! – June 7, 2024

Posted on by Chris Dressler

System Spotlight

By Staff

I hope you are all having a GREAT Adventure this year. If you would like to share your library SRP photos in the System Spotlight please send them via email to cdressler@swkls.org or swilson@swkls.org.

Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

Technology

by Christopher Dressler

Password Habits

In the fast-paced and interconnected digital age, passwords serve as the guardians of our personal and sensitive information. Whether it’s accessing our email, social media accounts, or online banking, a strong password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Unfortunately, many individuals still underestimate the importance of adopting secure password habits, putting themselves at risk of cyberattacks and identity theft. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of password habits and provide valuable tips to enhance your online security.

  • The Importance of Strong Passwords
    • A strong password is the foundation of digital security. It acts as a virtual lock to protect your personal data from unauthorized access. A weak or easily guessable password leaves you vulnerable to hackers who can exploit your accounts and compromise your digital identity.
  • Avoiding Common Password Mistakes
    • Too often, individuals fall into the trap of using common, easily guessable passwords. Some of the most commonly used passwords include “123456,” “password,” and “qwerty.” Such passwords are like leaving the front door of your digital house wide open for attackers.
  • Password Length and Complexity
    • To create strong passwords, prioritize length and complexity. Aim for passwords that are at least 12 characters long, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The longer and more complex your password, the harder it becomes for hackers to crack it.
  • Unique Passwords for Each Account
    • Using the same password for multiple accounts is a grave mistake. If one account gets compromised, all your other accounts become vulnerable too. Implement a unique password for each account to contain potential damages and secure your online presence effectively.
  • Change Passwords Regularly
    • Routine password changes add an extra layer of protection. Consider updating your passwords every three to six months, or whenever there’s a suspicion of a security breach.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
    • Enhance your security further by enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. 2FA requires a second verification step, such as a fingerprint scan, SMS code, or authentication app, making it significantly harder for attackers to breach your accounts.
  • Password Managers
    • Keeping track of numerous complex passwords can be challenging. A password manager can be an invaluable tool, generating strong passwords and securely storing them in an encrypted vault. This way, you only need to remember one master password.
  • Beware of Phishing
    • No matter how strong your passwords are, falling for phishing attempts can compromise your accounts. Be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or links that may lead you to fake login pages.
  • Regular Security Checkups
    • Conduct regular security checkups of your online accounts. Review login activity and ensure there have been no unauthorized access attempts.

In conclusion, practicing strong password habits is essential to safeguarding your digital world. By creating unique, complex, and regularly updated passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being vigilant against phishing attempts, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats. Stay proactive, stay secure!