Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)
March 5, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm – Tech Workshop: Social Media at Dodge City Public Library in the Lower Level Meeting Room/Registration Link
March 6, 2024 – 1 pm – 2 pm – Providing Accomodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patrons in Your Library Webinar/Registration Link
March 12, 2024 – 10 am – 11 am – Mango Languages Webinar with Mango trainer Cruz Pardo & the State Library of Kansas/Registration Link
March 12, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm – Twosday Takeaway: BookTok, Bookstagrams, & YouTube Book Trailers/Registration Link
March 13, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm – Creating a Person-Centered Library: Supporting Patrons While Avoiding Burnout Webinar/Registration Link
March 15, 2024 – 10 am – SWKLS Hybrid Board Meeting at Jetmore Public Library/Registration Link
March 15, 2024 – SWKLS Sampler Day following the board meeting at Jetmore Public Library
March 21, 2024 – 2 pm – 5 pm Library 2.024: AI and Libraries Online Mini Conference/Registration Link
March 26, 2024 – State Library of Kansas and Bibliotheca Cloud Library Webinar/Access Link
April 5, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm – #TrendyLibrarian Workshop/Registration Coming Soon
Consulting
By Sara Wilson
March’s Twosday Takeaway
BookTok, Bookstagrams, & YouTube Book Trailers
Are you wanting to find new ways to connect with your patrons online? Let SWKLS Technology Trainer Chris Dressler get you geared up to facilitate Book Discussion Groups on your social media pages! Register here!
Fun St. Patrick’s Day Craft w/Free Printable
2024 KLAEF Scholarship Opportunity!
From Mary Boller, KLAEF President:
The Kansas Library Association Educational Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2024 KLAEF Scholarship. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be available for this program in 2024. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be a current member of the Kansas Library Association
Must be enrolled as a graduate library school student or a student pursuing a library media specialist endorsement as part of a graduate degree program
Must be at least enrolled in the second semester of the program
Must be a student in good academic standing, i.e. not on probation
Applicants should review the guidelines before completing and submitting the application. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, April 19th 2024.
Summer Library Program Slideshow Print-Outs
We still have plenty of slideshow print-outs of Will Stuck’s presentation from the Summer Library Program last week. If you would like one, please contact the system office and we will be glad to send it to you on the courier.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
Shelf Care
Managing shelf space in a library is no easy task. How full is too full? Do you fill every shelf, top and bottom? What do you do when one section is fuller than another – how do you balance it out? One school librarian recently faced these questions and more. Read her solutions and if you need help shifting, give me a call or email me and I’ll be glad to come out and help!
Free Art Books for Public Libraries, Schools, and Prisons!
[From Art Resources Transfer]:
Art Resources Transfer’s Library Program provides free books on art and culture to public institutions nationwide.
We warmly invite all public libraries, public schools, prisons, and reading centers to place an order of free books.
Create your own customized library cards. We offer design assistance and remember, your first 50 are free! Full-color printing front and back. Our library cards come on rugged PVC and are manufactured to the most rigid specifications ensuring long lasting durability. Design children’s library cards or cards for special promotions and programs like Summer Read Punch cards so you can track reading goals. Will ship using courier. A variety of barcoding, personalization and signature area configurations are available – all printed underneath the card laminate for maximum protection.
Please call Chris @ 620-225-1231 for more information.
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.
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.
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
We didn’t travel far from home, this week. Okay, we didn’t travel from home at all. 🙂 We just went down the street and popped in on our friends at our local public library right here in Dodge City. Watch out – we might pop in on you, next! 🙂
Dodge City Public Library Displays
Dodge City Public Library has some creative displays that highlight resources that meet the needs of their diverse community as well as local organizations and public health issues. Way to customize for and engage your community, DCPL!
Kansas Heritage Center Displays
The Kansas Heritage Center brings together history and pop culture with their fun displays! If you’ve ever wondered about the house that inspired our state song, “Home on the Range,” you can see their Home on the Range display and read all about it and see the photos. Of course, they have historical literature on display, as well. This looks great! Well done, Kansas Heritage Center!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link & Zoom Link
March 28 & 30, 2023, 1:30 pm – Online Grant Writing Course through K-State/Registration Link
March 30, 2023, 1:30 pm – After-Lunch Course “Universal Design for Libraries”/Registration Link
March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor Mariakray
March 24 System Board MeetingZoom Link
As of this time we still do not have a quorum for the March 24, System board meeting, at Grant County Library in Ulysses. If you haven’t registered please do so at this link. We have extended the deadline to register to Tuesday, March 21, at Noon. The System office needs you to register so we know who will be in-person and staying for lunch. This will allow Tandy to turn in the number staying for lunch for the caterer.
Summer Library (Reading) Workshop
The Summer Library (Reading) Workshop is fast approaching. It will be at the Finney County Public Library on March 31, with registration for the day at 9:30 am and the workshop starting at 10:00 am. If you are interested in attending and haven’t signed up yet there is still time to register. Follow this link to register so we can get a count for the lunch order.
First After-Lunch Course for 2023
March 30, at 1:30 pm, the first After-Lunch Course for 2023, will be “Universal Design for Libraries” presented by Carli Spina. Carli Spina is an Associate Professor and Head of Research and Instructional Services at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
“Making libraries accessible and inclusive can be a challenge. Fortunately, the principles of Universal Design offer guidance on how to create libraries that are usable and welcoming for all patrons. This presentation will introduce the principles of Universal Design, explain how this concept contrasts with accessibility, and offer concrete advice on how to apply these principles at your library. These examples will provide advice for those looking for low-budget, high-impact changes that can improve accessibility and those who are planning for large-scale renovation projects.”
2023 Round of On-Line Grant Writing Workshops through K-State
This year’s round of Grant Writing workshops has been scheduled and registration is open. There is a fee of $60.00 for the course. The course is online so you would not have to travel. The first course is March 28 & 30, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm each day.
“This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices. This online course is adapted from a highly rated face-to-face training with proven results.
Participants are encouraged to bring their grants or grant ideas to share. The format of the class allows a writer to formulate their grant ideas into a grant proposal, if they are ready.
Classes are recorded for later reference or classes missed.
You will learn:
Sources of data for community needs
Where to find grants
Elements of a great grant proposal
Practicing the grant elements: Problem, Outcome, Activity, Evaluation, Budget”
For more information you can contact Nancy Daniels at nkdaniels@ksu.edu.
These new StoryWalk®s are now available! Happy Within and It’s Skeleton Time are both bilingual books (English/Spanish) and 21 Cousins is English with some Spanish words introduced.
STEAM Collection
These new robots are now available for check-out! If you would like to demo one, first check our VERSO (typing “SWKLS STEAM Collection” into the QuickSearch bar to see if one is available), then call our office or email Sara and we’ll arrange a day/time to drop it off at your library for 30 days!
In Literary News
Over 1K Simon & Schuster Manuscripts Stolen
A former employee of Simon & Schuster has stolen over 1000 manuscripts by impersonating publishers and agents over email. He pled guilty in a New York court to wire fraud and will be sentenced April 5th. Why and how did he steal the manuscripts and which authors were affected? Click here for more information.
Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News
Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list!)
“Out with the old, in with the new,” I always say! In the spirit of Global Recycling Day, maybe it’s time to spring clean your collection. Do you have several books that need recycled, but you’re not sure where to start? Do you need an extra pair of hands? You can call or email me here at the office and I will gladly help you to evaluate your collection and get a weeding project underway.
For those titles you’d like to hold on to, but that need some reinvigoration, come to #TrendyLibrarian on May 5th to hear System Director Richard Brookman talk about breathing new life into your collection. He’s got ideas about cover art, pop culture, and displays that are sure to get those pages turning again. Hope to see you there!
Important information about Google Analytics – If your library uses Google Analytics to track VERSO page views, you will need to switch your account to use the new Google Analytics 4 (G4) tag. With this release, VERSO will be switching to the new G4 tracking method which is replacing the old UA tracking method. Google is discontinuing the UA tracking method in July 2023, and old UA tags will no longer work in VERSO as of March 15, 2023. For more information visit: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9744165#zippy=%2Cin-this-article
Last week we had Tech Clinics/Business Working day at the SWKLS office and I think it was a good success. Bernardo introduced and demonstrated to our attendees the different types of 3D printers that we have here at the office. The first is and Ender 3 and prints with PLA. It does a great job and is one of the better printers I have seen.
The second is a ToyBox. This small printer is easy to use, and it doesn’t take up too much space. The media it uses is PLA and the company calls it “Food”. Our official taste tester here at the office gave it a thumbs down for taste and texture.
Thirdly, we have a resin printer. This printer uses a liquid media and using UV light produces a rigid plastic object. Quality of these prints are slightly better than the Ender 3.
A couple of other demonstrations we did were the Osmo kits. These fun and family friendly games are geared for children 4 to 10. These game help children learn to read, count, and be creative with art. Compatible with Fire Tablet and iPad. We then demonstrated our Snap Circuits. These fun educational toys are used to make simple electronic circuits that help children understand electric connectivity.
Some of the other sessions we had included Quickbooks How-To and Excel for intermediate users. Thats all I have for this week. We hope to see you at the next Tech Clinics/Business Workday.
As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
Here are some pictures we took while out and about, the past couple of weeks, of some cool things happening at our member libraries! Will we feature your library next?
Hanston Public Library Displays
Hanston is getting into the spirit of winter with their cute, whimsical winter displays! They’re also highlighting book and movie tie-ins, a great way to generate interest in the collection. Way to go, Amy!
Liberal Memorial LibraryUses Glowforge to Customize
Liberal Memorial Library Director Royce Kitts took us on a tour of his library and showed us his Glowforge, which he uses to customize signs around the library, awards for patrons, and even name tags for staff and community organizations. These look awesome, Royce!
Plains Community Library Displays & Activities
Plains Community Library has eye-catching displays as well as a gaming center and their meeting room is all ready for the next Lego club adventure. Looking great! Thanks for the tour, Patsy!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link & Zoom Link
March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor obpia30
Daylight Savings Time
This is it! Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday. Our clocks are going to need to “spring” forward one hour, so 6:00 am will become 7:00 am. Remind your staff so they can get ready to adjust there clocks as well as their bodies.
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor ranagy
Legislative Updates
There are 4 bills that are being monitored at the moment SB 149 and 188 and HB 2176, 2205, 2236, and 2271. Here is the status of each as of today:
SB 149 – “Expanding the crime of promoting obscenity to minors to include drag performances.” This bill was referred to the Committee on Judiciary on February 3, and no further activity has occurred.
I am monitoring this bill because if it does pass it could effect public libraries. Here is the language that I am looking at ““drag performance” means a performance in which one or more performers: (A) Exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s gender assigned at birth using clothing, makeup or other accessories that are traditionally worn by members of and are meant to exaggerate the gender identity of the performer’s opposite sex; and (B) sings, lip-synchs, dances or otherwise performs before an audience of at least two persons for entertainment, whether performed for payment or not;… (5) “performance” means any play, motion picture, dance or other exhibition performed before and audience.“
This language could change how library collections look and can contain.
SB 188 – “Removing an affirmative defense for public, private and parochial schools from the crime of promotion to minors of material harmful to minors.” This bill was referred to the Committee of Judiciary on February 8 and no further activity has occurred.
This bill only covers taking away a public, private and parochial schools, which include their libraries. This can very quickly change in the future to include public libraries given the current political climate.
HB 2205 – “Creating the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 463 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.”
HB 2276 – “Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 470 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.”
Both HB 2205 and 2176 have been combined into just HB 2176 and has passed the House and is in the Senate. The Senate has referred this to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation and a hearing is set for March 14, at 9:30 am in Room 548-S.
HB 2236 – “Establishing parents’ right to direct the education, upbringing and moral or religious training of their children including the right to object to harmful and inappropriate educational materials.” This bill was referred to the Committee of Education and had a Hearing on March 9, that I was unable to watch, for personal reasons, to see if it has been moved to the floor or remains in committee.
I am keeping track of this for the same reason of keeping track of SB 188. Even though, in my opinion, it is a duplicate to K.S.A. 38-141, and pinpoints educational materials, it could turn upon public libraries.
HB 2271 – “Authorizing any nonresident student whose parent or guardian is employed by a school district to enroll in and attend such school district.” This bill has been referred to the Committee on K-12 Education Budget on March 1, and no further activity has occured.
This bill has had the “Parent Portal” wrapped into it, that was in last year’s legislative session.
I know not all of these bills cover public libraries, but they easily could. I am also looking at these for our school libraries that could be facing difficulties if these bills are pass and made into law. Hence why I did the presentation at the KASL Regional Workshop this past Saturday.
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor TotalShape
March 24 System Board MeetingZoom Link
The Zoom Link for the March 24 System Board meeting has been established and is in the calendar part of the Weekly Wrap UP and at the bottom of this piece.
A representative from the Ulysses Compass office will be visiting with our members on how librarians can assist and interact with patrons that have challenges. The program is entitled “Know the Warning Signs”.
Some of the topics I have asked them to discuss are: recognize patrons with challenges; how to visit with patrons with challenges without having them feel threatened; how to de escalate situations with patrons with challenges; how to visit with staff that might have challenges; and what librarians need to be aware of so they don’t accidentally violate health privacy of a patron.
This session will not be recorded. If you have already registered as attending through Zoom and you would like to change to in-person you will need to contact Tandy as soon as possible so we can have accurate numbers for lunch.
Ian Falconer, author and illustrator of the beloved Olivia books, has died. He was 63 years old.
Falconer’s starring character, Olivia, got her own TV show that aired on Nick Jr., premiering in 2009 and lasting two seasons. The glamorous pig in her signature red dress was a hit with children of all ages.
To read more about Ian Falconer’s life and creative endeavors, see this NPR tribute. This sad occasion creates an opportunity to honor Falconer in your library by displaying his most beloved books for fans of his work.
R.L. Stein Denies Green-Lighting Censorship of His Books
R.L. Stein, author of the acclaimed Goosebumps series, has been under fire recently for allegedly okaying the censorship of more than 12 of his beloved books. Stein, however, denies the allegations and alleges that his publisher made the edits without his knowledge. Scholastic admits to having made the changes, but hasn’t made a statement one way or the other about the level of knowledge or involvement of the author. Click here for more details.
Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News
Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list, this week!)
ALSC Wants to Register Your Library’s El día de los niños/El día de los librosEvent
From Jessi Harris of NEKLS:
Is your library hosting an El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) event in 2023? Add your event to the national Día program registry provided by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)!
Are you curious about upcoming VERSO features and enhancements?
At this month’s Versed in VERSO, Cheryl Slinkard, Chief Operations Officer at Auto-Graphics, will be presenting a quarterly product update.
Please join us Tuesday, March 14, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00AM Pacific. The first 15 minutes of Versed in VERSO will be a product update followed by the regular Q&A session.
In this Q&A we’ll answer more questions about ILL Request Management. Please enter your question(s) on the registration form.
A confirmation email containing information about joining the training will be sent after registering.
For Non-Public Library ILLers: Non-Public Library ILL Survey Deadline
Just a reminder that the 2022 Non-Public Library ILL Survey is due today, March 10! If you have any questions about how to fill out the survey or how to generate SHAREit stat reports, contact Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian with the State Library of Kansas & she’ll be happy to help you!
Technology
by Christopher Dressler
Tablet Entertainment Learning
For this week’s Wrap-U.P., I want to write about an item we have for you to evaluate that you may have heard about called Osmo. Many of you may have these in your library already. For me, the first time I played with them was 2 weeks ago. I wish I had these when my kids were growing up as they are a fun and entertaining for children 3 to 10 years of age depending on the game.
Here is a little bit about the company: “Tangible Play Inc. — the business behind the Osmo brand — was founded in 2013 by Pramod Sharma and Jerome Scholler, who set out to create ‘something awesome that inspires the youngest generation,’ while at the same time addressing a concern of many parents about how to have their children interact with technology without losing the value of hands-on play. By 2014 the first three Osmo games, Newton, Tangram, and Words, were launched to universal praise from parents, educators, industry experts, and most importantly, with overwhelming support (and giggles) from our most challenging critics, children.” To date, Osmo has been named one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions, is a Parents’ Choice award winner, a winner of the prestigious Oppenheim award, and a 2016 finalist for Toy of The Year. Osmo is sold in over 42 countries, delivered via nine international distribution centers and has been embraced in more than 30,000 schools. — “About us | Osmo” Playosmo, https://www.playosmo.com/en/about-us/. Accessed 1 Jan. 1970.
So if you would like to evaluate one of our kits, please contact Sara at our office to check one out to demo at your library. These kits do require you to have an iPad or Kindle which is included when you evaluate the product. If you’ve decided these are a good fit for your library, contact Steve here at the office for pricing.
As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
Director Kelli Humiston accepted checks from the Fowler Legacy Foundation and Meade County Community Foundation for grants that will go towards the library’s summer reading program as well as revamping their children’s section.
Congratulations, Fowler Public Library!
Stevens County Library Patrons Enjoy Gaming Group
From Laurie Crawford, Adult Services Coordinator:
“Since August 2022, a small group of patrons have met at the Stevens County Library to play Mah Jongg. Mah Jongg is a tile-based game developed in the 19th century in China and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 pm and we continue to recruit new players, offering to teach the game to anyone who is interested.”
Great job, Stevens County Library!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
March 6-7, 2023 – SWKLS Tech Clinic and Business Working Day/Registration Link
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link
March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor obpia30
Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time is set for March 12. Our clocks are going to need to “spring” forward one hour, so 6:00 am will become 7:00 am. Remind your staff so they can get ready to adjust there clocks as well as their bodies.
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor geralt
March 7 Train UP
The March 7 Train UP will be presented by David Fischer, Technology Support and Ordering from Northwest Kansas Library System. David will be discussing the open enrollment for OverDrive’s Sunflower Cooperative. If you are interested in attending you can still register through this link and the Zoom Link is here.
Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor TotalShape
Continuing Education for March 24 System Board Meeting
A representative from the Ulysses Compass office will be visiting with our members on how librarians can assist and interact with patrons that have challenges. The program is entitled “Know the Warning Signs”.
Some of the topics I have asked them to discuss are: recognize patrons with challenges; how to visit with patrons with challenges without having them feel threatened; how to de escalate situations with patrons with challenges; how to visit with staff that might have challenges; and what librarians need to be aware of so they don’t accidentally violate health privacy of a patron.
This session will not be recorded. If you have already registered as attending through Zoom and you would like to change to in-person you will need to contact Tandy as soon as possible so we can have accurate numbers for lunch.
Children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel would have turned 99 years old yesterday, March 2nd, 2023! Happy Birthday to the iconic Dr. Seuss!!
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss book? How did your library celebrate the day? Let us know and we’ll be happy to put your answers in next week’s Weekly Wrap-U.P.!
Here are the SWKLS team’s favorite Dr. Seuss Books:
Tandy: “Oh The Places You’ll Go”
Richard: “Fox in Socks”
Steve: “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Sara: “Horton Hears a Who”
Bernardo: “Green Eggs and Ham”
Chris: “The Cat in the Hat”
Terry Pratchett’s Publisher To Release Author’s Short Story Anthology
Fans of the late Sir Terry Pratchett will be delighted to learn that the author’s publisher, Transworld, will be releasing an anthology of short stories that he had written under a pen name, Patrick Kearns. The stories have been compiled into a book called 20 Tales in A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories that will debut on October 5 of this year. Click here for more information!
Recent Book Challenge Issues Making the News
Libraries are feeling the impact of book challenges across the country. Here are some recent news reports involving book challenges and bans across the United States. (Special thanks to Sara Koehn, Director of Haskell Township Public Library and Sean Bird, Interim Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University for their contributions to this list, this week!)
In honor of Dr. Seuss, the month of March became National Reading Month in 1994 and since then, readers of all ages have celebrated literacy in fun and unique ways. From read-ins to book clubs to everyday reader’s advisory, librarians have been championing literacy for as long as the profession has existed. You provide your communities with resources and entertainment to engage their minds and enrich their lives in so many meaningful ways. Hats off to you, librarians! You’re literacy leaders and National Reading Month is your time to shine!
If you would like assistance with developing your collection, our Collection Specialist is here to help! Give our office a call or email her at swilson@swkls.org.
In Case You Missed It
For ILLers
From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:
Thank you for attending last week’s Sharing about SHAREit Q&A.
The recording and slides from the webinar are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – the Sharing about SHAREit webinars are posted at the top of the chart.
We hope you found the webinar helpful and that we’ll see you at the next Sharing about SHAREit session!
Lending Policy Update
Also, from Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian from the State Library of Kansas:
I just want to let everyone know that the lending policy for the NWKLS Kansas Humanities Council Talk Book Series has been updated. The previous wording was incorrect so keep in mind these titles can only be borrowed as a set, not individually.
Thanks
For Non-Public Library ILLers
From Nikki Hansen, Resource Sharing Librarian from the State Library of Kansas:
Just a reminder that the 2022 Non-Public Library ILL Survey is due on March 10. I only have 35 responses at the moment so I’m looking forward to seeing more flood in. If you have any questions about how to fill out the survey or how to generate SHAREit stat reports, let me know.
Thanks!
Stopping a Hung or Frozen Program in Windows Task Manager
by Christopher Dressler
For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the SWKLS Wiki. We have lots of information there in regard to many facets of the library world. As I make tech training videos, I will place the under the Members section in the Online Training / Workshops page. This week’s training video is about stopping a hung or frozen program in the windows Task Manager. The idea for this video came from a member library gathered from a survey. As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
It’s Library Lovers’ Month! Of course, we love you all year & this is one of our ways of showing it: highlighting all of the wonderful work that you do every day! If you would like to showcase some of the fantastic things that your library has been up to, please send the information to Sara (swilson@swkls.org) or Chris (cdressler@swkls.org) and we’ll be sure to give you and your team a shout out on the Wrap-U.P.!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
March 6-7, 2023 – SWKLS Tech Clinic and Business Working Day/Registration Link
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link
March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Library Lovers’ Month is quickly coming to an end, but there are still ways that you can celebrate! Print off some free “I Love My Library” coloring pages and leave them out for your patrons, decorate with free downloadable posters, or simply cut some heart shapes out of construction paper, have a marker, pen, or some crayons ready, and ask your patrons to write a reason that they love their library on the hearts. Hang the hearts up in the windows or around the library. For more ideas of some simple activities you can prepare for Library Lovers’ Month, click here.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
In Literary News
Roald Dahl’s Publisher Censoring His Body of Work
Children’s author Roald Dahl (author of such classics as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, and James and the Giant Peach) is having his work censored by his publisher. Puffin Books, Dahl’s publisher, has removed and altered the text of new editions of his classic works to omit words deemed offensive by some readers and to add words that Dahl didn’t write in order to change narratives to be more inclusive. ( See this NPR article for more information.) According to Publisher’s Weekly, versions of Dahl’s books published in the United States and some European countries, however, will remain as they were originally written.
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.
#TrendyLibrarian is coming up in May and we are getting so excited! We have a great line-up of topics, from marketing to technology to reimagining collections, we have a keynote speaker locked in, and we’re gathering some really fun prizes! I’ve started working on building the website for this workshop and I can’t wait to share it with you in the coming weeks! Stay tuned . . . 🙂
In Case You Missed It
For ILLers
SHAREit was updated on Tuesday. Here are the release notes for the update:
Stopping a Hung or Frozen Program in Windows Task Manager
by Christopher Dressler
For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the SWKLS Wiki. We have lots of information there in regard to many facets of the library world. As I make tech training videos, I will place the under the Members section in the Online Training / Workshops page. This week’s training video is about stopping a hung or frozen program in the windows Task Manager. The idea for this video came from a member library gathered from a survey. As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
It’s Library Lovers’ Month! Of course, we love you all year & this is one of our ways of showing it: highlighting all of the wonderful work that you do every day! If you would like to showcase some of the fantastic things your library has been up to, please send the information to Sara (swilson@swkls.org) or Chris (cdressler@swkls.org) and we’ll be sure to give you and your team a shout out on the Wrap-U.P.!
The Great Outdoors Moves Indoors at Kearny County Public Library
Check out these elaborate decorations happening in Lakin! Tammy Dickey, Director of Kearny County Public Library says, “These are pictures from our Spring Storytime. This is in our library, and we are calling it Camp-Read-Alot. This is for children 3 to 5 years old.” [Editor’s note: I want to go to Camp-Read-Alot!]
Great job, Kearny County Public Library! This looks amazing!!
Ness City Public Library Celebrates Kansas Day
Kansas Day was January 29th and patrons at Ness City Public Library celebrated by decorating their own license plates. From Assistant Librarian Laurie Dinges: “We supplied copies of a blank Kansas license plate and asked the kids to create a plate that they thought represented Kansas. There were 57 great entries. We have a small gift basket for the top six plates.” Ness City has some talented artists! Check out this creativity:
What a fun way to celebrate Kansas’ birthday; these look awesome! Way to go, Ness City Public Library!!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting at Grant County Library, Ulysses (Hybrid)/Registration Link
March 31, 2023, 10:00 am – Summer (Reading) Program Workshop, at Finney County Public Library, Garden City/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image provided by kzd through Pixabay.com
March System Board Meeting
The March System Board Meeting has been moved to March 24, 2023, due to availability of board members. The meeting is being held at the Grant County Library, in Ulysses, Kansas. This meeting is a hybrid meeting. If you do come in person the afternoon session will be a Continuing Education event. The System Office is still awaiting a reply for a possible presenter.
When you register for the Board Meeting there will be some questions about if you will be in person and lunch. The registration link is here and we will send out the Zoom link when the date comes closer.
Image provided by Pixabay contributor lucasgeorgewendt
Love Your Library Month
While Valentine’s Day is over you can still share the love of libraries. The whole month of February is “National Library Lovers” month. So if you haven’t done anything yet for the month you still have time.
Valentine’s Day sales are going on so you can go to the local store and pickup some themed Valentine’s Day cards for children and put them in a books, movie cases, and the like for a little fun. Some of your adult patrons might get a chuckle out of with this as well. Of course there’s always the candy that you could purchase. Put Valentine’s candy in a bowl for your patrons to take when they check out. Anything you can think of to have fun and interact with your community.
Summer Reading Workshop Registration is Open
The “All Together Now” Summer Reading Workshop registration can be found here. The date for the workshop is Friday, March 31, 2023. Registration will begin at 9:30 am and the session will start at 10:00 am and last until 3:00 pm. The workshop will be conducted by the lively due Patty Collins and Diane Bott, of the Central Kansas Library System. Finney County Public Library is hosting the workshop this year. Having it in Garden City, Kansas, will allow for participants to have a different local to find supplies for your Summer Library (Reading) Program needs.
Image provided by the Kansas Talking Books Facebook Page
Talking Books Week
Kansas Talking Books Week is March 6-10, 2023. The Talking Books program would like our member libraries to promote this service especially during this week. Most Kansans don’t realize that this program is available to them. Once they start the service they enjoy what is available for our Kansas reading community that believe they couldn’t enjoy books. This service is a no-cost service that is provided for all Kansans that meet the criteria for this service.
If you would like to schedule an introductory program of the Talking Books service please contact Richard at the System office to set up a date and time. The program lasts approximately thirty minutes.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
In Literary News
Looking for a Children’s Book? Better Call Saul!
Bob Odenkirk of the popular TV show, Better Call Saul (a spin-off of another hit TV show, Breaking Bad) has written a children’s book. The book is inspired by poems that he and his children wrote together as part of a bedtime routine. Zilot & Other Important Rhymes is set to be released this fall. Look for this one to be popular with fans of both shows.
Calvin & Hobbes Author Returns With a New Graphic Novel
The creator of Calvin & Hobbes, Bill Watterson, is back and he’s created a graphic novel aimed at adults, this time. Fans are sure to be delighted to see the beloved author return to his craft. The Mysteries, a fantasy with dark artwork and mature themes, will hit shelves October 10, but you can preorder it on Amazon now.
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.
Are you being annoyed by the chimes in VERSO when you perform certain tasks? Do you not have any sounds and would like to activate some? Would you like toupload a custom .mp3 to play as a warning sound in your VERSO? If you said yes to any of these, there is a way! Go to Staff Dashboard > Circ Admin > Circulation Parameters. “Manage Sounds” is the second to last link. From here, you will be able to view and fully edit the sounds your VERSO makes so you can customize your ILS to fit your needs. Any questions? Call or email Sara and she’ll be happy to help you.
In Case You Missed It
For ILLers
From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:
Just a reminder that the next Sharing about SHAREit is scheduled for next Wednesday, February 22, at 1pm.
In this Q&A, we’ll answer questions about ILL Configuration – Bookstraps, Shipping Labels, Pick List, plus the Copy and Loan Full Record Displays.
For All VERSO Users
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
Dear VERSO Users,
Release notes are [. . . ] below.
We will be doing a VERSO release on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, beginning a little after 7:00pm Pacific (10:00pm Eastern). Downtime is usually about 15 minutes but may be longer if issues come up.
RESOLVED
AG-2158
Novelist Select content was not displaying on full record if the record had more than one ISBN. We updated the request sent to Novelist Select. The request will now include the first ISBN in the record for compatibility with Novelist Select.
AG-2126Multiple CS Tickets
Records that were defined as a Serial in the MARC record were displaying as eSerials. The code has been adjusted to properly differentiate Serial and eSerial formats.
-Rae
Google Analytics/Looker Studio Webinar
In this Google Analytics/Looker Studio presentation, you’ll learn how to harness the power of your data to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your website. We’ll cover how to interpret the data on your Looker Studio report and how it compared to the old Monster Insights (which we are phasing out) so you can optimize your online presence and achieve your business goals. Click here for more information. – Christopher Dressler
The Start of Something New for Kismet Public Library
The construction has begun for Kismet Public Library’s new building! How exciting!
Congratulations to Suzan and staff!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
March 24, 2023, 10:00 am – System Board Meeting (Hybrid)
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Image Provide by Pixabay contributor thehalaldesign
Library Journal Star Libraries for 2022
The Southwest Kansas Library System has three libraries that have made the list of 2022 Star Libraries. “This is the 15th year in which Library Journal has scored U.S. public libraries on the LJ Index of Public Library Service and awarded Star Library ratings. The 2022 scores and ratings are based on FY20 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Public Library Survey (PLS).” If you are interested in being a candidate for the 2023 rankings you will need to partake in the two surveys above that the Library Journal uses to gather their data.
Image provide by Pixabay contributor Clker-Fee-Vector-Images
Nature Adventure Packs
Jackie Augustine PhD, Executive Director Audubon of Kansas, delivered the “Nature Adventure Packs” to the office and as Sara mentioned earlier in the week the packs have been sent out. There is one piece of the backpack that is missing. The Trail Maps were not ready when Jackie delivered the backpacks to the System Office. She will be mailing them out when they become available.
Enjoy watching our Kansas Birds!
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
New Resources for You!
The following book has been added to the SWKLS Professional Collection and is available to be checked out via ILL:
“An incisive history of the controversial Google Books project and the ongoing quest for a universal digital library
Libraries have long talked about providing comprehensive access to information for everyone. But when Google announced in 2004 that it planned to digitize books to make the world’s knowledge accessible to all, questions were raised about the roles and responsibilities of libraries, the rights of authors and publishers, and whether a powerful corporation should be the conveyor of such a fundamental public good. Along Came Google traces the history of Google’s book digitization project and its implications for us today.
Deanna Marcum and Roger Schonfeld draw on in-depth interviews with those who both embraced and resisted Google’s plans, from librarians and technologists to university leaders, tech executives, and the heads of leading publishing houses. They look at earlier digital initiatives to provide open access to knowledge, and describe how Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page made the case for a universal digital library and drew on their company’s considerable financial resources to make it a reality. Marcum and Schonfeld examine how librarians and scholars organized a legal response to Google, and reveal the missed opportunities when a settlement with the tech giant failed.
Along Came Google sheds light on the transformational effects of the Google Books project on scholarship and discusses how we can continue to think imaginatively and collaboratively about expanding the digital availability of knowledge.” – Amazon
You Can Report Challenges on Our Website
The Title Challenge Form is now active on our website. If a patron challenges a book at your library, please fill out this form to report it to SWKLS so that we may keep abreast of any challenges in our area, provide support, and move the information up the chain, to the State Library of Kansas. We will share the information you provide with the DEI Taskforce as well as Sean Bird of the Kansas Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee.
No one fights alone. If your library has resources challenged, you have a team behind you to help you defend the freedom to read. If you would like to become a part of the DEI Taskforce, email me and let me know! swilson@swkls.org
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.
Below is a little visual help on how to update your preferred lender list in ShareIt.
When Participant Record is open, you should see this:
Replace everything in the circled box with your new Preferred Lender List and click Submit.
Happy resource sharing!
For All VERSO Users:
“Talks With Ted” Transitions To “Versed in VERSO”
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
As you know, Ted Koppel has retired after 15 years at Auto-Graphics. We wish Ted the best, but the show must go on.
Next Tuesday, February 14, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00AM Pacific, would have been the next “Talks with Ted.” Since Ted is no longer with us, we will be debuting “Versed in VERSO” and introducing our new VERSO Product Manager, Julie Cavender.
Same time, same place! If you previously registered for the February “Talks with Ted” session, you do not need to re-register. If you have not registered yet, please do so here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1165596002130880779
This month, we will be demo’ing our new Hoopla integration and going over some of the feedback we received from your responses to the Marshall Breeding survey. The survey is still open, so if you have not taken the survey yet, here is the link: https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2022/invite/
For this week, I would like to draw your attention to the SWKLS Wiki. We have lots of information there in regard to many facets of the library world. As I make tech training videos, I will place the under the Members section in the Tips and Handouts page. The link can be found here. This week’s training video is about stopping a hung or frozen program in the windows Task Manager. The idea for this video came from a member library gathered from a survey. As always, if you have specific needs for a video or an in-person training, please feel free to reach out via phone or email. Thank you – Christopher Dressler
Ashland Public LibraryBuilds Community Connections, Celebrates 40th Building Anniversary, & Receives Grant
From Ashland Public Library Director Cara Vanderree:
We try to stay in the news with family history preservation projects, talks with political leaders, weekly children’s art classes, monthly adult art classes, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learn and Play (birth – five), monthly music jams, Mystery Book Club, monthly Lunch and Learn on important topics to the community such as recreational use of farm land, CRP, taxes…. We decorate to the hilt! This is our 40th anniversary in this building, so are planning parties for September.
This was a special project, I interviewed a 78-year-old patron who retraced the southern half of the Great Western Trail with her team of Halflingers and a wagon she literally dragged out of a museum! The transcript will be added to our website.
LEGOS! The library board chose to move one children’s computer to the adult side so the kids could focus on more manipulatives.
We received the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant focusing on Thi Bui’s graphic novel The Best We Could Do. Programming begins in March with a kickoff reception for the Vietnam: 2 Soldiers, 2 Artists, 2 Journeys Then & Now presented by the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center on March 26. The artists will be present. This will be in conjunction with Humanities Kansas. Dr. Jane Holwerda of TALK Kansas will be leading several book discussions and I have been doing Vietnam Era Memories interviews and transcriptions in an effort to record our community’s memories of those times and compare them to one Vietnamese family’s efforts to come to America. There will be nine book discussions in all, children’s and adult’s art classes in the Vietnamese style of art, a Vietnamese food tasting, and classes from the school visiting.
Congratulations, Ashland Public Library!
Literature Love is in the Air atGrant County Library
Check out these creative and oh-so-cute Valentine’s Day book displays!
They look amazing, Grant County Library!
Dodge City Public Library Adds New Elements to Programs, Services, and Collections
From Dodge City Public Library Programming and Outreach Supervisor Cindy Thomson:
January, Dodge City Public Library began rolling out our affiliate newsletters for those who are looking for programming news with specific interests. We have a general interest newsletter that goes out mid-month each month. We have added a Trivia newsletter, an Arts and Crafts newsletter, and a Storytellers and Writers newsletter. Each newsletter goes out once a month and has information about upcoming events and has their own QR code for those who want to receive it to scan.
DCPL has also recently added Wonderbooks to their Children’s collection. These books are reminiscent of the read-along books many of us had as children (the ones with cassette tapes or even records). Wonderbooks have an audiobook embedded in the cover that will place the audio while the child follows along with the book. There is also Learning Mode, which will not only narrate the story but also ask educator guided questions about the text along the way. DCPL currently offers 52 titles in this format and plans to order more Wonderbooks quarterly.
DCPL has also recently added Baby Storytime to its programming lineup! Recommended for ages birth to 2 years of age. This program includes singing, finger play, and simple stories for babies and their grown-ups. We have one in English on the 1st Thursday of each month and one in Spanish on the last Thursday of each month. These programs are presented in the Children’s Area at 3:30pm at DCPL.
Way to go, Dodge City Public Library!
Future Dates & Training Opportunities
February 5, 2023 – Deadline for the 2022 State Library Survey
March 4, 2023 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
March 15, 2023 – Great Stories Club Grant Application Deadline/Apply Online
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
Summer Reading Program Free Matter
The Summer Reading Program Free Matter has arrived. This past week Tandy, Sara, and I separated out the orders for each library and sent out on the courier. The majority of the libraries will receive everything but the posters. Some of you will have posters with your order because we found boxes big enough to place the whole order in for delivery. For the ones that don’t receive posters with your order, we will be sending those out as soon as we receive containers that can hold the posters.
We will be working up the Eventbrite next week for the Summer Reading Workshop. It will be held on March 31, at the Finney County Public Library in Garden City. The presenters will be Patty and Diane again from the Central Kansas Library System for the theme “All Together Now”.
Auto-Graphics Ted Koppel Retires
If you didn’t happen to see the email that went out from Cheryl Slinkard, Chief Operations Officer of Auto-Grahpics, via the Versousers ListServ, Ted Koppel is retiring. Ted’s official last day was January 31, 2023. The System office extends Ted well wishes and a happy retirement.
As of this time no replacement has been named for Ted’s position. Once we hear something, we will let everyone know.
Image provided by Edar through Pixabay.com
State Library Survey
For all of us procrastinators, the Annual State Library Survey is due this Sunday, February 5, 2023. So if you didn’t get it done today (Friday) you still have a couple of days to work on it. If you need any help you can call my cell phone number. I’ll keep my cell phone near me and check my email roughly every other hour this weekend.
If Friday afternoon comes and you don’t have it done and need an extension you can contact Alice Smith, LSTA & State Data Coordinator, via her email: alice.smith@ks.gov.
ALA’s Great Stories Club (GSC)
ALA invites library workers to apply for ALA’s Great Stories Club (GSC), a thematic reading and discussion program that engages teens who are facing difficult challenges through literature-based library outreach programs.
ALA will distribute implementation grants to 100 libraries to host GSC programming on two themes: 50 libraries will be eligible to be awarded the “Deeper Than Our Skins: The Present Is a Conversation with the Past” and 50 other libraries will be eligible to be awarded the “Finding Your Voice: Speaking Truth to Power.” These themes, created by scholars Maria Sachiko Cecire and Susana M. Morris, will feature books that explore questions of race, equity, identity and history.
“Applications will be accepted from all types of libraries: public; school; academic; and special. These libraries need to be within the United States and its territories and meet on of the following criteria:
1 The applicant library is located within an organizations that reaches underserved, under-resourced, and/or at-risk teens (e.g., alternative high school, juvenile detention facility, tribal library); or
2 The applicant library is working with a partner organization that reaches underserved, under-resourced, and/or at-risk teens.”
Selected libraries will receive 11 paperback copies of the specific theme-related book for a reading and discussion group, a $500 programming stipend, online training, programming resources and support throughout the grant.
The following books have been added to the SWKLS Professional Collection and are available to be checked out via ILL:
“Assessment is increasingly integral to building, managing, and justifying library collections. Unfortunately, assessment can also be a daunting undertaking. And though every institution is unique, as this manual demonstrates, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Spanning both concept and practice, Kelly offers a holistic assessment framework suitable to a variety of collections and contexts. With a structure that makes it applicable as both a training tool for practicing librarians and a useful course text for library students, this manual:
introduces foundational assessment methodologies then provides concrete guidance on how to contextualize those methodologies within a holistic collections assessment program;
covers topics such as assessment goals, assessment stakeholders, selecting data and methodologies, working through project constraints, and project planning;
includes sample assessment program structures and download links to assessment planning templates;
provides step-by-step instructions for more than a dozen specific methodologies, describing which aspect of the collection is being measured, what goals the methodology can address, technological requirements, recommended visualizations, and other helpful pointers; and
shares best practices for communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders about assessment projects, with sample communication plans that can be easily adapted.
Bridging the divide between the big picture and the nitty gritty, this manual guides the reader through the development and implementation of a collections assessment program tailored to local needs and resources.” – ALA Store
“Mastering life skills such as financial management, career development, cooking, and self-care is important for young and emerging adults as well as older patrons. This book guides libraries towards providing programs and activities that help their users expand these life skills and accomplish their goals.
Between making financial decisions, maintaining a healthy work–life balance, and juggling health, family, friends, and other responsibilities, life can feel overwhelming. Place these same responsibilities on an individual just entering adulthood who has less real-life experience and it can feel even more overwhelming. So why not make sure our teens and young adults are more prepared to face the world before they go out on their own? How can we also reinforce these skills for adults who may never have learned them or who may need a refresher? This book provides a hands-on and interactive approach to creating and planning library programs and activities that will enable patrons to learn and build the most important life skills. Readers will discover
how life skills library programs can encourage participants to imagine and prepare for real-world situations;
a rich variety of step-by-step programs, complete with planning tips, instructions, and a materials and equipment list, for activities such as Mock Job Interviews, Financial Literacy Jeopardy, planning of week of dinners, Spring Cleaning Visualizations, the art of packing a suitcase, practicing self-care, a stress-relief dance party, and many others;
advice on planning, partnership opportunities, promotion, evaluations, and sustainability;
ways to promote a safe space and a relaxed environment while leading programs; and
additional helpful resources, including a planning template and reading tie-ins.” – ALA Store
Tomorrow is Take Your Child to the Library Day!
We love excuses to celebrate libraries and the first Saturday in February gives us a perfect one! It’s Take Your Child to the Library Day and it’s all about fostering a positive relationship with the children in your community. If it’s the first time you’re hearing of this holiday, don’t fret – it’s pretty new at just 11 years old. So, what do people do to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day? Well, the New York Library Association has curated a whole list of ideas, big and small, for every budget along with a list of resources. Click here to see! If you missed it this year, just mark your calendar for next year and be sure to reach out to the children in your community to celebrate cultivating a lifelong love of libraries.
ILLers, In Case You Missed It
From SHAREit Project Manager Debra Hensler:
The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A on Wednesday, February 22, will be on the topic of ILL Configuration.
Please register for Sharing about SHAREit #13 on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET:
In this Q&A we’ll answer questions about ILL Configuration – Bookstraps, Shipping Labels, Pick List, plus the Copy and Loan Full Record Displays. Please enter your question(s) on the registration form.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.
Thank You for your Feedback!
Technology Department
I want to thank everyone for taking time to fill out the technology surveys that had been sent out so far. The feedback is very helpful when determining the technology needs of our libraries. Soon, I will be sending out short training videos based on that feedback. Be on the lookout for those. If you have ideas on training video topics, please feel free to shoot me an email. – Christopher Dressler
January 27, 2023 at 10 am – State Library Survey Workday at Scott County Library/Registration Link
March 4, 2022 – KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop/Registration Link
Consulting
By Richard Brookman
KASL Connect & Learn West District Workshop
Hello Librarians!
We invite you to connect and learn with other librarians in Ulysses, Kansas on March 4th.
This workshop is open to school librarians, public librarians and staff, and friends of libraries.
-Come meet author, Cindy Cook-Grant and illustrator, Beth Arnold-Demont as they share about their books featuring Gus the Therapy dog and more!
-Learn about hosting a Fairy Tale Fair at your library!
-Lunch will be served!
-Connect with and learn from Richard Brookman (SWKLS) about book challenges and Kansas content curricular standards!
See flyer for details! March will be here before you know it so register today! Click on the flyer or here https://forms.gle/5BsJ5Ncyh8pDujUW6 to register.
An Early Childhood Transition Task Force is being created with Executive Order 23-01. The task force will include representatives from a fairly board catagory. The Director of Appointments showed interest in considering librarians that might be interest.
If you are interested follow this link to the Initial Application. The task force won’t be included in the drop-down menu, but individuals can select “open to any board/commission” and they’ll note that it’s for the task force.
Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL
By Sara Wilson
Collection Development Inspiration
Adult Fiction
Children’s & YA Fiction
In literary news . . .
What’s Hot and What’s Not
It’s state reports time, and although we may all be knee-deep in statistics right now, here are some statistics for you to relax with that someone else has put together. 🙂 Publisher’s Weekly recently published statistics that they were able to pull from NPD Bookscan, a company that tracks book sales across the U.S. Here is a breakdown of what’s hot and what’s not, in today’s book marketplace.
According to 2022’s report, the most popular adult fiction genres were Romance, with a 52.4% increase in sales, Fantasy, with a 17.4% increase, and Horror, with an 8.7% increase. Following closely behind the leaders were Suspense/Thriller, Graphic Novels, and General Fiction. Action/Adventure, Classics, Mysteries, and Sci-Fi didn’t fare so well, with sales of these genres in the negatives.
Nonfiction took a nosedive as a whole in 2022, with every nonfiction sub-genre except Travel (which had a sales increase of 13.4%) reporting negative sales. The hardest hit was History/Law/Political Science with -20.8%. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “The big slide in history/law/political science was due in part [to] the lack of a huge bestseller to match 2021’s million-copy-selling American Marxism by Mark R. Levin” (Milliot, 2023, p. 12).
If these trends continue, it looks like it may be honeymoon season, as far as literature is concerned. Love and travel are where it’s at. It’s a good time to stock up your romance section with the latest from popular authors like Colleen Hoover, Meghan Quinn, and Lucy Score. You might also want to make sure your travel guides are up to date for all those with cabin fever, itching for a getaway. Beach read time will be here before you know it!
Milliot, J. (2023). Romance was hot in 2022. Publisher’s Weekly, 270(03), 12.
Board Games Can Be Cataloged!
Would you like to check your board games out to your patrons, but you don’t know how to catalog them or can’t find any quality records to copy? Send them my way! Board games can be cataloged and I would be happy to take care of that for you. Just fill out a cataloging request and send them on the courier, the same way you would DVDs, CDs, or print materials and I’ll take care of the rest. 🙂
For VERSO Users . . .
From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:
The video and annotated PowerPoint from the January Talks with Ted Q&A session have been posted. They are available both in VERSO (Support Pages / VERSO) and on the Auto-Graphics Portal.
