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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Fowler Public Library Receives Grant

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System Members Learned and Had Fun at KLA

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Fabulous Fall Displays!

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Nov 15, 2023 – 1:00 pm CT, CSLP’s ‘Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” Webinar/Registration Link

Dec 15, 2023 – 10:00 am CT, SWKLS Full Board Meeting (Online Only)

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provide by pexels.com contributor Sora Shimazaki

Kansas Attorney General Opinion No. 2023-10

A question about whether a board member can be excluded from an Executive Session has recently been asked of the Kansas Attorney General. Specifically when the said public board is discussing the petition or possible future litigation.

The majority of what I will be writing is from the AG Opinion. If you would like to read the complete opinion you can do so at this link.

“KOMA does not directly address this situation…Nonetheless, KOMA’s language implies members of a public body may be excluded from an executive session under these circumstances.”

…”to invoke an attorney-client executive session, the ensuing discussion must be privileged under the attorney-client relationship. The presence of an opposing party at the meeting waives the privilege, thereby defeating the justification for the executive session and placing the public body at risk of violating KOMA.”

“In sum, we conclude a public body may exclude members who have threatened litigation against the body from an executive session held to discuss the possible litigation with its attorney. By reaching this conclusion we stress that our opinion is limited to these circumstances; we do not suggest a public body may generally exclude a present member from an executive session.”

So in brief a public board (library board) may exclude a board member(s) from an executive session only if said board member(s) is threatening possible litigation. This allows the library board to go into executive session under attorney-client privilege. You cannot exclude a board member(s) from executive session for any other reason.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Peggy_Marco

Question on Workplace Nepotism

The State Library office submitted a question to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission regarding local workplace nepotism. The following is the key take away in the Commission Counsel’s response.

…”the Commission only has advisory authority regarding conflict-of-interest questions for local level libraires…and for the regional system of cooperating libraries.”

“For local libraries, the only conflict-of-interest laws that would apply are K.S.A. 75-4301a et. seq. There are no prohibitions on hiring family members or a spouse under the local level conflict-of-interest laws. So, hiring family would only be prohibited if the municipality has enacted rules prohibiting nepotism. The only conflict-of-interest prohibition that is likely to apply to the local library employees is K.S.A. 75-4304, which, concerns the making and administration of government contracts.”

Here is my opinion on the last sentence of the last paragraph. When the library board is looking at contract submittals and a board member is related to an entity or person submitting a bid for contract, then that particular board member should recuse themself from any decision making in regards to the contract. As with any questions concerning legalities you should consult with the appropriate legal counsel.

The office of the Ethics Commission also stated that, “Any of the three kinds of libraries you have identified,” (State, regional, local), “can request formal Commission opinions, including the local level libraries.”

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Science, But Make it Fashion!

Here at the system office, we have lots of circuits, but you may be wondering how you can use circuits in your programming. Fortunately, StarNet has provided us with the STEM Activity Clearinghouse! If you don’t know what that is, it’s a TON of programming ideas – absolutely FREE – that are centered around science, technology, engineering, and mathematics! So, back to those circuits. Here’s a cool, creative idea to use circuits in your programming: making high tech fashion accessories! This is a great program idea for kids ages 9-12 that will keep them motivated to learn new scientific concepts in a fun, creative way. What else could you do with circuits? Check out the STEM Activity Clearinghouse to find out! To borrow some of our circuit kits, call our office or email swilson@swkls.org.

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National Book Awards Finalists

You may have heard the buzz that one of my personal literary heroes, Levar Burton (former host of the TV show Reading Rainbow) will be hosting the 74th Annual National Book Awards, but do you know which books are being considered? Lit Hub has the list, as well as short interviews with some of the finalists. The awards will be held November 15th, in person and online.

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For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Coming Up 11/29

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.

Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/1707955408538086401

As usual, there’s space on the registration form to ask questions in advance, and we try to answer as many as possible that are asked during the session.

Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, December 20, 2023
• Wednesday, January 24, 2024

The link to register for each session will be sent about a month in advance.

The recording and slides from last week’s Sharing about SHAREit Q&A are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – they’re in the section at the top of the User Guides.

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For All VERSO Users:

Versed in VERSO Coming Up 11/14

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Dear VERSO users,

This is a reminder for the upcoming Versed in VERSO.

Please join us Tuesday, November 14, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00AM Pacific.

If you have a question, please ask it here:  https://forms.office.com/r/g611y0f4Q5

To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8765797513376280918

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ICYMI: Details About the Latest VERSO Update

VERSO had an update on 11/02. The following are changes that occurred during that update, provided by VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:

RESOLVED

AG-2675	Some component colors, such as the “Show More” option in a facet list, have been adjusted to provide better color contrast. The changes comply with Section 508 requirements for accessibility.
AG-2728CS-77616	After entering a Username/Barcode and Password/PIN on the Login screen, users were required to click the Submit button to log in. This has been corrected so that users can enter their Password/Pin and hit the Enter key to log in.
AG-2695	Guests are prompted to login as patron or staff when requesting a hold on an item. After hold is placed, user was being returned to the login screen. This is resolved so that users return to where they were when they clicked on the hold button.
AG-2739	When using the OverDrive API and selecting an issue of a magazine, the issue did not update on the screen. This has been corrected.
AG-2772CS-77796	Searching orders using the Item Status screen and navigating the results screen sometimes led to an error. The issue was addressed, and the error screen resolved.
AG-2803	Order status results were not displaying ISBNs when ISBNs existed in the order. This is corrected so all ISBNs in an order are displayed.
AG-2594	Duplicate reports have been removed from the Reports Module.
AG-2799	When transactions are not associated to a user, the Circulation by User Type report displayed the user type as “Undefined*.” This has been corrected so that only user-defined circulation data is displayed.
AG-2805	The Weeding by Collection Type header of the downloaded report did not match the header shown on screen. This has been corrected.

IMPROVED

AG-2796

The Circulation by Material Type report has been updated. The online view of the report is now displayed without page breaks. The PDF view of the report now displays a repeatable page header, and footer and report column header. This view also includes pagination and the report grand total in the page footer.

NEW

AG-2760

A new search function has been added to the new Reports Module. This feature provides the functionality for users to filter by report name.

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Halloween at Member Libraries

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

Nov 7, 2023 – 2:00 pm Train UP “Unite Against Book Bans”/ Registration Link

Nov 8, 2023 – 1:00 pm “Library Programs for Homeschoolers: A Guide” Niche Academy Webinar/ Registration Link

Nov 15, 2023 – 1:00 pm CT, CSLP’s ‘Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” Webinar/Registration Link

Dec 15, 2023 – 10:00 am CT, SWKLS Full Board Meeting (Online Only)

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provide by pixabay.com contributor geralt

Don’t Forget to Reset Clocks

This weekend Daylight Savings Time ends November 5. So remind your staff to set their clocks back one hour. 8 o’clock will become 7 o’clock and I doubt anyone wants to get to work an hour early.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt

Homeschooling Webinar

On Wednesday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m. CT, Niche Academy is having a free webinar entitled “Library Programs for Homeschoolers: A Guide”.

In the latest US Census Bureau’s household survey, it was reported that there are over 4 million homeschooled students. With this statistic raising these parents that are decided to homeschool they will be needing local support. Part of this support can be provided by the local public library.

This webinar features Christina Giovannelli Caputo, author of Library Services for Homeschoolers: A Guide. This workshop will go into how to engage homeschoolers and alternative learners within your community, by providing tips and tricks, proven programs, and more.

If you are interested in attending this workshop you can register through this link.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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November Train UP: Unite Against Book Bans

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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New Resources for You

The following are new items that have been added to our Professional Collection & StoryWalk Collection this week. If you would like to check one of these items out, please feel free to reach out to us in any one of these ways that you prefer: 1.) Request it yourself through SHAREit. 2.) Ask your ILL personnel to request it for you on SHAREit. 3.) Call the SWKLS office. 4.) Email Sara at swilson@swkls.org. We will send the book or StoryWalk to you over the courier. Check-out periods are 30 days. Renewals are allowed.

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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 14^th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

The question form for the November Versed in VERSO session is open. Please submit questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/g611y0f4Q5

Registration for the November Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8765797513376280918

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Kismet Public Library Partners With Area Organizations for Successful Fall Family Program

From Director Suzan Nelson: Our first Fall Family Fun event was a hit with hot chocolate, donut holes, games, mini corn sensory bins, old fashioned wagon ride and a kissing booth with Pumpkin the pony.

We had a great group with 12 volunteers from  our local 4-H groups in Seward and Meade county and our Southwestern Heights FFA. We had over 120 locals. 

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Scott County Library Hosts Bustling BINGO Party and Has Great Turnout at Extension Office Fall Fest Booth

From Youth Services Librarian Millie Dearden: Scott County Library had a Friday the 13th BINGO party!! There was a full house with 73 participants.  Winners received their choice of a Halloween Candy or a spooky spider ring. Everyone got a glow in the dark bracelet to take home and when the games were over everyone got to pick out a candy or ring!!

Scott County Library also had a booth at the West Plains Extension District Fall Fest where fest goers got to dig thru a tub full of corn for an itty bitty book!  Once the book was found, they received a pencil and got to pick one of two books.

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, 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)

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provide by pixabay.com contributor Mariakray

2024 Board Meeting Dates

January 19th – On-line Only Board Meeting

March 15th – Jetmore Public Library hosting Hybrid Board Meeting/CE in afternoon TBD

*(March 8th – State Library Board Meeting)

April 19th – Liberal Memorial Library hosting Hybrid Board Meeting/CE in afternoon TBD

June 21st – On-line Only Board Meeting

*(June 14th – State Library Board Meeting)

August/September TBD – Dodge City Public Library Hybrid Board Meeting/CE in afternoon TBD

*(September 13th – State Library Board Meeting)

October 18th – Scott County Library hosting Hybrid Board Meeting/CE in afternoon TBD

December 20th – On-line Only Board Meeting

*(December 13th – State Library Board Meeting)

Forwarded by request of the State Library of Kansas.

Free Webinar through CSLP

On November 15, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT, the Collaborative Summer Library Program Inclusion Committee is offering a free webinar on “Naturally Inclusive: Engaging Children of All Abilities Outdoors” with the author Dr. Ruth Wilson. This webinar is in support for the 2024 Adventure Begins at Your Library theme. Join in to see how your library could do outdoor programming for all.

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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November Train UP: Unite Against Book Bans

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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New Resources for You

The following is a new item that has been added to our Professional Collection this week. If you would like to check out the book, whatever your position in the library, 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 to you over the courier. Check-out periods are 30 days. Renewals are allowed.

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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 14^th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

The question form for the November Versed in VERSO session is open. Please submit questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/g611y0f4Q5

Registration for the November Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8765797513376280918

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Rolla Library Happenings

From Librarian Phoebe Brummett: A trio of readers from Rolla traveled to Emporia to attend the annual William Allen White celebration on October 6 and 7.  Earning this trip required the readers to read nine to twelve WAW books and pass the accelerated reader tests with an 80% or above the previous school year.  The young ladies and their sponsors, Phoebe Brummett and Becky Sohm, were educated a little more about Mr. White as they toured his home in Emporia.  The group then went to Peter Pan Park for some outside recreation before having supper at Pizza Ranch and retiring for the evening at the youth center.  After a relatively restful night’s sleep, Saturday began with all the fun activities for children at Emporia State University.  There were activities for all ages, including but not limited to writing to the authors, crafts, bumper balls, silent dance party, Kahoots, robotics races and more before meeting the winning authors and attending the celebration.  Maria Wall, sixth grade, was in attendance for the first time and her favorite part was all the activities.  Charlotte Wood, sixth grade, was in attendance for the second time, and her favorite part was not having to present the awards to the authors in front of the 300 attendees.  Judith Wall, fifth grade, seemed to enjoy every aspect of the events.  Becky Sohm, who has attended multiple times, loved meeting the authors and walking through the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve on the way home.  Phoebe Brummett was just thankful they made it there and back safely and that all seemed to have a good time.  Readers are already preparing to earn the trip for next year.

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Ness City Public Library Shares Holiday Programming Idea

From Assistant Librarian Laurie Dinges: We are having a fall story time called “Holiday Leftovers” and are using it to try to use leftover odds and ends.  I am including an attachment of the flier and a picture of a game I put together that I call “Feeding the turkeys”.  It is made from inexpensive cornhole boards that I covered with poster boards of turkey faces and the kids could toss the bean bags into the turkey’s mouth.  They seemed to really enjoy it.

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Oct 18, 2023, 1:00 pm CST – Niche Academy “Q&A 101: Interview Questions and Answers” Webinar, Registration Link

Oct 20, 2023, 10:00 am CST – Full Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting, Registration Link / Zoom Link

Oct 24, 2023, 2:00 pm CST – Building Community Relationships for Better Library Services webinar, Registration Link

Oct 27, 2023 – Deadline to Submit SEED Grant Application/Main Page, Application Page

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provide by pixabay.com contributor Mariakray

October 20 Full Board Meeting

The next System Board meeting is next Friday, October 20. We are meeting at the Meade Public Library in Meade, Kansas for the in-person part of the meeting. We will begin at 10:00 am CT, have lunch at 12:00 pm, and finish up the day with the in-person attendees having a Continuing Education session on Cyber Security presented by Steve Andrews, System Technology Supervisor.

This will be a hybrid meeting for those that can’t attend the System meeting in person. If you haven’t registered yet please do so through this link so the office has a number for who will be staying for lunch. You can register here through this link.

For those not attending in person please still register so we know if we have a quorum. The Zoom link for the meeting can be accessed through this Zoom Link.

Image provide by pixabay.com contributor Edar

Accreditation Applications and Technology Plans

Just a reminder again that the end of October is when your library’s Accreditation Applications and Technology Plans are due. This process is for the years 2024 & 2025. The application page on the System’s website is here through this link. No changes have been made for this application term. The commitment to following the requirements, for accreditation, are the same as the last application period.

Remember that your library’s Technology Plan is part of the Accreditation Application now. Please send your updated Technology Plan to Steve (sandrews@swkls.org) so the Tech Team can review your plan and make any adjustments they need to make and then you can present the whole packet (Accreditation Application & Technology Plan) to your library board for approval and to sign off on both documents.

Both documents need to be turned in by October 31. This allows the Accreditation Committee to review the applications and technology plans for approval. If there happens to be a question on a library’s application and/or technology plan then it can be relayed back to the library for explanation before the end of the year. This allows the committee to reevaluate and approve before the start of 2024.

Niche Academy Q & A 101 Webinar

Niche Academy is providing a free webinar entitled “Q & A 101: Interview Questions and Answers”, on October 18, at 1:00 pm CT. This webinar looks at how if a person is looking for a job position. However, the session can be used for possible employers to get ideas for questions when conducting an interview.

“…the interview is a nerve-racking hour of questions. At worst, it seems like an interrogation that may last for hours leaving you exhausted at the end. You can reduce your anxiety by preparing for the interview; specifically, think about the questions you might be asked and formulate your answers ahead of time.

Join Melissa Lockaby to hear some common interview questions and their answers – and get a better idea of what prospective employers are looking for in your responses. You’ll also have a chance to share some of the questions you’ve been asked so you know how to reply the next time you apply for a job.”

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Board Book Recall

Seven Rainbow Road Board Books have been recalled due to choking hazards. The plastic rings used to bind the books can become detached and present a choking hazard to little ones. If you have the following books in your library, Make Believe Ideas would like you to remove them from your shelves. Please see this link from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for information on pursuing a refund as well as company contact information. The following books are being recalled:

*All images taken from the U.S. Product Safety Commission website.

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New Resources for You

The following are new items that have been added to our Professional Collection and Equipment Collection this week. If you would like to check out the book, whatever your position in the library, 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 to you over the courier. Check-out periods are 30 days. Renewals are allowed.

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For ILLers:

In Case You Missed It – ILL Survey for KLA Conference

From University of Kansas Libraries Resource Sharing Librarian Lars Leon:

Dear Kansas ILL Colleagues:

I’m gathering another round of ideas to share back with the Kansas ILL community. First up will be a conversation at KLA Conference (Thursday afternoon 11/2). Come on by!  I realize some can’t make KLA so I will share back information afterwards (and before winter holidays).  Please help by submitting ideas at my survey https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8eJjtt3E8fQGzrM  by Oct. 16.  Apologies if you’ve seen this email – trying to reach out to everyone.

As always, be sure and contact Nikki directly for SHAREit and Caroline for courier related issues. If anyone submits an idea related to those areas I will pass to them.

You can complete as many of the survey questions as you’d like. I’m asking things such as:

-What’s something you’re doing that really helps what you need to do (something fairly related to ILL)?

-Describe an issue you’d like help with?

-I’ve added a few questions specific to what might be pretty hot topics — borrowing electronic materials? Any type of materials challenging to obtain for your patrons? Copyright issues?

-If you were to give 3 to 6 hours over a year to help Kansas ILL (beyond the great service you’re providing) what can that be?

-If you’re not participating in the Kansas Library Express courier I’d love to capture why. I will share anonymous aggregated counts with Caroline at NEKLS (who helps manage courier).

-Interested in helping me compile survey responses? Present at KLA? Another way?

Thank you for considering this invitation.

Lars

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Get Ready for the Eclipse

If you have programs scheduled for the upcoming eclipse Saturday, October 14 and would like to share them with us for the Wrap UP! Please send your photos to cdressler@swkls.org or swilson@swkls.org.

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Greeley County Public Library

We’re almost ready for our first class to visit the 9th annual Pumpkin Patch! We’ll wait till after the predicted frost this weekend to put the mums out. Feel free to look around!

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

October 10, 2023 – Train UP: State Library Digital Databases with Andy Schafer

Oct 20, 2023, 10:00 am CST – Full Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting

Oct 24, 2023, 2:00 pm CST – Building Community Relationships for Better Library Services webinar, Registration Link

Oct 27, 2023 – Deadline to Submit SEED Grant Application/Main Page, Application Page

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Kansas Reads to Preschoolers

Get your library ready for Kansas Reads to Preschoolers, coming up next month. The State Library has free, customizable promotional materials that you can print off and use in your library for related events. Click here to access. The book for 2023 is My Heart Fills with Happiness, written by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Julie Flett.

Image from the State Library of Kansas’ website.

Webinar: Building Community Relationships for Better Library Services

Webjunction is offering a free webinar on Tuesday, October 24th at 2 PM CST that will cover the topic of building better, stronger connections with your community. This training is aimed at rural and urban libraries alike, and will include information on discovering businesses in your community to collaborate with for mutual benefit, strategies to build those relationships, and why doing so is so vitally important. If you’re interested in attending this webinar, here is the link to register.

October Train UP : State Library Digital Databases with Andy Schafer

This month’s Train UP will be Tuesday, October 10th at 2:00 PM. Click this link to register.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Banned Books Week 2023

In acknowledgment of Banned Books Week 2023 (October 1-7), here are some infographics prepared by the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, featuring statistics and information about book challenges and bans taking place in 2022 in America as well as the top 13 most challenged books of 2022. (Click images to enlarge.)

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New Resources for You

The following are new books that have been added to our Professional Collection this week. If you see one that you would like to check out, whatever your position in the library, 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 to you over the courier. Check-out periods are 30 days. Renewals are allowed.

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All VERSO Users: Register for Versed in VERSO Coming Up 10/10

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

The next Versed in VERSO will be held on Tuesday, October 10^th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

Do you have a VERSO question or topic you would like us to address in the next Versed in VERSO?

If so, please submit questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/83zA0xk0Hy

Follow this link to register for the session: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4926062115379483992

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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AI Space

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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ARSL Pics

Here are a few pictures shared by Joan and Yaneth, of Kinsley Public Library, of their time at the Association of Rural and Public Libraries (ARSL) Conference last week, in Wichita. They stopped in and spent some time with Janelle at Wichita Public Library, where she is of course doing amazing things in their technology department! 🙂 If you were at the conference, we’d love to see what pictures you captured and feature them in the System Spotlight! Email pictures to Chris at cdressler@swkls.org or Sara at swilson@swkls.org.

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You’re Invited!

Upcoming Program at Kinsley Public Library: Book Discussion of “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom“

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

October, 2023 – Train UP/TBD

Oct 20, 2023, 10:00 am CT – Full Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting

Oct 27, 2023 – Deadline to Submit SEED Grant Application/Main Page, Application Page

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Talking Books Braille Kits are Available

Below is a short video explaining the new Braille Awareness Kits that the Kansas State Talking Books has available to send out to interested parties. This awareness kit is available through Inter-Library Loan and can be found in the Kansas State Library Catalog using the search query “braille awareness kit”. If you have further question you can call 1-800-362-0699 or email ktb@ks.gov.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt

October Train UP

The System Office is working on the next Train UP for the month of October. We are trying to work with Andy Schafer, Director of Statewide Services/State Library of Kansas, and seeing what he can fit in his calendar. Therefore the Train UP date and time is “To Be Determined”.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Get Your FREE Eclipse Glasses!

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New Resources for You

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In the News

Amazon Restricts Authors from Self-Publishing More Than Three Books a Day After AI Concerns

Book Banning Debate Moves to U.S. Senate

Book Challenges in Libraries Surge to New Record

Library Books Have Faced Challenges for Decades, But a Recent Shift Has Become More Organized as a Proxy Culture War

In a Blistering Opinion, Judge Officially Blocks Texas Book Rating Law

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For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Posted

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

SHAREit users,

The recording and slides from yesterday’s “Sharing about SHAREit Q&A” are posted here: Staff Dashboard > Support > SHAREit – they’re in the section at the top of the User Guides.

The above information has been sent to everyone who attended the webinar, plus those who registered but were unable to attend.

I’ll send information for the next Sharing about SHAREit soon!

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Sept 20 – 23, 2023 – ARSL Conference/Wichita, Hotel Booking/Conference Registration

Sept 28, 2023, 1:30 pm CT – After-lunch Course “Incorporating EDI into the Whole Collection Development Cycle/Registration Link

Sept 29, 2023, 1:30 pm CT – APPLE Webinar “HR Basics and Employment Law/Registration Link

Oct 27, 2023 – Deadline to Submit SEED Grant Application/Main Page, Application Page

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provide by Pixabay.com contributor Bru-nO

Talking Points to Consider during Challenged Material

The following list is a list of talking points I created and interpreted. As always I have to mention that to get an authoritative opinion you will need to seek counsel.

1. Does the library have a mission and vision statement?

2. Libraries were created to be neutral places.

a. This means there might be topics of controversial nature in the collection.

3. If a patron comes across something they do not like they don’t have to read, listen, or watch that title.

a. The patron can put the item back and continue on until they find what they like.

4. The library reflects the 1^st Amendment of the Constitution of free speech and religion.

a. “…make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;…”

5. Freedom of religion is to allow a person or group of people to worship how they choose.

6. The library is there to help patrons with their daily lives.

a. Medical information; hat religion they wish to follow; how to control money; how to start and maintain a business; gain knowledge about political parties (Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green,…); Learn about history; & Provide a break from their daily lives to escape from work and news.

7. The library is supported with tax derived funds and is meant to reflect your community

a. No matter the culture, religion, social economical background, or the way they chose to live their life.

8. The library offers different points of views:

a. There are different religious, cultural, and political views and If one point of view is challenged it weakens the library’s collection as a whole and any view that someone doesn’t like can be challenged.

9. The Declaration of Independence has the statement, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

a. You notice Creator is used which is a muti-use term for the head deity that created earth (All religions have their own head deity or it could be the same religion but because it is a different language the head deity is called something different.  {God in English; Yahweh in Hebrew}); &

b. The pursuit of happiness is a family and individual pursuit.

10. From the Constitution of the United States – “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

a. “insure domestic Tranquility” – interpretation to respect everyone’s ways of living even if they don’t line up with your ways; and

b. “secure the Blessings of Liberty” – definition of liberty “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one’s way of life, behavior, or political views.

11. From the Constitution of the State of Kansas Bill of Rights Sec. 1 – “All men are possessed of equal and inalienable natural rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

12. From the Constitution of the State of Kansas Bill of Rights Sec. 2 – “All political power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and are instituted for their equal protection and benefit…..”

a. Key words are, “instituted for their equal protection and benefit.”

13. From the Constitution of the State of Kansas Bill of Rights Sec. 7 – “…nor shall any person be compelled to attend or support any form of religion.”

14. When visiting with patrons with these concerns or they are at a board meeting, you need to remain calm and if you choose to talk only state facts or laws not opinions.

15. Pay attention to the patron’s complaints and don’t put on an air that you are placating them.

16. Say thank you to the patrons for taking the time to address the board and the board can discuss this further at the next board meeting by placing the topic on the agenda.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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All VERSO Users: Auto-Graphics updated VERSO on Tuesday, 09/19. The update was a maintenance update and did not include any defect or enhancement tickets.

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SEE YOU AT ARSL!!! 🙂

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Rock On Everyone @ Tech Day+

SWKLS would like to thank everyone for their photos, videos, and other participation that made TechDay+ such a success. Thank you so much.

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Sept 20 – 23, 2023 – ARSL Conference/Wichita, Hotel Booking/Conference Registration

Sept 28, 2023, 1:30 pm CT – After-lunch Course “Incorporating EDI into the Whole Collection Development Cycle/Registration Link

Sept 29, 2023, 1:30 pm CT – APPLE Webinar “HR Basics and Employment Law/Registration Link

Oct 27, 2023 – Deadline to Submit SEED Grant Application/Main Page, Application Page

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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APPLE HR Workshop being Offered to Entire State

The 2024 APPLE “HR Basics and Employment Law” is being offered to the whole State as a free webinar. These classes are usually reserved for the APPLE participants, but the consultants believed this was a workshop that would be appreciated by library directors statewide. The presenter of this webinar is Tiffany Hentschel, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Johnson County.

The discussion topics will be: basic understanding of employment law; Approaches to handling employee performance or conduct concerns; and understanding of the Board/Director relationship and a method for both keeping the Board informed and documenting Director performance.

The workshop will be held on September 29, 2023, from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm CT. If you are in attending this workshop you can register through this link.

Next After-lunch Course for 2023

The After-lunch Course for this quarter is “Incorporating EDI into the Whole Collection Development Cycle”. A select group of librarians from the Pioneer Library System in Norman, Oklahoma will be the panelists. They include: Leanne Cheek; Meghan Hollingsworth; Jennifer Marshall; Anne Harris; Theresa Tittle; and Kelsey Gourd. This webinar will be September 28, 2023, 1:30 pm CT.

These librarians will be discussing how Equity, diversity, and inclusion can be applied to the collection development cycle. “From careful, conscious selection, diverse subject headings, intentional weeding of the entire collection, including the classics, and applying it to staff training.

For those interested in attending this webinar you can register through this link.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor PeterDargatz

Seed Grants Applications being Taken

I mentioned this Friday during the System Board Meeting. The SEED Grant is continuing for another round and libraries can apply for this grant.

You need to remember that the SEED grant goes counties that are eligible and if multiple entities in your county apply you will be competing with them for these funds. The grant committee encourages teaming up with one or more other entities when you apply for this grant. By doing so this will be weighted more than just applying for the grant by yourself. However, this still does not guarantee that you will be awarded the grant funds.

Libraries are eligible for the following funding, if awarded:

“Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading material, technology, furniture and building improvements”

If you are interested in applying for this grant you can follow this link to the main page for the grant and this link to the actual application form page.  The deadline to submit applications is October 27, 2023.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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New Resources for You!

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Solar Science Programming Kit!

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Professional Collection

We’ve recently added these titles to our Professional Collection. The Professional Collection is available to all library personnel at every level. If you see something you would like to check out, you can request it on SHAREit, ask your ILL personnel to request it on SHAREit for you, call the office, or email swilson@swkls.org. The images of the books are clickable and will take you to the book’s page on our VERSO so you can easily check the availability.

STREAM Collection

We’ve recently added these items to our STREAM Collection for use in your library. If you see something you would like to check out, you can call the office, or email swilson@swkls.org. STREAM items will be delivered in person. The images of the items are clickable and will take you to the item’s page on our VERSO so you can easily check the availability.

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Reminders

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For ILL Personnel

It was so great to see some of you at the statewide training on Wednesday! One thing that came up that I wanted to address, as an FYI: if you are requesting multiple copies of the same title, please remember to submit your request as a multi-copy request. This ensures that each individual request will go to different lender lists. Otherwise, if you submit individual requests, the same libraries will receive that same request each time. If you have questions on how to submit a multi-copy request, please reach out! I will be more than happy to assist you.

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For Catalogers

When copy cataloging, please remember to check the 490 and 8XX fields. It was brought to my attention at the statewide ILL training that some original catalogers have started putting book club kits in the 490 and 8XX fields (series statement fields). When searched in SHAREit, ILLers are seeing these individual books appear when they search for book club kits. This causes confusion because they may think they’re requesting a book club kit when it’s really just an individual book. So, when copy cataloging, please do not attach your holding to a book that has “book club kit” in the 490 or 8XX field to avoid confusion. As always, if you can’t find a record that has the information that matches the book you’re cataloging, send it to me and I will be happy to create one for you!

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For All VERSO Users

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

The September 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:

• Quarterly Product Update
• The New Reports Module
• A-G CAT Module Update
• Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) Catalog Enrichments
• Are we able to generate a list of overdue books checked out from our library? Are we able to generate a list of overdue ILL books?
• Is there a way to prevent patrons from putting certain collections on reserve? For example, non-circulating collections, reference or library use only materials, archives, etc.
• Does VERSO support patron accounts with multiple barcodes? (Enabling “Store and search previous patron barcodes” and using ‘Nicknames’ as alternate logins.)

The next Versed in VERSO will be held on Tuesday, October 10^th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

The question from for the October Versed in VERSO session is open. Please submit questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/83zA0xk0Hy

Registration for the October Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4926062115379483992

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SEE YOU AT ARSL!!! 🙂

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Christopher Dressler

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Rock On Everyone @ Tech Day+

SWKLS would like to thank everyone for their photos, videos, and other participation that made TechDay+ such a success. Thank you so much.

This is the first batch of pictures we have from Tech Day+! We’ll share more next week! A huge thank you to our wonderful and talented photographer of the day! Check the Consulting section of the Wrap UP to find out who she is! 🙂

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Fowler Library Director Kelli Humiston Met Karin Slaughter, Y’all!

Immediately following Tech Day+ last Friday, Kelli was hitting the road to attend a speaking engagement where she got to meet and receive an autograph from none other then bestselling crime novel author Karin Slaughter!

What an honor! To see her autographed copy, you’ll have to stop by the Fowler Public library’s front desk because I doubt that book is going to be circulated any time soon! 🙂

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Southwest Kansas Regional Friends Day

Join Hamilton County Library Director Amy Brucker for the Southwest Kansas Regional Friends Day on Friday, 09/15!

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

September 4, 2023, – SWKLS Office Closed for Labor Day Holiday

September 8, 2023, 10:00 am – RNR & Budget Hearing, Full Board Meeting, Registration Link

September 11, 2023, 10:00 am – Solar Eclipse Activities Workshop, Registration Link

September 13, 2023, 1:00 pm – Niche Academy’s “Basics of Helping Library Patrons with Social Media, Registration Link

Sept 20 – 23, 2023 – ARSL Conference/Wichita, Hotel Booking/Conference Registration

Nov 1 – 3, 2023 – KLA Conference/Wichita, Registration Link

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Mohamde_hassan

SWKLS Office Closed

The System Office will be closed September 4, 2023, in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. We will be back open Tuesday morning with normal hours. Everyone enjoy the weekend.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor OpenClipart-Vectors

Photographer of the Day

In this Wrap-Up and other editions to come you will be seeing many images from the 2023 TechDay+ from the System Office. I want to recognize the individual that was our photographer for the day, and that was Jacque Sherrill, Director of Jetmore Public Library. I asked her to lend us her talents and she was very gracious and agreed. When you see her again please thank her for all the wonderful pictures she took that the day.

KLA Registration is Now Open

The 2023 Kansas Library Association’s Conference will be November 1 – 3. Registration is now open and you can also book your room’s at this time as well. So jump over through this link to register.

When you land on this page it will take you through the keynote speakers, pre-conference sessions, hotel and parking information and more. To look at the schedule you can see it by using this link. When you get to the schedule page notice that towards the top of the page, before the actually schedule begins, there are tabs for each individual day to navigate for that specific day’s schedule.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Peggy_Marco

SWKLS RNR & Budget Hearing and System Full Board Meeting

Just a reminder that the RNR & Budget Hearing for the System’s budget is next Friday, September 8, 2023. We will begin with the RNR Hearing at 10:00 am with the Budget Hearing following. After the two hearings we will have the System Board Meeting.

Those that come in person we will be providing a platter from Quiznos. After we eat we will go into the Directors Forum. During this time I will talk about some of the updates around the country and in our own area of material challenges in libraries, discuss some possible changes coming in the Kansas Public Library Standards Guidelines, and discussion from our member directors on this and any other issues they would like to visit about.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Pixaline

Social Media Webinar through Niche Academy

Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm CT Niche Academy has a free webinar entitled “The Basics of Helping Library Patrons with Social Media”.

The webinar will be hosted by Melody Karle. Topics of discussion will be: privacy settings; how to save and share safely, close out accounts; how patrons can utilize social media to benefit them the most; and take a look at some of the new platforms that are trying to join the ever change landscape of social media.

If you are interest in attending this webinar you can register through this link.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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In Literary News

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An App to “Help” Libraries and Schools With Book Bans

It sounds like the plot of some dystopian novel, but here we are. A company has created an app to assist in banning books. Calling itself BookmarkED, the app promises to assist teachers, librarians, and parents in creating “personalized reading experiences” for children in libraries. To read more about the app’s inspiration and how it works, click here.

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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 censorship, 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!)

Moms for Liberty Wanted These 33 Books Removed from School Libraries in Indian River County [Florida]

Mobile Library Book Challenges Rescinded; Both Challengers Had Not “Yet Seen Nor Read the Books”

Lubbock Reacts to Texas House Bill 900, Banning Some Books in Public Schools

Volunteers Identify ‘Inappropriate’ Books at Centennial Library [TX]

Rutherford County [TN] Library Board Bans Four Books Centered on LGBTQ Topics

First Amendment Coalition: https://firstamendmentcoalition.org/news-opinion/first-amendment-news/

Empowered by Reading (Unitedagainstbookbans): https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Empowered-by-Reading-final.pdf

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Next Week’s Train UP : DEI [Programming] Done

It’s that time of year again! We’re gearing up to kick off our monthly Train UPs again and we’re starting on September 12th at 2 PM with a presentation by SCCC Library Director Casandra Norin! Casandra will be presenting on DEI programming – why it’s important and how to do it easily. This month’s Train UP was delayed by one week to give everyone more time to sign up.  Please click the link here to sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/train-up-dei-programming-done-tickets-710381549337?aff=oddtdtcreator

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For ILLers

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Statewide ILL Training

The State Library of Kansas and Auto-Graphics will be hosting a state-wide ILL training event coming up next month, on September 13th and 14th. The first training will be in Great Bend, at Central Kansas Library System and the second will be in Emporia, at Emporia Public Library. 

If you are interested in attending and would like to sign up for the training, the State Library would like for you to fill out this sign up sheet and include the kinds of topics you would like to hear about at the training. (If you don’t know, or can’t think of any, you can always just type “No” or “N/A.” 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Nikki Hansen at nicole.hansen@ks.gov or (800) 432-3919.

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For All VERSO Users

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Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Dear VERSO users,

The next Versed in VERSO will take place on Tuesday, September 12, at 11:00 AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific.

This edition of Versed in VERSO will include the quarterly product update presented by Cheryl Slinkard, Chief Operations Officer at Auto-Graphics.

The first 15 minutes of Versed in VERSO will be a product update followed by the regular Q&A session.

If you have a question, please ask it here: https://forms.office.com/r/MBBfeVBSSk

To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/97560100141288026

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Recent Update/New Features

VERSO recently updated last Tuesday and you may or may not have noticed a new feature. If you were in my session on the SWKLS collections at Tech Day+ last Friday, you’ve seen it in action. 🙂 (Let me know if you’ve tried it out and what you think!) Here are the notes from that update, per VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

RESOLVED

AG-1569

On small mobile devices, when opening saved page links from the menu, a blank screen appeared. This is resolved and the page links will open the saved link in a new tab or window.

AG-2469

The format link in a results grouping with multiple formats was not changing from blue to purple when:1) the user clicked a format link and went to the brief browse then back to the results list, or when2) the user clicked a format link, went to the brief browse, then to a full record, and then back to the results list.This has been corrected so the format color will correctly change on the results list, indicating that the format link has been clicked.

NEW

Additional statistical report categories have been added to the new Reports module.

   • Users   •Collections

The additional reports provide insight into key performance indicators of the library’s Users and Collections.

Intuitive graphical representations of the library’s performance will be rendered with the option to download in pdf format.

Users Reports

Collection Reports

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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Digital Signage Notice

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Hey everyone,

Bernardo here to let everyone know that an app that we’ve been pushing for our member libraries to use for digital signage ‘Posterbooking’ has, without notice, eliminated their free tier. It came as a surprise to everyone in their community as they were still promoting their 10 free screens last month. Anyone still running the app will notice that any playlist still running on a screen will have this pop up at the end of the playlist before it loops again.

We have been vetting alternatives that would meet the requirements of allowing current devices, while maintaining a similar feature set and We’ve landed on a product called Yodeck. The main drawback in comparison to the 10 free screens that Posterbooking had is that Yodeck only has 1 free screen.

I will be creating documentation on how to get started with Yodeck in the following weeks as time permits, but if you’re looking to give a go yourself, you have our number if you hit any snags in your setup!

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We look forward to seeing you at Tech Day.

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