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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Register Here

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

July 23rd, 9 AM – 9:45 AM – Koha eCard Admin Training/Register Here

July 23rd, 12 PM – 12:45 PM – Four Ways to Advocate for Libraries in 2024 (Webinar)/Register Here

July 24th, 4 PM – 4:45 PM – Koha eCard Admin Training/Register Here

July 25th, 1 PM – 1:45 PM – Koha eCard Admin Training/Register Here

July 29th, 11 AM – 12 PM – Supporting Staff and Student Mental Health (Webinar)/Register Here

August 2nd – 10 AM – 3 PM – Tech Day+/Register Here

August 9th, 10 AM – 12 PM – Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting/Registration Link

August 9th, 1 PM – 3 PM – StoryTime Swap Meet/Submit Your Ideas Here

September 26th – 27th – SWKLS Retreat/Register Here

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Engin_Akyurt

Fair Labor Standards Exempt Status Change

As of July 1, 2024, the Fair Labor Standards Exempt status requirements changed. The component that has changed is the salary requirement. The new salary requirement is, for a person to be considered an exempt position the salary must be a minimum of $844.00 per week or $43888.00 per year. For a position to be exempt you have to satisfy every component. Therefore, if you don’t meet this new salary requirement you are required to receive overtime pay of 1.5 times your hourly rate, if you work over 40 hours during your work week.

At this time this salary component is schedule to increase again on January 1, 2025 to a minimum of $1128.00 per week or $58,656.00 per year.

You will need to alert your library boards of this change. The board can say you are on salary, however if you don’t satisfy each exempt requirement they will have to pay you for overtime if work over the 40 hours per work week.

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ESU Offers Intellectual Freedom in Libraries Course

From the KLA Information Freedom Committee (thanks to Sara Koehn from Haskell Township Library for sending it in):

It is not too late to enroll!

This fall 2024 semester at Emporia State University we are offering the Intellectual Freedom in Libraries course for graduate credit or continuing education credit.  This is an opportunity to focus with in- and pre-service librarians interested in all library types on articulating intellectual freedom as a professional practice in protecting the freedom to read, privacy, advocacy for information diversity, and library collections and policies.  This course is a collaboration between ESU SLIM, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, and the Freedom to Read Foundation.  Enrolled students will receive a free copy of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual (2021).

Want to know more about the course?  Please write to Dr. Mirah Dow  mdow@emporia.edu

Want to enroll? Please write to Kathy Buckman  kbuckman@emporia.edu

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Adaptive Library Time

Want some tips for how to make your StoryTime more adaptive and inclusive? Here are a few ideas:

• Consider having a visual schedule of events posted in the StoryTime room. A visual schedule of events could be as simple as a poster board with cards containing images and text on them [for example: SONG with music notes] and sticky tack on the back, to make them removable. Arrange them on the board before the StoryTime and remove them as events occur. This can help ease anxiety and give a sense of routine.
• Give out props! It’s a great way for people of all ages and abilities to be able to interact with the story. These don’t have to be expensive. They could be as simple as a popsicle stick puppet or a noise-maker. This can help everyone feel directly involved in the storytelling process, regardless of any communication barriers they may have.
• Describe the pictures as you’re reading the story, for those with vision impairments and difficulty processing visual information.
• Where possible, try to make seating optional, using carpet squares, beanbags, etc. to account for the fact that some may have a hard time sitting and/or sitting still and also, to allow ease of accessibility for wheelchair access.

Want more StoryTime tips? Join us August 9th at 1 PM for our StoryTime Swap Meet at Dodge City Public Library! Bring your gently used StoryTime props that you would like to pass on to another library and some of your best StoryTime ideas and experiences! If you don’t have the latter, don’t worry – you are welcome to borrow and trade! 🙂 Share your ideas here before the Swap Meet, so we can offer a handout for everyone to take with them and then register here!

Sources: https://adaptiveumbrella.blogspot.com/p/adapted.html ; https://jbrary.com/guest-post-making-storytimes-more-inclusive/ ; https://programminglibrarian.org/programs/library-time-modified-storytime-adults-intellectual-disabilities

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Miguel Coca

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Collection Development Inspiration

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KLA Intellectual Freedom Committee

It is not too late to enroll!

This fall 2024 semester at Emporia State University we are offering the Intellectual Freedom in Libraries course for graduate credit or continuing education credit.  This is an opportunity to focus with in- and pre-service librarians interested in all library types on articulating intellectual freedom as a professional practice in protecting the freedom to read, privacy, advocacy for information diversity, and library collections and policies.  This course is a collaboration between ESU SLIM, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, and the Freedom to Read Foundation.  Enrolled students will receive a free copy of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Manual (2021).

Want to know more about the course?  Please write to me.  Dr. Mirah Dow mdow@emporia.edu

Want to enroll? Please write to Kathy Buckman  kbuckman@emporia.edu

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2024 Kansas Notable Books Grant

From State Library of Kansas:

The State Library of Kansas is committed to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and access to library materials throughout
the state. To that end, the State Library of Kansas, funded through an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant, is announcing a non-competitive grant opportunity for libraries in Kansas
to purchase books from the 2024 Kansas Notable Books list.

2024 KS Notable Book list- Each participating Kansas library will be reimbursed for the purchase of a single copy, in any
format, of any or all of the books on the 2024 Kansas Notable Books list. Only the actual cost of the book will be reimbursed
with grant funds. Any discounts will not be reimbursed, and shipping costs, sales tax, and/or protective book covers are the
responsibility of the individual recipient library. Grant information for 2024 is available at https://kslib.info/1530/2024-
Notable-Books. All Kansas Notable Book lists can be found at http://kslib.info/notablebooks .

Eligibility
To be eligible:

A public library, academic library (public or private), or a special library
o Must be a participating KICNET and/or OCLC library

A school library
o Must be a participating KICNET and/or OCLC library

Library must agree to the terms listed within the Grant and Subgrant Eligibility Policy and Assurances documents
available at- http://kslib.info/LSTA

For more details and grant application – https://kslib.info/DocumentCenter/View/10753/KS-Notable-Books-Grant-application-24?bidId=

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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See Schedule Here

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Welcome Miguel Coca – SWKLS Collection Specialist

Please see the Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL section for his introduction.

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4th of July parade at Morton County

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

July 17th, 1 PM – 2 PM – A Mindful Approach to Stress (Webinar)/Register Here

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

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

July 23rd, 12 PM – 12:45 PM – Four Ways to Advocate for Libraries in 2024 (Webinar)/Register Here

July 29th, 11 AM – 12 PM – Supporting Staff and Student Mental Health (Webinar)/Register Here

August 2nd – 10 AM – 3 PM – Tech Day+/Register Here

August 9th, 10 AM – 12 PM – Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting/Registration Link

August 9th, 1 PM – 3 PM – StoryTime Swap Meet/Submit Your Ideas Here

September 26th – 27th – SWKLS Retreat/Register Here

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Tech Day+ 2024

Rev up your engines and get your motors runnin’ – it’s time for SWKLS’ 16th annual Tech Day+! This year, the Tech Team is going with a garage theme and making sure you get your technology tune-up. We will have guest speakers and sessions on everything from disaster preparedness to gaming and of course, delicious food and prizes! This year, Tech Day+ will be held on Friday, August 2nd, with registration beginning at 9:30 AM at the First Church of God. Please see the registration link for more details. Be sure to secure your spot in the mechanic’s shop by registering today! If you have any questions, the Lead Mechanic for this workshop, Chris Dressler, will be happy to answer them for you.

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Reminder: Summer Library Program Evaluation

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Miguel Coca

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Collection Development Inspiration

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About Me!

With this being my first week at SWKLS I thought it would be a good idea to tell you a little about myself.

I was born and raised in Dodge City, where most of my family still resides. I am currently working towards a Bachelors in Communications at Southern New Hampshire University. I began my working career in 2012 as a Gunfighter at Boot Hill Museum. I then began working in every position till I landed myself in the Admin Office in 2021, where I worked as the Administrative Assistant. The following year I also began working as the Curatorial Assistant where I learned the ins and outs of maintaining and cataloging their large Collection, but in December of 2023 I decided it was time for a career change. So for the first half of this year I worked in the Business Office at Dodge City Community College as an Accounts Payable Clerk, where I learned very quickly that math and accounting was not for me. And that is one of the reasons you see me here now.

Here’s a little about my personal life. I just got married back in October to Carissa DeVoss-Coca, who just became the Director at DCPL. And our son Ezra was born back in May. Some of my hobbies included collecting trading cards, watching anime, and playing video games. Some of my favorite games include Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, Fallout, and of course Fortnite.

I am so excited to be working here at SWKLS and I look forward to working with everyone!

Feel free to reach out to me anytime my email is mcoca@swkls.org

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For All VERSO Users: Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:

The July Versed in VERSO recording and presentation is posted. Some of the topics covered include:

Circulation, Reports, and Catalog Updates
Accessibility Overview and Tools you can use

The next Versed in VERSO is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT. Registration is open:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5961653641333807959

If you have a question or topic you’d like covered, please submit it when registering. 

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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Library Cards!

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

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Fowler Public Library’s Summer Activities

Fowler Public Library was swamped with patrons this summer, taking advantage of the summer library program! Great job, Kelli!!

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

August 2nd – 10 AM – 3 PM – Tech Day+/Register Here

August 9th, 10 am – 12 pm – Southwest Kansas Library System Board Meeting/Registration Link

September 26th – 27th – SWKLS Retreat/Register Here

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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When: August 9th at 1 PM, following the budget hearing & system board meeting.

What: Get together w/SWKLS librarians and trade ideas, props, stories, and more! Please fill out this quick questionnaire about 3 children’s programs that you’re doing at your library that someone else can adapt for their library. If you have gently used StoryTime props or costumes that you may like to trade, bring those along. Also, feel free to bring some of your favorite storytime stories! We will provide StoryTime training and SWKLS support resources. Everyone will leave with a ton of new programs they can try, new ideas from me, possibly new props or costumes, and awareness of resources through SWKLS. Come ready to have fun, learn, share, and maybe even listen to a story or two . . . 🙂

REGISTER HERE!

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Summer Library Program Evaluation

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

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Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor Mariakray

SWKLS Budget Hearing and Board Meeting Set

The Southwest Kansas Library System does not need an 2025 RNR hearing this year because we are below the RNR rate. Because of this the System’s date for submitting our budget is earlier in the year. This year we will only need a 2025 budget hearing and then we will have the board meeting after the budget hearing to certify the 2025 budget

The hearing and meeting will be a hybrid meeting. The in-person hearing/meeting will be held at the Dodge City Public Library in there Lois Flannigan Room (upstairs meeting room). For those that are unable to attend in person the meeting will be available through Zoom. The 2025 Southwest Kansas Library System Budget hearing will begin at 10:00 am with the regular System meeting following the budget hearing. Lunch will be on your own

The CE for this meeting is a Story Time Swap Meet! We will begin the Swap Meet at 1:00 pm. If you have any unneeded Story Time decorations bring them to the meeting so other libraries can possibly use them for one of their libraries upcoming Story Time. Bring your ideas for themes, activities and crafts that you can share with other libraries! Bring you favorite storybooks for Story Time to share with everyone…there might even be some readings?!

Please register for the SWKLS Budget Hearing and Board Meeting through this link.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor StockSnap

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State Aid for 2025

Everyone one is in the middle of Summer Reading and preparing for the 2025 budget year. I just wanted to send out a reminder of what I mentioned at our last System Board meeting.

The Special Session that was called by Governor Kelly has came and went with no changes to the 2025 budgetary cycle. This means that each public library will receive more in State Aid than they have in the past few years. Public libraries will receive a $1,000.00 base grant and then they will also receive the regular population formulated amount on top of the $1,000.00. This formula has been increased by $.02. Therefore, if you received $453.00 last year in State Aid (without taking in the $.02 formula increase) in 2025 your library could receive $1,453.00.

As we have mentioned before the State Library is following the guidelines for State Aid more strictly now. There are two qualifications public libraries have to meet to receive State Aid. They are: complete the yearly public library survey and have a budgetary maintenance of effort. The maintenance of effort means your budget each year needs to increase by some degree. Both of these qualifications have to be met. If they are not the State Library will not award State Aid to your library. I encourage you to mention this to your local governances so they know what could be gained or lost to your library in funding.

Image provided by Pixabay.com contributor sferrario1968

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Retreat Update

The staff have been working on the retreat details at this time. I also have some news from Amy Brucker, director of Hamilton County Library, that pertains to the retreat and hotel accommodations. The Borders Inns and Suites is in transition to new owners at this time. If you have already made reservations with the hotel for the retreat, she encourages you to make sure you receive a confirmation receipt and to print the receipt out to have with you when you come over. If you haven’t made your reservations yet it is encouraged to do so now to get a room reserved. Remember many of the rooms are doubles so if you don’t have a room made, please consider sharing your room with another person because the beds are limited.

The retreat is a 2 day, 1 night event on September 26 and 27, 2024. To make your reservations you can do so with Borders Inns and Suites at 620-384-7829.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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For ILLers:
Sharing About SHAREit

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

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

The next SHAREit about SHAREit will be a general ILL Q&A on Wednesday, July 24, at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.

• Registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/9100649385783920900
• There is space on the registration form to ask questions, and we’ll answer as many as possible during the webinar.

The topic for the August Sharing about SHAREit, scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, is “SHAREit and NCIP.”

I hope to see you at a future Sharing about SHAREit session!

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For All VERSO Users: Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:

Next weeks’ Versed in VERSO will include a special presentation by Jessi Curley, Quality Assurance Specialist. She will review VERSO’s accessibility statement as well as share tools, tips, and tricks. If you have specific questions, please submit them when registering.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7945533257032555095.

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10 AM CST

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Grant Co. – “The Taste of Tuscanny.”

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

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Lane Co. Hatched Chicks

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

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

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Kearny County’s Sweet Summer Library Decorations

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

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Summer Library Program Evaluation

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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For All VERSO Users:
Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavendar:

Dear VERSO users,

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

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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

Stanton Co Public Library was visited by Skippy Jon

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

June 19th – SWKLS Office closed in observance of Juneteenth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Father’s Day Last Minute Craft Idea!

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

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Adventures on the Oregon Trail

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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For ILLers:

SHAREit Update

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

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Printing ILL Transaction Sheets

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

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For All VERSO Users:
VERSO Update

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

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June’s Versed in VERSO Posted

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavendar:

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

Topics covered:

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

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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June System Board Meeting Registration Open

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

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Governor Kelly Calls Special Session

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

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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For All VERSO Users: VERSO Update

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

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For ILLers:

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For Catalogers Using WorldShare Record Manager

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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9 Places You Can Apply for Programming Funds

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Fun Fact About ILL: Conditional Status

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

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Collection Development Crash Course

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Grant County Library Has Special Visitors

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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May’s Twosday Takeaway

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

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After-Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World

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

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Kansas Legislative update:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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For All VERSO Users: May Versed in VERSO Recording Posted

From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender:

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

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For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Recording Posted

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

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

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

Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

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

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities (All Times in CST)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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CSLP April Newsletter

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

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May’s Twosday Takeaway

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

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After-Lunch Course: Advocacy in a Polarized World

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

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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2024 William Allen White Award-Winners Announced!

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

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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