Weekly Wrap-Up – Page 15 – Southwest Kansas Library System

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 21, 2021

Posted on May 21, 2021May 21, 2021 by Kelly Easton

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

May 25 – and May 27, 2021, at 9:00 am – Municipal Services Budget Workshop Fee Based Registration

June 10, 2021 at 10:00 am – After-Lunch Course “Customer Service” with Pat Wagner/ Registration Link

September 1 at Haskell Township Library – Very Merry VERSO Launch

September 24 at Gray County Fairgrounds – Tech Day+ 2021

Consulting

Spring UP! with SWKLS’ Unity Project

Thank you all for the kind words in regards to the SWKLS Unity Project Spring UP! mailers. We know that during this Spring and Summer you will giving your communities a variety of opportunities to Spring UP! with your Summer Library Programs. During this time Workshops will not be scheduled, unless they are needed or a workday has been requested. This will allow each of you to focus on your individual programs.

When you take pictures of your Summer Library Events remember you can send them into the System Office and we can add them to our Weekly Wrap-UP!. You can email your photos to Jody and she will store them until we publish them.

Public Relations Costumes Update

We have already had 4 libraries reserve a costume during the month of July. I will be contacting these libraries, but wanted to put in an update in this Wrap-UP! as well. With the situation with worldwide shipping we are experiencing delays in manufactured goods from overseas.

This is happen with the costumes as well. Tandy checked on the costumes shipping status and three of them are in the system and one is not. Two are setting in Bejing (EMS) and one is setting in Tianjin (EMS) China. We hope to have the costumes will be in before July, but there is no guarantee.

American Rescue Plan Act – COBRA Subsidy Program

I sent out the email concerning the American Rescue Plan Act and the Subsidy for COBRA. I wanted to reiterate that you need to contact your individual library’s insurance company to see how they wish for you to move forward with this subsidy program.

Tandy and I have spoken to Blue Cross/Blue Shield and each time they instructed us to remind our members to contact your insurance representatives.

The System’s representative with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas stated that Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas will be handling any and/or all paperwork that might need to be done for their insured entities.

Kansas State Library and American Rescue Plan Act

In regards to funding for libraries and the American Rescue Plan Act. Jeff Hixon and Alice Smith, of the Kansas State Library, said discussions for how this will be handled are still being done. What they could relay is that the State Regional Systems will not be eligible for this funding. Each library will have to submit their own application for funding and any funding has to be COVID-19 related.

When everything is finalized they will send out a notice for submissions.

Webinars Provided through Kansas State Library’s Webpage

If you are looking for Continuing Education courses to take, don’t forget the Kansas State Library and the resource they provide with WebJunction. Here is the sites calendar of events link where you can register for upcoming session (WebJunction Calendar of Events). There are three different sessions you can sign up for in June.

If you can’t sign up for a session that is completely understandable. For those times you can’t attend live you can go to the sites Event Archives. On the Event Archives page you will find recorded Continuing Education sessions that you can watch (WebJunction Event Archives).

For any session you attend be sure to send Richard an email so he can update your Continuing Education File and have it counted for the accreditation year.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Advanced Search – Resources

Recently, you may have noticed a slight change in your library’s resources list in advanced search. This is due to a error. I made changes to the SWKLS office VERSO resources, and I made a new list entitled “SWiftnet (public + CCs). However, this change was mistakenly applied globally to all of SWiftnet. Many of you noticed that your search results displayed all of SWiftnet, instead of just your library. Auto-Graphics is fixing this problem.

Additionally, for many of our members, DCPL’s and Seward County Community College’s catalogs were missing from SWiftnet. AG is working to fix this problem, as well. Thank you for your patience in these matters!

Local Author Publishes Book about Women-owned Businesses in Dodge City

Thank you to Jacque Sherrill for bringing this title to our attention. Perfect for all SWKLS libraries! A summary from Amazon.com: Have you ever thought about opening your own business? Many people have. Many people try. Many people fail. For the women whose stories are shared in this book, failure was their biggest fear starting their business, but failure was not an option. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to own a business, allow the successes of these Dodge City entrepreneurs to be your guide in understanding the heart of a thriving business. Stories of overcoming racial and gender discrimination, doubt, hardships, and heartache transform into stories of strength, determination, and leadership.

Purchase from Amazon for $11 – 9798740321134 Little City, Big Dreams by Amber Vega

Technology

Tech Day Plus 2021

If any of you are interested in showing off your technology devices on Tech Day Plus we would love to see your new and exciting technology that is in your library. Please email Jody, Steve, or/and Bernardo.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 14, 2021

Posted on May 14, 2021May 14, 2021 by Jody Hattrup

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

May 21 – May 25 – and May 27, 2021, at 9:00 am – Municipal Services Budget Workshop Fee Based Registration

June 10, 2021 at 10:00 am – After-Lunch Course “Customer Service” with Pat Wagner/ Registration Link

September 1 at Haskell Township Library – Very Merry VERSO Launch

Consulting

Next After-Lunch Course Registration Now Open

Mark your calendar for June 10 for the next After-Lunch Course with Pat Wagner. The topic for this session is Customer Service and the session will begin a 1:30 pm CT. The registration is being handled by Pat Wagner’s website. Since Pat is handling the registration the consultants wanted to let you know that when you register you will not get an automatic registration email. It might take a day or so before it is processed. You will get a prompt to add it to your calendar.

Registration Link for Pat Wagner’s Customer Service

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Slogins Wordsmithing Workshops

The theme/slogan committee has narrowed the list down and we invite…frontline librarians to join us for any of the 3 wordsmithing sessions we will hold this month and next. This is a chance for your libraries to have their voices heard in creating the final slogan list that you all will vote on in September!

There isn’t any registration for the sessions. We encourage everyone to join and speak if they feel comfortable and if not we will have resources available for them to share their input. Notice that all sessions times are for the Eastern Time Zone.

2024 Slogan Possibilities:

Adventure Awaits…
1. At Your Library
2. At the Library
Adventure: Booked
1. Adventure: Check it Out!
Book an/Your Adventure (word play won’t translate to Spanish)
Be Epic!
Dare to Explore
Discover New Stories
Explore the World at Your Library
1. Explore Your World
Let the Adventure Begin!
1. Let the Adventure Begin… on Page 1
Libraries: Where Adventure Begins
1. Library Adventures Await
More to Explore
Read, Go, Explore!
Reading is an Adventure
Turn the Page to Adventure

Sessions dates/times/links

May 19^th 3 PM Eastern: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82009472800?pwd=VlljUGN5STdVL0g0aWhac2svcTBHZz09

May 27^th 11 AM Eastern: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85959108918?pwd=S256MTM3eVFUa1JIZUJKSXJuMGZ5QT09

June 7^th 4 PM Eastern: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81832134161?pwd=ZDVqZVU4Rzd0Q3crYVhYZTl0Q3grUT09

New CDC Guidelines

Summary of Changes from the website: Updated May 13, 2021

Update that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance
Update that fully vaccinated people can refrain from testing following a known exposure unless they are residents or employees of a correctional or detention facility or a homeless shelter

Here is the link for the full CDC webpage

ARSL Conference Dates and Scholarships

The 2021 ARSL Conference will be held at the Nugget Hotel in Reno/Sparks, Nevada, from October 20-23. We hope to see you for the full in-person experience, though we will also have select virtual offerings for those who can’t make the trip this time.

Our committee is excited to announce our 2021 theme: The Biggest Little Library Conference.

The scholarship window, to possible assistance with any expenses to attend the conference is open and can be accessed on ARSL’s webpage. The timeline for scholarships are:

1st Week of May: Application Window Opens
May 28: Application Window Closes
July 2: Notification Deadline
July 6: Early Bird Registration Opens

PLA Accepting Presentation Proposals

PLA 2022 Portland Oregon March 23-25. Trees background with Oregon state outline and stag. Now open! PLA 2022 Program Proposals. Deadline: June 21, 2021. Learn More

PLA is heading to Portland, Oregon for the PLA 2022 Conference, March 23–25! Like the institutions they support, the role of the public library worker is ever-changing. The PLA 2022 Conference will also need to transform in order to provide public library professionals the opportunity to come together in person or virtually to reconnect with one another, reimagine the services they provide, and revitalize their passion for the work they do every day.

Want to be a part of PLA’s renowned educational programming? Submit a proposal and share your idea for a preconference or program. The deadline for submitting proposals is June 21, 2021 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Before diving in, we encourage you to preview the proposal form and check out our recommendations for developing a great proposal.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

More to come next week…

Technology

Tech Day Plus 2021

We are in the beginning stages of planning Tech Day Plus 2021. Tech Day will be held in Cimarron at the Gray County Recreation Center on September 24, 2021 for those who can come in person. The following week the SWKLS staff with be providing a virtual Tech Day Plus for those who want to attend on Zoom. Registration is soon to follow.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! May 7, 2021

Posted on May 7, 2021May 7, 2021 by Kelly Easton

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

May 11, 2021 at 10:00 am – “Ted Talk” through Auto-Graphics – Verso / Registration Link – Submit Questions Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

May 14, 2021 at 10 am- Spring Workday at Grant County Library/ Registration Link

May 19, 2021, at 10 am – Spring Workday at Dodge City SWKLS Office/ Registration Link

May 21, 2021, at 10 am – Spring Workday at Scott County Library/Registration Link

May 21 – May 25 – and May 27, 2021, at 9:00 am – Municipal Services Budget Workshop Fee Based Registration

May 28, 2021 at 10 am – Spring Workday at Protection Township Library/ Registration Link

September 1 at Haskell Township Library – Very Merry VERSO Launch

Consulting

William Allen White 2021 Winners:

Public Relations Costumes

The Office has ordered the four costumes for usage at your libraries for special events (in you library or at a different location), story hours, parades, and anything else you can use the characters for. We already have a couple of reservations from our member libraries. So that everyone is aware, shipping products has become slower. Therefore, we can’t determine when these costumes might come in. With the two reservations we already have we are keeping our fingers crossed that the costumes come in on time.

The costumes are also produced to fit a specific person’s measurements. The costumes are made to my measurements since I am the person who would come out and wear the costume at your library. If you want to check a costume out, instead of having me come to your event, we will have to make sure someone within your library can wear the costume.

PPE Delivery

The Office has received the majority of the PPE orders (for the libraries that ordered PPE supplies) and made our first two deliveries these past two weeks. With the staff scheduling we have one delivery day for next week and another day for the following week. We plan on having everything delivered before the end of May if all goes well.

Talks with Ted Registration Update

Some of you may have experienced trouble registering for the webinar. If you did, we sincerely apologize. The registration link is restored and live now, so you may register if you were not able to do so before.
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1703449589951880207Early questions form: https://forms.gle/Cae5YtnBD9FU7LL7A

KLA Accepting Presentation Proposals

We are now accepting proposals for the 2021 Kansas Library Association (KLA) Conference October 27-29, 2021 in Wichita, Kansas.

We are accepting submissions for the following types of proposals: breakout sessions, meal events, business meetings, user’s groups, all conference events, pre-conference events, and panel discussions. This year’s theme is: Expanding Boundaries Together. During the last year, libraries have seen the necessity of adapting to new formats, have changed service delivery methods, and have worked together with community partners to provide new ways of accessing library services. Attendees are encouraged to submit proposals that align with this theme. For example, program proposals can – highlight the new programs and services of your library, explore the future of libraries, and provide tools for embracing change.

To submit a proposal please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/2Jj4cNjVZkvUnguQ8. Deadline to submit this form is May 31, 2021. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Applicants will be notified of proposal status on or before June 30, 2021 via email.
Questions about proposals: Send them to Crystal Hutchinson (cbhutchinson@fhsu.edu), Janelle Mercer (jmercer@wichita.gov), or Martha House (mhouse@cgrove417.org).
If you have general KLA Conference questions, please contact: Holly Mercer (hmercer@dc3.edu).

Municipal Services Budget Workshops

The System office has signed up for the May 25, 2021 Budget Workshop. Tandy, Steve, and I will be attended so more than one person has the information. Once we have finished the workshop we will formulate a workup to send out to our member library directors.

Good afternoon,
The Municipal Services Team is pleased to announce the 2021 budget workshop dates! All workshops will be held virtually via Teams. We look forward to providing in person training in 2022!

Workshop Dates

• Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Thursday, May 13th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Friday, May 21st, 2021

• Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

• Thursday, May 27th, 2021

All workshops will begin at 9 am and will end at 4 pm. The morning session will include a legislative update, updates related to Senate Bill 13, information regarding the American Rescue Plan Act, and other matters of interest. The afternoons session is designed for those new to Kansas municipal budgeting or those looking to refresh their budget knowledge.

Workshops qualify for up to 6 hours of CPE.

To register, you may visit Municipal Services or use the registration link .

Registrants will receive the workshop materials and meeting information via email one week prior to the enrolled workshop.

Payment Information

Workshop registration is $75 per person.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Monthly Cat Express Usage Report

For those members who wanted to view their usage monthly, it is available. / Link

Now Available on the Wiki

We have added a Sample Policies page to our Wiki. This resource includes documents from the ALA regarding censorship, freedom to read, the first amendment, etc. There are also policies written by libraries for: ILL, patron laptops, collection development, etc. The Sample Policies page can be used as a reference when your library needs to write new policies or update current policies. / Link

OCLC ILL Statistics

March 2020: 45 March 2021: 34
April 2020: 0 April 2021: 29 Excellent!

Free Disc Mailers

At the SWKLS Office, we have nine brand-new cardboard disc mailers, suitable for protecting music CDs or short audiobooks. They are white and measure 6″x 6″ x 1″ If you would like them, email Kelly.

StoryWalks are in the news!

Technology

Tech Day Plus 2021

We are in the beginning stages of planning Tech Day Plus 2021. Tech Day will be held in Cimarron at the Gray County Recreation Center on September 24, 2021 for those who can come in person. The following week the SWKLS staff with be providing a virtual Tech Day Plus for those who want to attend on Zoom. Registration is soon to follow.

Spring Workdays

There are four workdays scheduled in the southwest area which include Ulysses, Dodge City, Scott City, and Protection. These workdays are design to give directors or staff an opportunity to work on upcoming projects such as Summer Reading Program, Facebook, website, and etc. Jody the Technology Trainer will be at each location from 10 am to 3 pm for any assistance needed but each location is a come and go event. All are welcome at each location but please register on Eventbrite.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 30, 2021

Posted on April 30, 2021April 30, 2021 by Kelly Easton

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

May 1 at at 7PM – DC3 Learning Resource Center Fundraiser: Books, Bottles, and Brie. Click here for details.

May 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm – Train U.P.! SWKLS Wiki Page Walk-Through

May 11, 2021 at 10:00 am – “Ted Talk” through Auto-Graphics – Verso / Registration Link – Submit Questions Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

May 14, 2021 at 10 am- Spring Workday at Grant County Library/ Registration Link

May 19, 2021, at 10 am – Spring Workday at Dodge City SWKLS Office/ Registration Link

May 21, 2021, at 10 am – Spring Workday at Scott County Library/Registration Link

May 21 – May 25 – and May 27, 2021, at 9:00 am – Municipal Services Budget Workshop Fee Based Registration

May 28, 2021 at 10 am – Spring Workday at Protection Township Library/ Registration Link

September 1 at Haskell Township Library – Very Merry VERSO launch

Consulting

New Videos on the Wiki

The April 16th Full Board meeting

The Reader Zone webinar

Library Building Maintenance Checklist Part 2

Municipal Services Budget Workshops

Good afternoon,
The Municipal Services Team is pleased to announce the 2021 budget workshop dates! All workshops will be held virtually via Teams. We look forward to providing in person training in 2022!

Workshop Dates

• Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Thursday, May 13th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Wednesday, May 19th, 2021 (Closed – Full)

• Friday, May 21st, 2021

• Tuesday, May 25th, 2021

• Thursday, May 27th, 2021

All workshops will begin at 9 am and will end at 4 pm. The morning session will include a legislative update, updates related to Senate Bill 13, information regarding the American Rescue Plan Act, and other matters of interest. The afternoons session is designed for those new to Kansas municipal budgeting or those looking to refresh their budget knowledge.

Workshops qualify for up to 6 hours of CPE.

To register, you may visit Municipal Services or use the registration link .

Registrants will receive the workshop materials and meeting information via email one week prior to the enrolled workshop.

Payment Information

Workshop registration is $75 per person.

The Library of Congress Surplus Books Program

Found this will looking around today and thought it was interesting. Some of our members might be interested in this program. Program page link.

Ted Talks through AutoGraphics/Verso

On the second Tuesday of every month, our VERSO Product Manager, Ted Koppel, will host a live Q&A forum to answer any questions you may have about using VERSO. Learn how to unlock the full potential of our ILS to maximize how you serve your community!
While the webinar is set up to allow typed questions to be submitted live, we strongly encourage you to submit them ahead of time using the form below.
Don’t have a question yet? Don’t worry! We encourage you to tune in and learn from others’ questions and Ted’s live demos.

Registration Link / Submit Questions Link

D-U-N-S Number

If your public library received federal funding in 2020 or expects to receive any in 2021, then as soon as possible you should look up and verify whether or not you have a D-U-N-S number here at this link.

If you’re unsure how the library name may be listed, you can search city and state leaving the Business Name field blank.

Libraries not listed should obtain a number right away. Get started here at the link.

E-rate recipient libraries: If you pay your entire e-rated bill and are reimbursed for the discount by way of the BEAR (Billed Entity Applicant Reimbusement) form, a D-U-N-S is also required.

D-U-N-S will be transitioning to a new format in Fall of 2021, and we will send more information regarding that at that time.

Statewide Services,State Library of Kansas,300 SW Tenth Ave | Rm 312-N,Topeka KS 66612·1593

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

New to the SWKLS Professional Collection:

Weeding Success!

Recently, New Leaf in Wichita made five stops to SWKLS libraries to pick-up weeded items. The pick-ups were a great success; the process was easy and fast. We celebrate this new relationship with New Leaf, and we have future dates already on the calendar: October 13th and 20th. Annually, New Leaf will visit SWKLS during two days in April and October. Truly, a symbiotic relationship!

In fact, we are looking to add another “hub” location on October 20th. New Leaf has asked to stay east of Highway 83. If your library would like to become a “hub,” let Kelly know. Be sure to have lots of storage space available. Your time and consideration are greatly appreciated by ALL!

The notes and recording from Wednesday’s training session are available on the Wiki.
Click on these links: Notes here. Recording here.

Did You Know?

In VERSO, material types can be used for “statistics only.” That is, if the library is using brieb/zzz bibs to track circulation for newspapers, the laminator, microfilm, etc., there is a better way! In Circ Admin – Material Types – Create a material type you wish to use only for “statistics only”. Using this option will help SWiftnet from clogging with too many brief bibs, and it will run more smoothly as a result. For help, ask Kelly.

Technology

Technology Training

Recording of Flipgrip

Spring Workdays

There are four workdays scheduled in the southwest area which include Ulysses, Dodge City, Scott City, and Protection. These workdays are design to give directors or staff an opportunity to work on upcoming projects such as Summer Reading Program, Facebook, website, and etc. Jody the Technology Trainer will be at each location from 10 am to 3 pm for any assistance needed but each location is a come and go event. All are welcome at each location but please register on Eventbrite.

E-Rate Status

Funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) have been issues for all of our members for which SWKLS assists in e-rate planning & filing. The next phase will be working with ISPs where service changes have been ordered such as bandwidth increases or new circuits. Roughly 50% of our member libraries will be increasing bandwidth this cycle which will raise the average to 100Mb down and 85Mb up. These changes should be in place on or before July 1st.

2021 – 2022 Member Internet Service Types

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 23, 2021

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Bernardo Gamboa

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

Consulting

2021 System Directory

The 2021 System Directory has been sent out through the courier! If you have not received one or would like an extra copy, please contact Tandy Ritchhart, at SWKLS.

2020 Regional System Report

The yearly Regional System Report has been completed and sent to Alice Smith, Kansas State Library. This report is pretty much the same as previous years. The change of System Membership will be on next year’s report.

2022 System Plan

I am awaiting confirmation from Gail Santy, Director CKLS, to whom the 2022 System Plan needs to be sent. Once that is done another benchmark for the office will have been made.

Summer Library (Reading) Program Posters

If you remember at the last Full Board meeting for the System I reported, through Millie Dearden (Scott County Library), about the wording on the Spanish Summer Library Program Posters possibly offending your patrons.

Sandy Wilkerson, Kansas Representative to the Collaborative Summer Library Program, spoke at the this week’s Youth Consultants Meeting that she reported it to CSLP. The Collaborative came back that when they did the test marketing for the posters no mention there being a possible offensive word being on the Spanish posters. The Collaborative will not be issuing new posters this late. Libraries will need to use their own discretion on if they wish to use the posters or not.

Summer Library (Reading) Program PSAs

The Collaborative Summer Library Program consortium has created two PSA videos that you can use to advertise the Summer Library Program on your website or Facebook page. The videos are below for you to watch and you can go to the Collaborative’s Youtube Channel to get the url’s.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Reminder: KLE Courier Labels

This is a friendly reminder to always attach the sender’s courier label to the back of the recipient’s label. This is a best practice and avoids confusion. Thank you!

Notice about Online Forms on swkls.org

The functionality of online ILL request and original cataloging forms is currently being evaluated and improved. Soon, these forms will change a little to better serve our members.

Project Launch: Very Merry VERSO

In accordance with the SWKLS Unity Project, SWKLS U.P.!, we are working to improve how SWiftnet (SWKLS’s VERSO) functions, including searchability, location accuracy, cataloging, etc. As discussed during last Friday’s board meeting, the SWKLS Staff will work with our members to ensure SWiftnet is organized as accurately as possible. This project will take several years to complete.

To accomplish this task, we are pleased to announce our new cataloging project called Very Merry VERSO. Beginning September 1, we will begin a pilot project with a volunteer library: Haskell Township Public Library in Sublette. We are grateful to Director Sara Koehn and her staff for volunteering to be our pilot library, and we look forward to commencing Very Merry VERSO in the autumn. Thank you, Haskell!

Technology

Tech Day 2021

We are planning on having Tech Day in the fall if we are able to. Please click here to participate in the survey. Thanks for your feedback.

Technology Training

Bitmoji Recording

Google Slides Recording

Virtual Library Recording

**Learn how to connect with children through video and one on one interactions.** Registration Link

E-Rate Status

Funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) have been issues for all of our members for which SWKLS assists in e-rate planning & filing. The next phase will be working with ISPs where service changes have been ordered such as bandwidth increases or new circuits. Roughly 50% of our member libraries will be increasing bandwidth this cycle which will raise the average to 100Mb down and 85Mb up. These changes should be in place on or before July 1st.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 23, 2021

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jody Hattrup

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

Consulting

2021 System Directory

The 2021 System Directory has been sent out through the courier! If you have not received one or would like an extra copy, please contact Tandy Ritchhart, at SWKLS.

2020 Regional System Report

The yearly Regional System Report has been completed and sent to Alice Smith, Kansas State Library. This report is pretty much the same as previous years. The change of System Membership will be on next year’s report.

2022 System Plan

I am awaiting confirmation from Gail Santy, Director CKLS, to whom the 2022 System Plan needs to be sent. Once that is done another benchmark for the office will have been made.

Summer Library (Reading) Program Posters

If you remember at the last Full Board meeting for the System I reported, through Millie Dearden (Scott County Library), about the wording on the Spanish Summer Library Program Posters possibly offending your patrons.

Sandy Wilkerson, Kansas Representative to the Collaborative Summer Library Program, spoke at the this week’s Youth Consultants Meeting that she reported it to CSLP. The Collaborative came back that when they did the test marketing for the posters no mention there being a possible offensive word being on the Spanish posters. The Collaborative will not be issuing new posters this late. Libraries will need to use their own discretion on if they wish to use the posters or not.

Summer Library (Reading) Program PSAs

The Collaborative Summer Library Program consortium has created two PSA videos that you can use to advertise the Summer Library Program on your website or Facebook page. The videos are below for you to watch and you can go to the Collaborative’s Youtube Channel to get the url’s.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Reminder: KLE Courier Labels

This is a friendly reminder to always attach the sender’s courier label to the back of the recipient’s label. This is a best practice and avoids confusion. Thank you!

Notice about Online Forms on swkls.org

The functionality of online ILL request and original cataloging forms is currently being evaluated and improved. Soon, these forms will change a little to better serve our members.

Project Launch: Very Merry VERSO

In accordance with the SWKLS Unity Project, SWKLS U.P.!, we are working to improve how SWiftnet (SWKLS’s VERSO) functions, including searchability, location accuracy, cataloging, etc. As discussed during last Friday’s board meeting, the SWKLS Staff will work with our members to ensure SWiftnet is organized as accurately as possible. This project will take several years to complete.

To accomplish this task, we are pleased to announce our new cataloging project called Very Merry VERSO. Beginning September 1, we will begin a pilot project with a volunteer library: Haskell Township Public Library in Sublette. We are grateful to Director Sara Koehn and her staff for volunteering to be our pilot library, and we look forward to commencing Very Merry VERSO in the autumn. Thank you, Haskell!

Technology

Tech Day 2021

We are planning on having Tech Day in the fall if we are able to. Please click here to participate in the survey. Thanks for your feedback.

Technology Training

Bitmoji Recording

Google Slides Recording

Virtual Library Recording

E-Rate Status

Funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) have been issues for all of our members for which SWKLS assists in e-rate planning & filing. The next phase will be working with ISPs where service changes have been ordered such as bandwidth increases or new circuits. Roughly 50% of our member libraries will be increasing bandwidth this cycle which will raise the average to 100Mb down and 85Mb up. These changes should be in place on or before July 1st.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 23, 2021

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Chris Dressler

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

Consulting

2021 System Directory

The 2021 System Directory has been sent out through the courier! If you have not received one or would like an extra copy, please contact Tandy Ritchhart, at SWKLS.

2020 Regional System Report

The yearly Regional System Report has been completed and sent to Alice Smith, Kansas State Library. This report is pretty much the same as previous years. The change of System Membership will be on next year’s report.

2022 System Plan

I am awaiting confirmation from Gail Santy, Director CKLS, to whom the 2022 System Plan needs to be sent. Once that is done another benchmark for the office will have been made.

Summer Library (Reading) Program Posters

If you remember at the last Full Board meeting for the System I reported, through Millie Dearden (Scott County Library), about the wording on the Spanish Summer Library Program Posters possibly offending your patrons.

Sandy Wilkerson, Kansas Representative to the Collaborative Summer Library Program, spoke at the this week’s Youth Consultants Meeting that she reported it to CSLP. The Collaborative came back that when they did the test marketing for the posters no mention there being a possible offensive word being on the Spanish posters. The Collaborative will not be issuing new posters this late. Libraries will need to use their own discretion on if they wish to use the posters or not.

Summer Library (Reading) Program PSAs

The Collaborative Summer Library Program consortium has created two PSA videos that you can use to advertise the Summer Library Program on your website or Facebook page. The videos are below for you to watch and you can go to the Collaborative’s Youtube Channel to get the url’s.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Reminder: KLE Courier Labels

This is a friendly reminder to always attach the sender’s courier label to the back of the recipient’s label. This is a best practice and avoids confusion. Thank you!

Notice about Online Forms on swkls.org

The functionality of online ILL request and original cataloging forms is currently being evaluated and improved. Soon, these forms will change a little to better serve our members.

Project Launch: Very Merry VERSO

In accordance with the SWKLS Unity Project, SWKLS U.P.!, we are working to improve how SWiftnet (SWKLS’s VERSO) functions, including searchability, location accuracy, cataloging, etc. As discussed during last Friday’s board meeting, the SWKLS Staff will work with our members to ensure SWiftnet is organized as accurately as possible. This project will take several years to complete.

To accomplish this task, we are pleased to announce our new cataloging project called Very Merry VERSO. Beginning September 1, we will begin a pilot project with a volunteer library: Haskell Township Public Library in Sublette. We are grateful to Director Sara Koehn and her staff for volunteering to be our pilot library, and we look forward to commencing Very Merry VERSO in the autumn. Thank you, Haskell!

Technology

Tech Day 2021

We are planning on having Tech Day in the fall if we are able to. Please click here to participate in the survey. Thanks for your feedback.

Technology Training

Bitmoji Recording

Google Slides Recording

Virtual Library Recording

E-Rate Status

Funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) have been issues for all of our members for which SWKLS assists in e-rate planning & filing. The next phase will be working with ISPs where service changes have been ordered such as bandwidth increases or new circuits. Roughly 50% of our member libraries will be increasing bandwidth this cycle which will raise the average to 100Mb down and 85Mb up. These changes should be in place on or before July 1st.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 23, 2021

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Jody Hattrup

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

Consulting

2021 System Directory

The 2021 System Directory has been sent out through the courier! If you have not received one or would like an extra copy, please contact Tandy Ritchhart, at SWKLS.

2020 Regional System Report

The yearly Regional System Report has been completed and sent to Alice Smith, Kansas State Library. This report is pretty much the same as previous years. The change of System Membership will be on next year’s report.

2022 System Plan

I am awaiting confirmation from Gail Santy, Director CKLS, to whom the 2022 System Plan needs to be sent. Once that is done another benchmark for the office will have been made.

Summer Library (Reading) Program Posters

If you remember at the last Full Board meeting for the System I reported, through Millie Dearden (Scott County Library), about the wording on the Spanish Summer Library Program Posters possibly offending your patrons.

Sandy Wilkerson, Kansas Representative to the Collaborative Summer Library Program, spoke at the this week’s Youth Consultants Meeting that she reported it to CSLP. The Collaborative came back that when they did the test marketing for the posters no mention there being a possible offensive word being on the Spanish posters. The Collaborative will not be issuing new posters this late. Libraries will need to use their own discretion on if they wish to use the posters or not.

Summer Library (Reading) Program PSAs

The Collaborative Summer Library Program consortium has created two PSA videos that you can use to advertise the Summer Library Program on your website or Facebook page. The videos are below for you to watch and you can go to the Collaborative’s Youtube Channel to get the url’s.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Reminder: KLE Courier Labels

This is a friendly reminder to always attach the sender’s courier label to the back of the recipient’s label. This is a best practice and avoids confusion. Thank you!

Notice about Online Forms on swkls.org

The functionality of online ILL request and original cataloging forms is currently being evaluated and improved. Soon, these forms will change a little to better serve our members.

Project Launch: Very Merry VERSO

In accordance with the SWKLS Unity Project, SWKLS U.P.!, we are working to improve how SWiftnet (SWKLS’s VERSO) functions, including searchability, location accuracy, cataloging, etc. As discussed during last Friday’s board meeting, the SWKLS Staff will work with our members to ensure SWiftnet is organized as accurately as possible. This project will take several years to complete.

To accomplish this task, we are pleased to announce our new cataloging project called Very Merry VERSO. Beginning September 1, we will begin a pilot project with a volunteer library: Haskell Township Public Library in Sublette. We are grateful to Director Sara Koehn and her staff for volunteering to be our pilot library, and we look forward to commencing Very Merry VERSO in the autumn. Thank you, Haskell!

Technology

Tech Day 2021

We are planning on having Tech Day in the fall if we are able to. Please click here to participate in the survey. Thanks for your feedback.

Technology Training

Bitmoji Recording

Google Slides Recording

Virtual Library Recording

E-Rate Status

Funding commitment decision letters (FCDLs) have been issues for all of our members for which SWKLS assists in e-rate planning & filing. The next phase will be working with ISPs where service changes have been ordered such as bandwidth increases or new circuits. Roughly 50% of our member libraries will be increasing bandwidth this cycle which will raise the average to 100Mb down and 85Mb up. These changes should be in place on or before July 1st.

Technology Plans

We have begun receiving and reviewing technology plans for the 2022-2023 cycle. Please remember that technology plans are now tied to the accreditation cycle and no longer on a three year cycle. You would submit your plan this year and it will be valid for Jan 1st 2022 to Dec 31st 2023. For more information on technology planning, please visit our wiki page here: https://wiki.swkls.org/index.php/Category:Technology_Planning

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 9, 2021

Posted on April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 by Kelly Easton

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Google Slides- Basics/ Registration Link

April 16, 2021 at 10:00 am – Full Board Meeting /Registration Link
Since the Full Board Meeting is Hybrid the registration form is in a different format.

April 20, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 2 /Registratoin Link – Zoom Link

April 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Make Your Own Virtual Library/Registration Link

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 /Registration Link – Zoom Link

Consulting

Senate Bill 13

The System Directors still have several questions concerning Senate Bill 13. Eric Norris, State Librarian, was unavailable for our last meeting but Gail Santy, Director of Central Kansas Library System, will be advancing our questions to Eric for clarification. The main question is when does the bill actually begin. The State Legislature has indicated that it will not start until the 2023 budget cycle to give county clerks 2022 to prepare for the new budget filing process.

For the first two years, it is understood or deciphered, that the State will pick up any costs that the county’s might have for expenses of notification. Then after those two years the county will pay the cost of notification and if the county deems it will pass cost down to the government entity (System). The cost that can be passed down to the System can be postage and printing costs. Before when the bill was discussed it was only postage.

The 2022 year will be the year that the government entities will set their “Revenue Neutral Rate”. It is understood that once this is set when the System, through it’s budgetary means (levy and dollar amount), increases it’s budget amount then constituents will be notified. For the System this would be rural Clark, Edwards, Ford, Hodgeman, Meade, Ness, and Seward county residents through the appropriate county clerk.

American Rescue Plan Act 2021

There has yet to be any information concerning how the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 funds will be distributed and what the funds can be used for purchase. Once Eric Norris, State Librarian, informs the System directors of the guidelines we will pass it along to member libraries.

Train UP!: Library Maintenance Checklist Walk-Through, Part 1 Video Link

The Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 1 video is now available for watching. If you happened to miss it here is the workshop video link.

Remember I am breaking the library maintenance checklist Walk-Through into 3 parts. Part 2 – Tuesday April 20th at 10:00 am and Thursday May 13th at 10:00 am.

MPLA Virtual Conference

The FREE Virtual Conference will be April 28 and 29, with Lightning Talks on April 28 plus the Membership Meeting and Awards Presentations on April 29. Find information at MPLA – MPLA Virtual Conference 2021. The registration link has not been posted at this time.

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Congratulations to Dodge City Public Library–
now a FINE FREE library!

Prepare for summer with these titles (and more!) from the SWKLS Professional Collection…Use a blank ILL request to order, please.

SWKLS U.P.!: ILL

A “branch” of the SWKLS Unity Project is ILL, and it includes a goal to increase hard-to-find item requests through OCLC. I am very proud to announce that we met that goal last month with 34 successful borrowing requests. In March 2020, we made 45 successful requests, and those were pre-COVID days, so…Well done, ILL Staffers!

Planning to hang a StoryWalk(R) in your community?

Try one of these semi-permanent options available on Amazon.

Thanks to Whitney at Fowler for teaching us about these!

Now available on our Wiki:

General: VERSO vs. SHAREit — document / Link
Brief bibliographic records: VERSO vs. SHAREit — document / Link
**Demystify brief bibs with the above document.**
SWKLS U.P.! in Large Print — recording and document / Link
CAT Express Quarterly Report (all libraries) — document / Link

Technology

Technology Training

Bitmoji Recording

**Learn the basics of Google Slides so you can share presentations or have a Virtual Library.** Registration Link

Make Your Own Virtual Library for the Summer Reading Program.
Registration Link

Weekly Wrap-U.P.! April 1, 2021

Posted on April 1, 2021April 1, 2021 by Kelly Easton

Future Dates & Training Opportunities

All times are in Central Standard Time (CST).

April 2, 2021 – SWKLS Office will be closed.

April 4 – 10, 2021 is National Library Week, ALA information link

April 6, 2021 at 9:30 AM – New Directors’ “Meet & Greet” with SWKLS Staff. Zoom link is coming soon.

April 6, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Train UP!: Library Maintenance Checklist Zoom Link

April 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Bitmoji Set Up/ Registration Link

April 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Google Slides- Basics/ Registration Link

April 16, 2021 at 10:00 am – Full Board Meeting /Registration Link
Since the Full Board Meeting is Hybrid the registration form is in a different format.

April 20, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 2 (Zoom Link to Follow)

April 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM – Make Your Own Virtual Library/Registration Link

April 28 – 29, 2021 – Mountain Plains Library Association Virtual Conference

April 28th at 2:00 PM – Make a splash with your VERSO splash! Training with AG’s Splash Page Master, Jessi Curley. This session will be recorded. Registration link.

April 29th at 2:00 PM – Flipgrip Training- Empower Every Voice/ Registration Link

May 13, 2021 at 10:00 am – Library Maintenance Checklist, Part 3 (Zoom Link to Follow)

Consulting

National Library Week – April 4 – 10

The theme for National Library Week (April 4-10, 2021), “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs.

Monday, April 5: State of America’s Libraries Report released, including Top Ten Frequently Challenged Books of 2020.
Tuesday, April 6: National Library Workers Day, a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.
Wednesday, April 7: National Library Outreach Day, a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.
Thursday, April 8: Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries.

ALA’s Day-to-Day Guide to Celebrating National Library Week 2021 Link

Free Tools to Celebrate

Proclamation (Word doc) | Proclamation in Spanish (Word doc)

Sample Press Release (Word doc) | Sample Press release in Spanish (Word doc)

Sample Social Media Posts (Word doc) | Sample Social Media Posts in Spanish (Word doc)

PSA Scripts (Word doc) | Sample PSA Scripts in Spanish (Word doc)

10, 15, 20, and 30 second Broadcast Quality Audio PSAs

Activity Pages

National Library Week Word Search Activity Page (PDF)

Word Search Answers (PDF)

National Library Week Coloring Page (PDF)

National Library Week Coloring Page in Spanish (PDF)

Many thanks to the American Library Association for the content that is provided to our libraries in Kansas and the rest of the U.S.

New Accreditation Form Walk-Through Link

Thank you to everyone that attended the New Accreditation Form Walk-Through. For those that were unable to attend you can view the video of the workshop at this workshop link. When you finish watching the workshop remember to send Richard an email so he can update your CE File with the credits.

Train UP!: Library Maintenance Checklist Walk-Through, Part 1

The next Train UP! will be a walk through of a library maintenance checklist, Part 1. Upon preparing for this next Train UP! I realized that to do the whole library maintenance checklist it would take around 3 to 4 hours. With this in mind I am breaking the library maintenance checklist Walk-Through into 3 parts. Part 1 will be the Train UP! on April 6 and the following 2 sessions will be on: Part 2 – Tuesday April 20th at 10:00 am and Thursday May 13th at 10:00 am.

Again Part 1 of the Library Maintenance Checklist will be The Train UP! session on Tuesday April 6, at 2:00 pm Central Time. Anyone is welcome to attend. To be part of this workshop you can attend with this Zoom Link.

MPLA Virtual Conference

The FREE Virtual Conference will be April 28 and 29, with Lightning Talks on April 28 plus the Membership Meeting and Awards Presentations on April 29. Find information at MPLA – MPLA Virtual Conference 2021. The registration link has not been posted at this time.

Train UP! Videos Ready to View

If you happened to have missed the first two Train UP! training sessions the System Office now has them available through our Wiki. The direct links are also listed below for your convenience. Remember if you watch the videos please contact Richard so he can update your Continuing Education File. Many Thanks to Bernardo for getting these prepped and linked in the Wiki:

Train UP!: Bonding Through Board Games

Train UP!: Zoom into Super Children’s Programming

Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

Are you an Excel expert?

Several of our members have expressed a desire to obtain training in Microsoft Excel. If you are willing and able to conduct a training session or two, I would love to hear from you! Your fellow librarians, myself included, would benefit greatly from you sharing your expertise. Thank you for your consideration!

In Other News…

The proposed SWKLS Unity Project calendar has been updated on the Wiki. Thanks, Bernardo! / Link

Now available on the Wiki: ILL (SHAREit) Procedures for New Staff / Link

The recording and notes from “SWKLS U.P.! in Large Print” on March 31st is will be available next week. Email Kelly if you would like a copy of the Google Slides/PowerPoint presentation. Thank you Lori and Laurie P.!

Coming next week! Demystifying brief/zzz bibliographic records (a.k.a brief bibs).