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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

February 2, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm CST – Library QuickBooks Users Discussion: Transition from Desktop to Online/Registration Link

February 5, 2024 – State Reports DUE

February 7, 2024 – 10 am CST – SEKLS Summer Library Program 2024 Adult Idea Share (on Zoom)/Registration Link

February 13, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm CST – Twosday Takeaway: Benfits of Children’s Pictureless Books/Registration Link

Feburary 13, 2024 – 9 am – 3 pm CST – SWKLS In-Office Clinic/Registration Link

February 22, 2024 – 4 pm – 5 pm CST – Switching it Up! Creating a Video Game Collection for Your Library Webinar/Registration Link

February 23, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CST – Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration Link

February 28, 2024 – 1 pm – 2 pm CST – Best Picture Books Published in 2023 for Ages 1-6 Webinar/Registration Link

Feburary 29, 2024 – NON-Public Library ILL Survey is DUE

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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State Reports

Whew! It’s been a whirlwind of a month, getting those state reports done but you DID IT!! 😀 Congratulations and high fives to all of you!! If you missed my email, please remember YOU CAN NOW SUBMIT YOUR REPORTS! Please don’t forget to go in and verify and submit your state survey. If you have any trouble at all, give me a call or email me at swilson@swkls.org and I’ll be happy to help you out.

Image from: https://www.pinatafarm.com/memegenerator/eb0f5db5-5ba3-4848-bab7-cdec0f2c0b58

Thank you again to the directors who volunteered their space for our state reports workdays! Teamwork makes the dream work!

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Summer Library Program

Just a reminder that your CSLP summer reading merchandise is shipping out on the courier today! If you have any discrepencies with your order or you need more of anything, please give us a call and we’ll help get you squared away. The Summer Library Program Workshop is going to be held on the 2nd floor of the USD 443 Administration Building here in Dodge City on Friday, February 23rd, from 10 AM – 3 PM with registration beginning at 9:30 AM. Our guest speaker is the fabulous and funny Mr. Will Stuck, we are having pizza for lunch, and there will be tons of programming ideas shared and of course, prizes!! What’s not to love?! Register here and join us for the adventure! You won’t want to miss it.

Speaking of programming ideas, Swank has compiled a list of programming ideas especially for both the CSLP “Adventure Begins at Your Library” AND the iREAD “Read, Renew, Repeat” themes along with movie recommendations! To see their ideas, click here!

If you’re wondering how to make a fun, simple camping-themed decoration for your summer library program, see the video below:

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Employment

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For ILLers:

NON-Public Library ILL Survey

From State Library of Kansas Resource Sharing Librarian Nikki Hansen:

Just a reminder that the NON-Public library ILL survey is due February 29, 2024 and can be filled out at the link below. Submitting ILL statistics is one of the requirements of KICNET membership, so please let me know if you need any assistance or think you won’t be able to make the deadline.

https://forms.gle/nuQm7bFaTA5ZrpEQ7

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Sharing About SHAREit

From SHAREit Product Manger Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.

Please let your libraries know that registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/7785756620978537476

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

Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, March 20
• Wednesday, April 24

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

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Call for Issues to Bring to KILT

We are having a KILT meeting on February 15th. I am putting out a call for you to reach out to me with any issues or concerns that you would like me to bring up at the KILT meeting as your representative. This is an opportunity for you to communicate your issues directly with the state ILL hub, so please take advantage of this opportunity if you have issues that need addressing. Thank you!

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For All VERSO Users: Versed in VERSO

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

The next Versed in VERSO will be on Tuesday,  February 13, 2024.

The webinar’s theme will be “Reports and Statistics.”

If you or someone at your library has reporting needs, we’d like to go over your questions and feedback about VERSO’s current reporting and statistics capabilities.

The goals are to 1) provide strategies for getting at the data you need, 2) get insight into how we can improve our current functionality, and 3) share tips and tricks with each other.

If you have any “how do I …?” questions or “I wish I could…” comments related to reports and stats, please send an email to  ras@auto-graphics.com and sls@auto-graphics.com.

If you have any other questions, please ask via the question for as usual, and we will be happy to answer VERSO questions as time permits: https://forms.office.com/r/K9BkzqFWUs

To register for the webinar, go here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8982272663106539356

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Book Dress Displayed at Stevens County Public Library

Check out this cool book dress created by local artist Bridget Knopp! She has been gracious enough to let the library display the dress for awhile, so stop in and check out her beautiful design.

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Jan 29, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CST, State Reports Workday at SWKLS Office in Dodge City/Registration Link

Jan 30, 2024 – 10 am CST, Statewide Services from the State Library of Kansas Webinar/Zoom Link

Jan 31, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CST, State Reports Workday at Scott County Library in Scott City/Registration Link

Jan 31, 2024 – Kansas Library Legislative Day in Topeka, KS

February 2, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm CST – Library QuickBooks Users Discussion: Transition from Desktop to Online/Registration Link

February 5, 2024 – State Reports DUE

February 7, 2024 – 10 am CST – SEKLS Summer Library Program 2024 Adult Idea Share (on Zoom)/Registration Link

February 13, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm – Twosday Takeaway: Benfits of Children’s Pictureless Books/Registration Link

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CST, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration Link

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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KLAEF Scholarship Opportunity

From Mary G. Boller, KLAEF Board President:

The Kansas Library Association Educational Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2024 KLAEF Scholarship.  One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be available for this program in 2024.  Applicants must meet the following criteria:   

• Must be a current member of the Kansas Library Association   
• Must be enrolled as a graduate library school student or a student pursuing a library media specialist endorsement as part of a graduate degree program  
• Must be at least enrolled in the second semester of the program  
• Must be a student in good academic standing, i.e. not on probation  

Applicants should review the guidelines before completing and submitting the application.  Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, April 19^th 2024.   

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2024 Year-At-A-Glance

Be sure to check your email for the 2024 Year At a Glance that was sent out on the SWKLS and Directors listservs. Your feedback is valuable to us, so please let us know what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvement. 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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Better World Books

If you are weeding and have found yourself in need of a company to send your discarded books to, Better World Books just might be what you’re looking for. They accept fiction and non-fiction hardcover and paperback, children’s books, rare books, textbooks, and foreign language books. They don’t accept Time Life or Reader’s Digest books, reference books, books in poor condition, etc. and they only accept print books – no audiobooks, playaways, DVDs, or VHS.

They do not charge a service fee, monthly fee, or shipping fee and your library may receive a check for a percentage of the books they’re able to sell. 

Here is a link for more information: https://services.betterworldbooks.com/libraries/program-overview/

For ILLers: SHAREit Update January 25th

From SHAREit Product Manger Deborah Hensler:

We will be doing a SHAREit release on Thursday, January 25, 2024, beginning a little after 7:00pm Pacific (10:00pm Eastern). Downtime is usually about 15 minutes but may be longer if issues come up.

Please see the attached release notes [link below] for the details on the defects that have been fixed plus an improvement for the patron view of their “Items from Other Libraries.”

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#label/For+the+Wrap-Up/FMfcgzGwJmPlgxFLNVNVFHTxfpPsrSGb?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

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For All VERSO Users: VERSO Update January 25th

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

We will be doing a VERSO release on Thursday, January 25, 2024, beginning a little after 7:00pm Pacific (10:00pm Eastern). Downtime is usually about 15 minutes but may be longer if issues come up.

RESOLVED

AG-2863 CS-78127		In Advanced Search, if all search resources were selected and then a facet, such as a format, was selected on the results page to further narrow the results, the list of facets would no longer display to the left of the results. This has been corrected.
AG-2935 CS-78428 CS-78420		We have added the ability for staff users to access the prior two calendar year’s Top 30 circulated titles. The additional filter provides the user the ability to select either this year, last year, 2 years ago or a combined view of the past two calendar years and current year to date.

IMPROVED

AG-2573 – Updated Date Range Selector

We have enhancedthe date range selector with new features in the Fines Summary report. The enhanced selector provides the user the option to use quick access keyword date ranges (listed below) or the ability to create custom date ranges limited to a 2-year span.

KEYWORD DATE RANGES

• Today                • This week (Sun-Sat)     • This month (First-End)                • This year (Jan-Dec)
• Yesterday         • Last week (Sun-Sat)     • Last month (First-End)                • Last year (Jan-Dec)

• The Fiscal Year report can be created using the custom date range option.

Library Automation Perceptions Survey

Also from VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

The 2023 edition of the Library Automation Perceptions Survey will be closing soon.

If you have not completed the survey, please take a few minutes to do so. We appreciate your feedback and participation!

This survey gives you the opportunity to provide valuable information about your level of satisfaction with the technology products you use every day as well as your perceptions of the quality of service and support you receive. The results not only help Auto-Graphics refine our support services and product development, but they also provide tangible data that you may find useful as you formulate your future technology strategies.

Your participation in this survey every year gives you a chance to add your opinions and knowledge to the greater library community!

The survey can be accessed via the link below through the end of January 2024. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions.

2023 Library Automation Perceptions Survey: https://librarytechnology.org/perceptions/2023/invite/

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Joan Weaver

of the Kinsley Public Library

https://www.humanitieskansas.org/get-involved/kansas-stories/people/meet-joan-weaver

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Jan 12, 2024 – KCAIC Grant Applications Open

Jan 15, 2024 – System Office Closed in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan 16, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Meade Public Library in Meade/Registration Link

Jan 18, 2024 – 9 am – 10 am CT, DEI Taskforce Meeting/Zoom Link

Jan 19, 2024 – 10:00 am – Full SWKLS Library Board Meeting (Online Only)/Registration Link, Zoom Link

Jan 23, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Protection Township Library in Protection/Registration Link

Jan 23, 2024 – 2 pm – 3 pm CT, Twosday Takeaway – Netizen 101: Teaching Patrons Internet Safety w/Steve Andrews/Registration Link

Jan 24, 2024 – 1 pm – 2 pm CT, A Model for Spanish Language Services PCI Webinar/Registration Link

Jan 29, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at SWKLS Office in Dodge City/Registration Link

Jan 31, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Scott County Library in Scott City/Registration Link

February 5, 2024 – State Reports DUE

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Grant Opportunities from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

State Librarian Ray Walling forwarded the following from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (KCAIC):

Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission

Register Now for Grants Webinars

Grant Applications Open Friday, January 12, 2024

All prospective applicants and those interested are encouraged to attend one of the following How-To Apply webinars.

Information presented will include:

·         Available Grant Opportunities

·         Changes in Grant Programs from Prior Years

·         How to Apply for KCAIC Grants

·         Deadlines & Application Process Timeline

·         How Grant Applications will be Evaluated

·         Technical Support and Assistance

Register now for informational sessions about KCAIC grants:

Thursday, January 11 – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, January 17 – 2:00 p.m.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Pexels

January 2024 SWKLS Library Board Meeting – Richard Brookman

January 19, 2024, is the first SWKLS Library Board Meeting of the New Year. This meeting is an on-line meeting only. We will begin at 10:00 am CT. Please register for attending the board meeting at this link. This will allow the office to monitor quorum needs. Here is the Zoom Link for next Friday’s System Board Meeting.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor DWilliam

System Office Closure Next Monday – Richard Brookman

The System Office will be closed next Monday, January 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. We will be open on Tuesday, January 16, for normal business hours.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Hans

To Our Members – Thank You – Richard Brookman

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to all of our System Board and Member Libraries for their understanding this week. The weather in Southwest Kansas decided to not be cooperative Monday through Wednesday. I know that it can be an inconvenience when the office is closed. However, I and the staff appreciate that the board works with the staff and shows that they are concerned for our safety. Thank you to the directors that reached out to me through emails to encourage us to stay safe.

We hope everyone at our Member Libraries was able to stay safe and warm through the first part of this week as well.

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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 Manger Deborah Hensler:

Registration is open for the next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A on January 24, 2024 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET. The registration URL is: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/4322155354930999040

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&As are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, February 21, 2024
• Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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NON-Public Library ILL Statistics

If you are a NON-public library, please see this message from State Library of Kansas Resource Sharing Librarian Nicole Hansen. Please let me know if you need the below email forwarded to you w/attachments:

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year, statistics time! NON-PUBLIC libraries, please submit your 2023 ILL statistics to me no later than 02/29/2024 using the following link https://forms.gle/WSqEodxPhkPio8Hm7. Debbie Hensler from Auto-Graphics presented about statistics in the April ’23 episode of Sharing About SHAREit (#15). I’ve attached the slides she shared if anyone needs a refresher on how to access statistics within SHAREit. You can find the recording of this webinar as well as the rest of the Sharing About SHAREit episodes by going to the Staff Dashboard>Support>SHAREit and looking at the top of the menu for more recent episodes or at the bottom of the menu for the older ones. As always if you have any questions or need support, please contact me at 785-296-5110 or Nicole.hansen@ks.gov. I can also schedule individual virtual meetings if that is preferable. Submitting ILL statistics is one of the requirements for KICNET membership. Extensions of the due date will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you think you won’t be able to submit your stats by the 02/29/2024 deadline PLEASE contact me directly.

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For All VERSO Users: VERSO Update January 9th

VERSO was updated on Tuesday, January 9th. From VERSO Product Manager Julie Cavender, here were the issues that the update addressed:

RESOLVED

AG-2781 CS-77712

When a library uses a dark color theme and a facet is selected to narrow the search results, the “x” to remove the facet could be invisible or nearly invisible because the “x” was hard coded to display as black.This has been changed so the “x” will be visible when the facet displays on a dark button.Old:                                                           New:

NEW

AG-2843 & AG-2854 The Reports (beta) module has been enhanced with a new feature. Users can now choose their favorite reports which will be highlighted and displayed in the navigation tree and feature section for quick and easy access.  Favorite selections are specific to the users’ login.

A.

B.

C.

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Bow-WOW What a Great Program!

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Jan 9, 2024 – 2:00 pm CT, Twosday Takeaway: Netizen 101 – Teaching Patrons Internet Safety/Registration Link

Jan 12, 2024 – 10 am – 3 PM CT, State Reports Workday at Grant County Library in Ulysses/Registration Link

Jan 16, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Meade Public Library in Meade/Registration Link

Jan 19, 2024 – 10:00 am – Full SWKLS Library Board Meeting (Online Only)/Registration Link

Jan 23, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Protection Township Library in Protection/Registration Link

Jan 29, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at SWKLS Office in Dodge City/Registration Link

Jan 31, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Scott County Library in Scott City/Registration Link

February 5, 2024 – State Reports DUE

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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KLA PLS Grants for Attending APPLE

If you have been invited to attend APPLE 2024, please make note of the following from PLS President April Hernandez:

This year the Public Library Section of KLA has two $500 grants available to fund library director participation in APPLE 2024. The application is now open and applications will be accepted through February 9, 2024. These grants are available to library directors who have no other funding options for the program.

The application can be accessed at: https://forms.gle/RZtvpgNN7c6JyE3A6

More information: APPLE (APplied Public Library Education) is a year-long training program exclusively for public library directors in Kansas. Managing a library has no counterpart in other types of work and day-to-day library operations are not the focus of library science schools. The APPLE program covers the vast array of topics required to operate a Kansas public library and connects the cohort of new directors with resources: fellow directors, regional system staff and experts from around the state.

If you have any questions you can email plsofkla@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to check out the PLS website to access wonderful resources http://www.plsofkla.org/. If you have resources you would like to share or think we should add, please let us know.

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January 2024 SWKLS Library Board Meeting – Richard Brookman

January 19, 2024, is the first SWKLS Library Board Meeting of the New Year. This meeting is an on-line meeting only. We will begin at 10:00 am CT. Please register for attending the board meeting at this link. This will allow the office to monitor quorum needs. The Zoom Link will be sent out when the office sends out the board packet.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor Pexels

New 2024 IRS Mileage Rate – Richard Brookman

The IRS has distributed it latest memorandum for the 2024 mileage rate. In IR-2023-239 document, the Internal Revenue Service has stated that the standard business rate for mileage will be .67 cents.

To view the complete document you can do so through this link.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor ranagy

Kansas Library Legislative Day – Richard Brookman

The Kansas Library Association’s Governmental Affairs Committee announced during the last committee meeting that the Kansas Library Legislative Day will be held on January 31, 2024. There are four main talking points that KLA would like to concentrate on for this year.

Here are the talking points –

1 Support the Kansas State Librarian’s proposed budget by:

Increasing funding for the State Grants-In-Aid to Libraries Act including a #3,000 base grant and an increase in per capita allocation for each eligible public library.

Providing more support to the statewide library courier which shipped 859,709 items between 356 libraries last year at a rate of 1/4 the cost of using the postal system.

Continuing funding for the Blind Information Access Program, which provides news and information resources to blind and print disabled Kansans.

Maintaining funding for the statewide databases and eBooks available to every Kansan.

2 Support legislative efforts to expand broadband access in Kansas:

In 2021 Kansas libraries provided internet access in more than 320 communities through public wifi access and over 1 million public computer sessions.

3 Support Kansans freedom and the 1st Amendment by:

Rejecting legislation intended to censor library materials.

Affirming Kansans right to privacy and ability to access information without judgement at their library.

4 Support local control in Kansas by:

Dismissing any one size fits all legislation that imposes restrictions on libraries ability to serve their unique communities.

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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 Manger Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit Q&A is scheduled for Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET.

Please let your libraries know that registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/4322155354930999040

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

Additional Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, February 21, 2024
• Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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

Also, the December User Group meeting information is posted on the UG page: https://www.auto-graphics.com/shareit-user-group/ (case-sensitive pw: SHAREitRocks). The 2024 quarterly meeting schedule is also posted.

Don’t Forget to Get Your Downloadable ILL Tracker

Making an ILL tracker can be time-consuming! Have no fear, SWKLS has done the work for you. To download a tracker for all your ILL statistics-keeping needs, click here and enjoy. The tracker includes all information you are required to keep for documentation, plus it’s fully customizable, so if your library has additional metrics you’d like to track, you can add those to the sheet as well. It’s sure to make your end-of-year statistical reporting a little easier.

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For All VERSO Users: January Versed in VERSO Coming Up

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

Happy New Year!

Versed in VERSO is next Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific.

We had to postpone last month’s Quarterly Product Update, and it will take place during the upcoming Versed in VERSO.

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

If you have a question, please ask it here: https://forms.office.com/r/PiyFwiL73M

To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4540939478066474333

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Dec 22 – Dec 26, 2023 – SWKLS Office Closed

Jan 1, 2024 – SWKLS Office Closed

Jan 9, 2024 – 2:00 pm CT, Twosday Takeaway: Netizen 101 – Teaching Patrons Internet Safety/Registration Link

Jan 12, 2024 – 10 am – 3 PM CT, State Reports Workday at Grant County Library in Ulysses/Registration Link

Jan 16, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Meade Public Library in Meade/Registration Link

Jan 23, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Protection Township Library in Protection/Registration Link

Jan 29, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at SWKLS Office in Dodge City/Registration Link

Jan 31, 2024 – 10 am – 3 pm CT, State Reports Workday at Scott County Library in Scott City/Registration Link

February 5, 2024 – State Reports DUE

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Interactive Movies – How To Make Your Movie Days Into Live-Action Events!

The image above is from Rock Island Public Library in Rock Island, Illinois. Have you ever heard of the Rocky Horror Picture Show audience participation events? For anyone who hasn’t, the Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic that came out in the 1970s and many theaters and venues like to host audience participation nights with fans of the show. They dress up and they act out parts of the movie as it plays. Fans thoroughly enjoy these events and they draw sizeable crowds. We can do the same thing in our libraries and our communities with popular family movies.

There’s something to be said for watcing a movie AND participating with it – especially when it concerns movies that have a large fan base. Many of us have that relative or friend (or even ourselves) who is *obsessed* with Star Wars, The Princess Bride, Grease, etc. and would be first in line to attend an interactive showing! All you need is a popular family movie and some imagination to create actions to go along with different parts of the movie. (Of course, make sure that you are complying with your movie licensing agreement.) Invite patrons to dress up as their favorite characters and bring props, if they have them. You can even have a small prize for best-dressed. Adults and children alike enjoy sing-along movie events, as well. Hand out copies of the movie scenes and their actions before the film starts and watch the fun unfold.

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Patrons come in to use the Internet all the time, but do they know how to protect themselves online? In this Twosday Takeaway, join SWKLS Technology Supervisor Steve Andrews to learn the basics of teaching your patrons some Internet safety tips that will have them safely surfing the web with confidence. Register here and don’t miss out!

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ALA’s Games and Gaming Round Table National Gaming Survey

From State Librarian Ray Walling:

To improve relationships between libraries and vendors, gain donations and sponsorships for ALA Play and International Games Day, and grow collaborations with industry partners, the executive board of the Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT) has created a short survey to collect data related to games in libraries. 

This short (10 question) survey will not only help with publisher relationships but will help GameRT understand the evolving nature of games in libraries. If your library does not collect or use games, we still ask that you take the survey to help us gain a better understanding of the field. Contact information will only be used to follow up for clarifications. Non-anonymized data will be kept separate and retained for a maximum of one year. If you have any questions before or after taking this survey, please contact the GameRT executive board at gamert@ala.org. https://bit.ly/GameRTgamingsurvey

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor OpenClipart-Vector

Question on Library Board Members – Richard Brookman

During the APPLE Library Law session I taught this last week a question was brought forth that I thought our membership might appreciate the answer to as well as the APPLE students.

In one city the City Clerk is voted into her position by the City Council and the question was since that job position was voted on by the City Council did that count as being in a public office. The answer is found in Attorney General Opinion No. 2013-19. The last sentence gives the overview of the opinion and the qualifiers in a position can be considered a municipal officer.

“…for appointment to a municipal library board is a fact-specific question that will turn on issues such as the type of municipality, the form of municipal government, whether a statute or ordinance creates the position,…”

The key words are whether a statute or ordinance created the position. If no statute or ordinance created the position the vote by the City Council to fill the City Clerk position is just a form of procedure and the City Clerk could still set on any board, to include the library board.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Click here to view the Collection Specialist job description.

Collection Development Inspiration

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For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit

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

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

Courier Survey

From Caroline Handwork:

We are seeking your input on Kansas Library Express courier services!  The goal is to learn about what works well and where there is room for improvement.  Every KLE member is encouraged to complete the survey, regardless of library type and service level/indirect service.  It should take less than 10 minutes.  Please complete the survey by Friday, December 22,2023. 

Here is a link to the survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLE_2023

Downloadable ILL Tracker

Making an ILL tracker can be time-consuming! Have no fear, SWKLS has done the work for you. To download a tracker for all your ILL statistics-keeping needs, click here and enjoy. The tracker includes all information you are required to keep for documentation, plus it’s fully customizable, so if your library has additional metrics you’d like to track, you can add those to the sheet as well. It’s sure to make your end-of-year statistical reporting a little easier.

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For All VERSO Users: December Versed in VERSO Recording Now Available

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

To access the recording and slides, go to Staff Dashboard > Support > VERSO.

Topics/questions covered:

• New Reports
• AGEdit (Beta) Update
• “Online Content” Full Record Enhancement
• Is there a way to format the overdue notices? I know how to change the message, but they print terribly. I usually type them individually myself.
• Is there a way to get the total material cost to print on my Circulation checkout receipts?
• How can I copy my splash page without recreating the page? I would like to do seasonal or events-driven splash pages that I can auto-activate as I need them.

The next Versed in VERSO is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9,^, 2024, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

The question from for January’s Versed in VERSO is open. If you have a question or topic you’d like covered, please submit it here: https://forms.office.com/r/PiyFwiL73M.

Here is the registration link for the January Versed in VERSO: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4540939478066474333.

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Kearny County Public Library Has Decked Their Halls

Check out these whimsical decorations that Tammy and her crew have on display in Lakin! Their library has decked the halls with Grinches, trees, presents, a Christmas village, and even some winter snow. It looks amazing! Great job, Kearny County!! 🙂

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Dec 12, 2023 – 2:00 pm CT, Train UP: End of Year Reports Overview with SWKLS Director Richard Brookman/Registration Link

Dec 12, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm CT, ESU SLIM Webinar: Process Before Product – Strategies for Harnessing the Benefits of AI in the Classroom/Registration Link The recording will be archived at this link.

Dec 13, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm CT, Scholastic Presents: Picture Books That Inspire/Registration Link

Dec 15, 2023 – Deadline to submit Penguin Random House Small & Rural Library Grant Application

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

Dec 22 – Dec 26, 2023 – SWKLS Office Closed

Jan 1, 2024 – SWKLS Office Closed

Jan 9, 2023 – 2:00 pm CT, Twosday Takeaway: Netizen 101 – Teaching Patrons Internet Safety/Registration Link (registration opens 12/18)

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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January 2024 Children’s Activity Calendar

If you need ideas for January’s children’s programming, Demco has you covered! They offer free downloadable calendars full of children’s activities for every month of the year. They also have early literacy calendars. To browse all of their activity calendars, click here.

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Do you need some guidance when it comes to end-of-year reports? Wondering what’s coming up? Have no fear, SWKLS is here! Director Richard Brookman will be giving an overview on end-of-year reports next Tuesday at 2 PM. Register here and don’t miss out! See you then!

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KLA Grant Opportunity for APPLE 2024

From April Hernandez, President of the Public Library Section of KLA:

This year the Public Library Section of KLA has two $500 grants available to fund library director participation in APPLE 2024. The application will open by the end of January, so keep an eye out for it. These grants are available to library directors who have no other funding options for the program.

More information: APPLE (APplied Public Library Education) is a year-long training program exclusively for public library directors in Kansas. Managing a library has no counterpart in other types of work and day-to-day library operations are not the focus of library science schools. The APPLE program covers the vast array of topics required to operate a Kansas public library and connects the cohort of new directors with resources: fellow directors, regional system staff and experts from around the state.

If you have any questions before then you can email plsofkla@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to check out the PLS website to access wonderful resources http://www.plsofkla.org/. If you have resources you would like to share or think we should add, please let us know.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Struggling to Find Book Club Picks? This Book Club Has Only Read One Book Since 1995!

Finnegan’s Wake, by James Joyce, was read for 28 years by a book club in Venice, California, who recently finished their epic task (or did they?). It took Joyce 17 years to write the text, so they spent 11 more years reading it than he did writing it! You can read about why they embarked on this journey and what they learned along the way by clicking here. Skip to the end of the article to find out what they’re reading next. 😉

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For All VERSO Users: Versed in VERSO Coming Up

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

The next Versed in VERSO is on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 11:00AM Eastern / 8:00 AM Pacific.

This edition of Versed in VERSO will include the Quarterly Product Update presented by Cheryl Slinkard, Chief Operations Officer at Auto-Graphics.

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

If you have a question, please ask it here: https://forms.office.com/r/e3cbQ6saKW

To register for the next Versed in VERSO, please do so here:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2812974491027422048

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

Dec 4, 2023 – Penguin Random House Small & Rural Library Grant Application Submissions Open

Dec 7, 2023 – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm CT, CSLP’s 2023 Virtual Summer Symposium/ Registration Link

Dec 12, 2023 – 2:00 pm CT, Train UP: End of Year Reports Overview with SWKLS Director Richard Brookman/Registration Link

Dec 15, 2023 – Deadline to submit Penguin Random House Small & Rural Library Grant Application

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

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Sara Wilson

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Here’s a Fun, Easy Craft for Your Next Holiday Program!

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Do you need some guidance when it comes to end-of-year reports? Wondering what’s coming up? Have no fear, SWKLS is here! Director Richard Brookman will be giving an overview on end-of-year reports next Tuesday at 2 PM. Register here and don’t miss out! See you then!

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Penguin Random House Small & Rural Library Grant Application Opening Soon!

From ARSL:

Penguin Random House Grants for Small Libraries

Through the generosity of Penguin Random House, we are pleased to announce this grant opportunity for small, rural libraries nationwide! This grant is available to libraries that meet both the IMLS definition for small libraries (a service population of 25,000 or fewer) and the definition for rural libraries (libraries located 5 or more miles from the nearest town of 25k or more)

Applicants may request:

One (1) monetary grant in support of a community-oriented project for up to $1,000.
or
An in-kind grant donation of up to $1,000 in equivalent value to support a circulating collection in your library.
Applications may be submitted beginning December 4, 2023 [at this link: https://social-impact.penguinrandomhouse.com/our-awards/u-s-library-awards/].

Deadline to submit applications is December 15, 2023.

Notifications of funding decision will be sent to applicants by March 8, 2024.
Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.
Project reports must be submitted by February 1, 2025.

The program will award grants to libraries that demonstrate a true need. First-time recipients will receive priority when reviewing the applications. Monetary grants are not limited to literacy and may be used for everything from library programming and books to resources like hotspots that help community members access important information. Library seeking support for digital collections should request a monetary grant.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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Collection Development Inspiration

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Webcomics Are Going Analog

Are you familiar with web comics like Strange Planet, Heartstopper, or Sarah’s Scribbles? These are just a few examples of comics that got their start on the world wide web and branched into traditional publishing. To get the latest on what webcomics are hot, who’s reading them and why, and how you can use this to build your graphic novel collection, check out this article by Publisher’s Weekly. When you’re finished with that, you can browse Goodreads’ webcomics section for even more info.

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For ILLers:

Sharing About SHAREit Schedule –

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

The next Sharing about SHAREit webinars are scheduled for:

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 – registration is open at: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/6167283200216195073

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Registration links for January and February will be sent about a month in advance of each webinar.

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

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A message from Caroline Handwork –

This is an update for those libraries that ship via Trans-Amigos Express, one of our out-of-state partners that connects to libraries in Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.

Trans-Amigos libraries are now using new shipping labels.  The look is slightly different than before, but the information on the label is still the same.  Their new labels each feature a unique single-use QR code that TAE drivers will scan.  Their drivers will no longer scan the sticker barcodes that have been placed on bags.  If you come across any KLE or TAE courier bags with the TAE sticker barcode attached, please remove the sticker and throw it away.  If your library has any extra sheets of the TAE barcodes, please send them to me at the Northeast Kansas Library System, KS131, and I’ll return those to Trans-Amigos.

* Please note, KLE libraries will still use the same shipping labels you have been using to ship to TAE libraries.  Here is a link to that template and information, https://kslibexpress.mykansaslibrary.org/trans-amigos-express-connection/.  Kansas libraries will not have a QR code or barcode to use or keep track of when shipping to TAE libraries moving forward.  This change is effective immediately.

If you have questions, please get in touch with Caroline at chandwork@nekls.org.

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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System Spotlight

By Staff

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Future Dates & Training Opportunities

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

Nov 23 & 24, 2023 – Southwest Kansas System Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec 7, 2023 – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm CT, CSLP’s 2023 Virtual Summer Symposium/ Registration Link

Dec 12, 2023 – 2:00 pm CT, Train UP: End of Year Reports Overview with SWKLS Director Richard Brookman/Registration Link

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

February 23, 2024 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Summer Reading Workshop Featuring Will Stuck/Registration TBD

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Consulting

By Richard Brookman

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SWKLS’s New Consultant/Program Coordinator

It gives me great pleasure to announce that our own Sara Wilson will be moving up to become the new System Consultant/Program Coordinator. Sara comes into the position with the education, excitement and new ideas to share with our membership. She has been a valued member of the System staff and has contributed skillfully and seamlessly in our staff events to include TechDay+ and her own #Trendy Librarian workshops.

During the transition, until we fill the now vacant Collection Specialist position, Sara will be pulling double duty and learning some of the intricacies of her new position. Congratulations to Sara and I look forward to her ideas moving forward.

Image provided by Will Stuck

2024 Summer Library Program Workshop

The 2024’s CLSP’s theme is “Adventure Begins at your Library”. To get everyone excited and ready for the Summer we are having Will Stuck return for a full day of information and ideas to share with you. The workshop has been scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2024. The Summer Library Program Workshop will be at the administration building U.S.D. # 443. We will begin at 9:30 am with registration then move into the workshop at 10:00 am and go until 3:00 pm.

I’m sending this out early so for those that have your 2024 calendar’s already you can mark the date. We will get a formal registration up towards the later part of December.

Image provide by pexels.com contributor congerdesign

CSLP Virtual Summer Symposium

On December 7, 2023 CSLP is having a virtual symposium for the 2024 Summer Library Program Theme. It will begin at 10:00 am and will go until 3:30 pm CT. Sessions for the symposium will be:

Simplifying Summer: Adventurous Observations from a Seasoned Storyteller;

2024 Manual Highlights;

Practical Tips for Gathering Stories to Promote your Library; and

Programming and Partnerships.

For more in-depth descriptions for the day’s session you can see them through this link. If you are interested in attending the CSLP’s 2023 Virtual Summer Symposium you can register through this link.

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor JillWellington

Thanksgiving Holiday

Just a reminder that the System Office will be closed next Thursday and Friday (November 23 & 24) in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Thank you for all you do for the System and your local libraries. Lately the profession has been under pressure. However, I believe that many within your communities still support your library. Reach out to your patrons and thank them for their support. Also reach out to your community that doesn’t think about the library and what you have to offer them and their families. You might find some hidden support you didn’t know you had and begin building those relationships.

Always remember you have support and appreciation for all you do for your communities here at the Southwest Kansas Library System’s office. If you need us always reach out and we will assist you in all we can. Some answers we give you might not be what you wish to hear, because we are limited in the law or procedures. Whatever the answer or advice we give is given to you to help you and try to protect you in your service to your community.

Thank you again for all you do and your support for SWKLS.

Kansas Library Association’s 2023 Conference

If you have never attended a Kansas Library Association Conference please consider it in the future. At conference you get to gather knowledge from so many different people. This can be done during sessions, talking outside of a session, at luncheons, and even when you get a chance to relax and enjoy companionship. You see friends of old and make friends anew to network with during the year.

It was good to see everyone.

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Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson

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A New Adventure Awaits 🙂

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your congratulations and warm welcome into my new position as Consultant/Program Coordinator. I am beyond delighted and grateful for this opportunity to serve our membership in a new way. As Richard said, I will be pulling double duty until the Collection Specialist position is filled, so please continue to reach out to me for all of your technical services needs until then as I will still be performing the duties of that role, as well. It is a privilege to work with you all and to be entrusted with the responsibilities of this new role. I am excited about our future together and dedicated to the enrichment of our regional libraries and the communities that we serve.

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Collection Development Inspiration

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New Year, New Nook Books? Not Anymore!

Barnes and Noble is sunsetting some of their Nook models released from 2011-2013 and those will no longer be able to acquire new books, beginning in 2024. If some of your patrons have older Nooks, now would be a really great time to lean into advertising about the wonderful benefits of using the Cloud Library app provided by the State Library of Kansas. To read more about what’s happening with the Nooks, click here.

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For All VERSO Users

VERSO Update Yesterday, 11/16

From VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider, here is the change that occurred with the most recent update:

IMPROVED

AG-2771

Facet chips for custom rangesWhen adding a custom range for a facet or filter, a facet chip indicating the selected range will appear.

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November’s Versed in VERSO Recording Posted

Also from VERSO Product Manager Rae Schneider:

To access the recording and slides, go to Staff Dashboard > Support > VERSO.

Topics/questions covered:

• New Reports
• Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) Catalog Enrichments
• Is there a way I can remove the override function that demands a password to continue? This comes up when patron is over a certain level of accrued fines.
• How can I make a report to pull up items only in a certain category?
• Could someone point me towards instructions on how to make a specific tag visible in patron-view records? 

The next Versed in VERSO will include a Quarterly Product Update. It is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12^th, at 11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 9:00 AM MT / 8:00 AM PT.

The question from for the December Versed in VERSO session is open. If you have a question or topic you’d like covered, please submit it here: https://forms.office.com/r/e3cbQ6saKW

Registration for the December Versed in VERSO is open. Registration link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2812974491027422048

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Technology

by Christopher Dressler

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