Weekly Wrap-U.P.! September 29, 2023


System Spotlight

By Staff


ARSL Pics

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


You’re Invited!

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

What is your favorite recipe made from corn, beans, and/or squash? You are invited to prepare it, whether a casserole, soup, bread or dessert, and bring it to the Three Sisters Potluck and discussion on the book “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” on Sunday, October 1 at 1 p.m. No time to cook? Bring popcorn, or corn chips with bean dip (or just come (there’s always enough food at potlucks). Books are availabale at the library, but if you don’t have time to read it, come anyway, and hear Dr. Debra Bolton of the Ohway Owingeh Nation speak on indigenous people and their relationship to Mother Earth.


Future Dates & Training Opportunities

October, 2023 – Train UP/TBD

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

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

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


Consulting

By Richard Brookman


Talking Books Braille Kits are Available

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

Image provided by pixabay.com contributor geralt

October Train UP

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


Cataloging, Collection Development, and ILL

By Sara Wilson



Collection Development Inspiration


Adult Fiction

Children’s & YA Fiction


Get Your FREE Eclipse Glasses!

We are having the first of 2 solar eclipses that will occur within the next 7 months on OCTOBER 14th! Make sure your library is eclipse-ready by ordering your FREE eclipse glasses from SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries) here!

Our solar eclipse kit has already been reserved for the October eclipse, but if you would like to reserve it for the last solar eclipse until the 2040s (!!), happening on April 8th, 2024, be sure to reserve the solar eclipse programming kit from us today!

The kit is first come, first serve. You can reserve it by calling our office or emailing Sara at swilson@swkls.org.


New Resources for You


From Amazon:

Dive into the engaging universe of library cataloging with this insightful guide. Designed for career professionals, this resource presents an exhaustive exploration of the multifaceted world of cataloging in a friendly, conversational tone. Each chapter weaves intricate narratives, delivering invaluable knowledge about different cataloging roles, required education and training, professional certifications, and essential tips for job interviews and resume building.

This guide doesn’t stop at the basics. It prepares professionals for the dynamic nature of cataloging, highlighting emerging trends, the impact of AI and Machine Learning, and the evolving roles in the 21st century. Real-world cataloging project examples provide a practical look into the profession, while further chapters underscore the significance of cataloging in enhancing library usage and patron satisfaction.

The journey culminates with an inspiring message for aspiring catalogers, a handy glossary of cataloging terms, a list of essential cataloging tools and resources, and a recommended reading list for deepening your understanding of this intricate field.

You can order this book from us through SHAREit, through your ILL personnel, or by calling the office or emailing Sara.



In the News

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

Book Banning Debate Moves to U.S. Senate

Book Challenges in Libraries Surge to New Record

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

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


For ILLers: Sharing About SHAREit Posted

From SHAREit Product Manager Deborah Hensler:

SHAREit users,

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

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

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


Technology

by Christopher Dressler


More Than A Toy

Hey there everyone, Bernardo here with a friendly reminder to visit our steam.swkls.org website if you’d like to find out what cool STEAM related, we have at the office! Everything is currently available in our STEAM collection and they’re all waiting on a chance to show off!

We also have 3D printers waiting to be loaned out to those interested!!