U. S. Libraries Weather the Storm

 

More Americans than ever are turning to their libraries for access to essential technology services including free computer and Internet access, technology training, and assistance with job-seeking and e-government service.  The U.S. Public Libraries Weather the Storm issue brief outlines how strategic vision and careful management have helped public libraries “weather the storm” of the Great Recession, supporting their role as a lifeline to the innovative technology resources essential to building digitally inclusive communities that enable full participation in civic life and in the nation’s economy.

Libraries continue to transform lives by providing critical services and innovative solutions to information access, in spite of years’ worth of consecutive and cumulative budget cuts. More Americans than ever are turning to their libraries for access to essential technology services not found elsewhere in their communities, including free computer and Internet access, technology training, and assistance with job-seeking and e-government services.

Strategic vision and careful management have helped U.S. public libraries “weather the storm” of the Great Recession, supporting their role as a lifeline to the technology resources and training essential to building digitally inclusive communities that enable full participation in civic life and in the nation’s economy.

The successes and challenges faced by U.S. public libraries are outlined in the U.S. Public Libraries Weather the Storm  (2012 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study), produced by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Information Policy & Access Center (iPAC) at the University of Maryland.
(American Library Association, October 2012)

Continuing Education Ideas

Continuing Education Ideas

Trying to remember what is needed for CE credits? Is this class going to fill the requirements I need for my CE credits? How many times can I take the same class before it is one too many times to qualify for CE credits? If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions or just want to refresh your memory about continuing education and Library Director Certification go to: http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/cert.html or contact Marla Sepnafski msepfnaf@wvls.org.

This week the 2012 WLA Conference is being held in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Hope to see you there. Can't make it this year? Look into online webinars to fill the void. Checkout the following for ideas:

http://www.infopeople.org/training/view/webinar/archived

http://will.state.wy.us/ldo/webinararchive.html

http://lj.libraryjournal.com/

http://www.ala.org/alcts/events

WVLS member library directors and staff are invited to a free workshop hosted by T.B. Scott Free Library on November 1^st from 9 am – 12 noon.  3 CEUs will be granted for this workshop. Lunch will be provided at noon for interested participants.

 

National speakers Gail Johnson and Pam Parr from Face to Face Communications and Training will delight attendees with their humor, insights, and experience from around the world on the all important topic of Customer Service.

 

This fun, fast-paced interactive workshop will have you on your feet as you learn what it takes to hear your customers consistently say, "Wow, your service was unbelievable - thank you!"

Please RSVP to Stacy Stevens 715-536-7191 or stevens@wvls.lib.wi.us

Wisconsin Valley Library Service is planning a workshop on Interlibrary Loan in November. Watch for further details.

Wisconsin Library System continuing education links:

http://als.lib.wi.us/ALS/continuing_education.htm

http://www.ifls.lib.wi.us/Default.aspx?tabid=1221

http://www.lakeshores.lib.wi.us/site/

http://www.nfls.lib.wi.us/Events.htm

http://nwls.wislib.org/index.php/administrative-services/calendar

http://www.owlsweb.info/ce/default.asp

http://www.scls.info/

http://www.wrlsweb.org/member-services/2012-ce-schedule/

http://www.winnefox.org/education.html

Statewide CE Provider lnks:

Cooperative Children's Book Center Distance Learning, webinars, live workshops around the state http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/

School of Libraries and Information Studies--UW-Madison Has some online CE offerings, conferences, and other options http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed.htm

School of Information Studies UW-Milwaukee Also has a slate of offerings for librarians http://www4.uwm.edu/sois/CE/

Juanita Thomas, Outreach Coordinator jathomas@wvls.org

 

 

E-Book Settlement and WPLC OverDrive Program

We have received a few inquiries as to how the ebook settlement announced by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen will affect the WPLC.  It is important to know that only individuals are eligible for compensation. Libraries are excluded from this settlement. The case details are as follows:

• Three Settlements have been reached with certain publishers in an antitrust lawsuit filed by State Attorneys General about the price of ebooks.
• The lawsuit claims there was a conspiracy involving three of the nation’s top publishers and others to fix and raise retail prices of E-books.  These three publishers have agreed to settle the lawsuit. A separate lawsuit with similar claims continues against two other publishers and Apple Inc.
• If you purchased one or more E-books from April 1, 2010 through May 21, 2012 that were published by any of the five Publishers (listed in Question 2 of the FAQ's), you may be eligible for a partial refund of the purchase price.
• The Settling Publishers deny they did anything wrong, but have agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of a trial.

A full list of action steps for consumers can be found here: https://ebooksagsettlements.com

Certain people or entities are not included in the Settlements, as follows:

•  Residents of Minnesota are not eligible to recover anything under the Settlements because the Minnesota Attorney General chose not to participate.
• Residents of countries other than the United States and its territories and commonwealths are not included in the Settlements.
• Only individuals are included.  Business, governments, libraries, non-profits, and other entities are not included.
•  Rental E-books, free E-books, and E-books received as gifts are not included.  (Only purchasers are included in the Settlements.  If you received an E-book as a gift, you are not included.  The person who purchased it for you may be included.)

The site has a comprehensive list of  FAQ's to provide additional information. Please share this information widely with your libraries.

(Sara Gold, WPLC/WILS October 22, 2012)

Microsoft brings Apps to the PC and the first "Microsoft Computer”

Hello everyone,

Microsoft is scheduled to release Windows 8 for October 26^th, 2012, and with it the launch of their very first Microsoft branded PC called a “Surface Top” or “Surface Tablet”. Microsoft plans to fiercely compete with Apple for market share using their new upcoming Surface Top.

What does this mean for libraries? The Microsoft Surface Top combined with the new Windows 8 Operating System will be a gem to have in any library. A primarily App based Operating System; Windows 8 will attract mobile-adept patrons of all ages. The Windows Surface Top will be mainly used as a touch screen device, but it will support a keyboard and mouse. This will be an excellent alternative to Apple’s iPad, with most of the features of other similar tablets and fully functional desktop computers. Libraries will be able to incorporate touch screen computers for patron use at an affordable price.

The Microsoft Surface Top will launch with two configuration options: the Windows RT Surface Top and the Windows Pro Surface Top. The Windows RT Surface Top is Microsoft’s new configuration and will mainly be for limited or simple tasks. It will not be compatible with any x86 (32-bit) legacy applications due to the Nvidia Tegra ARM Processor. Such x86 applications include Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Visio Professional, and numerous other enterprise level software. Windows RT will not have native support for Remote Desktop which is used for training, software installations, sharing applications, and other collaborative tasks, but such support may be found through web based remote access tools and 3rd party apps. Windows RT will require software (or Apps) specifically written for it, already such software (Apps) have been written for Windows RT in the Windows App Store. Windows RT will come with its own unique version of Microsoft Office called Office Home and Student RT. Microsoft is working with software developers to port over legacy applications into the new Windows RT format, so you should see applications like Adobe Photoshop become available some time after the Surface Top launch. The Windows 8 Pro Surface Top being an Intel i5-Core Processor will be able to use x86 based applications just like a normal PC.

The major differences between the Windows RT Surface Top and the Windows 8 Pro Surface Top are the following: The Windows RT Surface Top won’t provide support for x86 applications, and the screen resolution is only 720p. Meanwhile, the Windows 8 Pro Surface Top will provide x86/x64 application support and have an awesome screen resolution of 1080p.

Windows RT vs. Windows 8

 

Windows RT contains many of the same features as Windows 8:

 

 •Fluid, intuitive, and easy-to-use interface design that you can easily customize.
 •Built in apps like Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, and SkyDrive with many more apps available in the Windows Store.
 •Internet Explorer 10, for fast, intuitive browsing.
 •Touch-enabled so you can interact with Windows in a whole new way.
 •Mouse and keyboard–enabled so you can be as productive as you need to be.

Windows RT also includes some different features:

 

 •Windows Update and Windows Defender are always on and up to date making your PC more secure.
 •Device encryption provides advanced data protection to help keep your information secure.
 •The PC can turn on instantly with connected standby.
 •Office Home & Student 2013 RT Preview is pre-installed.

 

Some features aren't included in Windows RT:

 

 •Windows Media Player
 •Windows Media Center
 •HomeGroup creation (you can join an existing HomeGroup but you can't create a new one)
 •Domain join

 

(Source: http://surface.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/Content/pbpage.Surface?ESICaching=off&WT.mc_id=FY13WinHH)

Specifications:

Windows RT Surface Top (Configurations may vary)

CPU: Nvidia 1.4GHz Tegra Quad-Core Processor

RAM: 2GB DDR3 RAM

Weight: 676 g (est. 1.5 pounds)

Thickness: 9.3 mm

Display: 10.6” ClearType HD Display

Resolution: 720p (Anticipated Resolution 1366 x 768 pixels)

Energy: 31.5 W-h

Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae (WiFi)
Included Products (Apps and trial software): Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.

Included Accessories: VaporMg Case & Stand

Optional Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover

Storage (Solid State Drive): 32 GB, 64 GB

 

(Source: http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-rt/specifications)

 

Windows 8 Pro Surface Top (Configurations may vary)

CPU: Intel 2.7GHz i5-Core Processor

RAM: 4GB DDR3 RAM

Weight: 903 g (est. 2 pounds)

Thickness: 13.5 mm

Display: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display

Resolution: 1080p (Anticipated Resolution 1920 x 1080)

Energy: 42 W-h

Connectivity: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae (WiFi), 3G/4G Support (Still need confirmation if 3G/4G LTE will be supported)

Included Products (Apps): Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.

Included Accessories: VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
Optional Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover

Storage (Solid State Drive): 64 GB, 128 GB

 

(Source: http://www.microsoft.com/Surface/en-US/surface-with-windows-8-pro/specifications)

 

Now that I’ve captivated your interest with Microsoft’s new upcoming computer, I’m sure you’re wondering, “What will this cost?”. Well, Microsoft just released the price of the Windows RT base model starting at $499.99 (other configurations are priced at $599.99 and $699.99). A week ago, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said pricing would be in the ballpark of “$300 to about $700-$800”. The price for Windows 8 Pro Surface has not yet been released. My opinion is the Windows Pro Surface Top will have a base cost of $700-$800 and up to $999.99 based on the configuration you choose. This should give Microsoft a chance at seizing a respectable share of the Tablet market.

 

Here is a brief overview and tutorial of Microsoft’s new Surface Top. http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx

 

Look for Microsoft’s Surface Tops October 26, 2012!

 

Kind regards,

Shaun

OverDrive App for Nook and New Promo/Help Materials Available

Click the poster image to download printable PDF.

 

Since we announced the availability of the OverDrive MediaConsole app for NOOK HD, NOOK HD+, NOOK Tablet™ and NOOK Color™, we’ve received several requests for promotional materials and help instructions. 

You want it, you got it! Use the poster and web graphic on the right to inform your patrons about the availability of OMC for NOOK. (Click the poster image to download printable PDF.) Print the poster, place the web graphic on your site or Facebook page, and spread the word to NOOK users in your community!

We’ve also created a step-by-step Help article on how to installOverDrive’s mobile app on the NOOK. Once the app is installed, it functions just like OverDrive Media Console for Android. Please reference Android Helparticles for more information about functionality and features.

 

(Use this Web Graphic)

As always, if you have any marketing or outreach questions, feel free to email librarypartnerservices@overdrive.com.

Cassie Renner is a Marketing & Outreach Specialist at OverDrive.

Java Vulnerability - Trojan "Backdoor.Flashback"

Hello everyone,

Most of you may have already heard about the recent security exploit with Oracle's Java. The exploit is a continuation of the BackDoor.Flashback Trojan from September 2011. The virus is embedded in webpages and emails that pose as legtimate content. Once the link is clicked, the Java Script runs in the background and is completely transparent to the user. Usually the virus isn't noticeable until after a reboot of the system. You can read more about the BackDoor.Flashback here.

Oracle is set for Java Patches quarterly, however, Oracle released an unexpected emergency patch to fix only part of the problem on 9/4/2012 ("Oracle's Java Patch Not Enough to Stop Hackers"). So, Java still poses a vulnerability to systems. Oracle still has plans to implement a complete fix in its quarterly update this October 2012.

What does this mean for libraries? Unfortunately, we cannot remove/uninstall Java completely because Horizon is dependent upon it. However, disabling Java within your Web Browser is safe and will not disrupt service for most web applications. If a computer does not need Java, disable or uninstall Java until a complete patch is developed and released later this October 2012.

How to Uninstall Java

Windows 7 - Click Start > Control Panel > Programs/Uninstall a program. Select Java and Click Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstall.

Windows XP - Click Start > Control Panel > double-click Add or Remove Programs.
In the Currently installed programs box, click Java, and then click Change or Change/Remove. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstall.

Here are quick instructions to disable Java in your Web Browser:

Google Chrome (all versions) - Open Chrome and type in the address bar/URL bar chrome://plugins/, and hit Enter. All of the plugins will be displayed; disable all Java plugins by clicking Disable. Close the web browser and re-open Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox (14 & 15) - Open Firefox and click Firefox Button or Tools > Add-ons. Select the Plugins panel. Select the Add-on (Java) you wish to disable. Click the Disable button. Click Restart if a pop-up window from Firefox requests for the web browser to restart or just close the browser and re-open Firefox.

Internet Explorer (IE 8 & 9) - Open Internet Explorer and click Tools > Manage Add-ons. In Toolbars and Extensions panel locate the Java Plug-In. Click the Disable button. Close the web browser and re-open Internet Explorer.

If you suspect that your computer is infected with a virus the safest thing to do is first disconnect the computer from the network temporarily by removing the Ethernet cable from the computer (this will help prevent the virus/infection from propagating). Then run a Full Scan with your Anti-Virus (Kaspersky) on the infected machine. After the Full Scan is complete, if any files are quarantined, review the files to see if they're legitimate. If the files are not, then delete all suspicious files.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Kind regards,
Shaun

T.B. Scott Free Library Hosting Customer Service Workshop

WVLS member library directors and staff are invited to a free workshop hosted by T.B. Scott Free Library on November 1^st from 9 am – 12 noon.  3 CEUs will be granted for this workshop. Lunch will be provided at noon for interested participants.

National speakers Gail Johnson and Pam Parr from Face to Face Communications and Training will delight attendees with their humor, insights, and experience from around the world on the all important topic of Customer Service.

This fun, fast-paced interactive workshop will have you on your feet as you learn what it takes to hear your customers consistently say, "Wow, your service was unbelievable - thank you!"

Please RSVP to Stacy Stevens 715-536-7191 or stevens@wvls.lib.wi.us