Friday, January 4, 2013

WVLS UPDATE - January 2013
Since the last WVLS update-
It’s Been MOSTLY About the ILS Migration
The go-live date to the new Sierra system, January 9th, is now just a few short days away, and staff members continue to work incredibly hard behind the scenes on many aspects of this project. 
To ensure as much functionality as possible on or shortly after the go-live date, Inese Christman, with assistance from Joshua Klingbeil and the rest of the Tech Support Team, is working diligently to complete data mapping; establish loan rules; set up text messaging, telephone renewals, Webpac, AirPac, Content CafĂ©, logins, receipt and label printers, reports, notices; establish authentication for all WVLS databases and OverDrive; and set up the acquisitions, floating collections and interlibrary loan modules. 
Since full functionality of the software will not be available on January 9th, WVLS will continue to work hard following the migration to complete the implementation of several components, address your questions and concerns, and troubleshoot some of the “bugs” associated with the new software.
         As this phase of the ILS migration draws to a close, the WVLS staff
          wishes to send a heart-felt thanks to member colleagues who have
          devoted significant time and energy to this project.  Whether serving on
          committees, providing and/or participating in training, completing
          worksheets, sharing expertise/providing feedback at any one or more of
          the countless meetings, marketing/promoting the new ILS to library
          customers, or helping WVLS with other activities that heightened our
          ability to successfully complete various aspects of this project, your
          contributions and commitment helped significantly to move this project
          forward.  Thank you so very much for your hard work, enthusiasm and
          dedication.
 
It’s that time again!
Public Library Annual Reports
WVLS is gathering data and creating spreadsheets in preparation for completing sections of member public library annual reports as well as the system report.  We anticipate that in mid- to late-January DLT will announce the availability of the online 2012 forms and provide instructions for completing that report.  Since we are already fielding annual report questions from those wanting to get a jump on this project, I want to remind all that WVLS is available to provide assistance with the report.  Please email questions to annual.reports@wvls.org

WVLS Discussion Slated for January 31st!
Future of Public Library Systems
This year, the System and Resource Library Administrators Association of Wisconsin (SRLAAW) is undertaking a process to examine how public library systems can remain effective in meeting member library needs into the future, including the possibility of reconfiguring systems.
This process, while organized by SRLAAW, cannot be successful without input from others in the library community.   The ultimate goal is to better serve Wisconsin library patrons now and in the future.  To meet this goal, it's essential that feedback be gathered from system member libraries.  Here’s how you can help:
1.  Complete the upcoming surveys:  A set of surveys will be available to the Wisconsin library community beginning on January 11th.  We're looking for feedback from all public libraries in the state on six areas related to system services: resource sharing, technology infrastructure, service implications of technology, funding, awareness of libraries/library systems, and legal issues.  The surveys will each take 10-15 minutes to complete, and you may complete surveys in as many of the six areas as you would like.  Responses are appreciated by January 25th. 
2.  Attend a WVLS discussion on January 31st at 10:00 a.m. in the WVLS office.  As a follow-up to the survey, this opportunity will provide for a more in-depth discussion about system effectiveness and issues surrounding potential reconfiguration.
3.  Attend webinars about system reconfiguration in other states:
Other states have seen drastic changes in how their systems are configured over the last few years, and we can learn from their experience.  Presenters from two states will talk about their experiences of system reconfiguration from both the library and system perspectives.  The two webinars are open to anyone interested in attending, and they will include plenty of time for questions from attendees.  They will also be recorded. The two webinars are:
January 15th 1:00-2:30:  Massachusetts
Greg Pronevitz, Executive Director
Massachusetts Library System, Inc.
Esme Green, Library Director
Goodnow Library, Sudbury, Mass.
January 23rd 1:00-2:30:  Illinois
Amanda McKay, Director
Helen Matthes Library
Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director
Reaching Across Illinois Library System
The outcome of this process will be recommendations and action steps to address how systems can remain effective and to address concerns about and barriers to system reconfigurations.  There will be additional opportunities for feedback during the next few months as this process continues.
(edited from WISPUBLIB post; 1.4.13)
 
Check this out!
Free ALA E-book Toolkit Available for Library Supporters
To bring public attention to the unfair e-book lending practices used by some of the world’s largest book publishers, the ALA recently released the “ALA E-book Media & Communications Toolkit,” a set of materials created to support librarians and community members in publicly advocating for fair e-book practices. The toolkit includes op-ed and press release templates for library supporters interested in informing the public of the role that libraries play in building literate and knowledgeable communities. To download the e-book media toolkit, or to learn more about current e-book library lending practices, visit www.ala.org/ebooktoolkit.
Mark Your Calendars!
January 9:  Go-Live on the Sierra.
January 15: System Reconfiguration in Other States: Massachusetts (webinar); see details above.
January 16: Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference (webinar): co-sponsored by WVLS and 13 other systems; view programs and registration details at http://nicbits.blogspot.com/p/wwwwc.html#!/p/wwwwc.html
January 19:  WVLS Board meeting; WVLS office; 9:30 am.
January 23: System Reconfiguration in Other States: Illinois (webinar); see details above.  
January 31:  “The One Organizing Strategy that Will Triple Your Efficiency at Home and World” (webinar); co-sponsored with Indianhead Federated Library System (IFLS) and Northern Waters Library System (NWLS) – 9:00 am -10:00 am; https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/635381118
January 31:  WVLS Discussion: FUTURE OF SYSTEMS; WVLS office; 10:00 am.
February 4:  Public Library System Retreat; DeForest Public Library; 9:30 am-4:30 pm.
February 4: Reception for Tony Evers; Inn on the Park, Madison, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm.
February 5:  Library Legislative Day;
February 7:  WVLS V-Cat Council meeting; Marathon County Public Library; 9:30 am.
February 12: Five Powerful Email Techniques for Emptying Your Inbox and Keeping It Empty (webinar) – co-sponsored with IFLS and NWLS; 9:00 am-10:00 am; https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/441154878
February 13:  Deadline for initial review of public library annual reports.
February 19:  WVLS Listening Session with Public Library Directors; Neillsville Public Library; 10:30 am.
February 26:  Deadline for submitting (board-approved/signed) public library annual reports to WVLS.
February 28: Readers’ Advisory: Spotlight on Nonfiction (webinar): co-sponsored with IFLS and NWLS; 9:00 am-10:00 am; https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/956951502
February 28: WISCAT Training; WVLS office; 10:30 am.; details forthcoming.
Happy New Year!
Marla
WVLS Director

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