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 9^th, 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 Café, 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 9^th, 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 11^th.  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 25^th. 

2.  Attend a WVLS discussion on January 31^st 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.

To register: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/883352094

January 23rd 1:00-2:30:  Illinois

Amanda McKay, Director

Helen Matthes Library

Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director

Reaching Across Illinois Library System

To register: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/383818870

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;

http://paulsnewsline.blogspot.com/2013/01/wisconsin-legislative-session-calendar.html

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