Library Technology Update • Children's Book Fest • Tech Tips • Delivery Bags Needed • Useful URLs • Reflection • NWLS Board Meeting Minutes

February 9 Library Annual Report Assistance, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., NWLS

February 21 Preventing Workplace Violence, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., NWLS

March 1 Promoting Rural Libraries/Children's Services Roundtable and Idea Sharing, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., NWLS

March 6,7 Children's Book Fest, Rhinelander

March 12 Directors Meeting, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., NWLS

March 13 Greener Pastures Rural Library Sustainability Workshop, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Rice Lake Public Library (also April 18 in Mercer).

March 17 NWLS Board of Trustees Meeting, 12:00 p.m., NWLS

March 29 LSTA Early Literacy Project: Infant Brain Development, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Iron River

March 30 LSTA Early Literacy Project: Infant Brain Development, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Mellen

April 18 Greener Pastures Rural Library Sustainability Workshop, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mercer, (also March 13 in Rice Lake).

2007 UW-Madison's School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) Conferences and Continuing Education Courses:

• February 19-March 18 Business Reference (Online)
• February 19-March 18 Topics in Library Management (Online)
• April 23-26 Libraries: Inspiring Spaces ... Functional Places Conference, (on-site), UW-Madison
• June 25-29 Public Library Administration (on-site), UW-Madison
• August 13-17 Cataloging (on-site), UW-Madison
• August 20-24 Puppetry in the Library (on-site course), UW-Madison.

For more information, contact Anna Palmer at 608.263.4452 or ahpalmer@wisc.edu.

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A Report from the Library Technology Workshop
From Michael Sheehan, NWLS

Mike Sauvola started the presentation by discussing the history of technology with NWLS and its member libraries up to the present.

Three Biggest Problems
Mike asked librarians to share their three biggest technology concerns and addressed them in his presentation. Mike believes the three biggest technology concerns facing NWLS are security, security, and security since all other issues seem to stem from breaches in security.

Network and PC Security
Mike discussed the various methods used by invaders to enter our technology communities. Computer viruses and worms, spyware, adware, and hackers all follow the same mission to cause malicious activity in the library. There are ways to combat these activities with anti-virus software, anti-spyware and anti-adware programs and general PC security. Some common anti-spyware and anti-adware programs are Windows Defender, AVG, SpyBot Search and Destroy, and AdAware. Some of these programs can be scheduled to scan like anti-virus if desired.

Some things to keep in mind with anti-virus software:

• Anti-virus is now locked because it is set to update every 60 minutes
• Auto protect scans are also enabled
• Scheduled scans can be set to run as well
• New anti-virus definitions will not stick on machines with Centurion Guard unless Centurion Guard is unlocked. This can be done with two methods: (a) manually unlocking for each workstation affected, or (b) using a program called CornerStone to automatically update definitions. Libraries can purchase CornerStone for a one-time fee of $50 per machine (NWLS is looking into bulk purchases).
• Problems occur when computer clocks are wrong. Keep computer clocks updated.

Machine security can be compromised a few different ways:

• By not scanning patron floppy disks or thumb drives before they come in contact with library networked machines
• By using passwords that are not secretive enough or are disseminated
• From libraries allowing patrons and staff to share computers
• By allowing local people who have past technology experience to work on library machines

Windows Update
Tony Kriskovich discussed how Windows updates can be performed manually or automatically. Manual updates can be performed from the Windows Update webpage: ( 1.) start up your web browser (2.) go to Tools (3.) click on Windows Update (4.) choose the high priority or express updates. You may need to reboot and repeat the above steps to get any patches that might have been ignored the first time around.

Windows Vista
Tony discussed the latest Microsoft operating system release. Windows Vista has six different versions (three for home and three for businesses) compared to the two versions of Windows XP. The Windows Vista Business edition will most likely be recommended for use in our libraries. Because of the preparation required for the Vista upgrade (machines must meet the system requirements, troubleshooting of the hardware and software, unknown security threats may be encountered, and service packs need to be installed), businesses are waiting until 2008 to roll out the upgraded operating system and we would most likely follow their lead.

Network Capacity Issues
We are in year two of the five year Badgernet Converged Network (BCN) which used up all of the TEACH funds allocated to the program. If libraries wish to purchase more bandwidth, it will cost the equivalent of 48% of the retail cost. Mike also demonstrated how libraries on the WAN can view a graph of their overall and wireless usage by going to http://nwls.wislib.org/mrtg/.

Hardware Upgrades
NWLS has put into effect a replacement schedule for hardware as machines and peripherals become old, obsolete, or die. We recommend that libraries begin setting up similar replacement schedules and adding these to their budgets. New routers can be purchased for $700 and switches for $250, and both have enhanced capacity to cover changes in technology like the BCN. Replacement computers can roughly cost $1000 for machines with greater memory, hard disk space, and applications. If you would like help with this, contact NWLS IT (Information Technology) staff.

III (Merlin) Server Issues
Slowness in the Merlin programs can be blamed on a number of factors. Simple tasks staff can perform to reduce strain on the system include closing unused records and clients (do not leave Millennium programs on overnight unless processes are being run), and minimizing the time we concurrently update records. One major factor in the slowness is the Merlin server being overtaxed and approaching its end of life. This topic will need to be addressed by the Merlin Consortium in the near future.

IT Policy and Technology Plan
Both the IT Policy and Technology Plan are being updated.

Pharos
Mike gave a brief presentation on the Pharos Internet Management System, pointing out how it works, how current users are generally set up, and how you can generate reports from the program. There are currently nine libraries incorporating Pharos into their library environments.

Future Technology
Discussion passed to iPods and MP3 players and how they are used with the OverDrive downloadable audiobooks. Playaway pre-loaded audiobook players were also mentioned and questions were raised on their durability and who was using them. One library mentioned how barcodes can be encoded with GPS tracking so that users of cell phones can search and find materials in libraries using this functionality.

Some Final Remarks

1. A question was asked about patrons saving files to floppy disks, and then being unable to access the floppy later. When you access a floppy disk, you may receive one of the following error messages:

"A:\ is not accessible. The device is not ready." -or- "Disk is not formatted. The disk in drive A is not formatted. Do you want to format it now?"

The simple answer is: all floppy disks, including those that are purchased as "Pre-formatted" should be formatted on library computers prior to distribution to patrons. Libraries that allow patrons to bring in their own floppies MUST (1) Scan the disk for viruses if it already contains data, or, format the disk on a library computer. (2) Inform the patron that disks containing data stored on the floppy by a computer other than a library computer MAY be unreadable by the library computer, and vice versa.

The not so simple, technical answer can be found on Microsoft's Support Site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/140060

2. NWLS-IT recommends all libraries use Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, etc) for documents and spreadsheets. Microsoft WORKS, a suite of programs similar to Microsoft Office and sometimes included in software bundles on computers, produces documents and files that are often incompatible with Microsoft Office. As MS Office is by far the most widely used software for creating documents and spreadsheets in our system, as well as the world, we recommend all libraries using Microsoft Works begin using MS Office products instead.

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20th Annual Children's Book Fest
From the Lamplighter, newsletter of WVLS, February 2007

Northern Wisconsin librarians, teachers, parents, reading specialists and members of the general public who are interested in learning about the best books for young people are invited to attend Children’s Book Fest 2007, a two-day conference held at the Rhinelander Holiday Inn (Rhinelander, WI) on March 6 and 7.

Two of the country’s top children’s literature specialists from the nationally acclaimed Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) in Madison, Wisconsin, will discuss books for children and young adults at an evening presentation on Tuesday, March 6, as well as at a day presentation on Wednesday, March 7. Both sessions will include a CCBC exhibit of the best books from the year 2006 for young readers.

Children’s Book Fest registration is available for either the day or the evening presentation. All registrations must be received no later than March 2. Children’s Book Fest participants will receive a free copy of the 100-page booklet CCBC CHOICES, an annual recommended best books list, as part of their registration package. The registration fee of $6 also covers the cost of refreshments and a CCBC honorarium. Plans include an opportunity on both March 6 and 7 for individuals to purchase award-winning books highlighted by the speakers through an independent arrangement with Brown Street Books of Rhinelander.

This is the twentieth year that Headwaters Reading Council, the School District of Rhinelander, and the Rhinelander District Library have invited the CCBC staff to bring the newest and best books for young people to Northern Wisconsin. Local supporters of Children’s Book Fest include Brown Street Books, M&I Bank, Ripco Credit Union, and Wisconsin Public Service. Additional assistance is received from the Indianhead Federated Library System, Northern Waters Library Service and Wisconsin Valley Library Service.

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How to Open a Menu with Your Keyboard
From Tony Kriskovich, NWLS

This is sort of a neat trick. Have you ever noticed the underlined letter in the title of each menu at the top of your screen? (For example: File).

I bet you didn’t even notice it until now. Well, back in the day when computers only had a keyboard and no mouse this was the ONLY way to navigate in programs.

To access a menu this way you needed to hit the Alt key and the underlined letter. Like our example above, you would press Alt + F. You should now see the contents of the File Menu.

One way to continue is to use the up and down arrows to navigate through the menu choices. When you come to a submenu, hit the right arrow and the submenu will open where you can use the up and down arrows to navigate through it. To get out of the submenu, simply use the left arrow.

Another way to make your choice is to simply hit the underlined letter of your menu choice without the Alt key. If there's a submenu available, it will open automatically.

To move from menu to menu, you can use the left and right arrow keys (when you're not on a choice with a submenu).

When you find what you're looking for, just hit the Enter key. This acts like a mouse click and starts whatever choice you made.

If you decide that you just need out of the menus completely (or found that you've hit the Alt key accidentally), simply hit the Esc key and you are back to what you were doing.

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NWLS Delivery Bags Needed
From Karen Boggess, NWLS

NWLS is very, very low on large handled mailing bags. If you have a stockpile at your library, please send them back to NWLS. Thanks!

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American Experience: New Orleans
From Librarians' Internet Index

The American Experience: New Orleans is a companion to a February 2007 documentary about the history and people of New Orleans, featuring material about New Orleans jazz, Mardi Gras, gumbo, the Pickwick Club during the Civil War reconstruction period, desegregation, Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans writers, and more. Includes a map, Mardi Gras image gallery, timeline, teacher's guide, and video of the program.

Book Editors: Debut Novels, Book Publishers: First Novels
From Librarians' Internet Index

A website for writers offering publishing tips and a list of hundreds of U.S. book publishers who "have, at least once, bought the rights to first novels by unknown novelists or nonfiction writers." Also includes links to book publisher lists in the areas of business, children's books, cookbooks, health, reference, humor, religion, and sports. From an author of a book about ways to market books. Note: Includes commercial content for the author's book.

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A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn't put there to stay -
Love isn't love
'Til you give it away.

~Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music

NWLS Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2007
NWLS Headquarters, Ashland

1. Call to Order/Roll Call
Mary Poretti called the January 20, 2007 meeting of the NWLS Board of Trustees to order at 12:05 p.m.

Present: Michael Bobin (Washburn County), Emmett (Buzz) Byrne (Burnett County), Kathy Byrns (Iron County), Bill Ferris (Washburn County), Shirley Harrison (Vilas County), Charles LaBelle (Vilas County), Mary Poretti (Burnett County), Tom Thompson (Iron County), Marcia Wellnitz (Bayfield County), Jim Trojanowski (NWLS Director), Mike Sheehan (NWLS Database Manager), Linda Stobbe (NWLS Office Manager)

Excused: Kate Boyle (Douglas County), Joseph Crawford (Ashland County), Carol Eder (Bayfield County), Richard Ehlert (Sawyer County), Tuula Harris (Douglas County), Karen Livingston (Douglas County), Al Lundquist (Ashland County), Shirley Riedmann (Sawyer County), Carolyn Sweeney (Superior Public Library).

2. Introduction of New Trustees

3. Guest Comments
None.

4. Approval of the November 11, 2006 NWLS Board Meeting Minutes
Michael Bobin moved to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2006, Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes. Marcia Wellnitz seconded. Carried unanimously.

5. Election of Officers
The nominating committee recommended Mary Poretti, President; Chuck LaBelle, Vice-President; and Carol Eder, Treasurer. Michael Bobin moved to adopt the recommendation of the nominating committee as presented. Marcia Wellnitz seconded. Carried unanimously.

6. Approval of November and December 2006 NWLS Expenditures
Kathy Byrns moved to approve the November and December 2006 NWLS Expenditures. Chuck LaBelle seconded. Carried unanimously.

7. Approval of December 31, 2006 Financial Statement and Budget Report – Pending Audit
Michael Bobin moved to approve the December 31, 2006 Financial Statement and Budget Report, pending audit. Shirley Harrison seconded. Carried unanimously.

8. Approval to Purchase 2 New Computers and Parts for the File Server
Tom Thompson moved to approve purchase of 3 desktop computers at a cost not to exceed $3,000 from the Equipment Fund. Chuck LaBelle seconded. Carried unanimously.

9. Approval of Employee Handbook Revisions
Kathy Byrns moved to approve the Vacation Policy with the noted changes. Bill Ferris seconded. Carried unanimously.

Kathy Byrns moved to approve the Personal Days Policy. Tom Thompson seconded. Carried unanimously.

Buzz Byrne moved to approve the Funeral Leave Policy as amended. Second by Marcia Wellnitz. Carried unanimously.

Kathy Byrns moved to approve the Wellness Policy. Second by Buzz Byrne. Carried unanimously.

Marcia Wellnitz moved to approve the Jury Duty Policy. Second by Kathy Byrns. Carried unanimously.

Bill Ferris moved to approve the Layoff Policy. Second by Buzz Byrne. Carried unanimously.

Tom Thompson moved to approve the Resignation Policy. Second by Shirley Harrison. Carried unanimously.

10. Director’s Report
Jim Trojanowski provided updates on the following:
-Recommended changes to Collection Development Grant allocations from member library directors to begin in 2008.
-Resource sharing.
-Hayward Library.
-Joint library agreements in Vilas County.
-Merlin roll-outs for 2007.
-Worker’s Compensation claim.
-Staff reorganization.
-Director’s six-month evaluation at March 2007 meeting.

11. Other Business
None.

The meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Jim Trojanowski

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