Index
- OverDrive's Kindle compatibility is here
- Communication and reporting Koha problems
- Blitzke, Culvers to receive 2011 ‘Cornerstone Award’ at Nov. 10 ceremony
- Plain seeks library director
- Baraboo seeks circulation supervisor
- Mysterious paper sculptures appear in Scotland libraries
- ALA files comments on library broadband
- Continuing Education Calendar
OverDrive's Kindle compatibility is here
Kindle compatibility is now available for almost all ebooks in the Digital Download Center. (Audiobooks are not Kindle-compatible.) "Kindle Book" is an additional format that may be listed for ebook titles. The number of copies available to check out has not increased, but for ebook titles where multiple formats are available, patrons will have a choice of format.
Supported Kindle devices include any generation Kindle device, all free Kindle apps, and web browsers with Kindle Cloud Reader. Public library ebooks require an active Wi-Fi connection for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. An Amazon.com account is also required.
How to download a title for use with Kindle
- Visit the Digital Download Center.
- Browse and check out a Kindle book.
- Click the 'Get for Kindle' button. This opens the Amazon.com website. You may be required to sign in with your Amazon.com account if you are not already logged in.
- Select a Kindle device or Kindle reading app. Click the 'Get library book' button and sync your device or app to download the book, or choose to send it to your device via USB.
- An active Wi-Fi connection is required for wireless delivery to a Kindle device. Library books will not be delivered via the Kindle's 3G connection.
- If your Kindle is not Wi-Fi capable or you do not have an active Wi-Fi connection, read Amazon's instructions for transferring files via USB.
Help is available at
- OverDrive's Help for Kindle
- Amazon's Public Library Books for Kindle Help
- My Help wizard (found in the left sidebar of the Digital Download Center)
Samples of the promotional materials that support the Kindle on OverDrive are available on the SCLS website.
Communication and reporting Koha problems
The SCLS has streamlined the way we communicate Koha problems, and we have re-vamped the ILS website to make it easier to find the information you need. The Get Help Tab is where you will find instructions for reporting problems and links to information about Koha and Koha problems. This is now the "go to" page when you need help. Below are additional changes we have made.
Finding Information about Koha Problems
- The SCLS Status wiki will now be used for Urgent problems only. Typically this will be when some aspect of Koha is down. You will check here to see if a down system has been reported.
- The Koha Known Problems page now includes a section of recently added items. Problems will remain here for two weeks. On Fridays we will integrate problems older than two weeks into the larger list. Problems on the larger list are listed from newest to oldest
- We have sub-divided the Circulation problems by sub-type, for example "Fines."
- We will continue to update the Known Problems and Fixes Status spreadsheet and will indicate the date it was last modified. Most of the changes to this spreadsheet have to do with development projects. This spreadsheet has been moved closer to the bottom of the page but there is a link to it at the top.
- The ILS Home page will now be used for News items and will be updated frequently.
- The LINK2.0Koha blog will still be used for lengthier articles on new features and other information.
Reporting Problems
- The Koha Comments and Questions form was renamed the Koha Problems and Questions form.
- Urgent problems are now defined as "down systems" which include Koha, the self checks, LINKcat, GetIt, etc.
- We will be removing the Urgent status from the Koha Problems and Question form on Friday, September 16. Urgent problems should be called in.
- The High status now takes the place of Urgent when prioritizing your new tickets. We will continue to focus on High problems first and will try to address them within 8 business hours after they are submitted.
- Library staff may report problems and questions via the Koha Problems and Questions form or by calling the ILS Help Desk between 8:30-5 M-F.
We hope that these changes will make things a bit easier for you. Please let Vicki Teal Lovely know if you have any questions or comments.
Blitzke, Culvers to receive 2011 ‘Cornerstone Award’ at Nov. 10 ceremony
In recognition of their lifetime of work in support of area libraries, including the South Central Library System Foundation, Bob Blitzke and Craig & Lea Culver will receive the “Cornerstone Award” at a Nov. 10, 2011, fundraising reception. The event will be held at Electronic Theater Controls, 3031 Pleasant View Road in Middleton.
The award is given to an individual or individuals who have had a significant and long-term impact on enhancing public libraries in South Central Wisconsin and represent the values and mission of the SCLS Foundation.
Bob was the architect of the SCLS Delivery System, which is a national model that serves libraries statewide. He also played a vital role in the creation of the SCLS Foundation, serving as the development coordinator for two years.
Craig and Lea Culver have supported libraries statewide through the “Culvers Coloring Contest” as part of National Library Week, and have contributed countless coupons, t-shirts, and other items as reading prizes for the Summer Library Program. They also have supported their local libraries, most recently donating their previous Support Center Headquarters building to the Prairie du Sac Public Library. In recognition of the donation, the library will be named the Ruth Culver Community Library in honor of Craig’s mother.
This year’s host, Electronic Theater Controls (ETC), is a global entertainment and architectural lighting company dedicated to providing customers with the best and most innovative lighting products, services and solutions.
Help sponsor this event by donating in honor of Bob, Craig and Lea to the SCLS Foundation, 4610 S. Biltmore Lane, Suite 101, Madison, WI, 53718. Invitations will be mailed in early October.
Plain seeks library director
Kraemer Library and Community Center in Plain is accepting applications for a new director. The library has a service population of 2,380, and a 2011 operating budget of $117,000.
The successful candidate must possess outstanding interpersonal skills, demonstrate leadership ability, a strong attention to detail, and have excellent organizational and problem solving skills. Ideal candidates must enjoy developing new programs for area residents of all ages, training and managing staff, marketing the library and its resources, developing partnerships with local schools and other organizations, maintaining the library’s collection and advocating to the municipality and other stakeholders. The ability to develop effective working relationships with the community, library board, staff and patrons is essential. Additional responsibilities include planning, formulating library policies, budgeting and advising the Library Board and Friends of the Library along with computer and technology experience and competency, and supervisory skills. The position is currently 37 hours/week.
Candidates must be eligible for Grade 3 Wisconsin Public Library Certification, requiring 54 semester credits (1/2 in liberal arts) from an accredited college, university, or technical college. The public library management course is required within the first year of employment. Additional library courses and continuing education are required to maintain certification.
For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume and references to: Kraemer Library & Community Center, Hiring Committee, 910 Main St., Plain, WI 53577. A job description may be obtained at the Kraemer Library or by contacting the library at (608) 546-4201. The application deadline is Sept. 30, 2011.
Baraboo seeks circulation supervisor
Baraboo Public Library is currently seeking a full-time (40 hours per week) Circulation Supervisor. The successful candidate will supervise and manage all aspects of Adult Department circulation and staff. The work schedule will include some nights and weekends, and a Bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
A complete position description is available at www.baraboopubliclibrary.org/Jobs.html. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Baraboo Public Library, Attn: Nathan Rybarczyk, 230 4th Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913. Application materials will be accepted until Friday Oct. 7, 2011, at 5 p.m.
Mysterious paper sculptures appear in Scotland libraries
Someone is apparently leaving intricately constructed paper sculptures at some libraries in Edinburgh, Scotland. Always with a note of support for libraries and the valuable work librarians do, the article has photos of some pretty amazing work.
Thanks to Dennis Reynolds at Madison Public Library for sharing this story.
ALA files comments on library broadband
In its continued advocacy for greater library broadband connectivity, last week the American Library Association (ALA) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on this issue. The ALA used its latest survey data to show that 60 percent of libraries now have broadband connections greater than 1.5Mbps. This was true for only 29 percent of libraries in 2005. But while progress has been made, it is tempered by other revealing statistics:
- In 2005: 53.5 percent of libraries reported their bandwidth was sufficient.
- In 2010: 54.6 percent of libraries reported their bandwidth was sufficient.
Therefore, while bandwidth increased from 2005-210, the number of libraries reporting that their bandwidth -- regardless of speed -- is sufficient to meet staff and patron needs has shown almost no improvement. Programs like E-rate have been instrumental in helping address library broadband needs but obviously more work needs to be done. ALA has requested that the FCC, as it undertakes various other broadband initiatives, make libraries a key part of these initiatives.
Bob Bocher of the Department of Public Instruction’s Public Library Development Team co-authored the ALA’s comments, a complete version of which can be found at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=7021707461.
--from Channel Weekly (Vol. 14, No. 3 – Sept. 15, 2011)