Write Better SQL The first of a 2-presentation series delivered over two successive days. The goal is to be largely product-agnostic and to focus more on common concepts without deep dives into the database structure of either product. As these sessions are geared toward those already using Sierra/Polaris SQL, no session time will be devoted to getting connected to a database and writing basic queries. Topics will include: Understanding the different types of joins; common uses of unions; common table expressions (CTEs); adopting a consistent style for readability; producing Excel-friendly output. Audience members are encouraged to chime in at any time to round out the presentation with input from multiple perspectives. Likewise, questions will be encouraged throughout, including on tangential database topics. I will be working with one or more Polaris SQL experts to develop examples for the Polaris attendees.
Library data security is more important than ever. This session will explore practical strategies to protect patron information and comply with privacy regulations. Attendees will gain insights into potential threats, including phishing attacks and financial motives behind cybercrimes, and learn how to strengthen security without overwhelming staff with technical complexity.
The presentation will cover key security guidelines, emphasizing the importance of email vigilance, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and smart password management. Attendees will also discover technical measures such as vendor credential management, anti-malware tools, and secure backup strategies to safeguard critical systems.
Libraries are standing at multiple intersections of change where the roads extend not only into different directions, but different dimensions. AI isn't going away and it's coming for your library, whether you like it or not. Indeed, 'whether you like it or not' is the mantra of AI development and innovation. There are questions about the legalities of licensing vs ownership, the foundations of copyright, and the ownership of the past. Let's take a look at the landscape of Electric Libraryland, from traditional libraries to the underground. What happened, what's happening, and what might happen tomorrow? And what might you need to know when tomorrow becomes today?
Come and learn more about the MEEP process. We will discuss the life of an idea and how it gets submitted to then get voted on for enhancement. We will also cover how to get involved and answer any questions you have about the process.
With ransomware and cyber attacks on the rise, a review of how Clarivate handles system security. It includes a look at the security built into our software, the security of our hosting services, and how we review security with third-party partners.
I will go over the various disasters that have affected my library system since 2017 (Hurricane Irma (2017), an county-wide cyberattack (2019), Covid (2020), Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Milton (2024)) and what we did before, during, and after to try and lessen the negative impacts on our users. Then it will be opened up to the attendees to share similar experiences, make suggestions, and ask questions. Although I will discuss actions that were done with our ILS (Polaris), I will also talk about what was done with other vendors (i.e. OverDrive) and other general actions (i.e. cyber security training implementation), so it's more of a General forum than necessarily Polaris-specific.
Minuteman Library Network (MLN) went live with libraryIQ in 2024. MLN is a particularly tough customer, posing plenty of challenges to both parties. MLN does not prefer to provide direct access to the server, and IQ wasn’t exactly sure what to make of 7,000+ collection codes which led to misinterpreted data on both sides. But thanks to a highly collaborative partnership we were able to work through all conflicts and had a successful launch. Come and learn how a library and vendor both approach the onboarding process and can work together to ensure that the ongoing needs of both parties are met. Co-presented with Sara Roberts and Cori Iannaggi of libraryIQ .
