An opportunity for individuals and teams to improve the system by building their own hack for prizes and bragging rights!
Open to individuals and teams working on a hack for either Polaris or Sierra. The hack can solve any problem. Hackers will have 24 hours to design and build their hack and a presentation explaining the problem being solved as well as the solution. Resources will be available during the pre-conference day to assist.
Presentations of the hacks will be made and awards given out during a happy hour at the end of Day One of the conference.
- Your library has been using Polaris for years. - You are the new Polaris administrator. - You've always done it this way, but what were the other ways you could do it? - All of the above!
The Polaris Academy offers a day long refresher course focused on 3 key areas of Polaris administration and use:
1. Technical Services Workflows 2. System Administration 3. Understanding and using the Polaris API (PAPI)
- Your library has been using Sierra for years. - You are the new Sierra administrator. - You've always done it this way, but what were the other ways you could do it? - All of the above!
The Sierra Academy offers a day long refresher course focused on 3 key areas of Sierra administration and use:
1. Technical Services Workflows 2. System Administration 3. Understanding and using the Sierra API (SAPI)
The library's website is a critical expression of the library's brand and a powerful influence on a patron's perception of the library. Exploring contemporary design features, organization, and technologies, this workshop will cover best practices for delivering a unified, consistent design experience sitewide. We'll also cover strategies for updating and adding fresh content with minimal effort.
Special focus will be given to accessibility and responsiveness. What it means. What to do and not to do. And how to plan for it.
Finally, it will include a detailed look at Vega WebBuilder and how the best practices and accessible/responsive design elements can be readily incorporated with WebBuilder.
This workshop is suitable for any library, no matter what website platform or tools they use.
With the Introduction of Vega Library Experience (LX) and its first module Vega Discover over 4 years ago, we have continued to roll out additional Vega LX modules and exciting new features for existing modules. The Vega LX Academy will review those modules currently available, and the setup and configuration of advanced features such as the Discover Homepage, Kids and Themed catalogs, integration features between Vega LX modules and much more.
This is a great opportunity to review and refresh your knowledge so that you can fine tune and super charge your Vega LX implementation!
Being able to properly use Simply Reports and identifying errors in the catalog that can be corrected as a bulk change go hand in hand. This pre-conference will be a combination of two topics in one session. The first half of the session will introduce technical services staff to how Simply Reports functions, how to use it to gather department statistics, and how to use it to identify errors in the catalog. The second half of the session will introduce attendees to Leap's record set capabilities, including searching for record sets, creating record sets, and bulk changing records to correct the errors that were identified using Simply Reports. Attendees will be provided with worksheets with exercises to practice using Simply Reports and Leap. Attendees will need to bring a laptop computer and have access to both Simply Reports and Leap.
The Opening Session will include: Welcome and IUG Business Meeting lead by Jeff Campbell Innovative executive keynote providing an overall company, community and high-level product update Rapido Consortial Borrowing Launch Customer Spotlight Awards
Are you a Michigan library interested in ongoing conversations about Clarivate products with peers? If so, join us as we continue our annual program at the Innovative Users Group (IUG) Conference! The Southeast Michigan IUG (SeMI-IUG) chapter, launched after IUG 2023, has been growing, and we're excited to invite more libraries to join our quarterly or biannual discussions. This session will provide updates on our progress and opportunities for you to get involved. Whether you're from Michigan or a neighboring state, we welcome you to connect with us and help shape our vibrant library community!
Join us for happy hour, and watch the hackers from the IUG Hackathon present their ideas alongside Lightning Round presentations. An esteemed panel of judges will award gold, silver and bronze to the top hacks!
Lightning Rounds include: LibData: A True OS-Agnostic Patron Device Management Solution by Derek Brown Using Fail2Ban Works to Protect Services on Linux Server from AI Harvesters by Jeff Campbell Sierra Inventory, without using Circa by Tammy Poquette
Lightning Rounds will be held in a combined session with the Hackathon Presentations.
Join the Rochester Hills Public Library as we share our experience transitioning from Microsoft-driven patron and print management to a more flexible, OS-agnostic solution. In this session, we'll walk through our multi-phase strategy to move away from Microsoft-controlled services and servers, and how we evaluated a range of possibilities for time management, public printing, and device management. Our solution: LibData.
LibData offers an easy deployment process across Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS environments, whether managing devices on-premises or handling a large collection of loanable devices. Attendees will learn how to enroll and deploy Chromebook devices in minutes using secure PAPI/Innovative API account lookups.
Additionally, we'll demonstrate integrations with services like OnlyOffice for Chrome OS, ITC GoPrint for seamless print management, and iBoss web filtering to enhance security on loaned devices. Whether you're exploring alternatives for managing public-use devices or seeking a fully cloud-based management solution, this session will offer practical insights into how we leveraged LibData to meet our library's evolving needs.
Lightning Rounds will be held in a combined session with the Hackathon Presentations.
The lightning round will discuss the impact of AI bots harvesting our digital collections, the policy the library came up with to deal with AI bots, and how we are using Fail2Ban to protect library services.
Lightning Rounds will be held in a combined session with the Hackathon Presentations.
You can conduct an inventory in Sierra without needing to use Circa. We have members on two different Sierra servers. One group has access to Circa, but the other group never purchased it, so they do not have access to it. Additionally, some libraries prefer not to bring a laptop into the stacks to scan barcodes and be mindful of the sounds and interruptions that can occur when using Circa.
You can do an inventory by using a few tools available in Sierra. I will show you the process using Create Lists, Global Update, and Rapid Update.
- Libraries use Notepad to scan the barcodes of their books. They either send us the file or load it themselves. Library members or Marmot staff use the Import Barcodes feature in Create Lists. - The review file is viewed using Global Update to display the location and inventory dates. - Rapid update is used to add the inventory date. - Global Update is used to verify the inventory date. - Create List is used to create a query that searches for items from a specific location without an inventory date. - The library staff will use the review file to find the missing items. Any items found will have the inventory date added. Any items not found will be marked as missing and reviewed for replacement.
Grounded in the teachings of John Pierre’s The Pillars of Health, this class emphasizes the integration of balance, coordination, and skill-building to enhance stability and prevent falls. Drawing on his holistic philosophy, participants will engage in mindful and fun movements designed to strengthen their foundation for lifelong wellness.
Through dynamic exercises that challenge the body and engage the mind, this class will help improve posture, increase core strength, and develop agility. Participants will also explore strategies to counter the sedentary effects of modern lifestyles, with an emphasis on maintaining an active and joyful approach to movement. Perfect for all skill levels, this class fosters a supportive environment where physical confidence and safety are prioritized. Join us to discover how movement can transform your life and support the foundation for vibrant health and well-being that John Pierre inspires.
About the Instructor: John Pierre has captivated and entertained audiences around the world. With a fascinating blend of science, humor, and practicality John Pierre offers life-changing strategies in an easy to understand method. A pioneer in the brain building field for the elderly, John Pierre created the first brain-building programs utilizing a plant-based diet and nutraceuticals over 25 years ago. With more than 35 years of experience in the nutrition and fitness field, John Pierre has developed cutting edge programs with a blend of science and ancient modalities. John has authored two books, along with cooking DVDs, exercise videos, and numerous online programs. His heart of service is a nonprofit called Living With Harmony that works to heal, inspire, and transform the lives of people, animals, and the planet, through the education of “PLANET-Based Living.”
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.
In 2011, 4 consortia in central and southern Illinois said, 'Go Big or Go Home,' and became the Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS), out of which the SHARE (Sharing Heartlands Available Resouces Equally) Consortium was born.
SHARE is the largest automated consortium in North America, and we will pull back the curtain on day-to-day operations with over 360 members at 480 locations.
During this presentation, attendees will get an inside look at SHARE's day-to-day operations, including insights into System Administration, Bibliographic Services, and custom in-house IT developments. These innovations enable efficient management of such a large network while preserving each library's individuality and autonomy.
SHARE and IHLS staff will be available to answer questions and provide demonstrations of additional software we utilize.
Like death and taxes, weeding library collections is an inevitability. Determining the who, what, how, and why of weeding can be complex and time consuming, not to mention what to do with all the discarded materials! In this session, our panelists will cover everything from the nitty gritty of gathering collection data for weeding lists to planning large scale weeding projects for collections in desperate need of clean-up. We will discuss the dynamics of combining data with collection knowledge to create consistent weeding workflows. And, of course how to deal with that one librarian who does not want to weed their beloved books.
When you work with Polaris, have you faced some challenges that the clients cannot help? For example: An item's material type does not match collection code, where is it? Are there patrons that are over 85 years old and have at least one long term overdue? Are there patrons that are over 85 years old and are inactive for more than 3 years? Can I have a list about my collections that each item's circulation count of lifetime are 5 or less? Are there any patrons that are over 18 years old but the patron code is still juvenile? How may I know that some of the items on a specific shelf are not inventoried? How many bibliographic records that have the coding of pre-publication? How many bibliographic records that the target audience is absent? May I know how many items my department ordered, and how much money has been encumbered? During any period of a year? May I know how many items we ordered are received, paid, or cancelled? During any period of a year? If you have the similar questions but have no answers, welcome to join in this presentation! You will also learn how to be able to create successful reports through SimplyReports. Plus what specific needs cannot be done by SimplyReports but Polaris Support Team can help.
This session is for new circulation supervisors or parameters administrators in need of a refresher. We will cover loan rules, circulation tables, and circulation system options.
This session will explore how libraries are transforming the out-of-the-box experience of Vega Discover by leveraging its flexibility for deep customization. Presenters will showcase how they've modified Vega Discover Premium to enhance patron engagement and create more user-friendly interfaces.
Attendees will learn about specific customization techniques, including the use of header and footer code injections, homepage edits that streamline communication with patrons, and standalone children's kiosks featuring heavily customized catalog homepages deployed through Google Kiosks. These real-world examples will demonstrate how libraries can move beyond default settings to deliver a more personalized experience.
By highlighting these varied approaches, these presentations will provide practical insights into how libraries can tailor Vega to meet their specific needs and improve the patron experience.
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.
Creating and automating reports is an effective way to gather data, distribute weeding lists, and any other task that you may find yourself performing regularly. Go beyond basic scheduled reports in SimplyReports and take them to the next level with Excel. In this session I'll show you:
1) How I've taken advantage of advanced publishing to schedule weeding lists for branches 2) How to work with regularly scheduled reports in Excel 3) Tools I've created using a combination of scheduled reports and Excel 4) Examples of formulas I use to help manage our collections.
When a new city-wide website was rolled out, the classic catalog DNS of library.mountainview.gov was requested to be the new library website URL. Learn how Sierra was updated to a new domain name, including updating 3rd-party software configurations, WebOptions, and numerous Sierra html files. Gain an understanding of the work that was completed inhouse and how Innovative contributed to the project. While we prepared and updated the links deemed necessary, there were surprises when the new website went live. Join me and learn how to successfully update your domain name.
LX Starter is a new interface for designing the output of patron email notices. See what the emails can look like, learn the contributing components including AI elements, and review the administration interface and analytics.
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.
All tech services staff are invited to join in a discussion of anything and everything related to cataloging and acquisitions in Polaris! Our conversation will guide the forum so please bring all your burning questions and conundrums. Potential topics include cataloging for Vega, developments in the cataloging and acquisitions modules in LEAP, and API acquisitions.
Catalogers, tech services staff/managers, ILS administrators and the cataloging curious: here is your chance to ask questions about cataloging with Sierra and learn from your colleagues. Tips, tricks, hacks, problems, questions, and ideas are all welcome! This forum will also feature a discussion of the new load profile editor.
Dive into SQL with Our Beginner’s Guide! Discover the essentials of SQL, explore the Sierra database structure, access key documentation, and learn a basic query.
Join this session to learn all you need to know to create a Vega Discover kids catalog or a special collections site, including home page configurations.
If you’ve ever broken into a cold sweat when asked to “take a quick look” at a MARC record, this session is for you. We’ll help you navigate the mysterious world of tags, subfields, and the dreaded fixed fields (which are definitely more fixed than you’d like).
We’ll break down the essentials of cataloging in a way that makes sense for ILS System Administrators, covering key concepts like metadata standards, record maintenance, and how your choices in the Polaris ILS can make or break discoverability.
By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for cataloging, and the confidence to help tackle cataloging issues without fear, and maybe even find yourself a new favorite MARC tag.
Join us for an engaging forum dedicated to addressing the current challenges and innovations in library circulation. This platform is designed for librarians to share insights, strategies, and best practices in managing circulation processes and policies, tackling issues such as inventory management, patron engagement, and the integration of new technologies. Whether you're facing challenges with overdue materials, exploring digital lending options, or seeking ways to enhance user experience, this forum provides a collaborative space for discussion and problem-solving. Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from your peers to enhance circulation services in your library.
Do you find yourself running the same reports for staff? Are you tired of running stats every month? Do you cringe every time you find an item with the wrong location code? Has the number of items marked missing gotten out of hand at your library? Many of these tasks can be automated on a regular schedule using Python, SQL and Task Scheduler. Emails with spreadsheets containing record data are sent to designated staff without you ever having to run another list again. Get ideas for scripts and timelines that can clean up errors, streamline your stats and accelerate your weeding.
This session is all about fiscal years and funds. From setting up your hierarchy to getting your reports. How to manage your funds and feel confident doing your fiscal year roll over.
Come commiserate with your colleagues on Sierra circulation issues. Are you implementing a new notification system like LX Starter or IPA? Changing a loan rule? Adding a new item type? Going fine free? Do you need a little help? Learn from others who have been through these things & more. With III staff on hand, we will also get a brief look at what's ahead for Sierra Circulation functionality in upcoming releases.
Deep dive on the integrations available for Vega Discover, spanning content, home page configurations, enrichment, Vega Program, and possibilities for custom header. Bring your questions and ideas!
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 .
We're not going to lie to you: An ILS migration is messy, complicated, and rarely goes according to plan. Maybe the databases are incompatible. Maybe one ILS is Linux based and the other runs on Windows Server. MARC is a standard format until you try and move it between two different ILS products. Don't forget about staff training and those who will tell you that you can pry the old ILS out of their cold, dead hands. Join us for a panel and forum discussion about ILS migrations that can help you prepare for the pitfalls and navigate the insanity. Carrie Gehrer, Wes Osborn, and Daniel Messer have migrated multiple ILS systems over to Polaris including Polaris to Polaris migrations, which you might think are easier. (Spoiler alert: They're not.) So bring your questions, concerns, and comments and, at the very least, we'll commiserate on the process while trying to help you out. Even if you're not migrating to Polaris, we can likely help you along on your journey.
Come see how System Admin is moving from the client into a web-based interface. Not everything is accessible yet, but this is where system admin is moving.
Join this session for a fresh overview of Vega Program and tips to customize the experience to meet the needs of an individual library or a consortium. The Saint Louis County Public Library System (SLCL) will share the features they use to manage complex workflows and provide best practices from their implementation. SLCL is a vital community resource serving the residents of St. Louis County, Missouri. As the busiest public library in the state, SLCL circulated over 11 million items in 2023 across its 20 branches, including the main Headquarters branch located in Ladue. SLCL participation to be confirmed.
Whether you’re aiming to boost your open rates or attract more visitors to your library( both physical and online) this session will provide you with the essential tools and insights to elevate your email marketing game using Vega Promote.
Creating effective training for public library staff requires a process that's both data-informed and adaptable. Cooperative Computer Service's (CCS) quarterly evaluation model uses feedback and data from select sources to identify and prioritize training topics for our public library consortium. This session will explore our streamlined approach to gathering and analyzing input, turning staff needs into actionable training plans. We'll discuss our methods for balancing quantitative survey data with qualitative insights, and how we leverage these findings to develop relevant, timely training initiatives.
Attendees will gain practical strategies for building responsive training programs. Join us to discover ways to create a training model that stays in tune with staff and organizational goals.
Andrew McDonald is the lead software developer at SILS. He will explain why SILS chose custom software solutions for its member library websites and consortial mobile apps. This choice comes with clear benefits, but also tradeoffs and risks which will be outline throughout the presentation.
Library staff are expected to manage large collections with little insight into actual use. How do you quickly decide what to remove, what to replace and how to budget? Rochester Hills uses libraryIQ to enhance their adult and teen collection through a variety of Discover tools that are created to ease the burden of decision making while highlighting gaps in the collection. Aurora Public Library uses libraryIQ to quickly and efficiently run weeding lists, transforming hours of work into a few clicks. Learn about the tool and the strategies that led to their success. Note: Co-presenters Jaylyn McCoy from Aurora Public Library and Sara Roberts from LibraryIQ
Nestled within the structure of the Polaris database there is an unassuming folder that may confound and confuse someone new to Polaris SQL. The Polaris views can be a strange place, with some oddities built right into the code. But this folder is of fantastic tools that can help make your life easier whenever you find yourself writing a query. We'll dive deep into these views and discover what they do, how they can help you, and how (and why) you can make your own.
This presentation is aimed at beginning and intermediate Polaris SQL users, but everyone is welcome!
An open discussion of the many reporting tools that are a part of Sierra. Do you have questions (or expertise to share) on Create Lists, Web Management Reports, SQL, Decision Center, Statistics, interesting Excel hacks, or anything else related to reporting? Then this is the session for you.
As a new Sierra Integrated Library System (ILS) administrator, stepping into this role can be both exciting and overwhelming. There's a vast amount of information to absorb, a complex system to navigate, and the pressure to become proficient quickly. In this presentation, I'll share my experiences and practical strategies to help other new administrators not only manage but thrive in this role. The focus will be on how to approach learning Sierra, how to leverage personal strengths, and the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey.
1. Digesting and Applying the Vast Amount of Information on Sierra ILS: Sierra ILS is a powerful system with extensive functionalities, which can be daunting for new administrators. The sheer volume of material to learn, ranging from circulation and cataloging to reporting and system configuration, can easily feel overwhelming. In this section, I will outline strategies for breaking down and prioritizing the learning process. I'll share methods for identifying key areas to focus on first and how to use Sierra's documentation, community forums, and training resources efficiently. Attendees will walk away with practical tips for managing the learning curve without feeling overloaded.
2. Leveraging Your Strengths (Even if They're Not Specific to ILS Administration): One of the best ways to succeed as a new administrator is to harness the strengths you already possess. Whether you have a background in librarianship, project management, customer service, IT, or even something seemingly unrelated, these skills can be extremely valuable when applied to ILS administration. This section will discuss how to integrate your unique talents into your role as a Sierra administrator. For example, strong organizational skills can help manage system updates and documentation, while technical troubleshooting experience can accelerate problem-solving. I will offer examples of how different skill sets can be applied creatively to make managing Sierra more approachable and efficient.
3. Embracing Mistakes as a Learning Tool: Mistakes are inevitable when managing a complex system like Sierra, especially as a new administrator. In this part of the presentation, I'll talk about how making mistakes is not only expected but can be an invaluable learning tool. I'll share examples of mistakes I made early on and how they ultimately led to deeper understanding and improved system management. We'll explore how to create a mindset that views errors as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks, and I'll provide tips for bouncing back quickly after missteps. This section will also cover how to document lessons learned from mistakes to avoid repeating them and to help others on your team.
By the end of the presentation, participants will gain confidence in their ability to navigate the steep learning curve of Sierra ILS administration. They'll walk away with actionable strategies for managing the breadth of information, ways to leverage their strengths, and the mindset needed to turn mistakes into valuable learning experiences. Whether you're new to the role, training a new ILS administrator, or looking for ways to optimize your approach, this session will offer practical advice to help you succeed.
Administering an ILS at a library of any size can be a challenge, especially in situations which require communication across multiple departments and branches which do not often cross paths. This session will explore how Allen County Public Library (ACPL) ILS administrators have built a more cohesive work environment through the utilization of collaborative software tools including Office 365, FreshService, and others. Using these tools, the ACPL has improved communications and workflows related to:
--Moderated and collaborative communication platforms
--Project management
--Incident management
--And more!
Representing the ACPL ILS administrative team, Nathaniel Burnard and Matthew Etzel collectively have over 40 years of library experience across a variety of positions in libraries large and small. They currently share in leading a team which administers the ACPL collection of over 3 million item records and 200,000 patron records across 14 branches, which circulates over 5 million items annually.
Write Better SQL The second 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. This session will resume wherever the first session ended. As time permits, additional topics will include: Creating and using temp tables; understanding and using window functions; writing performant SQL. 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.
Cybersecurity isn't just a technology concern; it's a collective responsibility. Regardless of the size of your library, your role, or technical prowess, if you're connected, you're affected. While technical solutions are critical, they're only as strong as the people who use them. Staff training and awareness are crucial components in safeguarding library data and preventing breaches.
In this session, we will focus on the pivotal role library staff play in cybersecurity. You'll learn about the most common risks to users and how to recognize and mitigate them. Whether you're front-line staff or in a leadership position, this presentation will offer practical strategies to help you foster a security-conscious culture across your entire organization.
Whether you have a dedicated IT department or not, you'll leave with actionable insights on how to make cybersecurity an everyday part of library operations, ensuring both your library and its patrons remain safe from cyber threats.
SILS uses Kibana to present Polaris data in a way that's easy to understand, encourages staff engagement, and helps our libraries make informed decisions. This presentation will give an overview of the Kibana tools that bring library data to life with visualizations and dashboards. It will cover why dashboarding has become an integral component of our reporting toolset, why we chose Kibana over alternative products, how we use Elastic with Polaris and other data sources, and the challenges we've encountered along the way.
Denver Public Library had been watching Leap functionality evolve from the sidelines for several years. In 2023, we decided the time was right to jump in and teach hundreds of front line staff at our 26 branch system to swim these new waters. Why not? We were only in the midst of a major reorg and several large-scale building renovations.
Come learn our approach to leveraging circumstances and timing to help Denver Public Library Leap forward.
Messy metadata. We've all got it. (In fact, if you don't, please come to this session and tell us how you reached that pinnacle of perfection!) In this panel, cataloging and metadata enthusiasts will discuss how we clean-up and maintain our Polaris database through monthly tasks, SQL searches, and even soliciting help outside of tech services. We'll discuss how to plan, prepare and tackle bigger projects like changing the classification of an entire collection or subject heading changes. And, of course, how to do it all while the librarians keep ordering and the materials keep arriving. Panelists will include members from hosted and unhosted sites, as well as consortia and stand-alone libraries.
Whether you're a systems administrator leading a team or a lone librarian in multiple roles, the steps to create effective cybersecurity are available to you. Using ISO27001 as the underlying framework and emphasizing a proactive, 20/80 approach (20% effort for 80% results), this session will cover the fundamental knowledge for ensuring a more secure IT environment.
We will begin with a discussion of recent library ransomware attacks starting with the biggest: the London Public Library. What happened? How did the attacker get in? Exactly what systems were compromised and what could have been done to prevent it?
This will pivot to a more general topic: what does it mean to be hacked? What is access? This will lead to the first action point: the principle of least access. Least access means that all users only get the access they need to do specific tasks, i.e. administrator access should only be provided in a limited way. Had this been followed by the IT staff at the London Public Library, the attack would not have occurred.
From here the discussion will move to the ways in which Identity and access can be stolen and how that can be prevented. What does it mean to have your identity stolen? How does this happen and how do malicious actors obtain stolen identities? I'll talk briefly about the dark web only to make participants aware that large packages of stolen identities can be bought and sold. Knowing this make it easier to recognize common patterns of attacks (such as FIRSTNAME+LASTNAME+NUMBER@GMAIL.com as the sender in email).
By introducing this concept to participants, what I'm trying to point out is that most hacks occur through staff. Most of those are phishing attacks. What is phishing? I'll then point out a few basic phishing attacks--the generic one ('phishing') and the targeted ('whaling'). So, how can you prevent phishing? I'll introduce a few methods and provide supporting documentation: regular staff awareness training and emails, and anti-phishing plugins for email clients.
After this, I will briefly discuss password security. I'll bring up the recent revision to NIST 800-63-3B which attempts to wrangle many of the myths about password security by providing best practices. I'll also mention other practices such as using unique passwords for each service and secure, free ways to store passwords. I'll also introduce a few password generators such as Last Pass.
The remaining portion of the session will discuss more higher-level activities beginning with Data Security. What is data security? What is a good backup? How often does one take backups? And of what? I'll bring up the usefulness of Amazon S3 for this purpose, since it is effective and cheap but will provide other cloud solutions they may already have access to.
To begin a Data Security program, participants will need to conduct an Audit. Because there is so much data, it's important to sit down with various stakeholders in your institution and find out what data is truly essential to their activities. I'll show a simple worksheet to help manage this discussion with stakeholders and help rank which data and services are essential. I will also give participants a very simple email template they can send to their vendors to ask them what steps are being taken to secure their data. These responses from vendors can be used to fill in the worksheet.
The last topic is the Disaster Response planning meeting: a simple sitdown meeting with various stakeholders to discuss possible responses. I will use the worksheet from the previous section to show how participants can guide this discussion and get a useful outcome.
Have you been given cataloging duties? Not sure where to start? Does reading the rules feel like a Choose Your Own Adventure? This practical session (with a touch of theory) will cover the basic building blocks of cataloging and should leave you feeling more confident and ready to catalog!
This presentation aims to share training strategies to make SQL Searching in the Find Tool more accessible for more library staff. In-house training on this powerful Polaris tool can be engaging and helpful. However, several pitfalls often seem to plague 101 Trainings: not directed at front line staff, don't reduce the intimidation associated with 'coding,' or struggle to convey how it can be useful. Our library held a session on Find Tool SQL for our annual Staff Education Day, which is transitioning to regularly available training due to staff interest. These trainings, along with redesigning our circ training modules, have provided insight into more effectively introducing complex information to a wide staff audience.
Come join us as we discuss all things Polaris Consortia related! Let's discuss strategies on managing multiple libraries using Polaris, overcoming technical challenges, managing staff workflows/permissions, fostering collaboration among member institutions, governance; or whatever you want to bring up! The forum is focused specifically on Consortia using Polaris so discussion may veer into challenges unique to Polaris, but all are welcome!
Marmot implemented PINs last year as a response to many network/data breaches reported worldwide in the last few years. This presentation will look at the implementation of PINs in the current security climate and the steps we took to ensure that PINs would be as secure as possible.
We are a consortium of 30 libraries on two Sierra servers. This makes managing Scheduler very difficult, particularly because of the limits of the Scheduler UI. This presentation will cover the processes I have developed to keep track of what is happening in Scheduler. I keep a full history of Scheduler activity in a spreadsheet, and I have calendars of what is happening when. This allows me to avoid problems in the future and do a better job of learning what happened if something goes wrong.
This presentation will explore strategies to help staff navigate continuous change. It will also showcase innovative approaches to adapting workflows when faced with limited staffing. There will be time at the end to share ideas about what has worked or not worked for your library and staff.
Dive into SQL with Our Beginner’s Guide! Discover the essentials of SQL, explore the Polaris database structure, access key documentation, and learn a basic query.
You know Sierra and have your API key: now what? Join Ray and Jeremy as they showcase real-world projects you can implement right away at your library. Learn how to harvest and export large data sets, perform batch updates that Global Update can't handle, and streamline your workflows. This session is beginner-friendly and will walk you step by step through tapping into Sierra's REST APIs with Python.
Follow up to optional pre-conference session on web design trends and how Vega products support your library's web design and marketing efforts to keep pace.
Are you seeking answers? Looking for advice? Are you a new Polaris ILS administrator or someone who's seen Polaris SA so many times you no longer get lost flipping through menus? Either way, you're always welcome at the Polaris System Administration Forum! We'll dive into all the complexity and simplicity of managing, operating, and dealing with the Polaris system. From WebAdmin to SQL, we'll help you any way we can!
The Sierra Systems Administration Forum at IUG 2025 provides a collaborative space for Sierra Systems administrators to connect, share best practices, and discuss key challenges and solutions. This forum is an opportunity to network with peers, exchange insights, and ideas to deepen your understanding of managing Sierra.
