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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
