January 2018 - Michlib-l

Results from Patron Card vs Barcode Change Inquiry
by Laura Orlowski 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Hi all; Thank you to everyone who responded to my questions about Plastic Patron Cards and changing barcodes. Here are the results of my inquiry. Thanks again! -Laura Orlowski, director Camden Twp. Library *Plastic Library Cards vs. Barcode Changes Results* *Albion District Library* We use Vanguard ID Systems (http://www.vanguardid.com/ <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguar…>) for our library cards. We just purchased about 1,500 of them - full-size plastic, reinforced, with a keychain that matches it. They came in very inexpensively (about $0.50/each plus set-up and shipping). With our system (Apollo), it's as easy as just scanning or typing over it in the system. If they have outstanding holds in OverDrive, you just have to be careful. Their existing holds are linked to their current barcode number. *Dorothy Hull Library* We switched from paper to plastic last year. We found The Library Store to be significantly cheaper than other vendors we looked at. We also did NOT go with key tags, even though we initially planned to. Most of our patrons did not want them. That worked for us as well because we again saved money. We used one of their stock designs and it was all pretty painless. We did not have your barcode issues as ours were the standard number of digits. *Willard Library* If you are interested, here at Willard Library we wrote our own Library card software that uses a webcam at each circulation station to get a mug shot and we print them out on inexpensive card printers. No need to have them pre-printed, we just buy blank cards. If you are interested I would be happy to demo it for you. *Shiawassee District Library - Owosso* We haven't switched to plastic cards, but we are gradually switching from a 5 digit barcode to a 13 digit with a check digit (14 digits in all). Our circ system can handle both so we are not replacing old cards, just issuing the new barcodes for new cards. There haven't been any problems with Overdrive and MeL both work with the new circ system without the patrons being aware of it. However, in spite of plenty of publicity, 2 years later we still have patrons who can't figure out why they can't log into Overdrive as they no longer need to add a prefix to their card numbers. Card numbers are also harder to memorize which some patrons dislike. We started all the 13 digit barcodes with a 2 which we were told is standard. The rest of the numbers are up to you. We chose the number of our zv code plus a 9 so numbers look like 22559000xxxxx plus the computer generated check digit. The xxxxx part of the number is issued sequentially so the zeros will also be added numbers if and when we need them. *Franklin Public Library* We are the smallest library in The Library Network co-op. We recently joined RBdigital and realized that all of our barcodes that we had been ordering through TLN (as we do our plastic library cards) were not going to be compatible with RBdigital. We did not need to buy new cards but we did need the new barcodes which we just purchased through Demco. I did have to work closely with TLN to make sure we had the correct format. We have been using the new barcodes for all new cards we give out and if anyone wants to access RBdigital they will also need a new barcode for their card. Because our old barcodes are compatible with OverDrive, MelCat and Freegal we didn't need to replace everyone's cards just those people who wanted to access RBdigital and of course every new card we give out. It might be painful to switch all of your patrons over but I would think it would be much easier to have one barcode that can access all of your services and that you can now offer to new card holders that you sign up. *Detroit Area Library Network* In the past I was at a library that had to redo all barcodes from scratch. In general, I always recommend moving to a standard barcode. That helps to make sure your codes will work in multiple and various systems. Usually codabar 14 digits, last digit a check sum, is what we have used. I have recommended Watson Label Products http://wlp.com/ <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwlp.com%2F&…>. They can do the plastic cards and key tags as well as convert or give you barcode ranges. *North Adams Community Memorial Library* We did it. Our new cards came last March. I went with RACO Industries. That's where we got our receipt printer, wand and stand and our bar codes. I got twice as many library cards for the money as (I think it was DEMCO) wanted. Every time I thought we were ready to order with this other company, they had another question for me. And I couldn't get answers from them to my questions. They always had to go consult someone else. Their last question to me was something that I had to ask RACO about. RACO was very helpful - answered my question with no fooling around. Then asked if I knew they did borrower cards, too! No, I did not. And at that point I was tired of dealing with the other company. We use the standard 14-digit bar code - the last digit being a check digit. We have a wallet card and a key tag, using our own art work. As patrons come in, I just swap their old card for the new one. I have to change it in our system. Change it in Overdrive Library Card Manager (where you add them initially) and then go to Overdrive MarketPlace and merge their old number with the new one. A few steps, but not bad. You need to upload a new record into MeL. Look up your patron by name in MeL, make sure the new one is there and that there is nothing current on the old one, then delete the old one. Not a big deal if you can keep them from using the old number. There were a couple of people that I had to put stops on the old number to get them to stop using it. One thing I just discovered is that I forgot that Transparent Language and ComicsPlus and RBDigital had to know how many digits, and the digits your numbers begin with (just got that taken care of). *T.A. Cutler Memorial Library* We faced this situation before we went live on Overdrive and RBDigital last year. We had alphanumeric barcodes that included a space, which resulted in coding issues every time we tried to integrate via SIP2 with any electronic resources, including MeLCat when we went live with NCIP enhancements and Freading when we added ebooks for the first time. So we switched to 14-digit barcodes early last year. We're still implementing the changeover. As someone brings in an old card we update their registration record and issue a new card with new number. We contacted MeLCat before we initiated the changeover and Freading after. We also let Overdrive and RBDigital know they should only accept patron accounts that match the new format, in order to encourage active patrons to bring in their card for a replacement and to make sure no one fell through the cracks. We didn't need to purchase the plastic cards, because our previous stock were blank and we place a barcode sticker on the card and a matching digit sticker on the registration card (Data2 is the source of our two-part barcode stickers). It has been approximately 10 months since we initiated the changeover. We can tell at a glance whether an account has been updated yet and we only update accounts as needed (as with any library, we have many inactive accounts and I saw no reason to renumber all of them). I think we've updated approximately 850-1000 accounts in the 10-month period whereas our patron file (active and inactive) contains about 4500 records. I would totally do it again. There hasn't been a great deal of labor involved, there has been very little pushback from our patrons (some aren't so keen on entering 14 digits where they previously only needed to enter 6, but they accept the trade-off with increased digital access), the cost was under $1000, and the headaches associated with SIP2 are gone. *Milan Public Library* We use vanguard for the plastic cards, with the key card and a little barcode tail that we put on their application. When we switched to Vanguard, years ago, they handled the barcode changing but I barely remember that. This one card does melcat, our system and overdrive. We don't have the RBD thingy. Our automation system is Autographics/Verso.

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Electronic Signatures
by Myla Stuart 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Hello all! Does any library use an electronic signature software for registration forms? We are looking to eliminate tons of excess paperwork by finding a system that would upload and store such documents. Thanks in advance for any advice. -- *Myla-Jean Stuart, Director* Comstock Township Library 6130 King Highway PO Box 25 Comstock, Michigan 49041 269-345-0136

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NEWS RELEASE: 38 HISTORY SKILLS WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED FOR 2018 FROM THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MICHIGAN
by HSM Infor 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Historical Society of Michigan 5815 Executive Dr. Lansing, MI 48911 Contact: Nancy Feldbush (517) 324-1828 <mailto:feldbush@hsmichigan.org> feldbush(a)hsmichigan.org For Immediate Release 38 History Skills Workshops announced for 2018 from the Historical Society of Michigan Lansing, Mich.-Thirty-eight History Skills Workshops have been slated for 2018-the largest offering to date-from the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM). These training opportunities help historical organizations and interested history advocates gain skills that can be applied in museums, organizations, and personal collections. Eighteen of the workshops will take place at HSM's Meijer Education Center in Lansing, which also allows for remote access, and 20 workshops will be offered in cities throughout Michigan in conjunction with HSM's Michigan History AllianceT meetings. <http://hsmichigan.org/programs/workshops/> See the full descriptions or register online. The lineup, with full descriptions of each workshop, is listed on the Society's website at hsmichigan.org. For personal members of HSM or up to two representatives of an organization that itself is a member of the Society, registration is $39 each person. Registration for nonmembers is $79 each person and includes a one-year Individual Level 1 membership. Workshops held in Lansing are on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and take place at HSM's Meijer Education Center, 5815 Executive Dr., Lansing, Michigan, 48911. Lansing workshops also allow for remote access through Zoom Video Communications. History Skills Workshops taking place conjointly with the Michigan History Alliance sessions meet from 1 to 4 p.m., but the days and locations vary, and remote access is not available. Attendees are allowed to sign up for a workshop without participating in the morning Alliance meeting. The Michigan History Alliance is a regionalized program that helps HSM member organizations preserve and promote history by fostering collaboration, sharing information and best practices, and providing training for their staff and volunteers. <http://hsmichigan.org/programs/workshops/> See the full descriptions or register online. Twenty-eight of the History Skills Workshops are listed below. The spring schedule of 10 Alliance meetings and workshops has been set and is listed below and on hsmichigan.org. The fall lineup is in the planning stage and will be listed on HSM's website as they are determined. . Fading Photos: How to Identify, Scan, Restore, and Archive Historical Photographs-Friday, February 16, in Lansing . Selling History: Operating a Museum Store-Friday, March 2, in Lansing . The Do's and Don'ts of Successful Grant Writing-Wednesday, March 7, in Coloma . Keeping Cemeteries Alive! Preserving Headstones and Monuments-Friday, March 9, in Lansing . Fading Photos: How to Identify, Scan, Restore, and Archive Historical Photographs-Wednesday, March 14, in Adrian . Fading Photos: How to Identify, Scan, Restore, and Archive Historical Photographs- Tuesday, March 27, in L'Anse . Taming the Chaos: Collections Management for Small Museums-Wednesday, March 28, in Escanaba . What Do We Do With This Stuff? Deaccessioning, Found Items, and Unclaimed Loans-Thursday, March 29, in St. Ignace . Archives 101-Friday, March 30, in Lansing . Archives 101-Wednesday, April 4, in Grand Rapids . Fading Photos: How to Identify, Scan, Restore, and Archive Historical Photographs-Wednesday, April 11, in Northville . Publishing Your History Book-Friday, April 13, in Lansing . Fading Photos: How to Identify, Scan, Restore, and Archive Historical Photographs-Tuesday, April 17, in Leland . If These Bricks Could Talk: Researching Historic Buildings-Wednesday, April 25, in Saginaw . Lights, Camera, Action! Using Videos and Media to Promote Your Organization-Friday, May 4, in Lansing . Trending Now: How Social Media Can Help You-Friday, May 18, in Lansing . Taking Oral Histories One Step Further-Wednesday, May 23, in Lansing . The Fabric of History: Caring for Historic Textiles-Friday, June 1, in Lansing . Exhibits on a Shoestring-Friday, June 15, in Lansing . If These Walls Could Talk: Researching Your Historic House-Friday, July 6, in Lansing . Taming the Chaos: Collections Management for Small Museums-Friday, July 20, in Lansing . Archives 201-Friday, August 3, in Lansing . Suiting Up: First-Person Interpretation-Friday, August 17, in Lansing . Genealogy 201-Friday, September 7, in Lansing . Grades, GLCEs, and the Good Old Days: Becoming an Extension of the Classroom-Friday, October 12, in Lansing . Make the Internet Your Friend: Websites for Historical Organizations-Friday, October 26, in Lansing . Marketing to the Melting Pot: Reaching and Including Diverse Perspectives-Friday, November 9, in Lansing . Building Your Board and Leadership-Friday, December 14, in Lansing <http://hsmichigan.org/programs/workshops/> See the full descriptions or register online. The Historical Society of Michigan is the state's oldest cultural organization, founded in 1828 by territorial governor Lewis Cass and explorer Henry Schoolcraft. A nongovernmental nonprofit, the Society focuses on publications, conferences, education, awards and recognition programming, and support for local history organizations to preserve and promote Michigan's rich history. # # # This e-mail is sent to our members and friends to keep you updated on historical activities and opportunities to learn more about our state's history. To opt-out, please respond to this e-mail with "remove" in the subject line.

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Re: [Michlib-l] Wi-Fi thermostats
by Rebecca Higgerson 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

I was asked to share the results of my request for information about Wi-Fi thermostats: Highland Library is about 25,000 SF in two stories, opened in 2002 - we had same architect as Brandon, not sure if we had same engineer doing the HVAC design. We went through a project this year with Goyette Mechanical to change out all of our thermostats and our HVAC controls system from the old system to a web-based system. I believe Milford Library did the same. Our thermostats were old. Logging into the old software program for monitoring system was a big pain, and hard to train folks on. Now we can log into a website and see all of the system information - schedule, room settings and space temps. Goyette Mechanical maintains our HVAC system, and if there is a problem they can now see it remotely, and even get alerts sent to them when there's a problem. The web info helps them w/ diagnostics - gives them more info, more accurate/thorough info , than my phone report of "a problem." The new controls were great to have in place when we had one room hitting over 80 degrees in late summer or early fall this year - they logged in remotely, could see what was going on and give me suggestion over phone for a fix. I followed instructions and did something and we got relief in that space, without having to wait for them to find someone who could come out on a service call - which that day was going to take at least an hour. Not cheap, but the controls project was eligible for energy rebate and Goyette handled the processing of the application. We just got the rebate checks, which helps a bit. Our main contact at Goyette for this project was Ken Bennett: Kenneth Bennett Project Engineer Goyette Service C: (810) 691-4619 <callto:(810)%20691-4619> O: (810) 742-8530x363 kbennett(a)goyettemechanical.com Hope this helps. --- jude halloran, Highland Library, 248-887-2218 ext. 110 www.highlandlibrary.info I know a medium size church that switched over and they have saved about 1/3 of their costs because they now have better control of their system and can easily turn the heat down when the building is not occupied. Cindy Krueger Marketing & Outreach Dept. of Natural Resources 517-284-6053 kruegerc(a)michigan.gov I'm not sure how much specific input I can offer, but Madison Heights has that type of thermostat. We followed at least the Senior Center in the City. Not sure how many other City buildings currently use them. While my Library Technician and myself were trained, the Public Services Analyst/Planner with the Department of Public Services routinely handles it, specifically with additions to the library*'s *meeting room (one of several City Meeting rooms booked by DPS). The room is scheduled as unoccupied in the HVAC system when not in use. I can forward your email to Sean Ballantine if you'd like for more information on the system here. Roslyn Yerman Director Madison Heights Public Library 240 W. 13 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 I installed a Honeywell “Sensi” thermostat in my home. I have been happy with it and see that the price has dropped. As an additional option the “Nest” thermostat has come in to line price wise also. I think there are two issues you may want to consider: 1. These are internet connected devices and may be hackable… 2. The device must match the existing wiring. The Nest and the Sensi webpage both can help sort that out. Best regards, John Schaeffer President Superiorland Library Cooperative 906.203.6082 *From: *"Rebecca Higgerson" <rhiggerson(a)brandonlibrary.org> *To: *"MICHLIB-L" <michlib-l(a)mail.mcls.org>, directors(a)lists.tln.org *Sent: *Monday, December 11, 2017 3:26:27 PM *Subject: *Wi-Fi thermostats Our thermostats are old and don’t even match, so reprogramming them is a nightmare. Do any of you use Wi-Fi thermostats in your library and what are the pros and cons from your experience? I like the idea of being able to access the system remotely, but maybe the cost doesn’t justify the technology in my small library. Thanks in advance!! *Rebecca Higgerson* Director Brandon Twp Public Library 304 South Street Ortonville MI 48462 248-627-1474 248-627-9880 (fax) *“We enhance and strengthen community by providing open access to educational information, recreational materials, and programs that enrich lives and promote lifelong learning.”*

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JOB: Director, Galesburg, Illinois
by johnkeister.com 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Director, Galesburg Public Library (Illinois) The Galesburg Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a creative and dedicated leader to serve as Director. The library is located in Galesburg, a friendly and diverse college town of nearly 33,000 residents located in northwest central Illinois with convenient access to interstate highways and frequent Amtrak service to Chicago, other Midwestern cities and beyond. Home to Knox College, the city is known for its welcoming vibe. With charming Victorian homes, tree-lined, brick-paved streets, cultural and recreational opportunities, Galesburg is an ideal place to work, live and play. Please visit www.johnkeister.com/galesburg <http://www.johnkeister.com/galesburg> for details, inquiries and to apply. For full consideration, please apply by January 29. We welcome and encourage inquiries. John Keister & Associates Executive Search for Libraries www.johnkeister.com <http://www.johnkeister.com/> galesburg(a)johnkeister.com <mailto:galesburg@johnkeister.com> ph: 847-955-0541

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free books
by Colleen Leddy 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Cleaning house! For a book club... Excellent condition: 7 copies of News of the World by Paulette Jiles New! But with our spine label and barcode: Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance The Widow by Fiona Barton We'll send through RIDES. Thanks, Colleen Colleen Leddy, Director Stair District Library 228 W. Main St. Morenci, MI 49256 517/458-6510 Monday & Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Job Posting: Adult Services Librarian
by Jennifer Wrzesinski 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Hello, The Adrian District Library has an opening for a full-time Adult Services Librarian. A complete job posting and job description are available on the library's website at www.adrian.lib.mi.us<http://www.adrian.lib.mi.us>. Thank you, Jen Jen Wrzesinski Library Director Adrian District Library 143 E. Maumee St. Adrian, MI 49221 (517) 265-2265 jwrzesinski(a)adrianmi.gov<mailto:jwrzesinski@adrianmi.gov>

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Receipt Book Replacement
by Chris Knight 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

We are looking to replace our receipt books with a software based solution. If anyone has any recommendations or would be willing to share their experiences with any products you have used it would be appreciated. Thanks, Chris Knight Technology Coordinator Otsego County Library 989-732-5841

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JOB: Director, Middletown, CT
by johnkeister.com 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Middletown, Connecticut CEO/Director, Russell Public Library The Russell Library Board of Trustees seeks a creative and dedicated leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer and Director. The library is located in Middletown, a friendly and diverse city of nearly 47,000 residents located in central Connecticut. Home to Wesleyan University, the city is known for its welcoming vibe. With a thriving downtown, cultural and recreational opportunities, Middletown is an ideal place to work, live and play. Please visit www.johnkeister.com/middletown <http://johnkeister.com/middletown/> for details, inquiries and to apply. For full consideration, please apply by January 29. We welcome and encourage inquiries. Salary is competitive and negotiable based on experience and qualifications. John Keister & Associates Executive Search for Libraries www.johnkeister.com <http://www.johnkeister.com/> middletown(a)johnkeister.com <mailto:middletown@johnkeister.com> ph: 847-955-0541

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JOB: Director, Frederick, MD
by johnkeister.com 15 Jan '18

15 Jan '18

Frederick, Maryland Director, Frederick County Public Libraries The Frederick County Public Libraries Board of Trustees seeks a visionary leader to serve as Director. With eight branches and two bookmobiles, the library serves a diverse population of about 250,000 residents. Located in west-central Maryland near Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the City of Frederick and Frederick County boast a variety of cultural attractions, thriving shopping and dining districts, and recreational opportunities. Please visit www.johnkeister.com/frederick <http://johnkeister.com/frederick/>for details, inquiries and to apply. For full consideration, please apply by January 29. We welcome and encourage inquiries. Salary is competitive and negotiable based on experience and qualifications. John Keister & Associates Executive Search for Libraries www.johnkeister.com <http://www.johnkeister.com/> frederick(a)johnkeister.com <mailto:frederick@johnkeister.com> ph: 847-955-0541

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