Author: Eric Melton

The State Library has added a number of new titles to the Bridges magazine collection including several in other languages. Bridges magazines are always available–i.e. no holds lists–and don’t count against patrons’ checkout limits. Checkout the Bridges magazine collection via the link below.

https://bridges.overdrive.com/bridges-johnston/magazines/collection/217420

The Johnston Arts Council is hosting an outdoor art walk this summer at Terra Park. The library is the pick-up and drop off site for the boards registrants will paint on. I’ve placed a list of registrants near the boards at the bouncer desk. Each registrant gets one board. Mark the names off the list once they pick up their board.

The following is from the State Library. Given the discontinuing of Transparent Language, I’ll sign us up for Mango languages which is more user-friendly anyway:

What’s Completed, What’s Ahead

Based on discussions and recommendations from the Online Resources Task Force, the State Library is moving forward with the process for securing new online resources related to these topic areas:

• Online Encyclopedia / General Reference Tool
• Homework Help
• Legal Forms
• Business & Residential Directories
• Library Customer Engagement and Training
• Grant Research Tool

Understandably, there is not a one-size-fits-all package of resources that will meet the needs of every Iowa library.  But we believe that these types of resources will provide the most benefit to the broadest cross-section of Iowa libraries.

Resources Discontinuing July 1st

As a reminder, the following resources will be discontinued July 1, 2021:

• Gale Databases (including Chilton Library and Opposing Viewpoints)
• Credo
• Transparent Language
• Ebsco Wilson Core Collection
• OCLC FirstSearch (Note: we are working with OCLC to reach an agreeable subscription option for Iowa libraries that wish to remain with FirstSearch.  Also, this change does not affect the CatExpress consortium)

We will provide additional reminders and guidance in the coming months to ease the transition to the new resources. Other resources are under different contract timelines and will continue to be offered in FY2022; these include: Bridges, Brainfuse, and Bold360 Chat.

The YS, PS, and Bouncer desks each have printouts of teen space fabric and chair options for teens to vote on. If you see a teen, ask their opinion and keep the tally on the sheets.

Rod Brown has resigned from his position in the circulation department.  He will be relocating to Omaha later this year. Thanks to Rod for his years of hard work.

Due to the Kites On the Green event, there will be no curbside holds pickup on Saturday. We will close the gate and open the meeting room alcove doors for restroom access for event attendees.

For those who missed it, a link to the recording of today’s all-staff Zoom meeting is linked below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OsVsdsmFNg_5ecsnzXlBVbMAl53XV86u/view?usp=sharing

We are now accepting study room reservations from patrons via the website. Reservations can’t be made for dates before 5/10. Just a reminder to regularly check for room requests via the staff side of our events calendar by visiting https://events.johnstonlibrary.com/ then navigating to the admin page via the “admin” link in the top right.

The new workroom printer has cardstock loaded in tray 2. You’ll likely need to manually select that tray when you want to print to cardstock.

Recordings of the required harassment trainings I mentioned a while back are linked below. You’re welcome to watch/listen to them at home. Remember to put the time on your timesheet. Once you’ve completed the training, please print and complete this form and put it in my inbox inside my office door to the left.

Supervisors: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11KIub8Qkzq84AgVeXJj9UQj6vfewZXJc?usp=sharing

Everyone Else: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LAjcvtDrhXOsOpexd78BzNL6_bu15wNe?usp=sharing

The new staff printers have been installed. To get them working on your PC, click the search icon in the lower left corner. Type “\staffserver2020” and press the enter key. In the folder that pops up, double click “Workroom Toshiba” to install the workroom printer. Next, double click “ys toshiba” to install the YS printer. Click the search icon again and type “printers” and hit the enter key. Remove the old printers by clicking their names and then clicking “Remove Device”. You can set one of the new printers as your default printer by clicking it then clicking “Manage” then “Set as Default”. This process is already complete on all Circulation PCs and the PS desk PC. Let me know if you have any trouble.

Sometime in the next week, a sculpture that used to be at Wallace Elementary will be installed in the landscape area outside the meeting room hallway alcove. The sculpture was created several years ago with help from Wallace students. It was recovered recently and has been restored by the original artists.

From Janet, the city’s Communications Manager:

I have set up the Johnston Commons playground project page, so I wanted to share it. There are renderings of what it will look like, along with a map that shows the placement.

https://www.cityofjohnston.com/1056/Johnston-Commons-Playground

There is also a public meeting on Wednesday, Apr. 21, at 6 p.m. to get feedback from residents before it is finalized. In the event of weather, it will be moved to the library.

Thanks,
Janet

Lynda.com is now Linked In Learning. The same videos–for learning business, software, technology, and creative skills–are available at Linked In Learning. The process for patrons to log into the Linked In Learning app is slightly different. Details on logging in via a browser or via the app are included on the page below.

https://www.johnstonlibrary.com/research/linked-in-learning/

From they city’s HR person, Cyndee:

This update condenses the policy, and makes these basic changes:

• Clarifies the intent and removes the preliminary language we used when first implementing the policy
• Removes “covid time” and adds requirement of the use of accrued leave for absences, illness, school, daycare, vaccination, etc.
• Removes “admin time” and reiterates PTO cap of 420 hours
• Removes references to 2/3 pay for daycare, school related issues, but maintains allowances that department directors will work with employees to find mutually beneficial solutions for those issues
• Removes references to allowing the borrowing of 2 weeks PTO
• Updates quarantine and isolation guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated staff
• Updates travel recommendations to current CDC guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers both internationally and domestically

https://intranet.johnstonlibrary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Employee_Covid_v040821.1.pdf

Let me know if you have any questions.

Joann Cogil, who used to work at JPL, is retiring from the Johnston PD tomorrow. A reception will be held for her either behind the public safety building or, if the weather is bad, in their large meeting room at 1pm.

From ALA:

“In 2020, libraries of all types stepped up to meet the needs of their communities as they responded to the impacts of COVID-19, a national financial crisis, and social unrest. They were at the center of some of our nation’s most consequential work, including supporting accurate counts in the US Census, fighting political disinformation, and facilitating free and fair elections.

Libraries also extended necessary lifelines to community members facing job losses, healthcare crises, and remote work and learning during an unprecedented and uncertain time. As we assess the state of America’s libraries, we find 2020 was a year when library professionals answered the call to serve amid multiple emergencies and a year when library workers again proved to be essential “first restorers” or “second responders.”

Read more about libraries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2020 in the State of America’s Libraries 2021 Special Report: COVID-19.”

http://www.ala.org/news/sites/ala.org.news/files/content/State-of-Americas-Libraries-Report-2021-4-21.pdf

I assume this service will open to anyone once vaccines are available to the general public on 4/5.

From IPR:

“Iowans under 65 with underlying conditions who have barriers to scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment now have access to the state’s vaccine navigators. The navigators can help Iowans who do not have access to the internet — or face other barriers — find and schedule an appointment. This service was previously only available to those 65 and older.”

Those who need help can call 211 or (800) 244-7431.