Category: YS/PS News

Documentation for the meeting room AV controls can be found via the path included below.

P:Public ServicesHow toHow to Control Large Meeting Room AV Controls.docx

When patrons call the curbside phone number, the call will be forwarded to the main library number.

• If you get a call for curbside pickup, please get the patron’s name and check how many holds they have.
• Let them know that you will gather their items and where you will leave them:
  • 1. Between the sliding glass doors
  • 2. on the picnic table outside the library.
• Check out the holds to the patron’s account and sack them in a paper bag.
• Put the holds out for the patron.

If you are very busy at a desk, please gather the information from the patron and don’t hesitate to ask a circ staff member to help you gather and deliver the items.

Now that we’ve dropped the covid-related announcements from our homepage, I’ve added back several sections including a section that highlights a particular staff-created list.  To feature a list on the homepage, login to the jpllists account, navigate to the list, click the cog on the right side of the list’s header, and then select “Home” as the featured location.

As most of you know, the book sale iPad has been freezing and otherwise acting up. In order to see if the problems are caused by the iPad or the Paypal app, I’ve temporarily pulled the iPad and replaced it with the curbside phone. Please use the phone for book sale purchases and let me know if it has any trouble.

Parts to repair the 8mm film scanner are on the way. They should arrive tomorrow.

The 8mm film scanner is currently out of commission. I believe it’s something I can fix. I’ll keep everyone posted.

The new video conferencing system has been added as an option for the public when reserving the Archive Room. There’s nothing you need to do to prep for a group that has requested it–more just a heads up that the group may need some help getting it going.

I’ve ordered a new card reader for the iPad where we accept payment for Foundation Book Sale items. In addition to swiping cards, the reader also allows payment via chip and tap. Please take a look at the video linked below sometime in the next week or so to become familiar with how it works.

In anticipation of Monday’s change to curbside service, the language of hold notices has been updated to the following:

The following items are being held for you at the Johnston Public Library. Please pick the items up before close on the “Held-Till” date indicated below. For curbside service, call ‪515-779-3315‬ when you arrive. Curbside service is available any time we’re open—no appointment needed.

We have a new wall-mounted webcam in the archive room for staff and public use. The device on the table is a speaker/microphone and also includes controls for the webcam. To use the webcam, the USB cable coming out of the table needs plugged into a laptop. Once it’s plugged in, the webcam will show up as a video/audio option on Zoom and other video conferencing apps. The speaker/microphone can also be used for non-video conference calls by connecting to a phone via bluetooth. See the instructions in the Archive Room for more details.

The count on the counter that we’re using on the iPod at the bouncer station is now being displayed on the library’s homepage. Please be sure to set it to zero at close.

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.

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.

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.

When replying to print requests, please use the following language which includes the option of the patron picking up their document(s) anytime we’re open.

We have received your email with your attached document(s) for printing. Your document(s) can be picked up in the library any time we’re open (Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm, Friday & Saturday: 10am–5:30pm, Sunday: Closed) or follow the link below to schedule a curbside pick-up appointment.

https://www.johnstonlibrary.com/print-job-pickup/.

We have signed up for a new online resource called Weiss Financial Ratings Series Online that includes ratings for banks, credit unions, insurance companies, stocks, and mutual funds, plus financial planning and investment tools including medigap plan comparison.

I’d like staff to attend a one-hour training/demo on this new resource. Our rep is available everyday next week at either 9am or 1pm. Please indicate what times/days work for you via the Doodle poll linked below. I know not everyone will be able to attend. I’ll try to record the session for those that can’t make it.

https://doodle.com/poll/w82awz2h4k2s8ctk?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link

I’ll be watching the webinar described below in the Archive Room on Wednesday, February 17th at 1:00 pm for those who would like to join. If you’d like to join from your own PC, register here. A recording will be available after.

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Social Work in Rural and Small Libraries

Many libraries across the country now have an additional yet untraditional resource to provide patrons – a social worker.

Whether full time, part time, or through a partnership the presence of a social worker can be beneficial to both patrons and staff alike.

Join Tiffany Russell, LMSW, the Social Services Manager at Niles District Library (MI) to learn more about the Social Workers in Rural and Small Libraries project and the work being done to promote this initiative.

This webinar will explore this emerging field, the role social workers play, and how libraries can find creative ways to utilize social workers.

I’ve blocked-off this afternoon’s remaining PC and browsing slots in case we need to close early. The day’s remaining holds pickup slots have been blocked off as well.

The sign outside the entryway is locked to the bench–there’s no need to bring it in at close.