Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

Minimum Public PC Setup?

2008-07-24T14:05:00.003-05:00

I recently visited a library that was having problems with a WinDefender infection. They have three new public computers (HP) purchased through a local individual and installed by him.

What I found when I got there:
1. No KanGuard- Couldn't figure out how to set it up.
2. The only account on the computer was administrator.
3. No password
4. No anti-virus or anti-spyware. (AVG free was installed, but not updating)
5. No lock down tool.

I setup three more accounts: exec, public, and unfiltered, got their AVG working and told them they needed to either pay for it or purchase something else. I set passwords on exec and unfiltered, and made public and unfiltered limited accounts. I didn't have time to install Steady State, but will do that when i can get back.

SO, I was just wondering, what is the minimum setup we should consider for a public access computer? Any ideas?

Cordially,

Steven Thomas
CKLS Automation Services

librarymetricks pc management?

2008-02-08T05:11:00.000-06:00

Hello all you people,

We are evaluating these things down here- primarily as timers. Issues we are bumping into:

-does it work with steadystate? Does it replace it?
-where does it get the patron list from, or does it even use one?
-how much staff babysitting does it require?
-cost, of course, but some libs are planning to use Gates $ for it, so...
-ease of install/administration and user friendliness

Cable Internet

2008-01-29T17:32:00.000-06:00

We are looking into switching from a wireless connection to a cable connection for our Internet source. Am I correct in saying that while wireless is half duplex, cable is full duplex and also has the advantage of not experiencing the latency that is inherent in a wireless connection?

Thoughts, comments, stones?

Steve

Feb 7, 2008 @ 2 PM --- OPAL

2008-01-18T12:46:00.000-06:00

Welcome the year 4706 in style! Celebrate the Chinese New Year by meeting with other system tech consultant types from around the state.

February 7th
Thursday
2 PM
http://www.opal-online.org/meeting.htm (scroll down to the NEKLS room)

Agenda Items????
Automation
Gates Grants
Other??? (please leave in comments below)

THANK YOU! Looking forward to catching up.

Clean Slate

2007-10-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Has anyone out there used the "Clean Slate" program by Fortres Grand company? It looks like Deep Freeze, but automatically allows AV updates and Windows Critical updates. Just wondering.

Steve

Windows Steady State

2007-08-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

Has anyone tried Windows Steady State? I installed it on one machine and it works, maybe too well. On that computer, patrons can log into their e-mail accounts, Yahoo, Hot Mail, Etc., but when they try to open a message it will not follow the link and open it. I noticed the same thing on several links on other pages, Link to main page opens fine, but secondary links on the new page don't function. Removing all function restrictions and then adding back in only the most basic seems to cure the problem. This has been such a hassle that I think I will go back to the shared computer tool.

Steve

Dual Boot on Gates

2007-08-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have a librarian who would like to do dual booting on her Gates computer that she uses for teaching classes. Would it be possible to install a second 80gb drive and dual boot into Vista, or would it be easier to install one 160gb drive and just partition it? Any advice appreciated. Has anyone done something similar?

Cordially,

Steven Thomas
CKLS Automation Services

Can you meet?

2007-01-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Jan 24? Jan 26?
I sent a Doodle via email.
Will gather responses until Jan 12 and then will let everyone know the most popular choice.

Thanks!

Evergreen/PINES ILS article

2006-12-21T11:45:00.000-06:00

Several months ago, Charlene told us about the statewide automation project in Georgia (open-source). There's an article in the current issue of Library Journal, which overviews the project.

Meet you next year?

2006-12-15T10:54:00.000-06:00

I sent a "Doodle" to each of you, with some potential meeting dates for January. It would be great to get together via OPAL to hear what's happening around the state. Anything in particular we should discuss?

November 14th meeting notes

2006-11-14T14:40:00.000-06:00

Rhonda, Charlene, Joe, Richard, Jeff, and Brenda were here.

Lib-web-cats
Put together by Marshall Breeding - some entries need updating

Listservs - SWKLS listserv is set up to send replies to entire list. Works well overall, but sometimes a message gets sent to list that is clearly intended for individual. What do others do? NEKLS listservs set up to reply to individual by default. Charlene may use Survey Monkey to poll her librarians. She has had good luck with using surveys in Survey Monkey.

Recent College of DuPage teleconference re: Emerging Technologies/Web 2.0
SWKLS hosted. People interacted and it went well. They are going to do a 4 corners approach to future sessions.

ELMR - Enhanced Library Meeting Rooms
Various benchmarks: 1. Optimal Separate T1 for video.
2. Bandwidth - 1 1/2 mg for video (above other needs)
3. Connect to KanEd backbone integrated circuit
(Eldon has resigned and is going back to DISC, the State's ISP/Phone company)

Forms on websites
CGI scripts
Check out Fuzzy Monkey

Upgrading memory on a computer - Crucial is a great site.

Verso
SWKLS has 22 libraries migrating to Verso. 7 libraries automating for the very first time. Planning to do in 4 waves over the next 2 years. 1st wave of training in January. MARC Magician
NCKLS has 4 libraries automating for the first time using Verso. 1 or 2 converting from another system. They have training Manhattan on Monday and Tuesday.

KLOW
Jane w/NWKLS and Joe w/SEKLS have done training. SWKLS (Janelle) and NCKLS (LaDonna) plan to do training soon, too. Hope to increase training materials available on http://tech.nekls.org and http://www.mykansaslibrary.org

Tech Plans
How to know if plan needs to be updated... Jeff suggests that each library get plan out, look at it, and ask yourself, "could I defend that the current funding year is covered by this plan?".

Next Meeting - Will send out a Doodle link :) w/four options
- Dec 11 AM
- Dec 11 PM
- Dec 12 AM
- Dec 12 PM

Homework help problems

2006-10-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

How has the homework help been going for all of you? I have a couple of libraries htat are having problems with people not being able to connect from home. They are able to connect from the library using their Kansas Library Card, but not when they try it at home. They go to the KLC site, enter their information, and then click on the homework help link. At the library they go right in, but at home they get another rerquest for a library card number. The number on their KLC doesn't work at this point. Since I don't have a windows machine away from th elibrary, I have been hampered in trying to run this dowm. Has anyone else run into this, and perhaps solved it?

Steve

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2006-09-20T16:27:00.000-05:00

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog
Just a question for you all. Are any of the rest of you having problems getting flash player to install on some computers? Since the advent of Homework help. I have begun to notice a few computers that will not install the flash player. I run the install, as administrator, and it seems to work, I log in as a limited user and it says flash player not installed. I changed the account to administrator, installed flash under that account, and then cjanged the account back to limited. It says flash is not installed. What is even carzier, is that on an identical machine right next to it, it worked to just install under the administrator, then log on to the limited account. Boom, worked first time! Does anyone else out there have any ideas about this?

Steve Thomas
CKLS

Upcoming training

2006-06-29T15:42:00.000-05:00

Representatives of the regional systems and the state library are invited to attend a day of technology training!

Friday, July 28th
At NCKLS in Manhattan, Kansas

OR

Friday, August 4th
At SCKLS in South Hutchinson, Kansas

Agenda:

9:00 - 12:00 p.m. Kansas Libraries on the Web hands-on training
Kansas Libraries on the Web is a statewide project designed to help libraries create and maintain an attractive and up-to-date web presence.
http://www.mykansaslibrary.org/

12-1:30 p.m. Lunch on your own

1:30 - 4:30 p.m. WebJunction Tech Atlas hands-on training
Kansas will officially become a WebJunction community partner state on July 18th. Learn more about this resource and the tools it includes.
http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1001

To register, please email Brenda Hough, Northeast Kansas Library System, bhough@nekls.org. In the body of your message, please indicate which date you will attend the training. Also indicate whether you will be attending the morning KLOW session, the afternoon WebJunction session, or both.

learning is fun

2006-06-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

If you want to know more about TechAtlas (the FREE online technology planning tool from WebJunction), there is now an online course (also free!).

6-6-06 Meeting

2006-06-06T11:23:00.000-05:00

Statewide Tech. Consultant’s Mtg
June 6, 2005
10:00 AM (via an annoyingly temperamental OPAL)

Attendees:
Brenda (NEKLS), Charlene (SWKLS), Dave (NWKLS), Jeff (KS State Lib), Richard (NCKLS), Rhonda (KS State Lib), Sharon (SCKLS), Steve (CKLS)

Headsets/Webcams for OPAL and Marratech etc
Richard – they bought headsets Audio 50 Mono PC headset $12-15?
Charlene – they got a grant and bought headsets and webcams Logitech Fusion $80
Rhonda – state library got Logitech Extreme PC Gaming headsets
Dave – NWKLS got them, too – had some Dell driver issues, but were able to get those worked out
Steve – they bought 70 of them from Computer Geeks for about $11
SC and NE haven’t purchased any for members

Gates Machines
Cent Guard
--Must unlock Cent Guard then log-in to exec to make changes that stick

-- may have to change jumper from cable select to master before the DVD drive is recognized

-- using service pack 2 from disk rather than download

-- multi language options can cause headache during upgrade

-- computer warranties end soon! Varies from july – October

-- printers are out of warranty – replacing the jet direct card can be cost – prohibitive – can use parallel cable to connect and go through one computer – or get an external jet direct for $60-90?? Feedrollers.com has refurbished jet direct cards for around $100-125 –

How much longer will the gates computers last?
May be able to get a couple more years out of them??

Overdrive
Overdrive on Gates – need to remove profile restrictions and then go into each profile and enter the path – also media player updates
Rhonda is working on instructions for burning to CD – will send via email
(some of the titles don’t allow)

Microsoft’s Shared Computer Toolkit
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/default.mspx
Anyone used?
Mixed results

Some prefer DeepFreeze – new version of DeepFreeze allows you to set it up to unlock itself and do updates automatically at night – just need to get library to leave the computer powered on that night ;)

Ohio Tech Conference
http://www.rls.lib.oh.us/tc6/
Lucky Charlene is going! She is meeting with them to find out more info about the planning so that we can plan something equally wonderful here in KS

OCLC transfer of records into the KLC
Jeff talked about the cost of having OCLC transfer records into the KLC (accounts for 2/3 – 3/4 of the titles that are in the KLC) – OCLC’s request is for a quarter of a million dollars – it will continue to happen, but looking at .. what are other options?

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2006-05-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

Kansas Tech Consultants BlogHow is everyone getting along with OverDrive and Gates computers? I have found that if you remove profile restrictions, install the console for Everyone, and then do a download from each profile you want to enable before reinstalling profile restrictions, that it seems to work pretty well. I usually download some of the sample files from Overdrive, just to get the program to create the directory for downloads. I tried using a single directory on the D drive (D:\media) but the program did not like that. What is everyone elses experience with these two items being used together?

Orcish
(Steve)

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2006-04-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

I am having a problem with a Gates computer in La Crosse. Everything is acting with about a 3 - 3.5 time delay. Move the mouse and three seconds later the pointer moves. Press alt-F4 and then return and three seconds later the computer starts to shut down. I have used the XP upgrade dvds to reinstall the entire system. Hardware profile shows everything is ok. The computer is right back to acting up. Has anyone run into this? I was figuring that reimaging the drive would have taken care any virus / malware problems.

I would appreciate any ideas.

Steve

Images in Blog / webpages

2006-03-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

I have a library interested in making a blog / webpage for teens. One thing they want to do is have a new books section with descripitions of new titles along with cover images from say, Amazon. Is anyone aware of problems with doing this, or copyright issues? It would seem to me, that you are simply advertising the presence of the book in your library, and not profiting from it in any direct way. Has anyone else checked into this?

Thanks!

Steve

Maybe what we need is an UN-conference

2006-03-09T10:51:00.000-06:00

We've been talking about having a techie conference for library people in Kansas -- maybe what we need is an UN-conference, like the Library Camp that's happening in Ann Arbor on April 14th.

Another conference with tech topics

2006-02-01T09:10:00.000-06:00

Online Northwest looks interesting to me. I am not planning to go, but thought it might be another idea resource for us if we start to plan a technology conference here in Kansas.

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2006-01-25T11:27:00.000-06:00

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

Has anyone using a Macintosh, gotten the OPAL java applet to work as a plugin? I have no problem working with OPAL, but everytime I use it, it downloads the little applet again. I found the other day that I had ten copys of the little launch app in my download folder. As I understand it, this does work as a plugin on the Windows side. Any ideas?

Steve

Automation Projects

2006-01-24T14:23:00.000-06:00

I just received an e-mail from our Sagebrush rep. She asked about what SW was writing for the grant for un-automated libraries and could she come visit to tell us about InfoCentre. She said that she is doing presentations for other regions.
I just wondered who is having Sagebrush come for a presentation and are any of the other Systems looking at automation systems other than Auto-Graphics' Verso. We have been looking at Atrium by Book Systems. I have not decided whether to invite them in.
Is anyone looking at the ASP model? Are you concerned about using ASP?
Feel free to comment to this post or reply directly to me.

Charlene

Jan 9 Meeting Notes

2006-01-20T15:46:00.000-06:00

I took a few notes at our tech meeting on the 9th – thought I would put them up there to help us remember what we covered and planned.

Met via Marratech

Attendees:
Steve, Charlene, Brenda, Sharon, Joe, Richard

- Charlene has ordered $80 Logitech Fusion webcams for her public libraries. They come with a headset. Total cost to SWKLS approx. $2000. Plan to use for committee meetings, patrons, and training. Joe is doing this, too. He is planning hands-on workshops with their mobile lab. Attendees leave with their camera.
- Charlene reports that some of her libraries are using Messenger to talk to one another.

- Some NEKLS libraries had trouble “thawing” DeepFreeze as of the new year. Others warn, “Don’t install SP2 with older versions of DeepFreeze.”

- Charlene likes LibraryMetricks. The company has customized it to work with Athena. Sharon has a couple of libraries using Library Geek Timer.

- Computers in Libraries conference in DC in March. Sharon may go. Richard may go.

- Charlene is looking at the conference in Ohio (see previous blog post).

- SWKLS is interviewing applicants for a tech person position. The emphasis for this person will be on the provision of training. This will include onsite classes and training in libraries. They have 4-laptops, a projector, and an instructor laptop for training. This person will also work on developing curriculum for training in libraries.

- Charlene did a workshop on blogs and RSS. Most people were interested in using these tools, rather than creating.

- KanEd subsidies – whassup?

- Next meeting: 10 AM on Monday, February 6th

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2005-11-29T18:41:00.000-06:00

A question for you all. Who are you using for your ISP and how happy are you? Also, what type and speed of connection do you use? If you would rather not post, e-mail me at sthomas@ckls.org. We currently have a wireless connection that is supposed to be a T-1, but always seems slow. Also we can not get our provider to support forms on our web pages, or any type of blog, etc. Any suggestions / warnings appreciated.

Cordially,

Steven Thomas
CKLS Automation Services

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2005-11-29T00:47:00.000-06:00

This could be an incredibly useful resource. How to get a human on different companies phone systems. I found this on User Friendly's Link of the Day.

Orcish

Friday cartoon

2005-11-18T09:27:00.000-06:00

Did you see this cartoon? (Warning: it's bloody, but in a cartoon way)

How to set up in Click to Meet

2005-11-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

On the first Click to Meet Express page, click on Help at the top. In the box that opens, click on Advanced Configuration. Scroll down to Settings. This tells how to do the setup. To test your setup and to make changes, go to the Test Configuration on the Click to Meet Express page. Be sure to have your camera and microphone set up before testing. If anything fails, the page tells you how to fix. At the bottom of the page there is a link to the Conference Client Control Panel. The settings tab is there.

Meeting Notes, Nov 1, 2005

2005-11-01T10:52:00.000-06:00

Met via Click-to-Meet
Attendees: Richard, Larry, Sharon, Charlene, Liz, and Brenda

Explored the features in Click-to-Meet, including a Whiteboard drawing exercise. Charlene may have some Click-to-Meet instructions.

Charlene gave an update on the Library Metrics mgmt software (time and print mgmt). At one library, they are using KanGuard filtering and the Library Metrics software worked A-OK. At a second library, they were using WebBlocker(??) and it wouldn't work. Charlene contacted the company and they are fixing it. The company has been very responsive to needs and questions. The libraries have been thrilled with not having to constantly monitor the machines.

Kan-Ed Grants
Charlene is still thinking about applying for webcams, etc for each library.
Larry is finishing reports on the previous Kan-Ed grants.
OEIE surveys were discussed....

ERATE
Charlene has a library that was audited. This is a very small library that did not receive ERATE funding. They did, however, receive Kan-Ed funding and Kan-Ed is being audited. Charlene has a copy of the audit areas.

QUESTION: Can two polycoms talk to one another without needing the Kan-Ren room?

Next meeting: December 6th via Marratech. Charlene will arrange the room.

Agenda for next meeting:
Using Marratech
Tech Standards ?? (what do you think, Joe?)

Oct 18, 05 Meeting via OPAL

2005-10-18T14:12:00.000-05:00

Attendees:
Charlene (SWKLS), Joe (SEKLS), Brenda (NEKLS), Richard (NCKLS), Rhonda (State Library)

KS Tech Conference
Charlene and Brenda had a meeting to brainstorm session topics and partners. Charlene is going to talk to Kan-Ed. Brenda is going to talk to Roseanne with KLA and Eric at the state library (and also someone at the Gates Foundation).

KanEd Grants
Is anyone applying? Charlene is going to apply for a grant for web cameras and headsets for each of her libraries (at least 1 per library). The initial goal is to get librarians comfortable using this as a continuing education format. In the future, there may also be patron usage. Are other systems interested in doing this, too? The deadline for these grant aps is Nov 18th, but they would like notices of intent to apply ASAP.

Marratech, Click-to-Meet, and OPAL
It's important for us (the tech consultants) to be familiar with these mediums. We have now used OPAL for two meetings. Let's try Click-to-Meet next time and then maybe Marratech at a future meeting. Several people are attending the Marratech training at ESSDACK in Hutchinson on December 5th.

New Stuff?
Joe has been working on setting up a Z39.50 server. An important component of our tech consultant meetings could be sharing "what's new" in our systems.

NEXT MEETING OF THE TECH CONSULTANTS
10:00 AM
NOVEMBER 1ST
VIA CLICK-TO-MEET
INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE SENT

IM -- Fast talk between techies

2005-10-13T11:45:00.000-05:00

I'd just love to have some of you on my IM list...

My info is lrea@nekls.org on MSN, or twigdoug@yahoo.com on Yahoo Messenger

please message me. I like it. :)

Kansas Tech Consultants Blog

2005-10-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

I have two servers at the same library with the exact same symptoms. When I try to do Windows Updates, IE stops responding. Symantec Corporate Edition has realtime protection disabled even though it is enabled in the settings. If I try to do a manual scan, it aborts before the window even opens, with the message aborted by user. When ever I try to go to an anti-virus website, IE stops responding. I downloaded the latest version of Stinger on another computer, copied it to the servers and ran it, it found nothing. Ad-aware and spybot have not found anything.

Booting into safe mode w/ network support, I was able to get the Panda online scanner to run, but it did not find anything. I was also able to do a Windows update, but it did not solve any problems. The hosts file only has one entry for local host - 127.0.0.1, I believe that is correct. The Symantec manual scan works in safe mode, but finds nothing. I tried to install baseline security analyzer in safe mode, but it will not run with out MS Installer, and in normal mode, it freezes when you try to open it.

Hijack this, doesn't find anything alarming. Is there something I am overlooking? Everything is working so far, but I just don't trust the system. I have a feeling that it may have been zombiefied, but I can't get any information out of it. Also, HKLM, and HKCU show only NAV products loading at startup.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Winnebago InfoCenter

2005-10-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

Do any of you out there have libraries using Winnebago's InfoCenter? I have a librarian who would like to speak with another director who is running it as she is thinking of upgrading.

Any thoughts about it? Any contacts she could make?

Thanks!
Liz

Solution for user requiring a password to print

2005-10-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

Richard, if you go to Local Security Policy under Administrative Tools, then select Local Policies, Security Options, then Accounts:limit local account use of blank passwords to consol login only, and change that to disable. You can then share a resource to user ALL without a password. Your situation and network security will determine if you want to go this route.

Gates Foundation Issues (hardware, replacements, PACtool, etc)

2005-10-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks,

I thought this might be a good catchall post for all the stuff we were talking about.

-Joe

Meeting Notes Oct 5, 2005

2005-10-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

Attendees:
Charlene (SWKLS); Sharon and Larry (SCKLS); Joe (SEKLS); Brenda and Liz (NEKLS); Richard (NCKLS); Steve (CKLS); Rhonda (State Library)

Introduction to OPAL
http://www.opal-online.org
Voice-over-IP, text chat, and synchronized browsing
Contact Cindi Hickey to arrange use.
More tips at: http://www.opal-online.org/ivocalizetraining.htm

Marratech training session
to be held Dec 5, 10 AM - 4 PM, at ESSDACK in Hutchinson

Kansas Tech Conference
Possibly piggy-back on the KanEd conference?
Charlene and Brenda will work together to determine some options and possibilities and then will report back to the group.

Competencies
Joe will continue to work on this -- focusing on the skills and subjects that are needed at every library.
The standards at: http://skyways.lib.ks.us/KSL/development/standard2000.html#4

Backup software
- thanks for the advice shared via emails to Richard
- "I don't trust tape backups."
- "I don't trust backups period. That's why we do daily tape, REV drive, USB hard drive and mirrored solutions.. Perhaps I like to overdo it."
- I missed a lot of the specifics here. Please post any specifics and suggestions in the comments (bh)

Gates Computers
- servers; some are seeing batteries failing - Steve will post info on charging the UPS rather than replacing (CDWG)
- printers; some are seeing them eat JetDirect cards; non-HP cartridges are trouble
- the PCs; if the CD vanishes, reseating the cards and cables seems to do the trick; when a Gates computer can't see the CD drive, pull it out and move the jumper to master
- the PACT tool; will it be updated? Brenda will see what she can find out

Next Meeting
October 18th, 9 AM

Tech Consultant's Meeting via OPAL

2005-10-05T09:35:00.000-05:00

Agenda:
- Brief introduction to using OPAL (Brenda)
- Marratech Training on Dec. 5th in Hutchinson
- Planning a KS technology conference (Charlene)
- Competencies (Joe?)
- Backup software?
- Other questions, comments, happenings...

OPAL Tips:
Only one person can talk at a time. Press and hold the control key when you want to talk.
Participants have the ability to text chat at any time (with the entire group or with a selected participant).

Tech Consultant's Meeting

2005-09-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

Could we meet via OPAL at 10 AM on Wed, Oct 5th? I've heard from a couple of people that that would be a good date.

OPAL is a web conferencing tool - you can talk, hear, and text chat with the other people in the meeting. However, web cameras are NOT used.

TO ACCESS THE ICE OPAL MEETING ROOM YOU WILL NEED TO BE AT A COMPUTER WITH
INTERNET ACCESS AND A WEB BROWSER. IT WILL BE BEST IF YOU HAVE A HEADSET (WITH
HEADPHONES AND A MICROPHONE). YOU WILL NOT NEED A WEB CAMERA.
1. Point your web browser to http://www.opal-online.org/ (the OPAL website -
OPAL stands for Online Programming for All Libraries)
2. On the OPAL page, you will see a horizontal row of buttons with options --
select "Meeting Rooms".
3. Scroll down and select "Institute for Continuous Education -- Emporia State
University"
4. You'll see a name entry box and also a link to "install plug-in". You will
want to follow that link and install the "talking communities" plug-in. Talking
Communities is the software behind OPAL. Install the plug-in and sign-in to the
meeting room.
5. Call if you have problems or questions! Hope to "see" you there!

When are we getting together again?

2005-09-22T16:22:00.000-05:00

When is our next meeting? I recall that we were going to meet virtually but no date was set.

Public Access WiFi

2005-09-19T15:19:00.000-05:00

Fast on the heels of our recent recarpeting project, the Great Bend Public Library has expanded services by offering a free public access wifi hotspot. The connection and equipment are courtesy of Nex-Tech, and they installed everything Thursday, Sept 15th.

So far, everything is going fine. When patrons connect, they get a uasage agreement page. If they agree, they currently are forwarded to the Nex-Tech homepage, but we are working on changing that to the GBPL page. Our mobile lab computers have worked fine, and my personal iBook works as well. Right now we are trying to get a patrons wi-fi palm to connect.

The connection is fast and auto configures to the client. The connection is filtered by Nex-Tech, but I don't know what they are using. The system uses a small computer as its router, and the machine is smaller than most dvd players.

Nex-TEch has several hotspots in Hays, one in Osborne, and one in Wakeeny. They are looking for other public sites in their service area.

Oh Canada

2005-08-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

Here's another conference that has some interesting sessions. I think it's a good use of a blog, too. http://access2005.library.ualberta.ca/

2005-08-23T11:34:00.000-05:00

From WebJunction, "Rural Library Sustainability Continuum"

http://data.webjunction.org/wj/documents/11146.pdf

Statewide Tech Day??

2005-08-16T16:22:00.000-05:00

We just had our annual NEKLS Tech Day on August 9th. It was great and made me think that once a year just isn't enough!

What if we had a statewide library tech conference, like the TechConnections conference in Ohio? Their schedule is really "techie" and I know there are a bunch of people craving that sort of thing. Maybe we could have a statewide library technology conference with different tracks? One for the techies? One for the savvy users? One for the newish users?

Technology Core Competencies

2005-07-27T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the core competencies and have a few questions for the group. I have in my notes that we wanted three levels from basic to advanced. In going over the items to include, I have hit a roadblock. If we are talking about technology core competencies for KS library workers then we are talking about all the workers, not just the libarians. Most of our libraries are so small that there is no distinction because everyone is a librarian. My first draft is for the basics that everyone should know. After the basics I am not sure how to proceed. It depends on the job function as to what the next level of competencies would be. Below is my first draft. The italicized items at the end are things that someone should know. If it is a one person library then that is the person. If it is a five person library then I am not sure how to look at the list. Please give me some feedback.

Technology Core Competencies for Kansas Library Workers

Library staff deals with technology every day. It is important that library staff have the necessary technology skills to be able to do their jobs. Technology competencies can assist libraries in assessing staff technology training needs and selecting or developing an appropriate training program.

This set of competencies is intended to serve as a base model for technology competencies among Kansas library workers.

Terminology
• A basic understanding of technology terminology (pdf)

Hardware
• Parts of the Computer
 Identify Computer, Monitor, drives (floppy drive, CD ROM drive), and ports (USB, parallel)
 Turn a computer on and off correctly
 Use the mouse (left-click, right-click, double-click, drag), keyboard (functions keys, shortcuts), and other peripheral devices attached to the computer (scanner, speakers, flash drives)

• Printers
 Turn a printer on and off correctly
 Load paper and cartridges
 Clear a paper jam
 Manage print spool

• Photocopiers, telephones, fax machines
 Operate and perform basic troubleshooting for these machines

• Backups
 Recognize the importance of backing up files
 Know how to back up files

Software
• Web Browsers
 Understand web browser functions such as back, forward, home, print, print preview, and history
 Understand URLs
 Know basic search methods
 Create and maintain bookmarks or favorites
 Search for text in a web page
 Print all or part of a web page
 Know how to enter data into and maneuver around on-line forms

• E-mail
 Understand how to sign up for an e-mail account
 Compose, address, send, receive, open, reply, forward, and delete e-mail
 Send and receive attachments
 Store and retrieve messages
 Sort messages by date, subject, sender
 Manage an address book

• Word Processing
 Create, format, save, open, and print a document
 Change font style and size, cut and paste, bold, italicize, underline, and center text
 Understand print preview

• Operating System
 Find and launch applications from the desktop or menu
 Toggle between different windows using the taskbar
 Resize, minimize, maximize windows

• Files and Folders
 Understand the difference between files and folders
 Make a new folder
 Copy and paste, drag and drop
 Open, save or delete files and folders
 Store/back-up files on floppy disks, CDs, flash drives, and other removable media
 Knowledge of file extensions

Security
• Know what security software or hardware is used on staff and public computers and how it protects the computers
• Maintain secure passwords and have a password management system
• Be aware of the potential security and privacy threats while using e-mail and the Internet (including cookies, downloading malicious files, unsecured communications, viruses, e-mail hoaxes, spyware, adware, and phishing)

Troubleshooting
• Know how to end non-responsive programs
• Know how to reboot the workstation
• Understand cables, power cords, and switches on all equipment
• Know where to get help or technical support

Library Resources
• Library’s e-resources
 Know the webpage address for your library
 Know what resources can be found on your library homepage
 Know the webpage address for the library’s catalog
 Know how to search by author, title, keyword, and subject in the catalog

• State’s e-resources
 Know how to use a KS Library Card
 Know what resources are available with a KS Library Card

• Electronic Mailing List (listserv)
 Subscribe to a Kansas listserv such as KANLIB-L
 Know how to post messages to the listserv

• Policies
 Be familiar with and able to locate the library’s technology-related policies and procedures

Know how to disable the security software or hardware
Maintain a software inventory
Public use workstation management
Change the default home page
Clear temporary Internet files and clear history
Maintain an existing web page
Enter data in the on-line Kansas State Statistical Report
Understand copyright and fair use rules as related to electronic resources
Understand the use of filtering software on public computers, if applicable
Know how to issue a Kansas Library Card
Understand and use Boolean searching
Know how to use the Kansas Library Card and Kan-Ed databases

Software
• Spreadsheets
• Locate tutorials and/or help
• Use “Save As”
• Change paragraph formatting
• Change page setup
• Ability to use workstation management software

http://wiki.test.nekls.org

2005-06-29T14:27:00.000-05:00

NEKLS Test Wiki

Come play! Please!

:D

del.icio.us

2005-06-24T10:07:00.000-05:00

Hi, I was playing with del.icio.us yesterday, and set up this quick page:

http://del.icio.us/RazzBari

Haven't figured out yet how to invite others to contribute; has anyone else played around with the service?

Rhonda

WebJunction resources/articles for small/rural libraries

2005-06-23T11:51:00.000-05:00

Just a quicky one, found this on WebJunction, looked pretty interesting, but of course with our schedules didn't have time to really dig dig into it. I hereby submit to the hive mind of KLST (Kansas Library System Techs, like my acronym usage?) the WebJunction resources for small/rural libraries archive.

Resources for Small/Rural libraries

Twiggle?

2005-06-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

Hello Twiggle.

I am GUESSING that Twiggle is the secret name for Liz Rea. I will try to remember that.

I think I will make my secret name "Joe".

Anyway... I am having a hard time finding time to work on this project because of the day to day grind of regular old duties- which is one of the primary reasons to find time to work on this project...

Tomorrow will be better. I am running backwards trying to get caught up from some time off earlier this week.

We are trying to automate and digitize as many tasks as we can here at SEKLS. I think we will be adding another webserver pretty soon. I have been meaning to add some more storage for one of our existing servers. Maybe I will get to that today.

I also bought a little cheapy webcam for my laptop, and got this great sounding headset for like seven bucks: CDWG item number= 262485

One of these days I will fire up our polycomm and see if it works with the All New KanEd Video Conference Software du Jur. I hope it does. If not, I am going to want some answers from whoever makes those sorts of decisions over there. Squinting my eyes! Lowering my voice!

-"Joe"

PS We had our ICE-owned digital projector stolen and I am replacing it with a similar model- Epson PowerLite 732c, $1,559- but not the one with builtin 802.11b interface. That one is a couple hundred bucks more and it would sure be nice but it is just not in the cards for this insurance claim.

KanEd Video Conference software du jour

2005-06-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

Indeed, the polycom does not YET work with the Marratech software. The development of the h.323 plugin dealie is on the "roadmap" and probably in development but has not yet hit even beta stage. I'm sure we'll get a glowing announcement from KanEd when that bit comes to be.

Welcome, hello

2005-06-21T15:06:00.000-05:00

This is a site dedicated to helping librarians find the resources they need to manage and use their technology effectively. These links are compiled by the Kansas Regional Library System Tech Consultants.

Have a great day!