admin

admin

Library Closings

Libraries need to close for various reasons and it's always best to look at the individual library's announcements. At the network, we try to share a group posting when we know of several libraries closing together. Here is a spreadsheet of libraries we know of, who will be closing because of the upcoming bad weather - SAILS Library Closings.

New and Improved eCard Registration Service

July 10th, we'll turn on the new eCard registration form. This is being LSTA funded through the MBLC for eight of the MA networks; CLAMS, CW/MARS, MVLC, MBLN, MLN, NOBLE, OCLN, and SAILS.  We've been allowing patrons to register for online cards for several years now, however we never had control over who was registering. Now we do, with the Quipu service. We've contracted with them to provide a basic user lookup, based on street address and last name. They will also check our system for duplicate cards. Much of the patron record will be updated automatically, and if the patron wants to come into the library to get a permanent card, other than their profile, the card will be properly filled out. Here are the basic rules for how this will work. Thank you to the circulation policy committee for helping fine-tune the process.

Who should be eligible to sign up for an eCard through SAILS?

  1. Massachusetts residents only:
    1. This is a change from the current online card signup form, which allows anyone to register for a card.
    2. Out-of-state residents who work and go to school in a SAILS community also will be ineligible. SAILS libraries have different policies on how to handle these patrons.
  2. Age requirements:
    1. Must be 13 or older to register
    2. Teens between the ages of 13-15 must supply a parent email address. A notification saying the new card was created, will be sent to this address.
    3. Ages 16 and up will get a standard eCard registration with no parental notification. 

What Profile Will Patrons Get? How will we manage physical lending for these accounts?

  1. For verified online registrants in a SAILS community:
    1. SAILSOU (SAILS Online User) profile
    2. Allow five holds and checkouts  (checkouts only circ for one day)
    3. One year expiration
  2. For verified online registrants outside of SAILS, but in MA:
    1. MASSOU (MASS Online User) profile
    2. Allow five holds and checkouts  (checkouts only circ for one day)
    3. One year expiration
    4. Different profile gives the library flexibility for preventing access to some online resources if desired.
  3. For provisional cards where the address is not verified:
    1.  OUREG (Online User Registration) profile
    2. Allow five holds and checkouts  (checkouts only circ for one day)
    3. Three week expiration
  4. The barcode prefix will match the library’s current prefix, but will start with a ‘5’ instead of a ‘2.’
    1. This will also make it easy for libraries to determine if they want to authorize an online card for local online content or not.
  5. When patrons visit the library, they will need to follow a similar process to what is done today to upgrade their card to a three-year card that borrows materials.

Which library will be assigned to each online patron?

  1. SAILS will continue to allow patrons to select a library. 

What data will be populated in the record for an online user?

  1. All name data we currently collect, with the option of adding a preferred name and checking a box to use that preferred name in all communications.
  2. The address that will be used for verification purposes will need to be entered as Address 1 and it must be in Massachusetts. 
  3. Email address (required), phone number, cell phone number (separate from phone number and used if the patron wants SMS notifications.)
  4. Date of birth - this will also be used for determining the user category 1.
  5. User category 2 will be based on the entered town/city of the address.
  6. NOHISTORY or ALLCHARGES - do you want to keep a history of the items you check out?
  7. Preferred notification method  - depending on this selection, they will be required to enter a cell phone or regular phone.

What data will not be populated in the record for an online user?

  1. Preferred language - only a few libraries have requested that this info be maintained.
  2. User groups
  3. Address 2
  4. Parent information in a ℅ field - only five libraries responding to the survey responded that they collect this information.
  5. Newsletter opt-in - varying policies among libraries. Even those who request this info from patrons don’t store it in Workflows.

Duplicate checking

Duplicate checking will be done by rejecting an account where there is an existing record matching the last name and date of birth. There are some edge cases where registrations will fail (e.g. twins), but, in Quipu’s experience, adding a first name to duplicate checking results in too many duplicate records being created.

Retaining patron information in eCard system?

Quipu stores 30 days of accepted and rejected registrations. This could be useful for troubleshooting.

Languages

Based on survey results. Brazilian Portuguese ranked high, but, after discussing the results with the Board, we agreed that it is close enough to European Portuguese to support just one Portuguese form. This makes room for both Russian and Hindi, which received an equal number of votes.

  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Haitian Creole
  • French
  • Chinese
  • Arabic
  • Russian
  • Hindi

Library Customer Services Associate

Seekonk Public Library

Part Time Library Customer Services Associate

Description:

Duties/Description: Customer Services Associates provide direct service to library users
primarily by: checking-out, renewing, reserving and requesting library materials; issuing library
cards and maintaining library records; responding to user inquiries and requests;
recommending books and other materials that may be of interest to the user; instructing users
in how to use library equipment and other services, including electronic services; explaining to
users the policies and rules of the library and network, resolving routine problems and referring
users to others who can provide further assistance. Customer Services Associates also check-in
materials, re-shelve materials, and process inter-library loans. Customer Services may be
required to engage in other related activities as required.
Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Applicants must be capable of operating a cash register, a personal computer, and related
peripheral devices. Applicants must have basic knowledge of current Windows operating
system, and Internet browsers and social media applications. Preference will also be shown to
those with experience using automated library computer systems and the SIRSI/Dynix in
particular.
Other Required Skills and Abilities: Customer Services Associates must have a strong
commitment to public service and have the ability to interact courteously and patiently with
the library users. Applicants must be able to communicate effectively with users and co-
workers.
Applicants must be capable of understanding and executing the operational routines defined by
the policies and procedures of the library and the SAILS network. A familiarity with public
library services and practices is highly desirable. Preference will be given to those with prior
library work experience and/or those with work experience involving direct service to
customers.
Applicants must be able to work as a member of a team, adjust their activities to fluctuating
demands of library users, and perform task despite frequent interruptions.
Physical Effort: Work effort involves sitting, stooping, walking, and standing. There may be a
need to stretch, bend, reach lift 25 pounds, and push or pull fully loaded library booktrucks.
Duties require standing effectively 90% of the time, and requires intermittent physical effort to
move library materials and return them to the shelving.
Hours & Conditions: This is part-time position and the person hired will typically work between
12 and 15.5 hours per week. Work schedule includes some evenings and Saturdays.
This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the
Seekonk Public Library Employees Association, MLSA, AFT Mass.


Qualifications: 

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Applicants must be capable of operating a cash register, a personal computer, and related
peripheral devices. Applicants must have basic knowledge of current Windows operating
system, and Internet browsers and social media applications. Preference will also be shown to
those with experience using automated library computer systems and the SIRSI/Dynix in
particular.


Education Required: high school diploma or its equivalent.

Salary: The starting pay rate at Step 1 is $17.81 per hour, and increases annually in three additional steps. There are no additional benefits.

Closing Date: 04/30/2023

Contact Information: 

Please submit a completed Town of Seekonk Employment Application form to the

Kathleen Hibbert, Library Director
c/o Town Administrator’s Office
Seekonk Town Hall
100 Peck St.
Seekonk, MA 02771
The form can be obtained at the Library and the Town Administrator’s office in Town Hall, or it
can be downloaded from the town website at https://www.seekonk-ma.gov/administration/
pages/employment-opportunities.


Secretary/Bookkeeper

Middleborough Public Library

Part Time Secretary/Bookkeeper

Description:

Routine secretarial and bookkeeping in an office setting; and all other related work as required.
Supervision:
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Director or her/his designee.
Job Environment:
• Work is performed under typical library conditions.
• Operates computers, typewriters, copier, fax and all other standard office and library
equipment.
Essential Responsibilities:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various
types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.
• Acts as a Secretary/Receptionist for the Library Director.
• Does accounts payable and general typing for the Department.
• May work with confidential material such as personnel records.
• Regular contact with other departments, libraries or vendors by phone, fax, e-mail or in
person is required.
• Maintains administrative files.


Qualifications: 

High School Diploma required. Additional training preferred. Two years of experience in
an office environment preferred.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and office software (database, work processing,
spreadsheet) required. Knowledge of public library procedures preferred.
• Ability to interact with staff and the public. Ability to relate to staff in a manner that
promotes cooperation while performing appropriate services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Good interpersonal skills. Detail
oriented.

Physical Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions. The Employee is frequently required to sit, talk, hear, use hands to
finger, feel or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is
occasionally required to walk. Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust
focus.


Education Required: High School Diploma required.

Salary: $17.19 to $25.25 per hour (in 9 annual steps)

Closing Date: 02/17/2023

Contact Information: 

Respond to: Please email a completed employment application, a resume, and a cover letter to:
midlib@sailsinc.org

The Town of Middleborough is an equal opportunity employer


Circulation Technician

Middleborough Public Library

Part Time Circulation Technician

Description:

12 hours/week (Evenings and Saturdays)
Routine clerical and direct service work in connection with library services and related
activities; all other related work as required.

Supervision:
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Director or her/his designee.
Performs varied routine library functions in accordance with prescribed procedures which
require constant attention to detail and accuracy.

Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical library conditions; it requires frequent interaction with library
patrons, staff and volunteers.
Essential Responsibilities:
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various
types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.
• Provides circulation and basic reference services for patrons.
• Performs a variety of related clerical functions.
• Aids in various phases of operation at the front desk: answers the telephone, provides
basic directional reference and reader advisory services; issues library cards; checks
books and other library materials in and out; handles monies for library-related services;
assists patrons in the use of library facilities and in locating library materials; shelves and
maintains collection in proper order.
• Assists library volunteers, as needed.
• Updates patron records and performs miscellaneous filing and computer data entry
work.
• Handles a variety of requests from patrons related to computer help, our digital catalog,
and various online resources available.
• Assists with museum pass requests, meeting room/study room reservations, and any
special project related or similar to library clerical duties.
• Operates computers, printers and all other standard office and library equipment.
Troubleshooting capabilities for various electronics will also be necessary.


Qualifications: 

High school diploma with some college coursework and six months of experience in library
services (preferred); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary: $17.19 to $25.25 per hour (in 9 annual steps)

Closing Date: 02/17/2023

Contact Information: 

Please email a completed employment application, a resume, and a cover letter to:
midlib@sailsinc.org

The Town of Middleborough is an equal opportunity employer


Password/Login Changes

When we start anonymizing your pins/passwords on October 6th, if you forget your password, you'll have two options. If you have an email address in your library account, you can go to our password reset link, and request a new password. If you don't have an email address in your library account, you'll need to get in touch with your library so they can reset it to the last four digits of the phone number in your record.

As of October 6th, library staff will not have access to view your password.

If you add your email to your account, you'll be able to go to the password reset link and create a new password, which is advisable. At that point, only you will know your password to access your library account. So be sure to ask your library to put your email in your account. Then you'll be sure to have 24/7 access to the system.

The BINGO Bonus: Using Passive Programming to Increase Patron Awareness of Library Services

Jessica Block, Ames Free Library

As libraries reintroduce themselves to their communities, how can we keep patrons engaged with all that we have to offer?

From January through March 2022, the Ames Free Library offered patrons of all ages the chance to participate in a Winter BINGO game through the READsquared platform. Over 70% of registered adults actively participated in the game that featured prompts for reading and exploring a variety of library resources. Feedback from participants following the program showed increased knowledge of library services and a desire to use the library more often. Our presentation will show how to plan and implement a scalable and transferable (READsquared or similar online platforms are not required!) BINGO program that provides a fun and interactive way for patrons to engage with or learn about the library.

View presentation