One of the branches inquired about developing a newsletter for their library. They need acrobat installed so it could be sent out vial email to a large mailing list. Discussion ensued. Issue was tabled until the services subcommittee meets on Friday November 30. This project requires a large amount of staff time and service committee needs to discuss implications.
Unfiltering or unblocking sites. Anne brought a list of sites that have been requested to have blocking removed in the last 3 months. She in turn requests that it be unblocked by the filtering vendor, N2H2. They are not letting her know of their decision; so the only way she knows that the site has or has not been unblocked is to check it periodically. Some examples of these sites are: “Salon, low-riders, Landover Baptist, Notre Dame Seminary, etc.”. A decision needs to be made on overriding the blocks and we have to be open to both sides of an issue if we choose to do this. The problem is that we become the decision-maker. Group discussed whether we actually want to do that. The consensus was that the 3-month list is relatively small and does not seem large enough to warrant a change in our current procedures. We need to include a review/reminder for staff on Bess’s role in unblocking and the staff role. In June, the Metropolitan Library Commission adopted a policy that requires filtering for both adults and minors. This policy was implemented by purchasing Bess servers from N2H2. The library does not choose what is filtered or what is not filtered; it is done by N2H2. If you have a site reported blocked, you can use the Bess URL checker to see what category it is blocked under. You can then turn the filter off and check the site to see if it should be legitimately unblocked. If you think it should, please send the URL to Anne Fischer ([email protected]) in Automation and she will submit the site to Bess. However, you need to know that N2H2 no longer lets us know what their decision is on unblocking. You will just need to check back periodically to see if it gets unblocked. If it's not unblocked within two weeks, you can safely assume that it is not going to be unblocked. NOTE: If you check it with the filter off and see why Bess probably blocked it (i.e., there are questionable things on the site), it will do no good to submit it for review as it will not be unblocked.
Email problems
Recent problems occurred because one of our servers was used to send spam messages and complaints were made to OneNet. Most of these messages were sent from outside our system but one was sent from a library computer. OneNet has requested that we post signs by all of our Internet computers warning customers that it is illegal to send spam messages and that anyone caught doing so will be reported to authorities. Anne Fischer will contact OneNet for wording that will explain to customers what spam messages are. Public Relations will be asked to make the signs.
Privacy screens
Committee discussed whether to purchase privacy screens for the new 17" monitors that are being installed, as the old screens will not fit. If we continue to use privacy screens, we will eventually be purchasing about 120 at $200-$250 each. Customer opinions of the screens are reportedly mixed. Committee decided not to purchase new privacy screens for the 17" monitors since we now have filters on all Internet computers and due to the cost.
Issuing Library Cards Off-site -- Debra Spindle
It was agreed that the goal of this process is to issue library cares to those who do not already have cards. Most of this occurs as part of some school visits. The process as currently performed:
Take the library card applications to the school.
Children have the forms filled out and return them to school with their parents' signature. week)
School's teacher or office will verify the information. (1 week later)
Library will receive the applications back, check for existing library cards and then re-visit to hand out cards. (1 week later)
Membership & goals
Goals for the group are established at the retreat in January and Kay will attach a copy this year's goals to the Committee Fact Sheet. As we understand the purpose of the Tech Support, we are to assist with the smooth implementation of changes in software and policies. The ILS Team is to enhance the existing programs.
Discussion of our retreat lead to the decision to use our retreat this year to review the goals and provide a status report of the achievements including the additions to the goals that came up during the year.
We decided to call the Tech Group Tech Support and modify the membership to include all Ad Team and ILS Team representatives. Automation, Public Services, Materials Selection and Planning will attend all meetings. Other Ad Team members may attend every meeting or only those most pertinent. The ILS Team members will become members of Tech Support and attend the monthly meeting. Tech Support will encourage staff to inform us of tech issues each month.
Jana Hausburg presented several suggestions and comments from the staff for improving the various automated systems. These items were discussed. See the recommendations in the attached ILS report.
Color Printing
The document Guidelines for Use of Color Printers was discussed. (See attached document.) Agencies need to make room for one color printer that will be installed next to the reference printer. Installation is scheduled to begin in September.
Color Printer Guidelines
Ask Anne Hsieh for input on the guidelines then get Norm Maas' approval. Send copy to Judy Walden who will take to the Managers. Automation will begin installing the printers.
Internet Certification
The Internet Certification will still be kept on file. We will need to re-do the Internet certification packet to include color printers.
Filtering for guests
There will be no change in our procedures for guests using the Internet.
Judy updated us on the status of selling diskettes. She has supplied the Business Office with the quantity each library thinks they would need for a year. Jim indicated that payment of the diskettes would be through the payment screen account 805 and a sub-account for diskettes. The Business Office has to report to each city the sales tax collected and it is different for each city. Planning Services will send out an info sheet about this.
Diskette sales
The structure is in place for diskettes to be sold by libraries that choose to do so. Implementation will occur when Supplies in the Business Office completes ordering the supplies and the go-ahead comes from Judy Walden.
Equipment location
Discussion regarding location of equipment in the public service areas showed that most libraries have a data closet for the equipment. Equipment at other libraries is located in a place considered to be safe from accidental bumping.
Data cd-roms for public use
Clarification was sought regarding the use of cd-roms for public use. Some indexes are available in this format and the Downtown Library anticipates having additional titles. Marriott will work on the policy for this process.
