Changes in Database Access: Update 9/3/16

Update 9/3/16
Only 2 databases are not accessible as of this morning***

1) Los Angeles Digital Microfilm

2) Factiva: access both remote and in- house is not working.
We are working with Ebsco to resolve the issues.  Please continue to report issues to the Helpdesk.


Database authentication is changing today from OCLC's EZProxy to Ebsco's OpenAthens. Virtual Library Services' team is in the process of changing the URLs for all of our databases.

What this means for you as staff:

• Authentication page/Login page will be different and asks for user barcode and PIN;
• Customers may ask you to find their PINs;
• some databases will have  2 different URLs for in-house and remote access (similar to ReferenceUSA)
• Report database access issues to the HelpDesk so we can resolve them as quickly as possible. 

What this means for customers:

• More secure connection;
• No longer having to wait to access databases after getting a new card;
• Must know PIN to access databases remotely.

Your patience and understanding is much appreciated as we work towards improving our customers’ user experience.

Thanks,

Saima

Houston Public Library Foundation

Hello,

Here is a message from the Phyllis Hodges from Houston Public Library Foundation:

As promised here is the link to the Houston Public Library Foundation website! We are excited to share information about our organization as well as photos of the priority library program activities we support on the website. Please share this information with staff.  

https://www.houstonlibraryfoundation.org/

Below are the retail websites that the Houston Public Library Foundation is affiliated with to receive ongoing donations. We would appreciate if you share these links with the Branch Managers, their family members and friends.

https://smile.amazon.com/   (Sign up to donate a portion of every Amazon purchase!)
http://www.igive.com/ (You can select from hundreds on online retailers)
https://www.kroger.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow (Select organization #81104) 

Thanks,

Laurie

Pokemon Go!

Check out this School Library Journal article:  Pokemon GO:  What Do Librarians Need to Know?

Also, let me know if your location is a Pokestop or a gym (laurie.covington@houstontx.gov)

Thanks!

Laurie

Weeding guidelines revised

Hello,

There are new revised Weeding guidelines. Fred Schumacher sent them out on 7/6/16. You can see the document here.

In addition, please be aware that you are allowed to send Friends magazines both donations and discards. 

The Friends regularly get requests for magazines from teachers and others and they like to fill those requests with our discards when they can. They recycle the surplus. We want to help them do both of those things efficiently.  In order to do so,if you are boxing your magazines as Discards rather than recycling on site after processing them out, please

1)      Box discarded magazines separately from books and other material, not mixed together.

2)      Note on the box labels that the contents are magazines.

The Friends also report that comic books sell well, as do graphic novels and manga.  Graphic novels and manga are, of course, book format items and are processed out of our collection and sent to the Friends just like any other books in salable condition or sorted as true discards if they are not salable. Please treat weeded comic books the same way as books and include them in “Friends” boxes if the condition is okay.  Do not mix comics, graphic novels, or manga in the same boxes as magazines.

The weeding guideline will soon be on the HPL Training Portal under Library Functions. 

Thanks,

Laurie

Event Calendar View

Greetings from Virtual Library:

Event Calendar View now has a "type" filter that allows users to select a library location and an event type to view events in calendar mode. Please make a note of it.

It can also print a cleaner version. It is a good idea to first select a location and/or event type then print. Check to see which orientation looks better e.g. portrait or landscape. Of course, location managers should continue to use the template to print their monthly calendars.

Sincerely,

Saima Kadir

31698

Magazine Donation Request

Hi,

Please send your discarded magazines to Friends. 

 

If a customer asks for a donation of discarded magazine, please have them email info@friendsofhpl.org with the subject line: Magazine Donation Request. 

 

Staff may continue to use discarded magazines for programming, such as crafts, and displays.

 

Friends does not accept donations of magazines from the public.

 

If a customer; or organization requests donated books or wishes to donate books, please have the customer complete the donation request form: http://www.friendsofhpl.org/donate-books/

 

Thanks!

Best regards,

Mary Wagoner

x32711

 

 

 

Newsletters Looking for a Few Good Staff!

Virtual Library Services Team has many orphan LibraryAware (formerly Next Reads) e-newsletters ready for adoption by caring and dedicated staff!You can view the newsletters here.

What does a LibraryAware e-newsletter editor do:

• Edit ready-made newsletter for accuracy. 
• Check links. Add similar titles if needed. 
• Some newsletters are monthly; most are bimonthly 
• Staff time required – 3-4 hours per month (or every other month depending on the newsletter) 
• Most importantly, add original content that’s relevant to the newsletter topic 
• HPL programs, classes, events, book clubs 
• Community events and/or resources 
• Local interest (if applicable) 

This is a great way to promote our fabulous resources and be an advocate for our services. Basically, it allows you to be an awesome librarian or library staff!

If you’re interested, contact HPL Virtual Library.

We will provide training (f2f at Central).

Here is a list of orphan newsletters:

• Science Fiction 
• Fantasy 
• Christian Fiction 
• Romance 
• Mystery 
• Nature/Science 
• Mind & Body 
• Audiobooks 
• Armchair Travel 
• Home, Garden & DIY 
• Horror 
• Jobs & Careers 
• Kids Books 
• Popular Culture 
• Sports & Recreation 
• Thrillers & Suspense 

Sincerely,
Saima