Good afternoon member libraries,
Our Aspen server upgrade, which was previously delayed, is now scheduled for this evening between 8PM and 10PM.
We have posted a banner to all Aspen catalogs, and we will send an update once we receive confirmation the upgrade has completed.
Thank you for your patience!
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
We are excited to announce a new item category for item records in WorkFlows!
Item Category 6 can now be used to designate languages other than English. Several foreign language options have been populated in this category, and you can begin assigning them immediately.
Like all item categories, Item Category 6 does not impact circulation or hold rules in any way. It also does not display in the public catalog. It is meant for staff use only.
Item Category 6 is not yet available for reporting in BLUEcloud Analytics (BCA). SirsiDynix is working to add this in a future release. In the meantime, libraries may run reports for Item Category 6 in WorkFlows. SWAN staff can help set up templates for your library to run lists or circulation statistics reports if needed.
Please send in a ticket with requests for templates, questions, or requests to update parts of your collection with this new item category.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Hello SWAN libraries,
SWAN will be relocating its office in December, and we have some furniture that will be listed on the RAILS website under the "Classifieds: Free/For Sale/Wanted." We will prioritize SWAN member libraries first if your library would like to arrange a pickup of the items we post. It will be first come, first served. SWAN Business Manager Ginny Blake will coordinate the pick-up and removal of the items.
Currently we have posted some chairs on the RAILS classifieds just to see how the process works. There will be some additional furniture such as desks and tables we will post in the listed items available.
https://railslibraries.org/classifieds
If you would like to stay informed of any of the items being listed, RAILS has an email list you can subscribe to with the following commands.
Offers and requests posted by libraries on the RAILS website.
To Subscribe
Send an email to listserv(a)list.railslibraries.org with message text:
subscribe classifieds FIRSTNAME LASTNAME
(It is recommended that you delete your email signature from this message.)
You will be sent an automatic reply with a link to confirm your subscription request.
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Good afternoon SWAN Member Library Staff:
SWAN will be performing scheduled maintenance on our indexes this Sunday, September 1st, after all libraries are closed. These reports do take several hours to run so there may be a delay in the start of the standard reports for Labor Day Monday, September 2nd. WorkFlows will not be available during the scheduled maintenance window.
The Aspen online catalog will still be available for patrons.
Have a great day!
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Good afternoon member libraries,
Our Aspen production server upgrade was scheduled to begin shortly, we have just been informed by ByWater, our Aspen host, that this will not happen today. The system message in Aspen will be removed and our SWAN support site will be updated to reflect the postponement.
When we have a new date and time, we will send out new communication. Thank you!
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Hello SWAN directors & administrators-
The Quarterly meeting of directors and administrators will take place at Oak Brook Public Library on Thursday, September 5th at 10:00 a.m. The agenda and packet are posted on the meeting page below.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/meeting/94458
The meeting packet has a document that I hope will be of interest to many of you, which is our research into online patron registration options for member libraries. We will need to replace our existing solution in the upcoming year, and we investigated more robust options such as identity verification and library map boundary verification. Both of those options are possible, and we will present at the meeting and answer any questions about our research.
If you would prefer to watch the meeting via Zoom, you will need to register in advance using the link below.
https://swanlibraries-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdu-prTwjGtL6oPUXBfqj…
Additionally, I think you may already know this, but SWAN will be closed on Monday, September 2nd next week for Labor Day.
Thank you, and have a great holiday weekend!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Good afternoon member libraries,
Our Aspen production server upgrade will take place Thursday, August 29th between 1PM and 5PM - not 8/28 as previously communicated.
During this time, patron account functions will be unavailable in both the Aspen Discovery web catalog and the SWAN Libraries + app. Patrons can search in the catalog and the app, but item statuses will not update (e.g. checked out items may show as on shelf).
SWAN will post a system message banner for all catalogs the morning of August 29th.
We will update our support site with an all clear following the upgrade: https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-08/94668
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
SWAN Member Libraries:
Symphony WorkFlows is currently down. We are troubleshooting the issue with SirsiDynix and will update the Known Issue<https://support.swanlibraries.net/issue/94669> on our SWAN support site as we have more information. Please use the Offline Circulation module while we troubleshoot the issue.
Vickie Totton
Consultant, Information Technology Systems & Support
vickie(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:vickie@swanlibraries.net> * 630.326.8714
My pronouns: she/her/hers
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Good morning member libraries,
ByWater Solutions, our Aspen Discovery hosting and support provider, is upgrading our Aspen production server on Wednesday, August 28th between 1PM and 5PM.
During this time, patron account functions will be unavailable in both the Aspen Discovery web catalog and the SWAN Libraries + app. Patrons can search in the catalog and the app, but item statuses will not update (e.g. checked out items may show as on shelf).
SWAN will post a system message banner for all catalogs the morning of August 28th.
We will update our support site following the upgrade: https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-08/94668
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Hello SWAN members-
The SWAN Expo registration will close at the end of the day today. This is also the last day to cancel your registration if you are unable to attend. You can register and view attendees from the link below. If you need to cancel, please send an email to help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net> and we will remove you from the list.
SWAN Expo 2024 | SWAN Library Services (swanlibraries.net)<https://support.swanlibraries.net/meetings-trainings/annual-conference>
The full printable schedule for next Friday's August 23rd event is posted. This is a larger event than last year with a variety of session topics.
SWAN-Expo-2024-schedule.pdf (swanlibraries.net)<https://support.swanlibraries.net/system/files/Public/2024-08/SWAN-Expo-202…>
Libraries with staff attending can expect an invoice from SWAN after the event for those staff registered ($35 per person).
Registered staff can expect a confirmation email next week on Monday.
Regards,
Aaron
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
SWAN Member Libraries:
We are receiving reports of not being able to connect to Symphony WorkFlows although there are many users that remain logged in. We are troubleshooting this and will update the Known Issue<https://support.swanlibraries.net/issue/94662> as we have more information.
Vickie Totton
Consultant, Information Technology Systems & Support
vickie(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:vickie@swanlibraries.net> * 630.326.8714
My pronouns: she/her/hers
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Good morning,
Many libraries are reporting that they have received their database links for the EBSCO package provided by the Illinois State Library. We have also compiled the database links for all SWAN libraries. The package is provided at no additional cost to your library. The links are already set for OpenAthens authentication. You can locate the spreadsheet to download in our news article, Links available for EBSCO package from the Illinois State Library<https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-07/94660>.
Additional information regarding EBSCO databases, tutorials/training, and promotional materials for EBSCO can be found on our support site, SWAN EBSCO Databases<https://support.swanlibraries.net/documentation/70949>.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Hi everyone-
The schedule for the SWAN Expo on Friday, August 23rd is now finalized. You can view the day's sessions at specific times throughout the day<https://support.swanlibraries.net/meetings-trainings/annual-conference>.
Our 2024 annual event is shaping up to be a great one. We have 19 sessions covering a range of topics and presenters with expertise in subjects that we hope all of you will enjoy.
Mental health
During the planning of this year's Expo, we picked up from some membership polling at a Fireside meeting that concerns around mental health was theme. We approached the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to present this year's keynote. The staff from NAMI will remain at Expo throughout the day to provide one-on-one consulting and advice in a private meeting room.
Managing your library's records
Have you wondered how your library should be managing its paper and digital archive associated with library operations? You can hear directly from the experts! The Illinois State Archives will present a primer for public libraries and local government on records retention.
Creating a crisis plan
The past few years have presented a new set of challenges for libraries, and we have invited HR Source to provide an overview of what your library should include in its crisis response plan.
Your library & the Illinois Digital Archives
Many libraries in SWAN have special collections or artifacts from your community. The Illinois State Library will be on hand to talk about the Illinois Digital Archives and how you can go about digitizing those collections for online access in the statewide platform (which also integrates in SWAN Aspen Discovery).
Learn basic copyright for library staff
Sara Bensen from the University of Illinois will guide you through the basics of copyright and how it impacts fair use and limitations within the library.
Library newcomers & the immigrant experience
Since August 31, 2022, the City of Chicago has welcomed over 45,000 new arrivals from the southern border. Chicago Public Library staff will present their perspective on how the newly arrived immigrants required and relied upon public library staff and services to navigate the path to resettlement and self-sufficiency.
Learn about RAILS delivery
Have you wanted to know more about how libraries in SWAN share materials? RAILS Delivery Director Mark Hatch will show how the Illinois library delivery system works and answer your questions!
SWAN staff presentations at Expo
* School partnerships: Issuing student cards
* Be a WorkFlows detective: Following clues to unravel confusing service scenarios
* Aspen for library staff
* MobileStaff consultation: Bring your library device or learn about how to enhance your tablet experience
* BLUEcloud Analytics basics
* BLUEcloud Analytics Q&A for technical services
* BLUEcloud Analytics Q&A for public services
Library panel presentations
* Collection management: Weeding, storage, renovations
* Circulation best practices: Moments at the service desk
Roundtable discussions
* Support and self-care
* Staff development, library in-service days, & what libraries do for fun
* How to deal with difficult service scenarios
The event will be held at Moraine Valley Community College Business & Conference Center (building M) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost for the event is $35 per person.
Registration is open<https://support.swanlibraries.net/meetings-trainings/annual-conference/regi…>! You can register yourself or individuals on your staff. Lunch is included! Confirm your registration or those of your colleagues by clicking on the "view attendees<https://support.swanlibraries.net/meetings-trainings/annual-conference/regi…>" from the Expo information page. We will be sending out event details to all registered attendees the week of the event.
We hope to see you there!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
SWAN Member Library Staff:
Reminder: our Symphony Production server will be upgraded to version 4.1 this evening.
During the upgrade 'My Account' features, SIP2/WebServices, and other related services will be unavailable.
Our upgrade is scheduled to begin shortly after 11PM and will conclude early morning Thursday July, 18. While we do not anticipate the required use of Offline Mode or downtime during business hours, please wait for the 'All Clear' SWANcom to arrive tomorrow morning before accessing WorkFlows.
A new WorkFlows 4.1 client installer has been made available on the SWAN Support Site: https://support.swanlibraries.net/documentation/64760. There is no imperative to install the new WorkFlows client before the Symphony 4.1 server upgrade. Once your staff workstations have been updated, please have your library submit the 4.1 Installation Survey: https://fs8.formsite.com/SWANServices/xrjnthywxm/index (one submission per library, please!)
For updates and more information on Symphony 4.1 features and updates, follow our news post: https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-07/94652.
Any questions or concerns? Please send a support ticket to help(a)swanlibraries.net and a member of the support team will be in touch.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
SWAN Member Library Staff:
Just a reminder that our Symphony Production server upgrade is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17th at 11:30PM. The installation process will take a couple of hours, with our regularly scheduled reports running after the upgrade has been completed. While we do not anticipate any downtime or required use of Offline Mode during library hours, please wait until the 'All Clear' SWANcom is sent before accessing WorkFlows Thursday morning.
Staff clients do not need to be upgraded prior to Thursday, July 18th. The 3.7.1 client will continue to work; however, new features will be unavailable until the client is updated. Please see our Support Site for WorkFlows client downloads and setup documentation<https://support.swanlibraries.net/documentation/64760>.
For information and updates, see our news post<https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-07/94652> and subscribe to SWANcom<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
SWAN Member Library Staff:
The Symphony Production server upgrade has been rescheduled to begin Wednesday July 17th shortly after 11PM and conclude early morning Thursday, July 18th.
While we do not anticipate the required use of Offline Mode or downtime during business hours, please wait for the 'All Clear' SWANcom to arrive in the morning before accessing WorkFlows.
There is no imperative to install the new WorkFlows client before the Symphony 4.1 server upgrade. The WorkFlows 4.1 installer is available for download on the SWAN support site. If you have already downloaded the installer from our previous attempted upgrade, please download a new copy as the installer has been updated.
During the upgrade, My Account features, SIP2/WebServices, and other related systems will be unavailable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please open a support ticket and a member of the support team will be in touch.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Good afternoon:
We will be rebuilding our authority indexes over Independence Day. Please refrain from accessing Workflows after 9 PM Wednesday, July 3 through Thursday, July 4th. We anticipate that this will have little to no impact on service since it is occurring over the holiday. We will send an all clear message when you can resume normal work functions.
Absolutely no cataloging may occur during reindexing, including: updating, adding, or deleting of bibliographic and item records.
We will update the post on the Support site<https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-07/94651>.
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>
Good afternoon,
The EBSCO RAILS Flagship subscription URLs for 2024/2025 are now available. If your library opted to only purchase individual databases from EBSCO, those links will come directly from EBSCO. Any databases provided by the Illinois State Library are going to be sent directly to libraries. Please see the news article, EBSCO URLs 2024/2025<https://support.swanlibraries.net/news/2024-07/94649>, for more information and a downloadable workbook with all available access URLs for the Flagship package. Thank you!
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
Email: help(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:help@swanlibraries.net>
Phone: 844-SWANLIB (844-792-6542)
https://support.swanlibraries.net
<https://support.swanlibraries.net/>SWANcom Subscription Settings<https://mailman.swanlibraries.net/mailman3/lists/swancom.list.swanlibraries…>