June was a very busy month at the library, as we made facility improvements, including upgrading the 2nd floor WiFi access point, and went live with our new integrated library system (ILS) and corresponding catalog and mobile app. Please read on for further updates for June, and usage statistics for May.
Buildings and Grounds
Access problems with the wireless Internet on the 2nd floor has been reported for several months, including by library employees. After investigation, the issue appeared to be that the access point (AP) on the 2nd floor could not handle the larger amount of usage on the 2nd floor. The AP was upgraded to a higher capacity unit, and no access problems have been reported since.
In late May, the libraryās security alarm began sounding during hours of operation, and prevented staff from properly alarming the building. Haig Service Corporation responded and replaced several alarm sensors in the building. Haig also performed routine testing of the libraryās Fire Alarm.
Lennyās Plumbing responded to a service call regarding leaky faucets. Two sets of faucets were replaced in the libraryās public restrooms.
One of two emergency exit doors in the libraryās main meeting room failed to open in early June. McIntyreās repaired the door and it is now fully functional. McIntyre also installed a deadbolt with keypad on the door to the Local History Room to provide easier secure access to this room.
Finance
The Westfield Foundation has awarded the library with (2) Summer Youth Employment grants totaling $3,000. The grants will be used to hire (2) summer interns to assist with the libraryās Summer Reading Program.
In the Library
On Thursday, June 13, the library went live with a new Integrated Library System (ILS) called LEAP (by Polaris/Innovative). The migration went relatively smoothly, and the library was able to start issuing library cards, checking in materials, placing holds, and performing other regular transactions. There were some issues that were discovered including incorrect due dates. Most of the problems seem to be related to circulation rules and user permissions, which LMXAC/STELLA is working to resolve remotely. Considering the scale of this migration, I was relatively happy with the initial result. Not only was LMXAC/STELLA migrating 40+ existing libraries to the new system, but they were also bringing in (4) new libraries in Union County including Garwood, Rahway, Union, and Hillside. I want to thank Kiana Kirby, Head of Technology and Technical Services, for her leadership with this migration, and all of the staff who have been preparing, training, and helping with the go-live for our new system.
This migration also includes a new public catalog (Vega) and mobile app (available from Google Play and the App Store). There were some initial functionality issues with the mobile app, and a delay in approval by app stores. But the app is now available and working correctly. This app (STELLA) replaces the previous app (LMxPRESS).
The Summer Reading Program began on June 17, with more than 450 students signing up in the first week.
Partnerships & Outreach
The library purchased a new book cart to replace the old and deteriorating book cart at the Memorial Pool. The new book cart helps to promote the library while providing residents with access to reading materials at the pool. The new book cart was delivered on the June 21, when the pool opened to full summer hours.
Technology
Work is contiuing to progress on the libraryās RFID conversion. The Adult Fiction collection has been completed, and the Adult Nonfiction and Childrenās collections are currently underway.
Staff
Jeannine Forbes, Jennifer Schulze, Mandy Richards, and I attended the New Jersey Library Association Conference in Atlantic City, May 29-31.
Library Organizations
LMxAC / STELLA
I will finish my term on the STELLA Executive Board on June 30. However, Michelle Willis, Director of the Scotch Plains Public Library will be joining the Board July 1 giving Union County strong representation on the consortia’s Executive Board.
During the ILS migration, STELLA migrated over 51 branch locations, 1M+ bibliographic records, 3.5+ item records, 586K+ patron records, and 22K+patron holds. While the first stage of the migration was successfully completed, STELLA has entered the clean-up phase, making all necessary corrections.
New Jersey Library Association (NJLA)
NJLA has reported that The Freedom to Read Act (A3446), which was introduced in the Assembly February 1, and referred to the Assembly Education Committee, was approved in Committee on June 6, by a vote of 7-1. NJLA and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians issued a joint statement in support of the Committeeās vote.
Submitted by,
Allen McGinley, Library Director
