And The Award Goes To…

Extra special congratulations to our neighbor, the Pierce County Library System, for their receipt of a 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Pierce County Library is the first library in the State of Washington to earn this award.

The National Medal for Museum and Library Service honors outstanding institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Selected institutions demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach. The National Medal is the highest honor for museums and libraries.

In a White House Ceremony on May 8, First Lady Michelle Obama (as always, looking fabulous) joined Director Susan Hildreth and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to honor ten institutions from across the country. In addition to Pierce County Library leaders, a member of the community participated in the ceremony to highlight how the library affected their life.

See video of the ceremony, read the press release, or find more information at the Pierce County Library System website.

Hooray for libraries in Washington state!

Nonprofits Front & Center, October 30th Event

Free Annual Event for the Nonprofit Community
hosted by the
Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center
at the Redmond Library

SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFECTIVE FUNDRAISERS
Featured Speaker: Janet Boguch
Principal & Owner of Non-Profit Works and Wide Angle Coaching

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

How do the Seven Habit of Highly Effective People, made famous by Stephen Covey, pertain to fundraising?

Nonprofit expert Janet Boguch will address this question with inspiration, humor and practical advice gained from over 25 years of experience in the sector. Janet is highly regarded for her energetic, interactive and results-driven presentations.

Reception to follow the program.

RSVP online or call 425.885.1861.

Sponsored by the Nonprofit & Philanthropy Resource Center at the Redmond Library and the Friends of Redmond Library.

Hope to see you there!

Jaime’s KCLS Jaunt #48: Preston

Good things come to those that wait and I waited to visit the KCLS Shipping Department in Preston until nearly the end of my jaunts! We headed out for trip number 27 for a lunch time tour of the wizard behind the curtain.

The shipping and materials distribution department is in east King County in a large warehouse-style building.  While the library trucks parked out front certainly gave it away, its anonymity belies just how crucial to the operations of KCLS the automation and staff inside it really are!

 

To start our tour, we were greeted by Tony and introduced to Steve, the managers of the facility and our hosts for the afternoon.  In addition to innovative library programs, part of KCLS’ world-renown is in its circulation capabilities.  The Automated Materials Handling (AMH) system, utilizing RFID technology, installed in Preston is a large piece of this puzzle.  It’s so impressive, libraries from many different countries visit the facility to see how KCLS moves its materials – nearly 12 million in 2010.  They keep a map on the wall with color-coded pins to track everyone that visits and there is a fantastic distribution of color across the globe!

The AMH has three components:  the inbound/outbound conveyor, the crane, and the sorter.  Mixed materials from the libraries are stored in totes and picked up towards the end of the day at the libraries by one of six trucks.  Each tote typically holds about 40 lbs and 40+ items. Once inside, the inbound/outbound conveyor moves the totes to the crane, which then sorts the totes.  If it’s busy, the crane puts them wherever there is space and as it has free time, it will re-sort the totes to be more efficient for outbound delivery or sorting.  (Fun Fact 1:  the crane, previously nameless, has been nicknamed “The Tin Man” by a local Girl Scouts troop that toured the facility.) The crane also feeds the sorting line.  Because KCLS is a large multi-branch system, materials can be picked up and dropped off at any library.  In addition, the increasing number of holds means that there are books that need to be delivered from one library to another for a patron.  Library Pages empty the totes onto the sorter’s conveyor belt, the RFID tag is scanned, and then the item drops into the correct library tote as the conveyor belt moves around.  Filled totes are delivered back to the crane, which stores them in racks until the delivery driver requests them for their next route. (Fun Fact 2: Items that belong to other library systems are not recognized by the sorter and are kicked out of the conveyor.  They are mailed back to their real library home every Friday.)

In addition to the day-to-day delivery of materials, Preston houses two other important functions.  The first is the “Just-in-Time” collection.  These materials are usually old information formats, like VHS, or very popular bestsellers.  For older materials, it doesn’t make sense to have these items take up valuable shelf space in the libraries as they don’t circulate as often anymore.  (Fun Fact 3:  “Dark Shadows”, in VHS format, still circulates very, very well and I’m sure it’ll spike again when the Johnny Depp version releases!)  On the other end of the turnover spectrum, patrons receive the bestsellers more quickly if they are delivered directly from Preston to their desired hold shelf.  Again, it also helps with space as most libraries don’t have capacity for hundreds of copies of the same book on the shelf! The second function is the packing and delivery of collection material no longer needed to be sold. Because KCLS cannot receive any revenue other than property taxes, the profit earned from selling weeded materials is deposited with the KCLS Foundation.

It was very neat to be able to see the movement of material through the system and meet some of the staff that works hard to quickly deliver our books to us.  In the future, I’ll have a much better appreciation of the books I put on hold. I know now just what it takes to get that book from the Kent, or White Center or Richmond Beach, shelves to my Redmond holds!

Want to see for yourself? Meet Tony and take a virtual tour of the AMH or meet Shiraz to learn about delivering the totes.

KCLS 2009 Year in Review: A Record-Setting Year of Service

KCLS has just released its 2009 Year in Review. Here’s a summary from KCLS Director, Bill Ptacek:

“In 2009, King County Library System (KCLS) rose to a new challenge: helping patrons find essential information during tough economic times. In addition to maintaining regular standards of service and continuing construction projects, KCLS developed an innovative approach in response to the economic crisis to guide patrons to reliable information when they needed it most. As a result, KCLS not only remained relevant to the lives of everyday people, but drew record crowds. This was the busiest year in the history of KCLS.”

Look to Your Library
To help people facing unemployment, mortgage defaults, business failures and disappearing investments, the "Look to Your Library" program guided people to free library and community resources, including unemployment assistance, job search tools and small business aid. A full week of extended library hours offered in-person coaching on how to find and use library resources. Partnerships across King County with public and nonprofit agencies were established to offer skills classes and other support.

The results were so successful that the Department of Social and Health Services and WorkSource employment resources are expanding our partnership to assist job-seekers. KCLS received widespread recognition for these efforts, garnering three national awards and becoming a role model for the Gates Foundation.

Redmond Library Circulation
The four libraries in the cluster that Redmond belongs to continue to post impressive circulation numbers. The cluster total for 2009 is almost 2 million! The Redmond Library regularly has the second highest circulation totals (trailing only Bellevue) throughout KCLS.

As Redmond residents, we are indeed fortunate to have such a great community resource.

Newest Library Patron

My husband took the KCLS plunge!  On Saturday, we visited the Bellevue branch so that he could get his first KCLS library card and check out a book on WWII.  He was the fifth person that hour to sign up for a card.

(Sorry Redmond, I would have loved to have him visit our home library, but you didn’t have the book he wanted on the shelf like Bellevue did.  Since he needed a card, we needed to visit the branch in person. But now he can place holds online to pick up future picks in Redmond. Note to other board members: please forgive me for bumping up a rival branch’s statistics as I checked out a few books while we were there too!)

While my husband is an avid reader of all things online, “traditional” novels have never been something we’ve held in common. Fortunately, we have a lot of other things we both like to keep the conversation going: music, bowling, and baseball to name a few.  And, at the end of the day, though the library has an amazing amount of other offerings, I still mostly use the library to check out novels.

I’m excited to introduce him to all of the other services the library has to offer. . . particularly the online offerings that are so abundant through the KCLS website.

p.s. It turns out he’s primarily interested in nonfiction history books,  a genre I don’t generally go near.  So, it looks like we still won’t be talking books anytime soon!

Turn To Us. . .

The Choices Will Surprise You. How continually apt I find the KCLS motto. Just when I think I’ve nailed down everything the library has to offer, I learn something new! 

Recently, I began preparing to tutor my first GED student through Hopelink’s Adult Education Program. As I was reviewing the tutor resources information on the Hopelink website, there was a mention of resources online at KCLS. The King County Library System’s Testing and Education Reference Center has it all! As I reviewed the GED offerings, I began to notice just how many sample tests were available. . .

Preparation eBooks and practice tests for the GED, SAT, ACT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, GAT, LSAT, CLEP, ABCDEF (just seeing if you are paying attention on that one!) and many career related exams for the civil service and other licensing boards are available from home, simply by entering your library card number!

Library Advisory Board Forums

On June 20th and June 27th, the King County Library System hosted members from all of its participating city library advisory boards. Like the overall KCLS mission, the purpose of the forums is to Inform, Connect, and Share knowledge across each of the communities in which the library operates.

INFORM

Bill Ptacek, KCLS Director, began the forum with highlights and political background of the system. Did you know that King County Library System is an independent entity operated by the state? While King County Council appoints the KCLS Board of Directors, the relationship with King County government ends at this responsibility. Next, Linda Glenicki presented the financial picture of KCLS. Nearly all of the General Fund for the system is collected from property taxes and a recent performance audit conducted by the state auditor generally found that KCLS manages its construction projects with appropriate controls.

CONNECT

Become a fan of KCLS on Facebook! Read what has KCLS all a-twitter! In this segment of the forum, Jennifer Wiseman, Public Services Project Manager, discussed social media tools available for use to connect to the community. KCLS actively engages its community on various sites (see all the ways you can connect with KCLS on their website) and encourages Library Advisory Boards to engage their communities with these free tools too. Training is also provided at the Library's public Learning 2.0 site. The Redmond Library Board of Trustees offered a handout with quick tips on maintaining an active and engaging blog (Thanks to Lorin!)

SHARE

Finally, before and after the forums, board members from different cities discuss how they are engaging their communities with their library. There is opportunity to discuss what is and isn't working and offer suggestions for further training from KCLS to assist the advisory boards in their missions. Redmond's Library Board of Trustees "purpose is to consider library policy, promote interest in the library and to inform Redmond citizens of library needs."

Job and Career Resources: Look to Your Library

When times get tough, look to your local library for information, ideas, and inspiration. During May 1-8, 41 KCLS libraries will open one hour earlier as part of the Look to Your Library event. This event encourages the community to explore the library’s vast information resources, particularly those for jobs and career info. During the first two hours each day that week, librarians will demonstrate the latest online tools for getting help and information you need.

Online Job and Career Resources
To help King County residents through the current economic crisis, KCLS has compiled an extensive online resource guide that provides answers to questions such as:

	Searching for a job?
	Just laid off?
	Bills piling up?
	Struggling small business?

You can also use the KCLS Library Catalog to search for books on jobs and career guidance. For example, KCLS has 10 copies of Richard Bolles’ What Color is Your Parachute, a practical guide for job-hunters and career-changers

Libraries as Career Centers
All over the country, libraries have become centers for providing resources for job and career guidance. The recent Newsweek article, Reading Into the Future, talks about this transformation of libraries. The article highlights librarians at a suburban Detroit library who are spending countless hours training people to use computers. The librarians help people to research job openings, fill out online job applications, and set up email accounts.

Libraries: Not Just for Books, Part III

The following is the third part in a five part series on services offered at the library that most people might not think about when they think of their local library (or librarian!)

1040s?! Schedule Cs?! Can I deduct this interest or that interest?! As I've just begun my adventure into 2008 business and personal taxes, I wondered if the library could help me out here too. It turns out they can.

The King County Library System not only offers printouts of the most common IRS tax forms in library lobbies, they can help you complete your taxes too. Computers are available to e-file your return and many branches host Tax Times to help you complete your forms.

Volunteers will be available at the Redmond Regional branch every Saturday from February 7 to April 11 from 10AM to 3PM. Help is first come, first serve and the assistance is free.

For more information about tax assistance at your local branch, visit the King County Library's Tax Assistance website.

Libraries: Not Just For Books, Part I

The following is the first part in a five part series on services offered at the library that most people might not think about when they think of their local library (or librarian!)

Did you know that the King County Library System offers free computer classes at each of their branches? King County Library System's mission is to "provide all community members with free, open and equal access to ideas and information." Computers, via the Internet, are increasingly the tools used to gain access to ideas and information. Learning how to effectively use the Internet, and other tools that computers provide, is increasingly important in today's society in disseminating ideas and information. The Library also hosts "Open Forum" times to help you overcome any computer problems you are having at home.

Class Sample:

• Basic Computer Skills
• Microsoft Publisher
• Microsoft Excel Level 4 (Functions!)

Classes start again on January 17th and signing up for one at the Redmond branch provides you the opportunity to see the Library's recent remodel! You can register for upcoming classes by calling the library or at the Reference Desk.

More information about upcoming computer classes can be found on the
Redmond Regional Library Calendar.

Remodeled Redmond Library Reopens January 11th

The Redmond Library will reopen for full service on Saturday, January 10th at 10:00 AM. The entire library building will be closed January 7-9 in order to complete the renovations.

Stop by and see all the new improvements!

Redmond Library Re-Opening in Early January

The re-opening of the Redmond Library, originally scheduled for December 15th, has been delayed until the first week of January. During the Redmond Library’s closure, the Kirkland Library has expanded its Sunday hours and now stays open until 8:00 PM.

Limited services will be available in the Redmond Library’s meeting room, including holds, pick-ups, a small reference collection, and some computers during the following hours:

	Monday-Thursday	10 a.m.-9 p.m.
	Friday	10 a.m.-6 p.m.
	Saturday	10 a.m.-5 p.m.
	Sunday	1-5 p.m.

Automated Book Return
The automated book returns will remain open and will be checked daily.

For latest updates on the Redmond Library closure, click here.

TechConnect: A KCLS Interactive Open House

TechConnect is an interactive open house that showcases the many ways KCLS technology connects you to reading, recreation, entertainment, and lifelong learning. Friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand throughout the event demonstrating products and services.

	Location:	Bellevue Regional Library
	Date:	December 6, 2008
	Time:	10am – 2pm

Here are some of the planned activities during TechConnect:

• Learn how to download media to your laptop
• Take a tour of the automated check-in system
• Learn how to use KCLS online
• Sample a selection of podcasts, audiobooks, and eBooks

For more information on TechConnect, click here.

Redmond Library Closed for Renovation

The Redmond Library will be temporarily closed for renovation October 20th through mid-December. All Story Times, programs, and meetings have been cancelled during this renovation period.

Limited services will be available in the library’s meeting room, including holds, pick-ups, a small reference collection, and some computers during the following hours:

	Monday-Thursday	10 a.m.-9 p.m.
	Friday	10 a.m.-6 p.m.
	Saturday	10 a.m.-5 p.m.
	Sunday	1-5 p.m.

Automated Book Return
The automated book returns will remain open and will be checked daily.

For latest updates on the Redmond Library closure, click here.

Other King County Library Locations
Patrons may also use other locations in the King County Library System during the temporary closure. Here are some of the closer member library locations:

	Bellevue Regional	info	location
	Kingsgate	info	location
	Kirkland	info	location
	Lake Hills	info	location
	Sammamish	info	location

Redmond Library Video Filming Event

The Redmond Library will host a video filming event for teens on Friday, July 18th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. You can use the library’s camera for filming and a laptop for editing so you can create an entry for the KCLS Read.Flip.Win video book review contest. You must sign-up in advance to use the camera and laptop. For more information contact Amanda, Teen Services Librarian, or call 425-885-1861.

Read.Flip.Win
The Read.Flip.Win video book review contest is open to teens 13 to 18 years old. Shoot a short video (up to 3 minutes long) and post it to your YouTube account. Click here for more details. The grand prize winner of the contest will win a Flip Ultra Video Camera! Runner-up prizes are Creative MP3 Players. The contest runs through July, so please enter videos anytime between July 1 and July 31, 2008. Winners will be announced in August.

City of the Beasts Video Book Review
Here’s a video contest entry that has been uploaded to YouTube that features a book review on Isabel Allende’s City of the Beasts:

infoGreen: Green information in the KCLS collection

The infoGreen program provides links to green, or environmentally friendly, information in the KCLS collection, including books, periodicals, and video resources. There are also lists of recommended Web sites, as well as links to KCLS book clubs that address green issues. In addition to providing green information, KCLS is taking steps towards building to green standards. For example, the new Sammamish Library is being designed with green features, such as a partial green roof and radiant heating.

Architecture : Nature
One of the recommended books in the KCLS infoGreen program is Architecture : Nature. This book by Philip Jodidio explores the relationship between contemporary architecture and nature. From Frank Lloyd Wright's residential house Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania to the Miho Museum in Japan built by I.M. Pei, Jodidio demonstrates the many forms that the interplay between built structures and their environment can take.

The following image from the Miho Museum illustrates the interplay between structures and their environment:

Other Blog Postings on Environmental Topics
Here’s a list of other Redmond Library blog postings on environmental topics:

King County EcoConsumer: Educating the Public About Conservation

KCLS Offers Eco-Friendly Bags

An online guide to noxious weeds in King County

Chat with a KCLS librarian

You can reach a KCLS librarian online, by phone, and in person for help with reference requests. Your online options include Live Chat and Email. For the complete list of ways to contact a KCLS librarian, see Ask a Librarian.

Live Chat
This service provides up to 20 minutes of live chat service for your question. The main focus of this service is to provide quick information and referrals using online sources, including KCLS online databases, the library catalog and the Internet. For information on how to use this service, see About Live Chat.

From the beginning, the Ask a Librarian live chat service attracted a growing numbers of students needing math and science help — this type of help was extremely difficult to answer in a traditional chat environment. To solve this problem, KCLS started an online tutoring service for students in grades 4-12, and began to transition students from the Ask a Librarian live chat service to the new Live Homework Help service in 2005.

Students in grades 4-12 and those taking introductory college courses can receive up to 20 minutes of specialized help per session with homework assignments in math, science, English, and social studies. Both these chat services are only available to KCLS cardholders. If you do not have a library card, you can apply for one online or in any KCLS community library.

Fast Facts: Since online chat services started in 2003, the volume of requests has risen:

Email
Ask a Librarian also provides an E-mail reference service available to KCLS cardholders. Note that you can search the library collection, place holds, and even renew items yourself by using the KCLS Library Catalog.

What types of questions do people ask?
KCLS librarians receive questions about all sorts of topics. Here’s a sampling of questions asked:

Q: Where can I find free images to use in a presentation featuring historical photos of dams, hatcheries, and salmon?

Q: Where can I get statistics on the number of people traveling abroad for business and vacation?

Q: Where can I find information on how to build a hydrogen generator that converts water into hydrogen fuel?