2018 KLAS Users' Conference

Keystone Systems and the 2018 Julie Klauber Award Committee are pleased to announce the two finalists for this year's Julie Klauber Award:

• Janie Stanley, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Nancy Reese, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Talking Book Service

Congratulations to of each of you! You are a valuable asset to your library and your community. Also, thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination.

The recipient of the 2018 Julie Klauber Award will be announced in the near future.

To register for breakout sessions:

1. If you have not already, register for the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference.
2. Review the scheduling and descriptions of breakout sessions in this article and / or in the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Agenda & Daily Schedule and decide which ones you wish to attend.
3. Complete and submit the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Breakout Sessions Registration form.

Breakout Sessions Scheduling:

Birds of a Feather (BoaF), Workshop, and Hands-on Training sessions run concurrently.

Birds-of-a-Feather (BoaF) sessions give participants the opportunity to exchange ideas in a group discussion setting. Topics range from making the most of KLAS features to exploring broader service-related ideas. These sessions are not formal presentations with slides or software demonstrations. Instead, the format is casual and open. Moderators launch the discussion and keep the conversation on topic. Participants are asked to come prepared to share and learn.

Workshop sessions are presented by a Keystone and / or User presenter. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session and may have limited opportunities to try the function or task on their own. These in-depth presentations of particular KLAS features and functions will demonstrate the cause and effect of employing different tools through the use of slides, live examples, and customer experiences.

To participate in BoaF and Workshop sessions registration is not required, but is recommended. Please indicate which sessions you are interested in attending to help us with space planning.

Hands-On Training sessions allow participants to use a workstation to explore a specific function, task, or feature in KLAS. After a brief introduction to the topic, participants will proceed through guided practice worksheets. Keystone trainers will be available to answer questions and provide feedback. Registration is required. Space in hands-on training is limited to 10 participants per session.

When you register for breakout sessions, please prioritize the Hands-on Training sessions you want to attend. We make every effort to place you in one or two of your top choices. If all 10 slots are filled, waiting list order is determined by your registration request date. Session confirmations will be sent out after Friday, April 6. If you are not placed in a hands-on training class, you may choose to attend the BoaF or Workshop session scheduled for the same time. For space planning purposes, we ask you to indicate your preferences for these sessions as well.

Birds of a Feather, Hands-on Training, and Workshop Session Descriptions:

Tuesday 10:50 AM-Noon

• KLAS Administrators BoaF
• KLAS 102 Hands-on Training - A "second semester class" for newer KLAS users. You've gotten your feet wet and learned the basics. Ready for the next step? Find out what common profile settings really mean, learn some tricks for doing common tasks faster, and get up to speed in time for the more advanced break-out sessions.
• Troubleshooting PCC Workshop - Has your library hit a roadblock in Patron Centric Cartridge implementation? Are you considering making the transition but need more information? Join us to delve more deeply into the work being done behind the scenes.

Tuesday 3:50-5:00 PM

• Equipment BoaF
• Analyzing Your Circ Stats Hands-on Training - Tracked vs Consumable? Why does it matter what range of KLAS IDs to use? Keystone staff will help explain the terms, conditions, and the ins and outs of circulation.
• New Features in KLAS Workshop - Want to learn more about one of the features Nancy quickly highlighted in the general session earlier? Come to this workshop to learn more details, see demonstrations and ask questions about the new features in KLAS since our last conference.

Wednesday 10:50 AM-Noon

• Instructional Resource / Materials Centers BoaF
• Circulation BoaF
• Wrangling Your NLS Data Hands-on Training - Tame your NLS data problems in this hands-on workshop. Round up missing MARC records to resolve BARD Load errors, and wrestle NLS subjects into local subject codes. Search PIMMS to find the source of those maverick patron transfers, and import herds of Has Hads(no re-keying required). Even if this isn’t your first rodeo, Nancy can show you how to save time and whip your database into shape.
• Using KLAS with Social Media Workshop - The how to’s and the why’s of social media. What makes for good social media posts? Come hear one library’s experience using certain channels to build on its presence and create a regular feature for outreach and library news. Those who attend are welcome to share their own experiences.

Wednesday 3:50-5:00 PM

• Readers Advisors BoaF
• Using the KLAS Batch Manager to Run Reports Hands-on Training Discover how easy it is to use KLAS’ Batch Manager to run reports when you need them and share them with others.
• Training Your Staff from the Ground Up Workshop - How do you help someone learn to work in an LBPH? Is it any easier with a seasoned pro vs. a recent MLS graduate? What training resources are available to teach staff about their position and the technology they will be using such as KLAS? Come and hear how one library does it, and share your thoughts and ideas.

Thursday 10:50 AM-Noon

• Outreach BoaF
• Un-Packing Your WebOPAC Hands-on Training - Perhaps your library is considering an upgrade to KLAS WebOPAC v4. Maybe you have made the switch, but you’re ready to spice it up with features like up-to-date news and staff picks. This session will guide you through the setup and configuration of your online catalog.
• While You Were Sleeping: The Nuts & Bolts of Nightly Workshop - Would you like to demystify the nightly processes that aid in book selection? In this workshop, you will learn how to customize your settings and make periodic adjustments to better serve your patrons and increase circulation.

Wednesday Afternoon Seminar Scheduling:

Seminar sessions are presented by a Keystone and / or User presenter in a small group setting. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session but only the instructor has workstation access. These in-depth presentations of particular KLAS functions or topics make use of slides, live examples, and customer experiences to explore the defined topic.

To participate in these sessions registration is not required, but is recommended. Please indicate which sessions you are interested in attending to help us with space planning.

Seminar Descriptions:

Wednesday 1:30-2:25 PM

• Fundraising or "Show Me the Money!"- Join us for a panel discussion where we will explore essential tools necessary to break down the challenges you face finding funding for your library and creative budgeting tactics to survive on limited means.
• Creative Community Collaborations in Outreach & Social Media - Partnering with community organizations, libraries, and agencies to cross-market and expand your services can be fun, cost-effective, and beneficial. Learn about real examples of collaborative social media campaigns and outreach events. Share your experiences and brainstorm other ways to network and build partnerships in support of your library, your patrons, and your community.
• Queue Up! Maximizing Your RS Queue - The Reader Services Queue can be a valuable tool to find patrons who need service. For instance, automated messages can be sent when nightly processes did not find enough books to send. While this is a helpful feature, you don’t even have to wait for KLAS to put the words in your mouth! Find out how to use the RS Queue to both capture those who slipped through the cracks and to personalize service for patrons in a multitude of ways.

Wednesday 2:35-3:30 PM

• KLAS PCC in Idaho - Experience the thrill of victory as the story of Idaho's PCC implementation is described and lessons learned are shared.
• Serving Underserved Populations - Discuss best practices as it relates to reaching out to the underserved populations such as rural, young adult, children, and foreign language patrons within the Talking Books community.
• KLAS KLEAN - Maintaining a Healthy Database - Could your database use some clean-up? Learn the best way to efficiently keep it accurate and accessible. How to purge old records, spot errors and other problems that could cause issues. A guideline for when to do things based on experience.

Ramona Walhof, Author and Advocate

Ramona Walhof’s life journey has been a full and varied one.

She grew up in Iowa during the 1950's when there was no regional library for the blind. In 1960 the regional library opened at the Iowa Commission for the Blind and quickly became the largest in the nation. She majored in Russian and minored in French at Georgetown University and later received a certificate in education from Boise State University.

Ramona worked in rehab from 1972-1984 and then went into business from 1984 through 2007. Employment included teaching Braille, sewing, and managing food service operations, including a bakery.

Civic activities include president of National Federation of the Blind Idaho for over a decade, beginning Idaho’s BELL (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) program, serving on the United Way of Boise Board, and travelling to many states speaking about challenges for the blind and advocating for blind services, especially the National Library Service. A true advocate for Braille, Ramona has written articles and books, including editing The Power of Love, How Kenneth Jernigan Changed the World for the Blind, a compilation of articles by those who knew and worked with Kenneth Jernigan.

Ramona is trying to slow down in order to spend more time with her children and four grandchildren and of course, reading.

Below are the presentations and handouts our presenters and moderators have sent us to date from the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference. Please feel free to download, print, and / or electronically access these presentations and handouts at your convenience.

The 2018 KLAS Users' Conference finalized Agenda and Daily Schedule documents are now available for your planning convenience in MS Word and .pdf formats. Register online now for the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference and join us in Boise, ID May 8-10.

Also, don't forget to register for your choice of breakout sessions including birds-of-a-feather, seminar, workshop, and hands-on opportunities.

Note: You must be logged into klasusers.com to access these documents.

Finalized Conference Agenda Published: 4/30/18

• 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Agenda - MS Word
• 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Agenda - PDF

Finalized Conference Daily Schedule Published: 4/24/18

• 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Daily Schedule - MS Word
• 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Daily Schedule - PDF

The 2018 KLAS Users' Conference is next week. Yeah, you probably have, but we thought we'd mention it anyway.

f you aren't able to attend, but you want to follow along at home be sure to tune into Keystone's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedInfor pictures and posts from the conference. Or, you can search for the hashtag "#KLASUC2018" which we will be using and encouraging all our conference attendees to use as well.

 Also, please note that the Key Notes blog will be on hiatus next week while Katy and I are at the conference. But, we hope to come back with a ton of ideas for new posts, features for KLAS, and a ton of new information and tips and trick with you.

In the last two weeks, you may have noticed some new information about the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference available including:

• Our Conference Agenda
• A Daily Schedule
• Keynote Speaker Information
• Recommended Restaurants List
• Custom Google Map for the conference

And, there's more to come in the next few weeks including:

• Breakout Sessions Registration
• Welcome Reception Location & Entertainment Information
• Pricing and on the recommended restaurants list

The Conference Planning Committees, our local hosts, and the Keystone staff work hard to create a rich conference program and to provide our attendees all the information they need to making planning and participating in the conference as rewarding and easy as possible.

But, you may not be aware of the nitty gritty that goes into planning and sharing the information included in each of these pieces of information.

We usually try to start the planning process at least a year out. Our local hosts start contacting hotels, meeting, and reception venues. They call, we talk, we negotiate. They talk with me. They bounce dates, possibilities, and rates off the logistics committee. Then we call the hotel and venues back and start signing contracts. Then we can announce our conference location and accommodations information.

About nine months out, the conference committees review the conference feedback forms and follow-up surveys to take into account any specific requests or feedback as we move forward with planning sessions, creating a schedule and creating an overall plan for the conference content. Both the program committee and logistics committees meeting monthly for the first few months. As specific conference sessions are submitted / identified, the schedule begins to take a more finalized shape, and speakers volunteer or are recruited we meet on a twice-monthly basis.

At the same time, our logistics committee begins discussing possible caterers, reception entertainment options, transportation needs, etc. They keep meeting once a month until approximately 8-12 weeks before the conference. Then, it becomes every two weeks as well. That's because we start talking about what needs to be included in attendee packets, the conference app, where and when volunteers will be needed, and answer any final questions our local host has or ideas we may need feedback on.

As each of these pieces come together, we create articles, documents, and information that are reviewed by our planning committees, our local hosts, and Keystone staff before they are shared with our attendees. But, if you think we can add any additional information to make your at the conference experience better, please let us know!

The Julie Klauber Award Committee and Keystone Systems are excited to announce Nancy Reese, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Talking Books Service, as our 2018 Julie Klauber Award Honoree. Congratulations Nancy! Your dedicated service to your patrons, staff, and community are an example of leadership and make you an incredible asset to your library. We look forward to honoring you and your work at the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference in Boise! On Tuesday, May 8, Nancy will be presented with the award during the Opening General Session of the conference. An official press release will be published prior to the conference on www.klas.com.

Sue Walker, Library Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Talking Books Service, nominated Nancy. This is the nomination Sue submitted:

Reason for Nomination

Nancy has been the KLAS administrator for almost ten years. During that time she has helped to implement several new KLAS services such as DOD and the PIMMS transition. Most recently, she was instrumental in implementing the most recent iteration of Patron Centric Cartridge (PCC) that allows staff to assign multiple titles to users' cartridges remotely. Nancy worked intensively with Keystone staff to troubleshoot the software and with staff to train them to successfully use it. As a result, Idaho is one of the few libraries who are using this version of PCC. During the summer of 2017, three of Idaho's four Reader's Advisors retired. Nancy provided training to the new staff as well as ongoing support to maintain quality customer service during the transition period. She routinely provides reader's advisory as a backup to staff. Nancy has been an active member of the KLAS conference planning committee and readily shares her knowledge at annual conferences and individually as requested. Recognizing the importance of having the conference available regionally Nancy advocated to host the conference in Boise for several years and is working on the logistics committee to make the 2018 conference a success.

Effect on Library

Quality customer service is one of the Idaho Talking Book Service’s highest priorities. As a result, remaining on the cutting edge of technology that will improve user access to resources is very important. Nancy’s willingness to learn the capabilities of new technology and work to successfully implement it ensures Idaho residents’ access to resources will increase. In addition, helping Keystone successfully pilot new technology in one library makes it easier to implement in other libraries.

Job Responsibilities

As the KLAS administrator, Nancy works daily with KLAS to troubleshoot any issues, train staff, maintain quality customer service, and access to resources.

Did you know we've been posting new Key Notes blog posts for 10 weeks straight? In celebration of this and in anticipation of the upcoming 2018 KLAS Users' Conference, Katy and I decided to share our Top Ten list of what we're looking forward to at the conference.

10. The once a year opportunity to see many of our customers / friends in person.

9. Hearing Gary Eller's program and music at the Tuesday evening Welcome Reception.

8. Getting together with our Instructional Resource Customers in IRC focused sessions to discuss their specialized workflows and features designed specifically for them.

7. Hearing the creative ways you use KLAS to help you provide the books, magazines, and equipment your patrons want / need.

6. Touring the Idaho Commission for Libraries, Talking Books Service on Wednesday evening.

5. Getting ideas and suggestions from users for better KLASusers content.

4. Listening to our Keynote Speaker, Ramona Walhof.

3. The chance to do in-person training, helping you use KLAS better!

2. Honoring Nancy Reese, this year's Julie Klauber Award Recipient, during our Opening General Session on Tuesday morning.

1. Unveiling all of the exciting things we've been working on for the future of KLAS -- from PCC to the Browser-based UI, and a few surprises too!

Whew! Are you all caught up from the Users’ Conference yet?

For those of you who were at the conference, make sure to fill out our feedback form! Every year, the conference planning committees comb through your responses to find out what worked, what didn’t, and what people want from the Users’ Conference. Every voice matters—so please share yours!

For our part, we’re very happy with how the conference went. We came back with a ton of great feedback about what we’ve been working on, and what you want to see from us in the future. I hope y'all were able to learn as much as we did!

We want to keep that energy up and the conversation going, so if you are new to the KLASusers’ website, or if there are others at your library that aren’t on board yet—go right ahead and Create an Account. This is also a great time to let us know if there's anyone at your library that needs to be added to the email list. You don't need to be an admin to participate! Reader Advisors, circulation staff, machine wranglers, records managers, and everyone else who uses KLAS is invited to join in.

If you didn’t get to join us in Boise, want to look over sessions you didn’t make it to, or have a look back at something you maybe, sorta, kinda, remember, Drea has put together an article linking to all of the presentations and handouts: Check it out!

It was wonderful to see so many of you; and we hope you will all be able to attend next year's conference! Read on for a few of my favorite highlights:

We welcome all 2018 KLAS Users' Conference attendees to join us for the Welcome Reception hosted by Keystone Systems on Tuesday, May 8 from 5:30-8:30 PM at the Boise Depot. A buffet dinner will be provided followed by a special program.

Boise Depot, Reception Location

The Welcome Reception will be held at the Boise Depot a short .4 mile walk from our conference hotels. Dinner and our program will occur in the Depot's Great Hall. The Bell Tower will be accessible from 5:30-8:30 for those who may wish to ride the elevator up for an exceptional view of downtown Boise and the surrounding mountains.

From the City of Boise Parks & Recreation Department:

The Boise Depot is a beautiful historic Spanish-style structure operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department as a public ceremonial or meeting space and historic site. Designed by New York architects, the building opened in 1925 to elaborate fanfare in the capital city.

With a splendid panoramic view of the Boise Front, the building grounds include Platt Gardens, a lovely park with pathways, a gazebo and a koi pond.

Great Hall

Depot amenities include The Great Hall, a soaring 77 ft by 46 ft totalling 3,542-square-foot multi-story atrium that once served as the building's waiting room. Ten original benches line the walls of the Great Hall.

The original 1925 Barkalow Brothers Newsstand is featured on the west wall. The newsstand has been slightly restored but remains in its' original form. The Great Halls' ceiling is lined with Spanish trusses, each imprinted with antique locomotives.

Buffet Dinner Menu

Catering provided by Big Sky Catering

• Carved Brisket
• Breast of BBQ Chicken
• Big Sky's Awesome Baked Beans
• Build Your Own Baked Potatoes with Butter, Sour Cream, Cheese, Bacon and Chives
• Green Beans with Sea Salt & Butter
• Field Greens with Dressing Assortment
• Rolls and Butter
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Pink Lemonade and Water
• Vegetarian / Vegan Dinners will be provided as needed

Gary Eller, Reception Musician / Speaker

Gary Eller has played American roots music since childhood. He was born and raised in West Virginia but has lived most of his life in the American West. After a thirty year career in nuclear science and engineering at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, he retired to Pickles Butte near Nampa, Idaho in 2004.

Eller is the director of the Idaho Songs Project, whose primary mission is to find, document, interpret and preserve songs written before the radio era (before 1923) about early Idaho's people, places, and events. To date, he has documented over two hundred forgotten early Idaho songs. These songs form the basis for a dozen topically arranged interpretive booklets with audio CDs, including Ballads of the Owyhee Country, that he has published since 2006. As a member of the Idaho Humanities Council Speakers Bureau, he performs programs of songs based on the culture of early Idaho over all of Idaho.

Eller also is a board member of the National Old Time Fiddler's Contest and a member of three bands: Chicken Dinner Road, The Storytellers and Boise River