Key Notes

Have you noticed something new over on the Knowledge Base?

With the KLASusers redesign, we hoped to help you find resources without needing to navigate a bunch of menus or know how the specific content you were looking for was formatted. To do so, we condensed the site into just two areas (the Knowledge Base and KLAS News) with the expectation that users could find specific content using the search box or clicking through Tags.

This works well for some, but not for others. It didn’t help that articles were not displayed newest-to-oldest, but by subcategory.

Well, we've added something we think is going to be a big help!

There's now sidebar on the left side the Knowledge Base, and it’s also coming soon to the KLAS News section. This isn’t a menu—you don’t need to figure out the one right path to get to the article you want. Instead, it’s a listing of Tags, and an article can have as many Tags as it needs to describe the content.

We hope these Tag lists will help you browse the site more easily, whether you’re after something specific or just seeing what’s available. 

If you know exactly what you’re looking for or looking for something that isn’t in the tag list, you can still use the Search box to navigate the site as well. There are a couple tags with little (or any) content just yet—consider it a peek at my to-do list. I plan to fill in the Knowledge Base even more over time, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if there’s a tag you think we should add, please let us know!

While the Scribe System already has a lot of great features, we felt that there was still room for improvement. Two issues that we specifically wanted to address were:

Capacity

The NUC computers we were using as the brains of the Scribe System only have capacity for a portion of the Talking Book collection, and we found that not all libraries have the internet speed and bandwidth to reasonably download the books that were not included in the cache. We did everything possible to reduce the amount of downloading needed, but especially when it comes to serving walk-in patrons, it became clear that some libraries just need the whole collection to be stored locally.

Flexibility

We were also aware that not every location would need a 15-slot cartridge tower. Some libraries were interested in having a second duplication station at their front desk for walk-in convenience or even self-service, and the full tower would be much more than was actually needed. Additionally, there was interest in making duplication stations available at outreach centers or even public libraries, but again, these needed to be smaller and as foolproof as possible.

The Scribe Mini answers both of these issues!

An upgrade from the tiny NUC computers, a Scribe Mini is still much smaller than your standard workstation computer but has the capacity to store the full NLS collection plus local titles. On top of that, it has room in the case itself to host four onboard cartridge duplication slots plus LED indicators.

Because of this, the Scribe Mini can be used as a standalone duplication station! If the four cartridge slots aren’t enough, the Scribe Mini can also be used to pilot a 15-slot cartridge tower... or even two towers, for a grand total of 34 cartridge duplication slots!

A complete Scribe System will now include a Scribe Mini (instead of a NUC), a Scribe tower, and a barcode scanner.

The Details

The Scribe Mini still requires internet access, but all book downloads will be performed overnight, keeping its local collection up-to-date automatically. During the day, the connection will be used to communicate with your KLAS database about Duplication Orders, and to receive the occasional software update from Keystone.

The Scribe Monitor web page will still be used to display real-time information about the system and the status of each cartridge slot (including the 4 onboard slots and 15 or 30 tower slots), accessible from wherever you are.

For more details and technical specifications, please review the updated Scribe Specs & Cost document available for download below.

Wait, did this delay...?

While we think this is an awesome new option, we understand that some of you may be concerned that we’ve spent time developing hardware instead of on a new feature you really need, or on getting your organization upgraded to version 7.7. But don’t worry—while we are a small company and projects inevitably cross departmental lines, the new Scribe Mini was developed by different people than the ones working on other high-priority projects. Work on this new Scribe hardware did not delay your upgrade or new feature.

So how do I get one?

One Scribe Mini is included as part of each library’s free Scribe System. (If you have already received a Scribe system with a NUC, you may contact us to discuss whether you need an upgrade.) Additional Scribe Minis, Scribe towers, and complete Scribe Systems may be purchased; please see the latest Scribe Specs & Cost document for pricing information. Note that there is a price increase due to the additional hardware costs.

The Scribe Mini and Scribe towers are assembled in-house, but once ordered, we will build them as quickly as we can get the parts in (and without pulling people off of other projects).

Let us know if we should plan to build a Scribe Mini for your library!

Hey, IRC KLAS-users! We’ve got several things of interest for you this week including:

• an updated Intro to KLAS user guide for IRCs
• an upcoming webinar to talk APH Integration
• and best of all, a shiny new email listserv

Let’s talk details...

Intro to KLAS for IRCs

I’ve just posted an updated version of this user guide to the Knowledge Base. It includes an overview of all the main KLAS screens and some of its primary functions. You’ll find the download on the Intro to KLAS for IRC Userspage.

Note:This manual was originally designed for print, and the images are not described. If you use Assistive Technology or otherwise cannot benefit from undescribed screenshots, please see the AT Reference Document as well for contextual information and text-only screen contents. 

Upcoming Webinar

Don’t forget! The 12/14/2021 APH Integration Update Webinar is coming up fast, and we’d love to see you there. During this session, we plan to demonstrate KLAS screens, discuss planned workflows, share development updates, take suggestions, and answer questions.

Not sure what the APH Integration is, or wondering how it will help? Something in particular that you really, really hope it will do? Don’t miss this chance to get the inside scoop and make sure we know your priorities!

KLASusers-IRC Listserv

The main KLASUsers email listserv is available to anyone and everyone who uses KLAS... but with the transition to Duplication service, the need to keep up with NLS cataloguing, and just being a rather large and well-acquainted group, the LBPD / Talking Book Libraries tend to dominate the discussion.

We love hearing so much from them and seeing them use the list to work with each other, but we understand that you don’t need all that cluttering up your inboxes.

In an attempt to facilitate communication with and amongst our KLAS IRC Users', we've setup a new e-list specifically for you. We will cc: the new e-list with the KLAS Users' Weekly Wrap-up each Friday, which contains the latest KLASUsers.com content, release updates, forum posts, etc. for ALL KLASUsers. Otherwise, all emails to this list will be kept IRC-specific.

We hope you’ll subscribe to the listserv and join the discussion!

Well, IRCs, it's about that time again... and I'm not talking about the Holidays (though I hope they're merry). Instead, I'm talking about the APH Census!

If you have questions, need set up or other support, and / or have a set timeline for when you want to get started, please let us know sooner rather than later. 

Some things to think about:

Patron Census Notice

Do you mail or email a census notice? If so, are there any changes you need to make to the text or formatting of the notice? Do you remember how to generate it?

Queries & Reports

Do you know how to query for registered students who haven't been updated? How about querying for students that have aged out or changed grade brackets? All students or teachers with Items currently checked out? 

Check your Saved Queries and let us know if there are more you need.

Run the Related Patrons Listing (Patron module - Reports menu - Registration). Will this be helpful for your Census process? Are there any other reports you ran last year? What reports do you have questions about?

Relationship Statuses

Do you use (or want to use) a "Registered" relationship status to easily distinguish between a district's APH-qualified students and other students receiving non-APH services? 

Do you need to make any other changes to the relationship types and statuses available? 

Updating Patrons

Will your staff be updating the patron records, or will TVIs make changes using WebOrder? 

Is your staff up-to-date on how to update records and any policy or reporting changes this year? 

If changes will be made using WebOrder, do you know how to find updated students for review? (Hint: Requiring a Note makes this much easier!)

Does your patron module have the correct options in all the drop-down lists, or do you need changes?

This month is going to fly by! So please save yourselves and our support team a little panic by considering these questions and your census process as a whole, and letting us know what you need with time to spare.

This week we're sharing user perspectives from the two libraries who served as pilot libraries for how libraries for the blind and print disabled will circulate magazines on cartridge (MoC) via KLAS. Michael Lang, Director, State Library of Kansas Talking Books Service, shares the Gutenberg experience and Jesse McGarity, Technical Operations Specialist II, Virginia Beach Public Library, Accessible Resources and Services, provides insights from using Scribe for MoC. A big thanks to Michael and Jesse for testing the waters, helping us improve the process for all of you, and for sharing their experiences!

MoC at Kansas Talking Books Service

Submitted by Michael Lang

Michael Lang, checking in with an update on some of the lessons we learned getting started with local MOC production in Kansas. We ran into a few issues, some were issues of our own making and some were bugs in the system that needed to be worked out. As such, my MOC circulation numbers aren’t going to be very helpful for anyone. Nothing was running as we thought it should have at first. We started, ran for a week, had to pause as the bugs were worked through, and then restarted.

We are running our serials as a separate medium, so that magazines will be loaded separate from books. Our plan is to send them out on a calendar basis, weekly on Wednesdays. We’re still trying to make sure that’s working as intended.

Most of the problems we’ve uncovered are being or have already been patched by Keystone and NLS. Here’s the main problems we ran into.

• Issue 1: Old, some very old, issues of magazines were sent to our patrons. We intend to only send out one back issue to a new subscriber. That’s not how it worked when the switch got flipped. I believe this has been fixed.
  • Lesson 1: Pay close attention to which issues are being printed during your mail run at first.
  • Lesson 2: Consider cancelling subscriptions for inactive NLS magazines, or patrons might get the last issue of American Heritage magazine from 2019 (fake example) and wonder why.
  • Lesson 3: Look at your serials request lists in KLAS and see if anything looks funky prior to flipping the switch. Does someone have reserves for 2009 People magazines? Catch it before it goes out.
• Issue 2: Naming issues with Readers Digest caused multiple duplication errors, an issue that has been fixed by NLS.
  • Lesson: Know where your report is for orders in error status and run it throughout the transition. Patron Module – Reports Menu – Statistics – Duplication Order Status.
• Issue 3: Bug in the system has led to 0 new files (books or magazines) being added to our system since 3/15. Almost fixed.
  • Lesson: Sometimes being the pilot library breaks stuff, but if you can roll with the punches its worth it.

Overall, we’re excited about where this is going to get us when it’s all smoothed out. It’s given me a chance to email with Nancy and John a bunch which is always a treat 😊

MoC at Virginia Beach Accessible Resources & Services

Submitted by Jesse McGarity

In March, Accessible Resources and Services (ARS) at the Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) went live with MoC!

We are sending magazines out on separate cartridges from talking book. This is because we already had cartridges of separate colors (white for talking books, green for braille, and peach for magazines) and because we have a smaller patron size. We set the magazine limit to 15 per cartridge since they are smaller than books, with a max of two cartridges.

Some of the reasons we decided against sending talking books and magazines together is because we had the second color cartridge, but also because we did not want to confuse patrons. Additionally, we did not want to limit the number of talking books a patron would get.

After the first shipment it took us a week or so to figure out our settings were incorrect, but once we did, items started going out. The first two shipments were quite a bit for us (about 90) but as we wait for returns it has been much less. Right now our daily send out very low, about one or two. Hopefully has people realize we are sending them, it will be more.

The next step is to find a good way to add has/hads to each patron account, so they do not missing any issues.

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!

It's almost time... after years of entering only five digits for your book numbers, NLS is nearly ready to roll over to DB100000. Wow!

Good news: this is not a Y2k situation. KLAS has always been capable of handling six-digit book numbers. In fact, that's why you've been entering them as DB0 all this time.

However, there will still likely be a few hiccups, and a lot of old habits, as you start entering those "DB1"s. Here are a few things to look at and think about...

Nightly ranges (Administrators)

Check your Nightly setup! The NSSubject program allows for a range to be entered, allowing you to force newer books to be selected first; make sure yours don't stop at 99999 (or even just 90000!). If you are in a system with branch libraries, check NSSubject-All as well.

Since this doesn't impact any staff workflows, we recommend you do this sooner rather than later. Check the attached screenshot for an example, and if you find this in your settings, update that DB099999 to DB199999 (or even DB999999).

If you feel any trepidation about updating your nightly settings, Keystone Customer Support will be happy to help!

Quick Requests

On the Quick Requests screen, you can use the Change Prefix button to switch from DB0 to just DB. However, it will go back to the default every time you log into KLAS. Never fear! You can change the default!

This change means you will need to type in the full six digits, starting with either 0 or 1. As a bonus: this will also help accommodate DBCs and DBFs, which may be more commonly requested if you transition to a high-volume duplication service model! It'll be a habit change for sure, but hopefully it won't slow you don't too much.

The other option, of course, is to backspace before entering a DB number over 100000. However, remember that these numbers will get more and more common. Eventually, you will want to either remove the 0 or advance the prefix to DB1 and backspace for the back catalog.

This default setting will apply to your entire branch, so you'll need to get everyone on board with one of these approaches. When you are ready to change the default, you'll find it in your Control Maintenance files: k7-CC - sequence 08 - Quick Request Prefix.

And again, this is a setting we are happy to adjust for you--just make sure that everyone in your branch is ready for the default to change!

Batch Add Items

Similar to the above, libraries that use the Batch Add Items function (mostly not copy-specific libraries) can update the default prefix in that tool. The location for that setting is Control Maintenance : k7-CT - sequence 07 - Batch Item Prefix.

...And what else?

As you go about your work for the next week or two, keep an eye out for "DB0" or anything you think could cause problems when DB100000 comes around.

If you find something or have a question, swing by the discussion post on the forum to let us know! Even if it seems obvious or if you aren't sure--your fellow libraries will appreciate the help as we all make this transition together.

And when that first six-digit book comes out, be sure to let me know what it is!

About a month and a half ago, we began offering Version 7.7 preview databases to Keystone-hosted and Linux-based self-hosted LBPH customers. Since then, we’ve been hard at work—so I wanted to give you all a look into the process.

Creating a Preview Database:

Each preview database requires a conversion (from the 7.6 data structure to 7.7), followed by a whole checklist of other tasks, including basic duplication setup (to allow you to test new duplication features), testing, and loading the XPrint license (so you can print from KLAS without requiring a separate XPrint installation).

Status: Right now, I see 12 customers on our “Active Setup” list, most of which have almost finished checklists. That means we should be getting quite a few more of you on to the next steps very soon!

What Happens Next?

Once a preview database is ready, the Activation Key and a “Welcome Packet” of documentation go out to the library. This includes a task list of activities that we recommend the library completes to familiarize themselves with new features and to test the conversion and set-up more in depth. As they go through this list, the preview customer notifies us of whatever bugs or errors they come across.

For example, one thing our previewers just notified us of is that the latest version of Progress (the software we use to build the KLAS user interface) changed the highlighting it uses in browse tables.

Since the new style of highlighting is so much harder to see, the next build of 7.7 will include a fix to revert to the classic highlighting. (If you do like the new style better, it is possible for you to enable it as a customization to your klas.ini file—contact us for help.) Thanks, previewers!

Status: We have 5 customers who have their preview databases and are testing and reviewing them now, with the most recent getting their preview just this morning!

Going Live:

Once a preview customer has gone through the task list and is satisfied with the conversion, they are welcome to schedule their Live upgrade.

Congrats to Oregon and Arizona, our first customers to go Live on 7.7 (after North Carolina, who were our guinea pigs—ahem—I mean “Beta Testers”)!

What about Windows-based and IRC Customers?

For our IRC users, we have a little bit of development work left to do to get WebOrder fully compatible with version 7.7. Once that is complete, we’ll be getting you up and running as well.

For Windows-based self-hosted users, we continue to work on getting the version 7.7 server installation and upgrade process sorted out, and expect to be able to get preview databases set up for you starting in August.

For all of you: while we are sorry for the delay, the bright side is that we should have the process fully ironed out and bug fixes in place once we bring you up on 7.7. Please know that we are keeping the line moving as quickly as we can, while still meeting the other development and customer service needs that may come up in the meantime.

At the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference Craig Hayward, President, KLAS Users' Group, announced a renewal and revamp of the KLAS Development Advisory Committee (KDAC). The KDAC serves an advisory role to Keystone on new features being developed for future releases of KLAS.

The terms of the original persons on the committee have expired, but the Officers' and Keystone Staff feel it is needed particularly now with a web-based version of KLAS on the horizon, duplication on demand, and other new projects and features currently being discussed. Over the last couple of weeks, the Users' Group Officers' in coordination with Keystone have been working to update the library breakdown list, identify and discuss possible committee members, and to prepare for the committee's reconvening. Erin Pawlus, Secretary, KLAS Users' Group and Users' Group Officers' Liasion to KDAC, will soon send invitations to possible new committee members with an anticipated meeting of the new committee members in mid-late August.

More info about KDAC:

Note: You must be logged into klasusers.com to access the below files.

Goals:

• Solicit and review KLAS Development Suggestions
• Report on activities at the biennial KLAS Users’ Conference
• Communicate with constituents.

Guidelines:

Membership:

Six committee members representing the following categories of KLAS Users plus a Users' Group Officers' Liasion:

• Large regional libraries
• Mid-size regional libraries
• Small regional libraries
• Subregional libraries
• Special Organizations / Schools
• Instructional Resource Center (IRC) / Instructional Materials Center (IMC) Users

Breakdown of all KLAS Libraries and Organizations in the above-defined categories:

Original KDAC members:

• Joel Henderson, Oregon, Committee Chair
• Teneka Williams, Georgia
• Martin Landry, Montana
• Sarah Smedley, PBC/Florida
• Jerry Barrier, Perkins
• Cheryl Manuel, Kansas

Next week, members of the Keystone Staff will attend the 2019 American Printing House for the Blind Annual Meeting. In support of our Instructional Resource Center / Instructional Materials Center KLAS users, we will host a KLAS Users' Group meeting at 8:00 AM Eastern on Thursday, October 10 in the Hialeah Room of the Hyatt Regency Louisville.

If you are an IRC / IMC KLAS user and plan to attend APH, we hope you will plan to join us for info about recent KLAS updates, an opportunity to meet with Keystone staff and fellow IRC KLAS users, and a chance to provide your feedback and thoughts on possible future development of KLAS. We are also excited to announce that if you are unable to be in Louisville, we are offering the option for you to join us live online via join.me, our online meeting platform.

We are offering the audio, PowerPoint, and KLAS demo online via join.me for KLAS IRC Users who cannot be at APH. Please email me (andreaATklasDOTcom) if you want me to send a personal invite with all the meeting access info and a calendar reminder. We also plan to record the meeting for later posting on klasusers.com.

To attend the online version of the 2019 APH KLAS Users' Meeting at Thursday, October 10, 2019, 8:00 AM Eastern Time (US & Canada), please use the following: join.me/622-044-032

To access the audio portion of the meeting by phone dial one of the following numbers and enter Conference ID: 622-044-032 # when requested:

• Boston, MA - +1.857.444.6500
• Camden, DE - +1.302.202.5900
• Denver, CO - +1.720.650.5050
• Los Angeles, CA - +1.213.226.1066
• New York, NY - +1.646.307.1990
• Salt Lake City, UT - +1.801.448.0006
• San Francisco, CA - +1.415.594.5500
• Seattle, WA - +1.206.636.0011
• Tampa, FL - +1.813.769.0500
• Washington, DC - +1.202.602.1295

Our meeting agenda currently includes:

• Welcome & Introductions
• Update on Keystone over the past year including news, new projects & customers, etc.
• Demonstration of new features in KLAS
• Q&A - open discussion of what you need / want from KLAS

We value your input and want to hear from you. Your shared experience helps guide future development of KLAS (especially for IRCs / IMCs). If there is anything, in particular, you want to ask about or to have us discuss, please let us know.

Also, we are offering four, hour-long one-on-one consultation meetings at APH on Thursday starting at 1:00 PM. To sign up for one of these time slots, please contact me and let me know your preferred time (Ex: 1:00-2:00 PM). Each meeting will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Finally, please invite anyone you feel may be interested - whether they are familiar with KLAS or not. We look forward to meeting with you!

Last week we updated you on how our Washington, New Mexico, and Kansas talking book libraries are faring as their staff and patrons continue to face the ongoing challenges of keeping themselves healthy and safe while operating during COVID-19. Today we want to bring you a similar update from Keystone. 

Since mid-March our staff has primarily been working from home and continues to do so. This would not have been possible without using our established VPN and VOIP services. These have allowed us to access necessary documents and information and continue seamlessly answering customer phone calls. We hope you have not seen a dramatic change in our customer support or development process other than the occasional dog bark or child interruption which I am sure we've all come to expect at this point. If you've had any degradation in service of any kind, please let us know ASAP so we can address it.

Also, this was the first year without a physical KLAS Users' Conference and we sincerely hope the online programming brought to you by your fellow KLAS Users and our Keystone staff have helped to keep you up to date on the latest happenings with Keystone and KLAS as well as continue to hear what you're fellow KLAS Users are up to. Speaking of these ongoing efforts, our next KLAS Users Roundtable will be held at 3:00 PM EDT September 17 and will focus on Virtual Programming for Patrons. More info will be forthcoming shortly. Keep an eye on the KLASusers listserv and our Webinars & Roundtables article for more info.

A new initiative we've undertaken is to move our planned September KLAS Administrators' Training online. For the first time, we will be offering this training for your staff members to be able to attend remotely, eliminating the need to travel to our office. We're revamping the schedule, rethinking the sessions offered, and talking through the best way to conduct this training so attendees can fully benefit from it. This first session will be kept to a small number of participants, so we can try to encourage the discussions and dialog that have made face-to-face Administrators’ Training so successful. The price per person for this online admin training is $600.00, but there obviously are no travel costs to incur. Please let us know if you may be interested in attending a future online KLAS KLAS Administrator Training session.

Around our Raleigh, NC office today everyone is talking about how they are preparing their homes for the unwelcome arrival of Florence. But you might be wondering how we’ve prepared our operations and support for such an event.

The answer is a combination of both procedural and physical preparedness including:

• A gas-powered generator at our office
• Redundant internet providers, firewalls, and network routers
• Daily backups of data to our on-site servers
• Weekly data backups stored offsite
• Encrypted database backups on AWS S3
• VOIP Telephone system to allow staff to work remotely
• Keystone Status Pageto communicate database availability, even if we’re unreachable
• Contingency plans and equipment needed for remote database and customer support

We have prepared for events like we are now facing—whether the event was a hurricane, ice storm, or some other disaster. Part of our annual SSAE audit is to further review and refine those disaster preparedness plans.

For example, our office is equipped with a 60kVA natural gas generator to power the building in the event of an outage. If electrical service is disrupted, the generator will maintain power to our servers and communications systems as long as the natural gas line provides fuel. Keystone also has redundant fiber-optic connections to the Internet with separate vendors, along with dual network routers and firewalls. This increases the chances that our communications will remain operational throughout a natural disaster—if one network goes down, the other can take over.

Here’s a summary of some of the anticipated “events”, the measures to manage them, and the anticipated impact on customers:

• Loss of power at Keystone’s office
  • Natural gas generator automatically kicks in to provide power to Keystone’s servers, and 2 workspaces for Keystone staff to be able to work.
  • The generator was tested less than a week ago (Saturday 9/8).
  • No discernable impact on customers.
• Roads are impassable / Unsafe for Keystone staff to come to work
  • VOIP telephone system allows staff to respond to phone calls remotely
  • VPN access allows staff to connect to the office network and work as if they were at their desks.
  • No discernable impact on customers.
• Roads are impassable and power is out at Keystone staff homes
  • Unfortunately, we don’t want staff trying to travel to the office if it’s not safe, and if they lose power/internet access from home, the staff won’t be able to support customers.
  • Impact: KLAS Hosting will continue uninterrupted, but our response to support calls will likely be greatly reduced until conditions improve.
• Loss of communications at Keystone’s office
  • Keystone has redundant fiber-optic Internet connections, from separate companies.
  • KLAS Hosting would not be impacted unless *both* connections were lost. The systems will automatically accommodate the loss of one.
  • Keystone’s telephone service would be impacted if our 2nd connection is lost. In this case, we will be reduced to only email communications.
  • In the case of loss of both communications links, Keystone will transfer KLAS hosting operations to our cloud-based Disaster Recovery site. (more information below)
  • Customer impact: depending on the number of communications links that are lost, the impact will range from being rather minor to quite substantial. Keystone will use the “Announcements” section of the new “Keystone Status Page” to communicate the current impact, and how to best contact us. It is accessible from the Keystone Status Page menu item on klasusers.com or this URL: https://uptime.statuscake.com/?TestID=emlREBtN3e

In the event of loss of both network connections, or power from the generator, we will begin the process of migrating customers to our new cloud-based disaster recovery site. This process takes several hours to complete, therefore customers will be notified when their database is available along with instructions on how to connect to the cloud database, if necessary.

Procedurally, we take steps on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to plan for both minor and major disruptions and disasters. We have checklists of tasks to complete just prior to anticipated weather events such as Florence to make sure we securely lessen the impact and the time and effort needed to recover. Such regular and one-time planning includes making sure we have secure backups of your data as well as the ability to continue maintaining and providing access to it. Additionally, we’ve taken steps to allow our support service personnel to work remotely with continued access to your databases, and to our phone and email tracking systems.

Just recently we implemented StatusCake, a monitoring system with a Keystone Status Notification Page, which will tell you whether or not KLAS is up, even if you cannot reach us. In KLAS 7.7 (the next major release) each library / organization will have their own notification page to check their own database’s status. KLAS 7.7 will also allow you to access KLAS remotely via a secure https: connection rather than requiring a VPN.

Our physical office is not located in a floodplain, is near major electrical and telephone distribution centers, and all cables into the building are buried underground. During Hurricane Fran, the last major hurricane to affect Raleigh, services were restored to the area around Keystone current offices within 2 hours. Since then, the City of Raleigh Police Department has leased the lower floor of our building which means that restoring power and communications to the building is of an even higher priority to the utility companies.

We hope that all of you who are also in Florence’s path are able to stay safe. And for all of our customers, no matter what Mother Nature sends our way.

Rest assured that we're well-equipped to keep your data safe and any interruptions to your service at a minimum.

Our office tree went up yesterday, and this morning Tracey and I decorated it. I love that we have a live tree because it makes the lobby smell wonderful! Here are some pictures of us decorating the tree and some of our other holiday decor. I hope you enjoy and have a lovely Holiday season!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas! (...or at least Christmas decorating.)

 And now that we're done decking the halls, we're off to an annual staff dinner!

With the Governor of North Carolina's stay at home order going into effect, all Keystone staff are now working remotely. We're extremely happy to be able to continue you providing the support and services you have come to expect from us even during this challenging time. Our past few blog posts have been focused on tips and tricks to help you continue working and providing as many books to your patrons as possible depending on your library's current status. This week we'd like to share something a bit lighter, so here's some recipes from Keystone staff we like to cook when we're stuck at home.

Read on for our Keystone Quarantine Kitchen Recipes including:

• Sour Cream Pound Cake
• Margon's Brownies
• Crawfish Etouffee
• Homemade Chex Mix
• Mac & Cheese Pizza
• Sweet Potato biscuits
• Greek meatballs, burgers, or meatloaf
• Butternut squash and sausage soup

From Nancy Underwood Honeycutt, Manager, Customer Support

Nancy shared her recipes saying, "My brother just asked for my mom's recipe for pound cake. Turns out it is the same as what Paula Deen uses. I figure mom cut it out of the newspaper or magazine. I'll also send a bonus recipe for brownies."

Sour Cream Pound Cake

2 sticks butter
3 C sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp - 1 tbs vanilla
3 C flour
1 C sour cream
1/2 tsp baking soda

Cream butter and sugar with mixer.
Add eggs and beat, followed with the rest of the ingredients
Bake in greased tub or bundt pan at 300 until knife inserted comes out clean and top is brown - about 1 1/2 hours.

Margon's brownies

(from family friends. We assume Margon was a relative in Nebraska)

3/4 C butter
3 squares chocolate
2 C sugar
3 eggs
1 3/4 C flour
vanilla
optional -nuts

Melt chocolate and butter. Add to sugar and eggs and mix. Add flour, vanilla & nuts
13x 9 pan
250 degree oven
1 hour.
The top of the brownies gets a nice crust on it.

From Brian White, Senior Developer

Crawfish Etouffee

It's hard to beat Crawfish Etouffee. Since the frozen crawfish are available at WalMarts everywhere, it should be doable for most customers.

Emeril's recipe will suit just fine - https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/crawfish-etouffee-1-3645763

From Mitake Burts, Vice President, Products & Technology

Homemade Check Mix

This page has a number of different Chex Party Mix Recipes: https://www.chex.com/recipes/?chex-mix

Mitake says, "The advantage of making your own is that you can decide that cashews are vastly superior to mixed nuts, and not have to pick around the parts you don’t like."

From Katy Patrick, Technical Writer

Mac & Cheese Pizza

My family's favorite comfort food is Mac & Cheese Pizza.

Cook Mac & Cheese according to the box
Add a large egg and stir
Spread into foil-lined pizza pan. Or use a pie pan for a thicker "crust".
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes
Remove from oven, cover in pizza sauce, and add your favorite pizza toppings
Put back in the oven until the extra cheese is melted. I like to turn the broiler on at the end for a little extra crispness to the toppings!

From Marion Campbell, Customer Service Representative

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Here's what's cookin': Sweet Potatoe Biscuits
From the kitchen of: Dorothy Wright

4 cups packed of sweet potatoes
1 cup Crisco
1 cup of sugar
4 cups of self-rising flour

Peel sweet potatoes and boil until done.
While hot mash and add to them Crisco, sugar, and flour.
Mix good.
Work into biscuits.
More flour is sometimes needed. Depends on wetness of potatoe to be able to handle the mixture.
Bake at 350* for 20-30 minutes. Depending on size of biscuits.
Mix handles better if cooled.
Bake on greased cookie sheet.

From Drea Callicutt, Marketing, Sales & Communications Coordinator

Greek Meatballs

1 lb. ground turkey
1 package feta cheese
1 10-ounce box frozen spinach, thawed
1 raw egg
Greek Seasoning (I prefer Cavender's )
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 of a small red onion, diced
Italian Bread Crumbs
Oregano
Salt (I prefer Kosher Salt)
Black Pepper (I prefer Fresh Ground)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Butter
Cookie Sheet

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and the butter. When the butter melts, add the chopped red onion and chopped garlic and cook for 5 minutes. Transfer the onion and garlic to a large bowl to cool.
Add ground turkey, feta, greek seasoning, egg, garlic, onions, and spinach to a large mixing bowl. Then add the Greek Seasoning, Oregano, Salt & pepper to taste.
Get your hands dirty. Take off your jewelry and stick your hands in the bowl and start mixing it all together. The bread crumbs you add incrementally until you get a good consistency. You want to mixture to be moist but not runny. If you add too many bread crumbs, you can always add another egg for more moisture.
Wipe a cookie sheet down with Olive Oil.
Roll meatballs together between your palms and place on the cookie sheet approximately 2" apart.
Bake for 30 minutes and 350 degrees.

Notes: I use this same recipe to make burgers, meatloaf and meatballs. For the burgers, I can get 3-4 from 1 lb. of ground turkey and will either pan cook them in some olive oil, or grill them. For meatloaf, I place the whole mixture in a loaf pan greased with a bit of olive oil and then cook it at 350 for approximately 1 hour. Meatballs can either be pan fried or baked. I prefer baked cause it helps to reduce the amount of fat.

Butternut squash sausage soup

8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
3 carrots chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1 onion chopped
1 butternut squash
3 cloves minced garlic
Olive oil
Salt & pepper
Sage
Tarragon
Parsley
Ginger
8 oz Cream cheese
1 lb sausage

Preheat oven to 400*F.
Half butternut squash lengthwise and put in a casserole dish.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Cook at 400* for approximately 45 minutes or until you can easily spear it with a fork.
Remove squash and set aside.
In a large pot sautée onions and garlic in olive oil on medium heat.
Season with salt & pepper.
Add stock, carrots, and celery.
Add sage, tarragon, parsley, and ginger to taste.
Scrape roasted squash out of skin and transfer to the pot.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, put lid on pot and let simmer for 2 hours.
Use immersion blender to combine vegetables until smooth.
Add cream cheese and blend again.
Brown sausage and transfer to pot.
Cook for another 20-30 minutes.
Serve.

Easy access to all features and functions within KLAS has been integral to all phases of the design process since the first version of KLAS, and continues through our ongoing work developing the next generation of the program.

From our first library customer, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Keystone has had a commitment to develop library software and provide support services for all of our users. Now that KLAS is installed and being used by nearly 2/3 of the network libraries that are part of the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped as well as a number of Instructional Resource / Materials Centers, we have a multitude of staff (as well as public catalog users) performing a multitude of tasks and requiring varying levels and types of accessibility. To help support the needs of our users, Keystone offers some different support and services. Examples include:

• Keyboard shortcut access to KLAS
• Testing and troubleshooting of assistive technology software in conjunction with KLAS
• Customized accessibility training for the workflow and AT used by a specific staff member
• Keeping accessibility in the forefront of design as we move toward the next generation of KLAS

Keyboard Shortcuts

KLAS is fully navigable both by a mouse and by a keyboard. In fact, we have seen that it's faster to use a keyboard than a mouse when performing tasks such as entering a new patron or entering multiple subject codes to an item.

To help users learn KLAS-specific keyboard commands and shortcuts, we created a KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts Quick Reference Document which Katy recently updated. You can download it in either Word or .pdf format from the "KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts" article.

AT Testing and Troubleshooting

We do ongoing testing of various types of assistive technologies (AT) and their interaction with KLAS. For example, John C is currently trying to track down an issue with the new JAWS / Zoomtext Fusion software and KLAS. If you are using AT with KLAS and find you are having trouble, please contact both your IT as well as our customer support staff. We may have seen the problem before with another user and already have a solution, or we may be able to help you figure out what's going on at least from the KLAS side.

Accessibility Training

Another service we offer is assistive technology user training and workstation configuration. This service is for any staff member(s) that use assistive technology such as Jaws, ZoomText, WindowEyes, etc. It is a 5-day intensive one-on-one training session done at your staff person's workstation based on their job responsibilities and the adaptive technologies or software they use with KLAS. Please note, your staff member should already be familiar with and using the latest version of their preferred AT software, this training is specifically to configure it and KLAS to your users' specific workflow and needs. Please review the Keystone Training Pricing document for more information.

Designed for All from the Beginning

Accessibility is a core part of our design process. As we look toward creating the new web-based KLAS, our commitment to accessibility from the beginning continues. The consideration of how to make all of KLAS' screens easily navigable and all its features intuitively presented will benefit those both those who use AT as well as those who do not. We already began these discussions with the user interface testing of the new version of KLAS that took place at our 2018 Users' Conference. We will continue to provide feedback opportunities and focused user testing as we move forward.

Hello everyone! Today, I'm bringing back (and updating!) a post from 2018. This is important info we want to make sure you know about and remember, so let's dive in...

Keystone, KLAS, & Accessibility

Easy access to all features and functions within KLAS has been integral to all phases of the design process since the first version of KLAS, and continues through our ongoing work developing the next generation of the program.

From our first library customer, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Keystone has had a commitment to develop library software and provide support services for all of our users. Now that KLAS is installed and being used by nearly 2/3 of the network libraries that are part of the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped as well as a number of Instructional Resource / Materials Centers, we have a multitude of staff (as well as public catalog users) performing a multitude of tasks and requiring varying levels and types of accessibility. To help meet the needs of our users, Keystone offers some additional support and services. Examples include:

• Keyboard shortcut access to KLAS
• Testing and troubleshooting of assistive technology software in conjunction with KLAS
• Customized accessibility training for the workflow and AT used by a specific staff member
• Keeping accessibility in the forefront of design as we move toward developing new versions of KLAS

Keyboard Shortcuts

KLAS is fully navigable both by a mouse and by a keyboard. In fact, we have seen that it's faster to use a keyboard than a mouse when performing tasks such as entering a new patron or entering multiple subject codes to an item.

To help users learn KLAS-specific keyboard commands and shortcuts, we created a KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts Quick Reference Document. You can download it in either Word or PDF format from the "KLAS Keyboard Shortcuts" article.

Update: For those of you implementing Duplication service, make sure to check out the QuickRef - Duplication with AT document for all the Duplication-specific shortcuts! It's available on the Duplication Info page.

AT Testing and Troubleshooting

We do ongoing testing of various types of assistive technologies (AT) and their interaction with KLAS. If you are using AT with KLAS and find you are having trouble, please contact both your IT as well as our customer support staff. We may have seen the problem before with another user and already have a solution, or we may be able to help you figure out what's going on at least from the KLAS side.

Update: You may also want to grab the latest AT Reference Document and/or the QuickRef - Duplication with AT document from the Duplication Info page.

Accessibility Training

Another service we offer is assistive technology user training and workstation configuration. This service is for any staff member(s) that use assistive technology such as Jaws, ZoomText, WindowEyes, etc. It is a 5-day intensive one-on-one training session done at your staff person's workstation based on their job responsibilities and the adaptive technologies or software they use with KLAS. Please note, your staff member should already be familiar with and using the latest version of their preferred AT software, this training is specifically to configure it and KLAS to your users' specific workflow and needs. Please contact us for pricing and availability.

Designed for All from the Beginning

Accessibility is a core part of our design process. As we look toward developing the new KLAS features and functionality, our commitment to accessibility from the beginning continues. The consideration of how to make all of KLAS' screens easily navigable and all its features intuitively presented will benefit those both those who use AT as well as those who do not.

You have heard Keystone staff say it before, and you'll likely hear us say it again.

"It is the KLAS Users' Conference."

Today, I want to take the opportunity to recognize those users who have already contributed greatly to the logistical and programming for the 2018 KLAS Users' Conference. This conference is based on feedback and suggestions we receive from your survey responses, ideas brought up during conference calls, what you request and what you are willing to present and coordinate.

Thank you to those who have attended, will be attending, have sent us your thoughts and ideas, and who have stepped up to moderate a Birds-of-a-Feather discussion, present a general session, or help put together attendee welcome packets.

But, most especially, thank you to the Logistics and Program Committees and the KLAS Users' Group Officers. You participate in conference calls, send emails, give me honest feedback, and help shape the conference for each attendee, presenter, and member of the Keystone staff. This is my note of appreciation for all of your time and effort. You are wonderful to work with, and I could not do my job without each of you. Thank you.

KLAS Users' Group Officers:

• Craig Hayward, KLAS Users' Group President, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Chandra Thornton, KLAS Users' Group Vice President, Palm Beach County Library System Talking Books Library
• Erin Pawlus, KLAS Users' Group Secretary, Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library

2018 KLAS Users' Conference Logistics Committee:

• Craig Hayward, KLAS Users' Group President & Logistics Committee Chair, North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Nancy Reese, KLAS UC 2018 Host, Idaho Commission for Libraries Talking Book Library
• Pat Herndon, KLAS UC 2017 Host, Georgia Library for Accessible Statewide Services
• Edith Gavino, KLAS UC 2016 Host, Braille Institute Library Services
• Andrew Shockley, KLAS UC 2015 Host, Oklahoma Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Debbie Martin, Brevard County Talking Books Library
• John Mugford, New Mexico Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
• Sarah Smedley, Palm Beach County Talking Books Library

2018 KLAS Users' Conference Program Committee:

• Chandra Thornton, Program Committee Chair, Palm Beach County Library System Talking Books Library
• Sue Walker, KLAS UC 2018 Host, Idaho Commission for Libraries Talking Book Service
• Erin Pawlus, Arizona Braille and Talking Book Library
• Teneka Williams, KLAS UC 2017 Host, Georgia Library for Accessible Statewide Services
• James Gleason, KLAS UC 2014 Host, Perkins Library
• Cyndi Hammonds, California Department of Education
• Amy Ravenholt, Washington Talking Book and Braille Library Katy Patrick, Keystone Systems

If you have the opportunity, please take a minute to express your gratitude to these people for their contributions.

There are a lot of exciting new features included in the KLAS 7.7 release, and they begin with a simplified installation process.

As part of the simplification, there will no longer be any external programs to install. Everything has been put into one installer so there are no longer separate steps to install a web client, support files, or XPrint. If you are currently using KLAS with Open VPN, this will be going away too. KLAS no longer needs a VPN connection to run, it instead will use https to establish a secure connection.

The new installer lets you choose how KLAS should be installed: For everyone who uses a computer – a process that would require admin access, or install for the current user only – which can typically be done without admin access even in secured environments.

The New Installation Process

To install KLAS 7.7, Keystone will provide you with two pieces – the KLAS installer and an Activation Code. This new installer (klas.exe) is digitally signed and will be used by all KLAS libraries. This will ensure that the version of KLAS installed is exactly the same version that was tested and verified at Keystone.

Double clicking the klas.exe icon launches a set-up wizard, similar to how KLAS installations has always worked but with a couple new options.

1. The first step is to specify your Activation Code. The code will be a long string of seemingly random characters, so copying the code from an email or text file is the best way to ensure the code is complete and correct.

2. The next screen allows you to choose how you want KLAS to install: either for anyone using the computer (which could require admin access in restricted environments) or for just your own user (which in many restricted environments is still allowed without admin access).

 After making this selection, the rest of the set-up process is pretty standard and the default options can be kept to complete the installation.

Why do we need an Active Code?

Since the same installer will be used by everyone, the Activation Code will ensure that you are connecting to the correct instance of the KLAS database for your library.

What does it mean to connect to an “instance” of KLAS? Historically you are used to seeing these as “live” and “training”. In KLAS 7.7, one KLAS installation will no longer set up both “live” and “training” shortcuts at the same time. Instead, the Activation Code will specify not only the KLAS library, but also which type of KLAS instance is being installed. Because of this, a unique Activation Code for “live” and a unique Activation Code for “training” will be provided to your library. The Activation Codes are not unique per user, but they are unique to your library. To install both live and training, two separate installs will need to be done using the same klas.exe installer but two different Activation Codes.

Updates

We will notify your organization when an update is available. Upgrades will most often be applied over-night and will be applied to the user workstations the next time KLAS is launched.

When you next open KLAS, you will be notified that there is an update that needs to be applied. Press the Update button and KLAS will automatically download and apply the upgrade to your workstation for you. Once the update is complete, the KLAS log in screen will display allowing you to log in to the now updated version of KLAS.

We are excited to roll out the KLAS 7.7 release. When it comes time for you to upgrade, we will provide you step-by-step installation instructions, the KLAS installer, and your Activation Codes to get you up and running smoothly and quickly!

In addition to the move to an online meeting, the APH staff have also made some changes to the usual schedule. Things are starting a bit later each day to accommodate persons in western time zones and the schedule is a bit more compressed, but many of the typical sessions are still being offered, such as the tours of APH. We're already making plans for the KLAS Users' Group Meeting which will be on Thursday morning of the meeting as usual, but our start time will be a bit later than normal at 10 AM Eastern / 7 AM Pacific.

Unfortunately, being virtual means we won't be able to provide breakfast for our attendees, but we do encourage you to grab a cup of coffee or tea at home and join us for the KLAS IRC / IMC Users' Group meeting. We will share recent updates to KLAS and Keystone services, plans for upcoming development, and provide opportunities for feedback and Q&A. If you have any topics or questions you'd like us to be sure we address, please post them to the klasusers.com IRC / IMC discussion forum and / or email Drea () or Katy () with your suggestions.

So remember, if you want to attend the KLAS Users' Group session at the Virtual APH 2020 Annual Meeting, register for the conference and be sure to select the KLAS concurrent meeting on Thursday, October 8 at 10 AM Eastern.

We look forward to "seeing" you there!

A guest blog post by Lee Anne Hooley, Worcester Talking Book Library

July 17th-20th brought the opportunity for me to attend the KLAS conference that was held at the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville. This is my second in person conference since my career in the Talking Book world began back in 2018. The hybrid option is a fantastic option as well, but to me, there is nothing quite like coming together and learning.

Many of the sessions employed a hands-on approach to it. For instance, “Care and Feeding of your Scribe.” I learned quite a bit on how to take things apart as needed, as well as the general anatomy of them. In addition to learning how to swap out parts, I was able to get some feedback and ideas from other colleagues on how to better utilize the barcode scanners.

Two other sessions “Defining, Saving, and Sharing Queries” and “Exploring the WebOPAC,” featured worksheets. As much as I thought my school days were long over, it was really fun and challenging to not only have an assignment to help me improve me queries, but also it was great to be able to demo and add feedback to the new patron facing end of the WebOPAC. Having Katy and Nancy there and in person to answer questions when I got stuck or just to offer feedback and ideas was priceless.

Of course, my favorite part of coming together was the sense of community we get from coming together. We’re in the process of starting up our recording studio program, and sitting at the bar every night (for a truly great happy hour, by the way) gave me ideas and lots of folks to contact when I have questions. Sometimes it can feel isolating being a talking book librarian as most of the folks who can relate are scattered around the country. Being able to sit at a table and casually ask questions or trade stories in a casual environment is so valuable.

Last but not least, the amount of hilarity and inside jokes. Librarians are great people, and this group is no exception. From the Recession Special to Chandra’s future Grammy winning career to banana pudding everywhere to wayward goose alerts and parting shopping tips on how to get good deals on designer handbags, I laughed a lot with some fantastic folks and Maureen has all the selfies to prove it. Many thanks to the fine folks at Keystone for bringing us together. Can’t wait for to take on Indianapolis.