Director Briefing - March 25, 2024

Mediated Computer Purchasing Update

Dell has raised prices on the following:

• All Desktops +$10.00
• All-In-One computers +$100.00

The updated order form dated 3/22/2024 can be found at the following link: https://docs.owwl.org/Members/MediatedComputerPurchasing

Ask the Lawyer from WNYLRC

Below are the recent responses from the Western New York Library Resource Council service, "Ask the Lawyer."

Insurance for Friends of the Library Groups: Is it required or advised that the Friends group (ours is a separate non-profit) have their own insurance? Monetary restrictions have resulted in our FOL group dropping their annual insurance as they understood it was not "required."

Employers Disclosing Reason for Employee's Leave: Are there any laws around a supervisor or manager telling others the reason for an employee being out on leave? Does the answer change if the employee isn't using sick time, but [has] disclosed why they were unavailable for additional hours during non-contract time?

Hiring Social Workers in Public Libraries: What would it look like if a Public Library hired a part-time social worker to help patrons deal with some of their everyday life issues that may come up while visiting the library? I see the potential benefits but can imagine a lot of complications.

Viewing Physical Media of Live Performances: I recently purchased a copy of a DVD at the request of a professor. I believe that the professor intends to show this film in class. The DVD is relevant to course materials. [...] If the producer intended for it to be sold only for home/individual use and expressly prohibits any type of group viewing as part of the sale, is my purchase with intent to use the DVD in a classroom setting illegal? Does this insert override or prohibit what would otherwise be Fair Use?

Return of School District Tax Levy Money: Our library gets taxpayer funding from its own line on a school district tax bill. We know this "259" funding is a recurring tax that can only be changed with approval of the voters. That said, this year the total amount remitted by the school district was reduced due to "corrections" made after the tax bills went out. We've also been told the library could have to return levy money if a taxpayer successfully challenges their assessment. Is this true? We're concerned about what such reductions could do to our annual budget.

Betsy Morris Memorial from Kim Iraci

Peg Pelletier (retired Newark Public Library) and Betsy's wife Karen asked that I share the message below with current OWWL Colleagues. The information below has also been shared with the retiree list and RRLC office staff.

Hello everyone,

If you were fortunate enough to know Betsy Morris, who's long history of library work included many years at PLS (now OWWL), there will be Memorial Service on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Williamson Public Library. The 11:00 am service will be followed by food and refreshments within the Library around noon.

Anyone who would like to share a memory/story about Betsy is encouraged to do so. Please also share this information with anyone you know of who knew Betsy and might not be included in this list. She cast a wide net and it would be good to reach out to as many people who knew her as is possible.

Looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing memories of Betsy's amazing and full life. (Peg Pelletier and Karen Dean)"

The Williamson Public Library will be closed Memorial Day weekend, however the Board approved the Library as the host location for the Memorial Service for Betsy's family, friends, and colleagues in honor of her many contributions to OWWL Libraries and the RRLC community. Betsy was also a longtime Williamson resident. Betsy's wife Karen noted it's fitting having the library host her return home.

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/obituaries/pnys0651429.

This Week at the OSC: Still Information Technology

As a follow-up to last week's post, I wanted to let you know that three more audits have been published on Information Technology and Districts lack of oversight on their IT infrastructure. Again, while these focus on Schools, libraries are held to the same standards.

• OnTECH Charter High School - Information Technology (2023M-71)
  • School officials did not ensure IT systems were adequately secured and protected against unauthorized use, access and loss.
• Copiague Union Free School District - Information Technology (2023M-150)
  • District officials did not properly manage nonstudent network user accounts and financial software access controls.
• Beacon City School District – Information Technology (2023M-143) *District officials did not ensure network user accounts were adequately managed.

The main takeaways for all libraries are:

• Upon resignation or termination, disable all user accounts associated with the past employee;
• Email support@owwl.org to disable email and Evergreen accounts;
• Review and Update the library's Internet Use Policy;
• Educate staff on all library policies;
• Provide annual technology training for staff (required by Minimum Standard 13)( Kelsy's Tech Training qualifies ); and
• Review the 2023 Trustee Handbook chapter on Technology (page 107) with your Board.