Director Briefing - September 15, 2025

Coordinated Outreach Services Aid | Grant Application Now Open

Now that the application period for the Reach Out, Read On: Alternative Delivery Grant has passed, we are providing another opportunity to support outreach efforts at your libraries.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

Funds must be used to provide library services to one or more of New York State's nine targeted outreach populations. Please note: this grant is intended to help launch, test, or grow services, programs, or collections that could continue independently, not for annual operational support.

Eligible projects could include:

• Expanding a large print, audiobook, or other accessible collection
• Increasing the accessibility of a library space
• Purchase of giveaways or promotional materials for outreach events
• Free book fair at local school district
• Alternative book delivery to homebound patrons or bulk lending to residential facilities
• Or any other projects, services, or collections that would address one or more targeted outreach population

If the application does not populate above, visit the direct link here: https://forms.gle/Cwaghrx4UCJfFRNh7

Let Piety know if you have any questions on this one.

Windows 10 End of Support

This is a reminder that Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. We anticipate one final security update will be released in October.

Beginning November 10, 2025, all public access and staff Windows 10 computers will be blocked from accessing the network at member libraries. This step is necessary to protect library systems and data from vulnerabilities that will no longer be patched by Microsoft. Patrons with Windows 10 computers will still be able to access the public OWWL Wi-Fi.

Please ensure that any remaining Windows 10 computers are replaced before this date to avoid disruptions. As far as I know, there are 39 active Windows 10 machines in our System. If you would like an inventory of your library’s computers to assist with last-minute ordering, please contact support@owwl.org.

We are currently collecting electronic recycling at OWWL HQ. Drop-off days are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and the final day for drop-off is Friday, November 21. This is a great time to clear out those old Windows 10 computers. If you need any assistance with getting recycling to HQ, please email support@owwl.org.

New Internet Filters

Compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is required for eligibility for E-Rate funding, which provides discounts on internet service to libraries and schools. To meet this requirement, an internet content filter is in place at all member libraries that blocks websites hosting adult content.

Effective immediately, we have expanded the categories in our content filter to strengthen security. In addition to the existing adult content category, the filter will now block access to:

• Malware sites
• Phishing sites
• Malicious sites
• E-banking fraud sites

These changes are being implemented to protect staff and patrons from online threats that could compromise personal data or library systems.

Occasionally, the content filter may block a site in error. If you encounter a site that you believe should be reviewed and unblocked, please call OWWL HQ at 585-394-8260. At the main menu, select option 1 for Tech Support, then option 1 again for Internet Outages. If no one answers, please leave a voicemail. This will automatically open a support ticket, and we will follow up as soon as possible.

The Internet Outages line should only be used to report internet outages and sites that have been blocked in error. All other support requests must be submitted as a ticket to support@owwl.org.

Information about the content filter and how to request a website review is available on OWWL Docs: https://docs.owwl.org/Members/ContentFiltering

If you have any questions about the content filter, email support@owwl.org.

"Vishing" Alert

We’re all used to hearing about phishing emails, but did you know scammers try the same tricks over the phone? Scam attempts via phone are called vishing (voice phishing).

An OWWL Library recently got a call from someone claiming to be from National Grid. The caller said the library's electricity bill hadn’t been paid and that power would be shut off within the hour. Thankfully, the employee who answered the phone did exactly the right thing: they paused, consulted their director, and together they identified this as a scam.

This is an important reminder that scams don’t just arrive by email. Phone-based scams often use the same tactics we see in email phishing attempts:

• Urgency and threats (“Your electricity will be shut off in one hour”).
• Unverified contact information that is not associated with the real company. (Keep in mind that some scammers can spoof phone numbers.)

If you receive a suspicious call:

• Do not provide any personal, financial, or organizational information.
• Take note of the caller ID and details.
• Find the company’s official website, or a past invoice/billing statement, to verify contact information. Once official contact information has been found, call to see if there any issues with the library's account.
• Contact your supervisor or email support@owwl.org for guidance before taking action.

The staff involved handled this situation calmly and correctly. Please stay alert, and remember that careful skepticism is our best defense.

Amazon Business: Library Solutions

We received a notice about new benefits for libraries on Amazon Business. We aren't sure if it applies to office supplies, IT equipment, furniture, facility maintenance products, or anything besides books, but we're looking into it. According to the email Kelly received, libraries can expect:

• 30-40% discounts on new titles
• Downloadable brief MARC records

To get started:

• Visit: https://www.amazon.com/ab/library
• View: https://business.amazon.com/en/blog/library-book-purchasing
• Explore our Buyer and Admin Resource Hub

Click here to schedule a meeting to discuss Amazon Business with a rep.

Quipu Cost Estimates

We discussed Quipu at two earlier OWWLDAC meetings, and the Directors expressed interest in the cost. The quote is out of date, so if we were to implement this, our guess is that the cost will be higher. Here is some refresher information and a rough cost breakdown by library based on service population.

• eCARD – allows patrons to register for a library card online and immediately gain access to digital resources.
• eRENEW – provides a simple way for patrons to renew their library cards online, reducing in-library workload and improving access.

You can read more here:

• eCARD General Product Info (PDF)
• eRENEW General Product Info (PDF)

The total system-wide costs are:

• $42,000 one-time implementation cost
• $9,000 ongoing annual cost

Each library’s share is estimated based on population.

eCard Renewal Cost Breakdown by Library.pdf

Next Steps: Please review these estimates so we can continue our discussion at the November OWWLDAC Meeting.

LinkedIn Learning Cost Estimates

LinkedIn Learning provides thousands of video courses across business, technology, and creative skills. This platform offers patrons flexible opportunities for continuing education and professional development.

Originally, LinkedIn Learning quoted us $89,200 per year (the number I presented at OWWLDAC). After negotiations, we secured a reduced price of $20,000 per year under a three-year contract. Costs are divided by library population.

This would only work if all libraries chose to contribute.

LinkedIn Learning.pdf

Next Steps: I'll send out a form to gauge library interest later this week.