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Catch up on the latest news from SWAN, as well as upcoming events.
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February 26, 2020    Vol. 3, Issue 2

Fine Free Panel Discussion Recap


On Wednesday, February 19th, SWAN library experts joined peers from Chicago Public Library and the Cooperative Computer Services consortium to discuss implications of going fine free. The event was well attended and our panel shared their stories, paths to going fine free, and lessons learned along the way.

Special thanks to our esteemed panel:
  • Andrea Telli, Commissioner, Chicago Public Library
  • Laura Gorczyca Hanes, Circulation Coordinator, Chicago Public Library
  • Dawn Bussey, Director, Glen Ellyn Public Library
  • Mieko Fujiura-Landers, Member Services Libraries, Public Services, Cooperative Computer Services (CCS)
  • Lori Pulliam, Public Services and Programs, Oak Park Public Library
  • Peggy Tomzik, Head of Circulation Services, Eisenhower Public Library District
While benefits to patrons are well known and publicized, the panel shared the positive impact on library staff when their libraries went fine free. Staff morale is positively impacted as staff are able to spend more time with patrons providing direct service rather than processing overdue fine payment and communication. Many indicated that automatic renewals reduced overdue fines and served as a pathway to fine free circulation.

A list of our current SWAN fine free libraries, as well as considerations for discussion are presented on the Fine Free Configuration support page. A recording of the Fine Free Panel will be posted to this SWAN support page soon. If your library is interested in discussing changes to support fine free, contact help@swanlibraries.net to set up a consultation session.

Chicago Public Library became the largest library system in the US offering fine free circulation. News of eliminating late fees, erasing debt, and starting automatic renewals highlights the benefits CPL has experienced with this change.

SWAN ByLaw Revisions: Vote at Membership Meeting at Oak Brook Public Library March 5th


The SWAN strategic plan for 2019-2023 set an objective to more clearly define the organization's decision making. The plan outlined a need to move towards representative democracy and sunset some of the direct-democracy aspects that defined SWAN in past iterations. Some sections of SWAN ByLaws also conflict with Illinois Open Meetings guidelines.

The proposed revisions to the ByLaws encompass three main areas: elections, budget approval, and admitting new libraries. The proposed changes to SWAN ByLaws are posted online on the SWAN Support site at the link below. The proposed changes will be an action item at the SWAN Quarterly meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 5th to be held at the Oak Brook Public Library.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/bylaws

EBSCO Group-Purchase


SWAN is working to refine the EBSCO group-purchase announced and discussed at the February membership meeting.
  • This EBSCO deal will serve all 1.8 million public library patrons in the SWAN service area while saving over $50k from the 2019 total spending on EBSCO resources by member libraries.
  • All 92 public libraries in SWAN will need to participate. To achieve this goal, SWAN will offer some financial assistance to qualifying libraries.
  • The EBSCO deal is based on RAILS EBSCO Package B, comprised of thirteen core databases and a choice of four additional databases. 
  • We also have ensured libraries have some choice within the EBSCO Package B optional databases.
  • A library can keep the databases they prefer and SWAN will continue to support those e-sources alongside the proposed EBSCO package.
  • SWAN staff will manage and configure access to this content through OpenAthens authentication and from the catalog Article Search interface.
The March 5th Quarterly meeting packet will contain more information on the pricing and participation. Look for the meeting announcement in the upcoming days.

New Features Spotlight


Mobile App

A new release of BLUEcloud Mobile hit the Google Play and Apple App stores in late January. See the news post for features added for both patrons and app administrators. 

Patron Website - Help for Library Users
An update to our patron website will be launching within the next week. This site will be linked from our Enterprise catalog help links at the top and bottom of each Enterprise catalog page. Check out a sneak preview. 

February Board Meeting Recap

Here is a summary of the meeting last week.
  • EBSCO group-purchase options for funding the $420,000 package of databases.
  • Executive Director update on the SirsiDynix agreement that will renew May 1, 2020.
  • Board election process within the proposed changes to SWAN ByLaws.
Make sure to take a look at the meeting packet online, which has detailed reports from the executive director and staff.

How to Get in Touch with SWAN

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When to Call 844-792-6542 (844-SWAN-LIB)
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  • Enterprise changes
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SWAN Staff Contact Details
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We're located at 
800 Quail Ridge
Westmont, IL 60559

Our staff support website is
http://support.swanlibraries.net

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This email is edited and published by SWAN staff.
Call SWAN at (630)326-7122 with questions or for more information.