Technology Report
April-May, 2025
· Windows 11 Patron PCs are being upgraded to Office 2021. 55 of 59 sites are completed.
· Windows 11 Patron PCs are being updated to feature update 24H2. 49 of 59 sites are completed.
· Staff and Patron PCs received the latest version of our antivirus software.
· Scheduling demos for server backup software solutions.
- Andrew Hoks and Emily Peterson
In preparation for some upcoming email changes required by Microsoft, the email team has been working with libraries to reconfigure copiers/printers that send email using 365 accounts. Cindy has been working with self check vendors to prepare the self checks for the changes. Libraries with other devices (example: scanning devices supported by TBS) that send email using a 365 email account should check with their vendor about updates. Libraries with questions can put in a ticket with the Help Desk.
-Email Team (Andrew, Brian, Kerri, Nick)
E-Rate
Many 2025/2026 E-rate grant applications have been approved. We are
still waiting for some.
- Vicki Teal Lovely
New and updated data dashboards:
· Dashboard data processing adjustments – Based on a question from an SCLS library director, I have updated the data collection and cleaning algorithms for multiple dashboards related to circulation counts. The dashboards include Circulation by Age Group, Circulation by Time, and LINKcat Library Circulation by PSTAT. In the case of the first two dashboards, the data now excludes circs to patrons with the “X-INT” PSTAT. For the “Circulation by PSTAT” dashboard, I corrected an error that was duplicating rows in the dataset and which lead to circ counts that were too high. The circ data reported on all three dashboards should now be more consistent, though some small mismatches are expected due to variation in the underlying raw data.
· Per Capita Service Measure Comparison – I recently added preliminary data from the 2024 Annual Report to the Per Capita Service Measure Comparison dashboard. This dashboard allows users to view their library rankings among different groupings including other system libraries, libraries with the same locale category, libraries with similar service populations, and libraries in the same county. It includes data for every public library in Wisconsin over the past 5 Annual Report years.
- Tim Drexler
The team has been working to update scripts for automated processes in preparation for Microsoft’s upcoming email changes.
- Kerri Hilbelink
Field Technician’s Corner
We are caught up with PC orders for the moment. Still working on Network equipment replacements. It’s been a spring cleaning in our office. Actually cleaning, clearing out electronic recycling, replacing equipment and cables we’ve run out of, and finishing up some smaller projects. We also have some library building projects coming up so we’ve been preparing for that as best we can. -Emily Peterson and Anna Remien
Network Services
· SCLS Core Network Refresh
o We have received the new edge hardware and finishing the design and lab preparations. Lab testing will begin soon.
· SCLS IPAM
o We have added an IPAM (IP Address Management) tool to our repertoire. This will serve as a valuable management tool to track SCA and remote site information.
-SCLS Network Team (Will Allington and Nick Oldenburg)