FALCONS Meeting Notes for May 15, 2025
Minutes taken by Nicole Quinn (WEED)
Attendance:
Allen Tompkins (FAIR), Nicole Quinn (WEED), Aimee Dorward (CORT), Susie Gutenberger (LAN), Sarah Glogowski (FLLS), Theresa Mekeel (CORT), Andrea Tillinghast (OVID), Sara Knoble (GRO), Diane (DRYDEN), Deborah Geier (FLLS), Martsje Vanderschaff-Riehlman (HOM), Eric Franks (FLLS), Heather Cobb (MCGR), Mary Lovell (AUB), Gayle James (CATO), Carla Piperno-Jones (UNS), Wayne Stephenson (FLLS), Jenny Shonk (FLLS), Erin Chapman (NEVA), Tracey Savard (APAL), Jenney Burnett (SENF), Laura Mielenhausen (TRU), Sandra Groth (AURO)
Introductions & Announcements:
Sarah Glogowski:
- During the Directors Meeting on May 8, 2025, the NYS Budget was passed with some increases.
- There was nothing in the budget to protect the State Library – lawsuits are happening.
- September 30, 2025 – IMLS could be cut for 2026.
- More discussions and meetings on this matter are expected.
Approval of Minutes of November 2024:
Motion to approve November 2024 minutes: Jenny, 2nd by Susie – no objections
OLD BUSINESS
eContent Committee – Heidi on vacation
2025 Bulk Buy
- Computers arrived last week
- They are being configured and will be staged shortly
- Microsoft Office licenses are being updated – please reach out with any questions
Princh – cloud-based printing solution
- No updates but looking for additional feedback. Please reach out to Eric if you are or are not interested in adding Princh to your library.
- No timeline yet
NEW BUSINESS:
Requesting CNS Support
- After-hours support document has been updated with Wayne’s cell phone number:
607-591-3290 – this will be sent out via email and should be posted at the Circulation desk - The FLLS Computer Network Services Support Guidance document will be sent out by email.
Helpdesk
- Accounts are for Directors and other staff members – for ordering (if needed)
- Tickets should include as much information as possible
Polaris Vega – Replacement for PowerPAC
- Has more components – landing page is different, more customizable, and includes Roll-Ups
- More user-friendly for searches – easier to find different formats
- Support for current PowerPAC will end in April 2026; Polaris Vega is its replacement
Accessibility Compliance
On April 24, 2024, the Federal Register published the Department of Justice’s (Department) final rule updating its regulations for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The final rule has specific requirements about how to ensure that web content and mobile applications (apps) are accessible to people with disabilities.
https://www.ada.gov/resources/2024-03-08-web-rule
SCRLC/ELSN will be offering trainings about website accessibility
Userway.com – will do an analysis on the accessibility of a library’s website (via Diane)
Wayne:
As far as Vega that’s a whole suite of products that sits on top of your Polaris. Those tools help you manage your patrons in a secure way.
- Vega Discover is the accessible OPAC
- Vega Mobile is the app
- Vega Program helps manages your events, rooms, and equipment
- Vega Promote to send marketing messages to your patrons
- Vega WebBuilder for your website
- Vega Interact for SMS and IPAHere are some short videos about Vega LX
OPEN DISCUSSION:
1) Library reimbursement for lost and damaged items:
A patron can pay two ways
1) by credit card though PowerPac (money goes to FLLS and they send money to owner of item)
2) cash or check payments – library send the money to the owning library (checks need to be made out to the owning library)
Check from FLLS for reimbursement and donations will be sent our quarterly, unless the check is under $10.00. However, by the year-end, all checks will be sent out.
Use Report Manager for specific library details:
- Custom
- Public Services
- Patron Finances
- AA-Collection Fees Detail
For ILLs send money to Deb Geier
2) Diane – thank you to everyone! (She will be retiring at the end of June.)
Meeting Adjourn: Motion – Nicole Quinn (WEED)
Next meeting August 21, 2025