Category: Technology

Computer Use Tracking (again)

It’s that time again! Please track computer usage for all areas of the library.  There is a paper form at each desk, or you can use the Google Form: https://forms.gle/g2ZC9mAKVMvexZCu8

Instructions (June 15-June 28)

Reporting times are 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM (these are rough times; adjust as needed based on workflow). (It’s OK if working with a patron means you don’t check until 3:23 PM!). Desk and area assignments are below:

Thank you, thank you for doing this. We collect the information twice per year and report the average computer use in the statistical report we submit to the state (Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners).

hoopla Checkout Limits Changing

Due to increased costs, users will be limited to six (6) hoopla items per month. We understand that this reduction in monthly checkouts may be disappointing for some users. Thank you for listening to each patron and their concerns. Here are some facts you can refer to if you receive questions:

  • We agree that this is disappointing: Like everything else right now, we are seeing cost increases in physical materials and digital licensing.  This is a way to continue offering Hoopla, a popular service.
  • We are being fiscally responsible: We look very carefully at usage statistics for all our content, and work to balance the best “bang for our buck,” while also continuing to offer a broad diversity of content.
  • We have a broad diversity of content: Have you tried Biblio+, Overdrive, Kanopy? Plus we have specialized digital content for kids.
  • We love to hear thoughts from you: What do you use most in hoopla? Audiobooks, eBooks, comics, TV? What would you like to see more of for digital content?

Please remember to document feedback in Gimlet.

Known Hoopla issue

Friday, June 12, we discovered that Hoopla is experiencing an issue with its server connectivity. This is causing users to receive an error message about access. Some people are fairly alarmed and unhappy about this. We have reported it. Hoopla is working on a fix and a temporary workaround. Please apologize for the inconvenience and refer people to Research & Reader Services with questions. We will provide more information and offer other alternatives for accessible digital downloadable content in the meantime.

Windows 11 Updates

As support for Windows 10 comes to an end, we need to replace many of the staff computers. I am working with IT to review our computer inventory, and they will start replacing the computers in the coming weeks. You will receive advance notice before your computer is replaced, so there will be no surprises. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Internet issues continue

We continue to have issues with our NOBLE/Comcast internet connection. This affects the service desks, public computers, and Wifi. The cause is being investigated (NOBLE, Comcast, Town IT) – it’s a complicated one.

Saturday/Sunday/Monday/Tuesday: If it goes down. Use a cell phone or laptop w/ a hotspot to send an email to

  1. support@noblenet.org
  2. itsupport@readingma.gov
  3. Michelle
  4. Amy (only through the end of MLA)

Subject: Library internet down  / Content: Date, time, your name, and extension. They will need to contact someone in the building to check on the status.

Again, there is an issue, but we don’t know the cause yet. Smart people are working to solve the problem, but it is complicated.

We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience during this inconvenience.

IT issues and new IT ticketing system

Town IT has a new ticketing system, please use this email: ITSupport@readingma.gov and CC Michelle on it.

Please make sure to inform Michelle about any of the following tech issues. If I don’t know about them, I won’t be able to address them.

TBS/Printing/Copying issues:
(weekday)-inform Michelle. (weekend/evenings) Call: 630-537-1370 or email: Helpdesk@tbsit360.com  cc Michelle
App Issues: Send issues to: support@communico.co cc Michelle
Meeting Room AV issues: Inform Michelle/IT

Library App Updates

Please continue to send me any app issues and I will submit a ticket with Communico. Here are some updates on known issues:

The checkout history does not show up in the app, Communico is aware and is working on a solution.

Holds cannot be suspended through the app, Communico is aware and working on a solution.

Items that should not renew, appear to renew in Communico-but they aren’t renewed (items with a hold/items that have reached the renewal limit). Communico is working on this.