Services Provided by SWKLS 

Cataloging is a service which enables librarians and patrons to gain easy access to books, audiocassettes, videocassettes, and other information sources housed in their libraries, through interlibrary loan, in other libraries throughout the United States and the world. The System's trained professional staff assists local member libraries in attaining viable customized machine readable cataloging records for the library's online catalog or by providing cards for non-automated libraries maintaining card catalogs.  This allows holdings to be added to the Kansas Library Catalog and the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) worldwide catalog of library holdings.  The System is dedicated to assisting member libraries in the continual improvement of efficient cataloging methods compatible with local automation systems, statewide databases, and OCLC.

For more information, contact catalog@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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The purpose of interlibrary loan is to make available to individual library patrons materials not owned by a given library.  Since it is increasingly evident that it is impossible for any one library to be self-sufficient, interlibrary borrowing and lending is regarded by the libraries as essential to adequate library service.  Interlibrary borrowing and lending has always been a popular service for member libraries in the Southwest Kansas Library System.  The number of requests jumped significantly in the 1990s because of online systems and networks.  The System fills nearly 20,000 requests annually.  Out-of-state requests are sent to system headquarters to be processed on OCLC.  As a result of online access, periodical article requests have dropped; however, book requests have increased.  Access to WorldCat through FirstSearch may be a partial cause of the increase in book requests, opening a world-wide catalog to librarians and patrons alike.  As information is made available to patrons through advanced technologies, Interlibrary Loan will continue to play a major role in getting information to local libraries for all patrons.  The access and format of the information may change, with more emphasis on reference work and training of local librarians, but Interlibrary Loan will continue to be a valuable service for library users in Southwest Kansas.

SWKLS librarians can now order Interlibrary Loan materials by completing the Interlibrary Loan Requests form online. These request forms are for libraries (no patrons, sorry) to submit book, journal or subject requests.  The report form may be used for either ILL numbers and titles for OCLC requests or titles and libraries for Impact requests.  There is a drop-down menu on the forms to select your library's name (in process right now).

For more information, contact the ILL Department at ill@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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Reference services requiring professional research personnel will be provided using print, non-print and database sources.  Internet reference and support is also provided.  Grants for CD-Rom references resources help the resource libraries (Dodge City and Liberal) in providing information to member libraries.

For more information, contact Patti Cummins at pcummins@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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Consulting services are provided by the Southwest Kansas Library System on-site, by telephone, e-mail fax and System-sponsored listserv. These services are divided into two categories, general consulting and automation and technology consulting.

Workshops and training in a variety of formats are provided by the Southwest Kansas Library System encompassing all areas of library and information management for staff and trustees. Programs, full day workshops and on-site visits are conducted by system personnel and visiting presenters throughout the year. Continuing education and training may also offered through video series, interactive television, via the World Wide Web, and on-line tutorials. Workshops and training are designed to help improve and extend the scope of library services and programs. Continuing Education Grants are available to member libraries for attendance at state-wide events. This service is provided in conjunction with the Library Employee Education Program (LEEP) of the Kansas State Library.

For more information, contact Carolyn Guernsey at cguernsey@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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Through the Bookmobile Service, SWKLS provides current popular reading by supplementing the collections of local member libraries. The Bookmobile visits each participating library six times a year, delivering 100 - 400 volumes to offer their patrons for the next two months. This rotating collection contains light fiction, best sellers, westerns, romances, large print and Spanish language selections. It also has nonfiction titles. Children's books are available, including picture books and easy reader books. Audiocassettes, abridged and unabridged are available.

For more information, contact Carolyn Guernsey at cguernsey@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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Talking books is a reading service provided to visually and physically handicapped patrons of all ages by the Library of Congress and the National Library Service.  Southwest Kansas Library System and the Northwest Kansas Library System collaborate to provide this service to patrons in western Kansas.  People who, because of permanent or temporary visual or physical disabilities, cannot read conventional books are eligible for this service at no personal expense.  Information about this service is provided to librarians, health care professionals and nursing home administrators across the region.  Initial set-up visits and consulting visits to care facilities and individuals using the service can be arranged by calling the system

For more information, contact Tandy Ritchhart at tritchhart@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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A collection of Bifolkal kits including sound, slides, musical scores and various demonstration and manipulative items is available to long term care facilities, civic groups and school classes. A collection of books, therapeutic devices, games and manipulatives is available to activity directors in long-term care facilities.

For more information, contact Tandy Ritchhart at tritchhart@swkls.org, or call 1-800-657-2533.

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