For Meeting Room Reservations
The development team at WhoFi has rolled out some enhancements that WhoFi library customers will be happy to hear about. There are six new features all told, streamlining meeting room scheduling and patron discovery, thanks to library staff feedback. And today, my thanks to WhoFi Marketing Director Christian Gutteridge who provided this summary:
New Meeting Room Scheduling Features
- Kiosk Mode: a live schedule can now appear on any tablet or monitor inside the library, and patrons can reserve a vacant room right from that screen.
- No spare device? Then post a QR flyer outside the room; scanning it lets visitors view availability and book a room from their phones in seconds.
- Week Grid & Scrollable List Views: these new calendar layouts make it easier to spot free slots and add a meeting room reservation with one click.
- Prevent Same-Day Bookings: now staff can require advance notice—such as 24 hours—so meeting rooms aren’t snagged at the last minute.
- Room Tags: allow staff to label spaces as Study, Makerspace, Outdoor, and more; staff can filter by tag now, with patron filtering available.
- Export Bookings: staff can download filtered bookings (including notes and form responses) for board packets, grants, or custom analysis.
For questions or more information on any of these product updates, please contact WhoFi Support at support@whofi.com And if you have other ideas that could improve your WhoFi experience, contact Christian Gutteridge at marketing@whofi.com.
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A Free, Virtual Conference in June
Sponsored by San Jose State University, their next Library 2.025 Virtual Conference is scheduled for June 11 (2:00-5:00PM CST) The theme is “The Innovative Library: Creativity, Change, Impact” and this 3-hour program is entirely free. All sessions will be recorded and made available to everyone who pre-registers. So even if you can’t attend on the actual day, register anyway to access the recordings.
Here’s more from SJSU’s conference website: “Libraries are at the forefront of innovation, evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities in creative and impactful ways. Through case studies and real-world examples, we’ll highlight how libraries are not just adapting to the future, but actively shaping it ... this event showcases the bold thinking that propels libraries forward. Whether you're reimagining services, experimenting with new technologies, or leading institutional change, "The Innovative Library" conference is a space to inspire and be inspired—where ideas become action and action drives progress.”
SJSU has a great reputation for these mini-conferences, offered nationally, typically three times each year. Each 3-hour event consists of a keynote panel, 10-15 crowd-sourced thirty-minute presentations, and a closing keynote.
Again, registration is required to attend live and/or to receive links to the recordings after-the-fact. Click below for more, including registration.
This is Older Americans' Month
Alongside Mother's Day and Memorial Day, May is also the month to recognize “Older Americans’ Month.” In 1963, this celebration was originally titled “Senior Citizens Month” by President Kennedy; it was President Carter’s administration that re-named it Older Americans Month in 1980.
Sponsored by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) this national recognition is a time thank older Americans’ for their countless contributions to our communities, volunteerism chief among them. In addition, Older American’s Month helps to highlight the nation’s aging trends and reaffirm the commitment of civic organizations to care for older adults in all communities.
The 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging,” looking at how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. From the Older Americans’ website “This recognition encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging.
Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation in May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Making Older Americans Month a perfect occasion for library book displays, bulletin boards, social media shout-outs. The OAM website suggests ideas such as
- Askng older adults to be guest readers at library storytimes
- Host a board game night involving youngsters and seniors
- Host a musical event for all ages that could include a karaoke party; invite seniors who are musically inclined to play instruments, sing, dance
- Set up a “technology petting zoo,’ displaying the tech of yesterday alongside today’s techie tools
Lots more programming ideas on the OAM website linked below,
plus graphics and social media posts to help with your own local promotions.
And why not share your plans with each other on Library Talk!
Director Roundtables
Director Roundtables continue this week and throughout this month. Still more dates and locations to choose from, find the full listing below
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Next Big Library Read
OverDrive has announced their next Big Library Read title: Uncommon Measure by Natalie Hodges. This book will be available for simultaneous downloads in Ebook and audiobook format from May 15-29.
Big Library Read is a global reading program, literally a worldwide digital version of a local book discussion club. Sponsored by OverDrive, this program represents an opportunity to connect your local readers with book lovers around the world as they read and discuss the same book at the same time without wait lists or holds.
So tell your book clubs and
promote to your patrons 😊
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