Company Name: Leavenworth Public Library

Name: Matt Nojonen, Library Director

Location: Leavenworth, KS

Website: LeavenworthPublicLibrary.org

Industry: Library

Most people don’t realize that books are just one offering that libraries provide. In addition to books, Leavenworth Public Library provides its clients with community programs, technology resources, meeting rooms, and more. In the same way that many people underestimate what libraries can do, there’s a lack of understanding about how much technology it takes to run a library.

“Libraries are really unique from a technology perspective,” said Matt Nojonen, the library’s Director. “Every software platform we utilize is made custom for libraries. We have special software for checking out books, scheduling software, internet control software, and more.” The need for custom solutions in the industry adds another challenge for library leadership: finding an IT resource that is comfortable and willing to work with a long list of third-party software and applications.

When the Leavenworth Public Library outgrew their one-person IT support, they started looking for a Managed Service Provider that could take things over from the retiring IT person. “Most MSPs weren’t willing to deal with all the proprietary tools that we use,” recalled Matt. “But TS Conard was recommended to us by another industry expert—who is now our assistant director, actually—and from the very first meeting, they soared above the competition.”

What The People Want

In the early days of working with the library, TS Conard conducted a full examination of the facility’s IT infrastructure. They took the time to understand what the Leavenworth Public Library was aiming for from a strategic standpoint and then helped connect the dots between where they were at and where they were headed. In order to serve more clients, offer additional services, and grow their digital offerings, the library needed hardware replacements, an updated network, and a stronger firewall.

In 2022, Matt and his team sent out a survey to their residents. The survey asked which of the library’s services were most important, with respondents ranking books at #1 and technology at #2. “People came to us for internet access, computer and copier usage, and even tech support,” he said. “I think libraries are environments where people feel comfortable asking questions, and that shows up in how they use our technology, too.”

Recently, TS Conard has been hard at work setting up digital faxing in the library. Instead of a traditional fax machine, digital faxing—which uses VOIP technology—is faster, more cost-effective, and easier for users. “You’d be surprised at how many people still need to fax things,” detailed Matt. “Government forms, unemployment papers—all that stuff has to be faxed.” With the digital fax option, library users will have two fax machines available to them. Without TS Conard working with multiple third-party companies to set up the necessary ports, firewall, and network, people would still be relying on the old fax machine.

Shaping Security

Customers want more than digital fax machines and e-book options; many people head to the library to use the computers provided or bring their own laptops so they can access Wi-Fi. With so many users signing in and out of the Wi-Fi daily, TS Conard suggested amping up the security measures. “They split our network into two separate sides,” said Matt. “The business side that all the staff members use, and the public side that our residents use.”

The added layer of protection ensures that the library, as an organization, stays insulated from any cyber threats the network may be exposed to. And it turns out, it didn’t take long before Matt and his team were reminded why it was such a crucial cybersecurity measure. “We actually had a customer who was using a torrenting website to pirate movies. The studio got ahold of the ISP address and found out it was one of ours,” recalled Matt.

Once Matt was notified about the issue, he reached out to TS Conard and they responded instantly. All it took was a slight adjustment to the firewall, and the Leavenworth Public Library removed a cybersecurity threat and liability issue all in one. “We could actually get our internet connection cut off if things like that go unchecked,” Matt said. Without TS Conard, one of the main services that library-goers use the most could have been jeopardized.

Making It Happen On A Library Budget

Technology changes—big or small—cost money. For libraries, spending wisely is a must. Often underfunded and trying to do more with less, these organizations have to get scrappy with how they make big investments. As a vendor, TS Conard works with libraries all over the country. The team is familiar with budget restrictions, grant funding, and other common financial constraints in the industry, and yet, they deliver state-of-the-art solutions every time.

“Even at first, when there was so much work to be done, TS Conard helped us prioritize what we needed to do immediately and what we could wait on. If they know we need a new machine, they’ll keep an eye out for weeks or months until a good product at the right price point pops up,” Matt explained. As he continued, Matt brought up an interesting perspective. “So many libraries and businesses think that MSPs are too pricey, but TS Conard actually saves us money. Having expert resources available to help us make the right technology decisions has made a world of difference in our costs.”

Working With TS Conard

With costs down, security up, and a better IT infrastructure than ever before, it’s clear that TS Conard is doing a few things right. But above all that, it’s the working relationship that Matt and his staff appreciate the most. “Every person at TS Conard is just the best,” Matt claimed. Known throughout the library as being easy to work with, quick to respond, and very knowledgeable about technology, the TS Conard team is nothing but appreciated.

“They’re good at adapting their explanations to the knowledge base of whomever they’re talking to,” Matt praised. “I just can’t emphasize enough how much of a difference TS Conard has made in my day-to-day, and I’m always recommending them to other businesses.” According to Matt, it doesn’t matter what the organizations are—the local police department, the fire department, or another library—TS Conard is his go-to recommendation for local business leaders.

To find out how TS Conard can support your organization, visit TSConard.com.