Silverlight, Chrome, and Insignia

Have you noticed this error when you log in to Insignia from the Chrome browser?

Why the error?

The administrative part of Insignia (the part you use for check out, patron management, etc.) is built on the Silverlight platform. The Chrome browser uses a plug-in called NPAPI to make Silverlight work. In 2013, Chrome announced that it will end support for the NPAPI plug-in this September 2015. You can read their initial announcement here and the follow-up announcement here.

Will Insignia still work after September 2015?

Yes! Insignia will continue to work in Internet Explorer, which makes sense since Silverlight and Internet Explorer are both Microsoft products.

What about the student catalog (OPAC)?

Because it is not built on the Silverlight platform, the catalog will continue working in Chrome, IE, and Firefox.

What’s the takeaway?

After September 2015, you’ll need to use Internet Explorer to access the administrative side of Insignia. You won’t be able to use the Chrome browser because it won’t support Silverlight. The student catalog remains unchanged—you can continue using it in a variety of browsers, including Chrome.

What’s in store for the future?

Insignia (the company) is working to convert their product to HTML5, a format that will work on any browser. They project that it will be done by late 2016.

Welcome Back! August 2015 Newsletter

“The purpose of school should not be to prepare students for more school. We should be seeking to have fully engaged students now.”

― Donalyn Miller, The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child

Think!

“librarians are determined to support “project creation”

School Library Journal: School Librarians Want More Technology --and Bandwidth!

Why Read This?

Thoughtful reflection on how school librarians are actively involved in the purchasing of technology in their schools and in demanding technology be used for creation, publication and meaningful experiences for kids.

Next Steps

How can you advocate for more access for your students? Is this a role you take on in your building?

Insignia Info

• Please enter MARC Record requests on the “Current year” tab of the spreadsheet. Last year’s requests have been archived.
• Make sure to pass along this info to your staff and helpers. The link is updated on the Library Homepage.
• New TL (and library staff) orientation and training is on August 11 from 8 to 11:30 at IT. If you have a new support staff member who needs to attend this training, please let Amy know.

Learning for You!

• District Elementary PD Day August 14, with Literacy - @Arapahoe Campus
• Check out the Schoology Course with info!
• District Secondary PD Day August 17 - @Monarch K8 Library
• Check out the Schoology Course with info!
• First TL meeting: September 8, 4:00-5:30 @Centennial Middle School Library
• Host: Jon Georgitis
• Snacks & Book Talks: Nannette, Amy, Rae
• CASL Year of the Student Workshop September 12 (rescheduled from August 6)

What to Know @BVSD This Month

• Ed Tech Blog Post: Ed Tech PD Year in Review 2014-15 A reflection on last year’s PD from Ed Tech and the plans for this year

News from Beyond BVSD

State Grants for Libraries Report from 2014-15

Why read this report?

Learn about the results and impact of our recent ebook pilot, which was funded by the state library grant. Our story is included in the links below the featured story for this month.

New State Grants for Libraries will be available for BVSD soon! The LAC will create a vision for how to spend this money. Information on how the grant can be spent is on the State Grants website.

Why read this information?

Our ebook pilot is ending as planned, and we anticipate that Literacy will include digital materials in their adoption. We need to decide what to do with this year’s grant funding. Check out the School Library guidelines for how this funding can be allocated, then send your ideas to our LAC members (bvs.lac@bvsd.org)!