Left to right-Shaylee Krueger, Shantry Miller, Nick Marlin, K.J. Hillgren, and Rachel Crocker
In April, five Wyoming library professionals attended the 2025 Customers of SirsiDynix Users Group, Inc. (COSUGI) Conference, “Brewing Success and Crafting Innovation,” where they gleaned important knowledge, attended many beneficial breakout sessions, and participated in meaningful networking with counterparts from across the U.S. and beyond. Four members of the Wyoming State Library’s (WSL) WYLD Support Team, K.J. Hillgren, WSL Systems Librarian; Shaylee Krueger, WSL Resource Sharing Librarian; Nick Marlin, WSL Library Systems Administrator; and Shantry Miller, WSL Bibliographic Services Librarian; made the trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for the event, as well as Rachel Crocker, the WYLD Network President and Albany County Library System’s Director.
All COSUGI attendees attended the opening program, a forum detailing Harris Computer’s recent acquisition of SirsiDynix, and a question and answer session with SirsiDynix’s leadership team together as a large group. They spent the remainder of their time at breakout sessions on many useful topics including BLUEcloud Analytics, the prudent use of AI, optimized training methods, cataloging, and acquisitions. Several sessions focused on ways specific customers were using various products, including increased security and ransomware attack recovery and a special library card project completed by a partnership between public and school libraries.
“The ransomware recovery session was helpful and very timely,” said Nick. “It gave me several ideas we can apply directly in our support of Wyoming libraries.”
Several networking opportunities were offered during the conference, including several meals during which attendees from different locations were encouraged to eat together and converse about their experiences with SirsiDynix. Staff from SirsiDynix were also available to chat with conference attendees during meals.
“I was able to talk with a librarian from Queens, New York, about the Wyoming State Library’s current interlibrary loan project,” said Shaylee. “It was great getting to share about what we’re doing in Wyoming and hear about what others are doing elsewhere.”
A Shark Tank Social gave participants the opportunity to dream big about the possible applications of SirsiDynix. Attendees shared many ideas–some realistic and others more farfetched. During the conference, the team enjoyed getting to connect with the other participants, share their own experiences, and learn from other’s experiences.
It was great to talk to librarians from other parts of the country,” said Shantry. “I enjoyed finding out what we do similarly and what we do differently, and hearing ideas to potentially try in the future.”
Recent releases and upcoming capabilities for Symphony were also covered during the event.
“There are good things coming!” said K.J. “It was exciting to hear about their plans for the future.”
The group was able to sit down for face-to-face conversations with both their sales representative and their library relations manager, which they all agreed was an especially beneficial part of their trip.
Although it was busy three days for the team, everyone was able to take away plenty of useful knowledge and insight that will help them continue to serve Wyoming libraries.