November 2009 Staff Meeting

WLA
Amber and Katrina shared information on the WLA convention. Katrina got lots of good ideas for the summer library program. Amber attended sessions on strategic planning and fundraising.

Replacement Cost of Items
The replacement cost listed in Workflows in most cases is inaccurate due to a recent policy change. We now charge the patron the retail price (which can be looked up on Amazon, Borders or Barnes & Noble) rounded off to the nearest dollar plus a $5 processing fee. The SHARE system has decided that the processing fee should be included in the cost listed in Workflows and this will be done when items are cataloged. For older items, it would be a good idea to double check the replacement cost when removing items from the New shelf and make any changes necessary.

Patrons with More Than One Address
In the User Record, up to 3 addresses can be entered. Our procedure is to list the Wisconsin address first (to match the demographics). Other addresses, such as an out-of-state residence, should be listed in the additional spaces. Then, at the top of the address tab, designate the mailing address as Primary. This is the address the system uses for automated notices.

Meeting Room Reservations
Meeting room reservations should be recorded on both the desk and Google calendars. A new application must be completed each time an organization wants to use the meeting room. Approved applications are kept in the yellow folder on Amber’s desk.

ILL Renewals
Renewal of ILL items is not to be done by anyone other than ILL Staff. Patrons requesting renewal of ILL items should be told that we can request renewal, but it takes 2-3 days to get a response back and many times the response is negative.

Dispensing Medication
Library staff are allowed to dispense band-aids to patrons. No medications or other first-aid supplies, including antibiotic ointment or aspirin, may be given.

Circulation Procedure
The Circulation Procedure documentation is intended to be an overview and not a detailed step-by-step procedure. Cheryl is completing the revision of this document and the AM and PM checklists.

Coffee for Staff
Katrina suggested that staff use mugs or commuter cups for beverages from the Keurig machine and save the Styrofoam cups with lids for patrons.

Item Location
When removing items from the New shelf, be sure to change to the proper home location. Use the spine label as a guide: LP – Large Print, FIC – Fiction, W – Western, M – Mystery, SF – Sci-Fi, T – Young Adult. Home location for all nonfiction books is Non-Fic.

Items Not Checked/Discharged
Again . . . SLOW DOWN. Take your time and thoroughly examine all items, look at the screen when discharging to be sure the bar code registered and no messages popped up.

From Amber
Staff performance reviews will be completed this month. Amber will put out a sign-up sheet next week.
Oscar Nicia will be starting as a Library Assistant on 11/30.
The library budget was not challenged at the budget hearings.
Occasionally, children have been left at the library for long periods of time without a parent or caregiver. Excerpts from the Child Safety Policy will be posted in conspicuous areas and staff will follow this policy when dealing with unattended children. As a general rule, the appropriate length of a library visit by an unaccompanied 9-12 year old is 2 hours.

Something to Think About
Adopt a Shelf – public volunteers sign up to be responsible for shelf-reading and keeping in order a portion of the collection.

Disc Repair Machine
Katrina demonstrated how to operate the new disc repair machine. Instructions for regular maintenance are posted on the side of the machine. The User’s Manual is in the drawer below the machine.