Vacation Schedule: A 2011 year-at-a-glance calendar will be posted in the staff room. This will be used to list staff vacations.
Coverage of Service Desks: Service desks should not be left unattended. When you’re assigned to a service desk, STAY THERE. Also there is no eating at the desks, and drinks in covered containers only.
Annual performance reviews: Staff reviews will be scheduled next month. A schedule will be posted and staff should sign up for the time you want.
Kelly vs. Mary: Mary is responsible for story times (Tiny Tots and Preschool) in the library. Kelly will focus on developing a relationship with the schools and on drawing in our teen patrons.
Evening computer classes: A volunteer, preferable a staff member, is needed to teach computer classes evenings or Saturdays. Classes will be one session per topic: basic computer use, internet and email, e-bay, Facebook, word processing, and spreadsheet.
Beverage Service: There has been a rumor that the Friends will not continue to support the coffee service. This is not an official decision, but if necessary the Library will pick up the cost and continue to offer beverages.
Public Printing: A patron complained that some personal information he had printed was taken by someone else. We discussed possible ways to protect the privacy of printed documents and concluded that there is nothing we can do at the present time except let patrons know that the print station is not secure.
Volunteers: Mary is the coordinator for adult volunteers. Kelly is the coordinator for youth volunteers. Amber is the coordinator for court-ordered community service. We discussed the need for an application form including contact information, days and times available, and a statement of responsibility to be signed by applicants. Amber will order more name badges for volunteers and they will be required to wear them while in the library.
Book labels: Kate discussed the application of spine labels and genre labels to books.
Proof of address: Amber, using a problem patron as an example, stressed the importance of verifying patron address. If there is a note on the patron record that address has not been verified, the patron will asked to furnish proof of address at their next library visit. If it is not provided, they will be given a warning. If proof is still not provided, the account will be barred until the address is verified. We need both mailing and residence addresses. After information has been verified, you may take the note off the patron record.
Budget: Amber talked briefly about the City budget.
Kindle: The Kindle has been cataloged and is ready for checkout. We went over the rules for its use. An insert will be attached to the case listing patron responsibilities and the Kindle inventory. Kindle use will be restricted to patrons 16 years of age or older.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 2010 Staff Meeting
Bar Code & Stamping: A demonstration was done by Kate. There are instructions, with pictures, posted in the TS room.
Outreach Program for the Homebound: Amber answered staff questions about how the homebound program will work. she is looking for a staff volunteer to coordinate the program. Book pick up and delivery will be handled by the Friends.
2011 Budget Update: Amber discussed the potential effects of the Lake Lawn sale on the City budget. She told staff not to expect a raise in 2011 and said we will most likely not be able to hire an additional half-time Library Assistant.
Patron Registration Form: Two new check boxes have been added to the Patron Registration Form -- (1) text message receipt of library notices and (2) authorization to keep charge history. The wording of the signed agreement was clarified and the privacy statement was added. The parent/guardian signature block and release of information authorization were printed on the back of the form.
Receipt of library notices by text message is not yet available, but will be soon. Further information will be forthcoming. The charge history option is available and can be set on the Basic Info tab of the patron record. We need written authorization from the patron before we can turn this feature on. Sign-up forms for existing patrons are available at both service desks and will be filed with the patron's registration form.
Insert for AV Boxes: We looked at a form other libraries are using to collect information from patrons about problems they have with AV materials. A form for our library will be developed and we will begin including one of these in each DVD and CD (music and audiobook) box.
Program Ideas for Staff In-Service: The next staff in-service day will be March 18, 2011. Program suggestions are being compiled by Sue. If there is any topic you would like additional training on or if you know of a speaker/presenter that would be interesting to the staff, please let her know.
Library Wish List: Included in the November newsletter is a request for Legos for our January kick-off of the Lego Club. If there are other items the public could donate to help with programs or any other aspect of our work, let Sue know and she will include the "APL's Most Wanted" list in each newsletter.
Winter-Spring Programs: The winter-spring 2011 library program schedule that will be published in the Delavan Parks & Rec program booklet was distributed to staff.
Meeting Room Schedule: The meeting room schedule will be kept on the Google calendar AND on the large desk calendar. Cheryl and Jan will be responsible for keeping the Google calendar updated. Please give them any program info that needs to be entered.
Damaged, Lost or Stolen Personal Property: Patrons are responsible for their own personal property while they are in the library. If something is stolen or damaged, the patron should contact the Police. Staff should complete an incident report if we are made aware of the situation, but the ultimate responsibility belongs to the patron.
Vacation During Holiday Times: In order to maintain adequate coverage at both service desks, the number of people allowed to take vacation during peak periods, such as Thanksgiving week and Christmas week, will be limited. Amber would like to institute a rotation system for holiday vacations. She is taking suggestions on ways we can do this fairly, allowing everyone a chance to have a holiday vacation over a period of time. Bring your ideas to the next staff meeting.
Item Count for State Standards: Amber received a revised item count for our library from the Lakeshores System Administrator. This revision means we need to add about 3700 more items before the end of the year.
Schedules: When draft schedules are distributed for review, you should check the hours you are scheduled to work AND check your on-desk times. If corrections are not made before the final schedule is published, YOU are responsible for finding coverage. Amber will look into posting schedules on Google so we can view them from anywhere.
- Stamp books top and bottom; inside on first page, lower right hand corner; inside back, lower left hand corner. If page is black or dark color, do next page instead.
- Put bar code on front cover of book on upper right side, 1/4" from top and 1/4" from side. On paperbacks put clear cover over bar code. Do not cover the bar code on hardcover books unless the books have no book jacket.
- Write the present date inside the back of book, month and year (for example 6/09).
- Tape first inside the front and back covers of paperbacks with 1" 600 tape. Be sure all the correct labels are in place (spine label, large print, genre sticker), then tape spine with appropriate 845 book tape, usually 1-1/2" or 2" wide. Use 3" tape only if necessary.
- Tape the outside edges of the front and back covers with 845 book tape, 1-1/2" wide.
- If the book is new, put a NEW sticker just below and on the right side of the bar code. Use your judgment when putting NEW stickers on nonfiction books. The books on the new nonfiction shelf should be those that people browsing will pick up to read.
Outreach Program for the Homebound: Amber answered staff questions about how the homebound program will work. she is looking for a staff volunteer to coordinate the program. Book pick up and delivery will be handled by the Friends.
2011 Budget Update: Amber discussed the potential effects of the Lake Lawn sale on the City budget. She told staff not to expect a raise in 2011 and said we will most likely not be able to hire an additional half-time Library Assistant.
Patron Registration Form: Two new check boxes have been added to the Patron Registration Form -- (1) text message receipt of library notices and (2) authorization to keep charge history. The wording of the signed agreement was clarified and the privacy statement was added. The parent/guardian signature block and release of information authorization were printed on the back of the form.
Receipt of library notices by text message is not yet available, but will be soon. Further information will be forthcoming. The charge history option is available and can be set on the Basic Info tab of the patron record. We need written authorization from the patron before we can turn this feature on. Sign-up forms for existing patrons are available at both service desks and will be filed with the patron's registration form.
Insert for AV Boxes: We looked at a form other libraries are using to collect information from patrons about problems they have with AV materials. A form for our library will be developed and we will begin including one of these in each DVD and CD (music and audiobook) box.
Program Ideas for Staff In-Service: The next staff in-service day will be March 18, 2011. Program suggestions are being compiled by Sue. If there is any topic you would like additional training on or if you know of a speaker/presenter that would be interesting to the staff, please let her know.
Library Wish List: Included in the November newsletter is a request for Legos for our January kick-off of the Lego Club. If there are other items the public could donate to help with programs or any other aspect of our work, let Sue know and she will include the "APL's Most Wanted" list in each newsletter.
Winter-Spring Programs: The winter-spring 2011 library program schedule that will be published in the Delavan Parks & Rec program booklet was distributed to staff.
Meeting Room Schedule: The meeting room schedule will be kept on the Google calendar AND on the large desk calendar. Cheryl and Jan will be responsible for keeping the Google calendar updated. Please give them any program info that needs to be entered.
Damaged, Lost or Stolen Personal Property: Patrons are responsible for their own personal property while they are in the library. If something is stolen or damaged, the patron should contact the Police. Staff should complete an incident report if we are made aware of the situation, but the ultimate responsibility belongs to the patron.
Vacation During Holiday Times: In order to maintain adequate coverage at both service desks, the number of people allowed to take vacation during peak periods, such as Thanksgiving week and Christmas week, will be limited. Amber would like to institute a rotation system for holiday vacations. She is taking suggestions on ways we can do this fairly, allowing everyone a chance to have a holiday vacation over a period of time. Bring your ideas to the next staff meeting.
Item Count for State Standards: Amber received a revised item count for our library from the Lakeshores System Administrator. This revision means we need to add about 3700 more items before the end of the year.
Schedules: When draft schedules are distributed for review, you should check the hours you are scheduled to work AND check your on-desk times. If corrections are not made before the final schedule is published, YOU are responsible for finding coverage. Amber will look into posting schedules on Google so we can view them from anywhere.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
September 2010 Staff Meeting
Pocket Talker/I-Vu: Amber demonstrated the Pocket Talker, a personal amplifier with microphone for use at the Circ Desks to help hard-of-hearing patrons.
We also own two i-vu units. i-vu is a battery-powered digital magnifier for patrons to use in the library for reading small print. Each will be barcoded and a patron wanting to use one will check it out; however, the unit may not be taken out of the library.
The library has received a Kindle for which we purchase newspaper subscriptions. This, again, will be for use only in the library.
Further instructions on the Kindle and i-vu will be distributed when they are ready for public use.
Text Message Notices: Aram PL is a test site for text message delivery of hold notifications. Beginning next week, the Text Message option may be designated as the method of notification. We need to find out from Jim how this is to be entered into the "notify via" field. Patrons who choose text message notification will have their cell phone number entered in the SMS field on the Address tab.
Juvenile New Fiction: Kelly has set up an area for new juvenile fiction books. The first 2 shelves at the beginning of the fiction section will display new juvenile fiction. When cataloging these books, the home location will be listed as FICJ-NEW. After 3 months, the new sticker will be removed and the home location changed to FICJ. This area will not be used for new picture books, easy readers, or nonfiction books.
December Holiday Pay: Amber answered questions about the Paid Vacation Holidays in December and January. A vacation request form must be completed for the day you want to take your Paid Vacation Holiday. It may be listed as "Other" on the form, or write in "PVH." You may take the whole day off, but will only be paid for 3 hours unless you combine the PVH with vacation or your float day.
Damaged Materials on Van: A reminder that when materials belonging to other libraries are received on the van in damaged condition, do not receive them. Check them out to the owning library's problem card and send them to the owner to be repaired.
Technology Update: Jim Novy will be here Monday to complete the network repairs.
Workflow Analysis: Steve Ohs, Library Development Coordinator for the LLS, will visit our library Tuesday, September 28 to perform a workflow analysis. This is a survey done to identify ways to make our work processes more fluent and productive. He will probably be talking with staff about our work procedures.
Coffee Pot: The coffee pot, after being turned off overnight, seems to have corrected its heating problem. Sue will put the phone number and contact info for FilterFresh in the Rolodex upstairs. The instruction book for the coffee machine is on the shelf with the condiments.
Charge History Rule: A field for "Charge History Rule" has been added to the patron data base. This is where patrons can have a list of their previous check-outs saved. Amber will check her LLS meeting notes for instructions. (I turned my history on by going to Modify User and selecting ALL CHARGES in the Charge History field. When you look at my record in Display User and click on the tab that says Charge History, there's a list of things I've returned. The same list also shows up when I access MY ACCOUNT through the catalog. --Sue)
Note: I will update the Patron Registration Form to include Text Message and Charge History as options. I'm also going to put the parental release of information form on the back. --Sue
AMBER'S TREASURE HUNT: Each staff member must submit to Amber in wriing by next Friday (9/24):
We also own two i-vu units. i-vu is a battery-powered digital magnifier for patrons to use in the library for reading small print. Each will be barcoded and a patron wanting to use one will check it out; however, the unit may not be taken out of the library.
The library has received a Kindle for which we purchase newspaper subscriptions. This, again, will be for use only in the library.
Further instructions on the Kindle and i-vu will be distributed when they are ready for public use.
Text Message Notices: Aram PL is a test site for text message delivery of hold notifications. Beginning next week, the Text Message option may be designated as the method of notification. We need to find out from Jim how this is to be entered into the "notify via" field. Patrons who choose text message notification will have their cell phone number entered in the SMS field on the Address tab.
Juvenile New Fiction: Kelly has set up an area for new juvenile fiction books. The first 2 shelves at the beginning of the fiction section will display new juvenile fiction. When cataloging these books, the home location will be listed as FICJ-NEW. After 3 months, the new sticker will be removed and the home location changed to FICJ. This area will not be used for new picture books, easy readers, or nonfiction books.
December Holiday Pay: Amber answered questions about the Paid Vacation Holidays in December and January. A vacation request form must be completed for the day you want to take your Paid Vacation Holiday. It may be listed as "Other" on the form, or write in "PVH." You may take the whole day off, but will only be paid for 3 hours unless you combine the PVH with vacation or your float day.
Damaged Materials on Van: A reminder that when materials belonging to other libraries are received on the van in damaged condition, do not receive them. Check them out to the owning library's problem card and send them to the owner to be repaired.
Technology Update: Jim Novy will be here Monday to complete the network repairs.
Workflow Analysis: Steve Ohs, Library Development Coordinator for the LLS, will visit our library Tuesday, September 28 to perform a workflow analysis. This is a survey done to identify ways to make our work processes more fluent and productive. He will probably be talking with staff about our work procedures.
Coffee Pot: The coffee pot, after being turned off overnight, seems to have corrected its heating problem. Sue will put the phone number and contact info for FilterFresh in the Rolodex upstairs. The instruction book for the coffee machine is on the shelf with the condiments.
Charge History Rule: A field for "Charge History Rule" has been added to the patron data base. This is where patrons can have a list of their previous check-outs saved. Amber will check her LLS meeting notes for instructions. (I turned my history on by going to Modify User and selecting ALL CHARGES in the Charge History field. When you look at my record in Display User and click on the tab that says Charge History, there's a list of things I've returned. The same list also shows up when I access MY ACCOUNT through the catalog. --Sue)
Note: I will update the Patron Registration Form to include Text Message and Charge History as options. I'm also going to put the parental release of information form on the back. --Sue
AMBER'S TREASURE HUNT: Each staff member must submit to Amber in wriing by next Friday (9/24):
- Instructions for logging on to Rosetta Stone.
- How to check the toner on the Ricoh B&W printer.
- How to access the Staff Training Blog.
August 20, 2010 Staff Meeting
Closing Time: Be aware of the correct time and don't lock the doors early. Give patrons in the library sufficient warning to check out their items before closing.
Summer Program ideas for next year were touched upon briefly.
Patron Requests: Patron Requests should be checked in Workflows each morning. Instructions on how to do this will be placed in the Staff Handbook.
Moving Furniture: The Patron Behavior Policy prohibits the moving of furniture by patrons.
2011 Budget: Amber briefly discussed the budget negotiations going on at the City and their possible effects on the library. We were instructed to refer any complaints about lack of services to the City Council.
Head of Youth Service: Kelly Jensen has been hired for this position. Her starting date will be September 7. Oscar will be leaving by mid-October.
Patron Registration: We talked about the importance of entering data uniformly in the patron record, particularly in searchable fields. Jan O. will prepare a sample record showing the correct format for each entry. A copy will be kept in the Staff Handbook. Please be sure to initial the registration form for any card you prepare.
DVD Inspection: We are discontinuing the "dots" procedure. Instead, a grid-printed label will be placed inside each DVD box which you should initial and date when you inspect a DVD. Again, take your time when checking items in. Watch the computer screen. Inspect items carefully and send to mending when needed.
New Policies from August Board Meeting:
Amber reviewed the revised Holiday Pay Policy which provides for a 3-hour Paid Vacation Holiday in lieu of holiday pay when the second day of a 2-day holiday falls on Saturday.
The Circulation Policy was also reviewed. The major change here is that a collection agency will be involved when the amount due is over $200. The duty of monitoring overdues will be assigned to staff on a 2-year rotation.
The Sick Leave policy draft was also reviewed.
Book Processing Procedure: Books will now be cataloged before going to processing. After the processing backlog is taken care of, a written procedure will be prepared and shelves in TS will be designated for each step of the procedure.
Summer Program ideas for next year were touched upon briefly.
Patron Requests: Patron Requests should be checked in Workflows each morning. Instructions on how to do this will be placed in the Staff Handbook.
Moving Furniture: The Patron Behavior Policy prohibits the moving of furniture by patrons.
2011 Budget: Amber briefly discussed the budget negotiations going on at the City and their possible effects on the library. We were instructed to refer any complaints about lack of services to the City Council.
Head of Youth Service: Kelly Jensen has been hired for this position. Her starting date will be September 7. Oscar will be leaving by mid-October.
Patron Registration: We talked about the importance of entering data uniformly in the patron record, particularly in searchable fields. Jan O. will prepare a sample record showing the correct format for each entry. A copy will be kept in the Staff Handbook. Please be sure to initial the registration form for any card you prepare.
DVD Inspection: We are discontinuing the "dots" procedure. Instead, a grid-printed label will be placed inside each DVD box which you should initial and date when you inspect a DVD. Again, take your time when checking items in. Watch the computer screen. Inspect items carefully and send to mending when needed.
New Policies from August Board Meeting:
Amber reviewed the revised Holiday Pay Policy which provides for a 3-hour Paid Vacation Holiday in lieu of holiday pay when the second day of a 2-day holiday falls on Saturday.
The Circulation Policy was also reviewed. The major change here is that a collection agency will be involved when the amount due is over $200. The duty of monitoring overdues will be assigned to staff on a 2-year rotation.
The Sick Leave policy draft was also reviewed.
Book Processing Procedure: Books will now be cataloged before going to processing. After the processing backlog is taken care of, a written procedure will be prepared and shelves in TS will be designated for each step of the procedure.
Friday, September 3, 2010
July 16, 2010 Staff Meeting
Library Cards: If the applicant is not able to provide proof of current addresss, mail the registration form to the address provided and ask the applicant to bring it in with the envelope. A note from the landlord is not sufficient proof.
Summer School Buses: Children are being dropped off in front of the library after summer school. If their parents are not here to pick them up, they may come into the library to wait. We will have contact info.
Computers: A network upgrade will be done July 19-24 and all computers will be down.
Do not place book sale items on the holds shelf to keep them for patrons.
(Notes provided by Janice)
Summer School Buses: Children are being dropped off in front of the library after summer school. If their parents are not here to pick them up, they may come into the library to wait. We will have contact info.
Computers: A network upgrade will be done July 19-24 and all computers will be down.
Do not place book sale items on the holds shelf to keep them for patrons.
(Notes provided by Janice)
June 18, 2010 Staff Meeting
Housekeeping: Check phone messages first thing in the morning for staff who may be calling in sick. If you have to call in sick, leave a message at the adult desk and also on Amber's voice mail.
Summer Library Program: Teens register upstairs, not in the Children's Dept. They can have their choice of shirt styles.
(Notes provided by Janice)
Summer Library Program: Teens register upstairs, not in the Children's Dept. They can have their choice of shirt styles.
(Notes provided by Janice)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Blackbelt Librarians
BLACKBELT LIBRARIANS training session was held on May 7, 2010 at Racine Public Library. Mary, Janice & Sandi attended this all-day session given by Warren Graham, lecturer and author of 2 books-BLACKBELT LIBRARIANS and ADVANCED BLACKBELT LIBRARIANS. The class was extremely informative and humorous. Mary even got in on some roll-playing with Mr. Graham. He doesn't believe in handouts, so lots of note-taking was happening. At our May's staff meeting, notes will be available for each of you. Mr. Graham mostly spoke of our "REALITY IMPAIRED PATRONS", rules for library use, problem patrons, ABCC's of opponent emotional levels, and library do's and don'ts. Always a favorite was the question and answer time. I have read Mr. Grahams books, but hearing & seeing the author/speaker was 100 times better! We are very glad we had the opportunity to train with Mr. Graham. Janice & I also had a short in-house library tour by Mary Lou Nordstrom-head cataloger at Racine. They are going to be doing some remodeling and shifting of areas very soon. Besides Delavan, I believe only one from Lake Geneva and Elkhorn, as well as the whole Racine staff (library was totally closed for the day) attended. This was definitely a class worth taking if it is offered again. Sandi
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