3rd Floor Reference and Chairs

Greetings,

I would like to make clear that the issue (for me at least) on the 3rd Floor is not whether or not there is a chair at the desk but how we use that chair.  I have no problem with it remaining as long as staff are following the guidelines as laid out in the "Service Desk Guidelines".  The concern with sitting is that it not be done for extended periods of time or when things are slower.  During that time, we should be up from the chair and following the instructions as laid out in the guidelines.  It is perfectly alright to sit in a chair as we use the reference computer to help customers, as long as we get up from the chair to assist them in locating or using resources.  For the most part, this is what I observe staff doing.  

The concern that was brought to my attention were instances of staff members sitting in the chair for five or ten minutes straight, focusing on the computer, and not roving the floor making themselves available for assistance.   This is what needs to be avoided.  If we do this, I think we can avoid assigning any blame to a poor chair. 

Thanks,

mvc

Remote Reference Meetings

Greetings,

Starting this week, we will resume thirty minute Remote Reference meetings in the mornings of Tuesday (5/12) and Wednesday (5/13) from 8:30 to 9:00 am.  All staff who provide Remote Reference service need to attend on of the sessions.  These sessions will feature training on the new Encore catalog.

Moving forward, we will be holding Remote Reference Meetings the second week of every month on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Julia de Berardinis will be responsible for coordinating these meetings and will call on other staff members to provide trainings/information.   When these meetings are held, staff members need to make arrangements to adjust their schedules as needed to allow attendance.

Thanks,

Mike VC

Party In the Stacks - This Saturday (5/16)

Greetings,

The Party in the Stacks event will be taking place this Saturday evening at 7 PM.  In order to prepare for this event, the Central Library will be closing at 4 PM on that day.  All staff will work their regular shift.  Though there is a group of volunteers assisting with this event, some staff will be encouraged to help clear floors of materials, arrange displays, and perform other duties to improve the appearance of the library.  In addition, staff are welcome to concentrate on work projects/off-desk duties for the remaining time, provided their assistance is not needed elsewhere.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Mike VC

 

Central Services Staff Meeting - Friday, May 8

Greetings,

This afternoon a message was sent to all staff via e-mail from Dr. Lawson discussing HPL's Fiscal Year 2010 Budget and how the economic downturn has impacted it.  That e-mail has links to the information shared in this afternoon's system-wide managers' meetings.  I have set up meetings at 11 am and 2 pm for tomorrow (5/8/09) in the 6th floor training room to review these presentations and answer questions.  These meetings are optional and are open to all Central Services staff who wish to attend.  You may also provide comments or questions to your managers or supervisors, who will either answer them or work with Greg Simpson to coordinate responses and post them on the Intranet.  

Here are links to the two relevant presentations:

Bilingual Pay: https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/documents/Bilingual-pay-thurs.ppt

Sunday Scheduling: https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/documents/sunday-hours.ppt

I would also remind everyone that all staff are more than welcome to call or come by my office and talk to me about this or any other subject regarding work.  If I am away, Yolanda can work with you to set up a time when I should be available.

Thanks,

Mike VC

The Darien Statements About Libraries and Librarianship

As many of you probably already know, the Darien Statements have been creating quite a stir in the library/librarian blogosphere over the past month or so.  The Darien Statements are a document produced as a result of an event at Darien Library (CT) that focused on the future of libraries and librarians.  I am curious to get folks' opinion on these statements.  This is of course not required but I think there is an interesting discussion here.  Take a look at the Darien Statements and, if so inclined, leave a comment or two.

Thanks,

mvc

Street Closure Near Library

While there should be no street closures directly impacting the library this weekend, the NAMI walk from 9 am to 11 am will have Allen Parkway (inbound and outbound) closed between Bagby and Waugh Drive.

Thanks,

mvc

Shirts are Here

Shirts are available in my office.  I will have them to give out the remainder of this afternoon.  The rest can be picked up on Monday.  You will need to sign out for the shirts.   

Thanks,

Mike VC