First Sunday

Greetings,

The first Sunday seemed to go alright. There were a few minor glitches and I did receive some suggestions for making things run more efficiently. I would suggest that if anyone has any concern, issues, or suggestions about this past Sunday or future Sundays, please let me know. I expect there will be a period of acclimating to the new set up for Sundays. I hope to use this time as an opportunity to make things run as smoothly as possible.

Thanks,
Mike VC

Twitter Article

Greetings,

Steven Johnson, a fantastic writer (opinion), has written a cover story or Time entitled "How Twitter Will Change the Way We Live". It makes for quite interesting reading. I would encourage folks to read and share observations. By the way, the description of the conference where many people in the room (and beyond) were using twitter to discuss is exactly similar to two excellent "Tech Trends" sessions I attended at ALA and PLA; the use of Twitter in these sessions completely transformed the sessions into a more participatory event.

Here is the link:
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1902604-1,00.html

Thanks,
Mike VC

Bing - The new "Decision Engine" from Microsoft

Greetings

Microsft has officially launched their new search engine and Google competitor: Bing. Microsoft promotes it as a "Decision Engine" that is "a first step in moving beyond search to help make faster, more informed decisions." You can read more about Bing at:

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2009/may09/05-28NewSearchPR.mspx

or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bing_(search_engine)

I am curious to have library staff try it out and share their impressions.

mvc

Great Work!!

Greetings,

I just got the April 2009 report on comments, complaints, etc. from the Communications Division.  I am happy to share that we have the lowest number of customer service complaints since we re-opened.  There was only one complaint.  In comparison, we received three compliments for outstanding customer service in April 2009.  This is quite impressive.  I would not be surprised to see us get those complaints down to zero soon.  

Thank you all for the outstanding customer service you deliver day in and day out.  Aside from official comments, I hear overwhelmingly positive feedback about staff from folks who visit Central.  

Thanks again,

Mike VC

PLA Proposal Accepted - Congrats to CELS

Greetings,

A few months back several HPL staff members out together proposals for presentations at the Public Library Association conference to be held in Portland, Oregon in 2010.  We have recently received word that at least one proposal was accepted.  It was submitted by Central Services staff.  The proposal was drafted by Paty Bustamante and Saima Kadir.  It is a session entitled "Virtually Yours" that will focus on using free Web 2.0 resources to promote library services and programs and to reach segments of the population that seldom visit the physical library.

Congratulations to Paty and her team.  Outstanding work!

Mike VC

Red Shirts

Greetings,

If anyone is interested in purchasing more red shirts or smocks, they are available through the Business Office at Marston.  You are welcome to go to Marston to purchase shirts on work time.  However, we do ask that you notify your supervisor in advance of when you would like to go to Marston.  Your supervisor will either approve your request or look for a more convenient time for you to visit Marston.  This is necessary so that supervisors can ensure adequate levels of staffing and remain aware of where supervised staff are throughout the day.  Prices for shirts and smocks should be coming to the Intranet in the near future.

Thanks,

Mike VC

Funeral Arrangements for Diana Morales

Greetings all,

Below is information on funferal arrangements for Diana Morales:

Rosary service: Friday, 5/22/09 beginning at 7 pm Forest Park Funeral Home--Main Chapel 6900 Lawndale Houston, TX 77023

Church service: Saturday, 5/23/09 at 10 am Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 4015Sherman Houston, TX 77003

Her obituary is in today’s Houston Chronicle and can be found online at:

http://www.legacy.com/houstonchronicle/DeathNotices.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=127538148

Sincerely,

Mike VC