Open Discussion Notes 4-22-15

Hey guys, here are the minutes from today's open discussion meeting.  :0)

Alice - Karen is welcomed back!

We all thanked Albert for being our delivery hero.

Leona - we are not getting anywhere for SRP; waiting for signage or a roster for performers.  If staff wants to be a part of programming for this summer (or even if you want to do something during the year) let Leona know.  There will be some outreach planned for schools this summer.

Trish - for damaged and lost items, please make complete notes on items you are placing on Trish's cart.  This includes your initials, a date, and thorough information about the issue.  Check a/v items before discharging them! Put missing or incomplete items back on a patron's account if accidentally checked in.

Temeka - the sorter may not be discharging items correctly.  If you have items that were not taken off of a patron's account, screen shot the items on the patron's account and email to Fred Schumacher in LMS at fred.schumacher@houstontx.gov.

Nina - document holds that are checked out to a patron that have not yet arrived at KEN.  Please send this documentation to Sylvia Espinosa at CEN at sylvia.espinosa@houstontx.gov.

Albert - slow down and pay attention when sorting.  Items have been found on the wrong floor.  There was a man trying to check out  a laptop on the 2nd floor with an expired license.  Kindly explain that we do NOT let anyone check out laptops without a current library card that is also free of fines.  If there is an issue, you can refer him to Roosevelt Weeks.  Also please make sure to put the license # both in Sirsi and on the paper application.  Enter all information from the license.

Alisa - Make sure to check for duplicate profiles before making a new library account for someone.  Check for the alternate ID (license #) and their name.

Nina - Please greet all adults getting off the elevator at the 3rd floor.  Kindly explain to them that we would like their cooperation in creating a safe environment for children by using the 2nd floor if they are not with children or looking for children's materials.

Jose - We need some flexibility since the 2nd floor fills up too quickly, both with tables and computers.  Offer to check out laptops, but do not extend time for patrons on computers if there are other patrons waiting in line.

Karen - greet everyone, regardless of what floor they are on.  Welcome them and ask if they need assistance with anything.  Suggested to Theodora that we get an express computer so that patrons can use it for quick, 15 minute uses.

Temeka - 2nd floor patrons have no privacy on the computers.  Theodora mentioned that IT is looking into privacy screens.

Theodora - encourage patrons to fill out complaint/comment cards if there is something they wish we were doing differently.  This is the best way for change to happen in our branch.

Albert - please do not send patrons up to other floors to complete card applications.  Handle them at the station they arrived at to begin with.  Cloning parent information is a great way to expedite the process.

Go team!

Staff Training Notes 4-15-15

2nd floor conference room, 11:15-11:45AM

1. Excel (Simple Formulas) by  Pam.  Handout
2. Learning Express Library by Jasmine. Handout

Staff Meeting Notes 4-8-15

11:15 – 11:45 AM, Breakroom

Agenda

1. Updates from Managers Meeting:
1. Collecting Stories for MY Link Campaign (Karen)
2. Staff Development Day (Lauren)
3. Self-Check Stats and what to do (Nina)
2. Training: Biography Help for Kids (Leona & Shanti). Biography Handout, Biography in Context Handout

Quick Notes

• Open Enrollment ends April 15; see blog post for details.
• FAQs about service animals: detailed guidelines to help you correctly follow ADA requirements regarding service animals (handout).
• Discover 15 Minutes: HPL partnering with Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to distribute tips to parents to encourage early literacy (handout).
• Make sure workroom doors are closed before public opening hours.

Upcoming Staff Events

• Friday, April 10: Last day of Pay Period
• Wednesday, April 15: Last day for Open Enrollment
• Wednesday, April 15: Staff Training Meeting
• Friday, April 17: Pay Day
• Wednesday, April 22: Open Discussion Meeting
• Friday, April 24: CE Managers Meeting (Karen, Lauren)
• Friday, April 24: Last day of Pay Period
• Wednesday, April 29: Tech Training Meeting/ Management Team Meeting
• Friday, May 1: Pay Day
• Friday, May 1: Staff Development Day @ George R Brown Convention Center