Staff Meeting Notes 7/23/14

Kendall Staff Meeting, 11:15 – 11:45 AM, Breakroom

1. Updates:
1. New Deputy Director (Karen); handout
2. Returning empty bins (Karen)
3. Holds wrappers (Karen)
4. New monthly staff training meeting (Karen)
5. Door Count: difference between reference & directional questions (Alice)
6. SRP Updates  (Meg & Leona)
2. Circulation Training: Policy Updates (Alisa); handout

Quick Notes

• Desk Holds: If you hold items at the desk for a customer, please put their last name and “Hold for Pick-Up through [date]” with your initials.  We can only hold items for 24 hours without a card number because the catalog stills shows they’re on the shelf (and therefore findable, holdable, and available).
• Answer the Phone: If you’re not helping a customer, answer the phone.  If we all expect someone else to do it, the phone won’t get answered..
• Close the workroom doors before opening hours.  We don’t want customers wandering around in the workroom.
• Shelving: Straighten rows and “front” the books (push up to the front edge of the shelf) when you’re shelving. The shelves will look neater and you’ll be able to see what you’ve accomplished.
• Alphabetize: It seems basic but is really one of the foundations of library work.  It’s so much easier to find what you’re looking for when it’s in the right place.  (Extra credit: what are the other foundations of library work?)

Upcoming Staff Events

• Wednesday, July 23: Staff Meeting
• Thursday, July 24: NL Managers Meeting
• Friday, July 25: Payday
• Wednesday, July 30: Staff Training Meeting
• Thursday, July 31: Deadline for completing Cyber Security Awareness Training.
• Friday, August 1: Last day of Summer Reading Program.  
• Friday, August 1: Last day of Pay Period
• Tuesday, August 5: July statistics and Monthly Report due
• Wednesday, August 6: Open Discussion Meeting
• Friday, August 8: Payday
• Sunday, August 10: Facility Checklist due
• Friday, August 15: Last day of Pay Period
• Wednesday, August 20:  Michele Gorman meets Kendall staff, 11AM
• Friday, August 22: Payday
• Monday, September 1: Labor Day Holiday--library closed

Meeting Note, 12-12-12

11:15 – 11:45 AM, Break room

1. Revised procedure for renewing Library Cards (Nina):

• Effective 12-1-12, adult cards expired since 1-1-10 can be renewed with only address verification from an accepted source if the name, address, ptype and card number have not changed. Changes to these fields require a new application.
• Verify the information with the customer's ID or picture ID and another acceptable document and add a note to the record: date, info ver w [document], initials/location.
• Most juvenile cards will need updated responsible adult information from new application form.
• Replacing lost cards requires a new application.

1. Using library time/equipment for school/personal work (Karen):

• Neighborhood Libraries administration asked managers to remind staff enrolled in school that we can work with you to accomodate class schedules where possible keeping the operational needs of Neighborhood Libraries in mind but that school/personal work should only be done during breaks or lunch time and not during work time.

1. Emergency Evacuation routes in building (Karen)--see handouts of library floorplans.
2. Meeting with Meller Langford, 11/16/12--discussed how library budget is developed, staff promotional opportunities, Saturday switch schedule.
3. December Programs (see below)
4. Holiday party: Wednesday, Dec 19, 11-1, Break room. Alisa and Pam are organizing.
5. Announcements/ Dicsussion

• Julie: Circ Admin said okay to renew books over phone for customers with items already checked out and at home, even if current fines over $10--be nice and help them out. But they can't check out more materials while card blocked.

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Upcoming Staff Events

• December 14, 11am-1pm, LMS training, Central (Pedro)
• December 18, 8:30-4:30, HEAR Training, HPD SE Command Center (Pedro)
• December 21: Close of pay period. 8:30-10:30 LMS Training, Central (Karen)
• December 22-25: LIBRARY CLOSED (Christmas Holiday)
• December 31: Close at 6pm (New Year’s Eve); Quarterly Change report due
• January 1: LIBRARY CLOSED (New Year’s Day)
• January 9, 11:15-11:45, Staff Meeting

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December Programs
Kendall Neighborhood Library  - Adult  Computer Classes

Intro to MS PowerPoint 2007
Saturday, December 22 |10:30 AM-12:30PM
This course explains the basic functions of presentation program, how to create a presentation, and add graphics and multimedia to a presentation. Students will also learn to identify the various options available to print your presentation in different formats. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Internet Basics 2
Wednesday, December 12 | 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
This course explains what email is and how to use it. It also explains the features of online communities and how instant messaging works.  2nd Floor Conference Room

Intro to MS Word 2007
Wednesday, December 12 |5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Tuesday, December 18 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Wednesday, December 19 |5:30 PM-7:30 PM
This course explains the basic tasks that you can perform by using a word processor. Students will learn to work with text, tables, and pictures. Students will also learn how to use language tools. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Social Networking
Thursday, December 13 I 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Let our experts show you how you can connect with friends and advertise your business using Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networking websites. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Computer Security
Thursday, December 13 I 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
This course explains the need for protecting your computer hardware, software, and electronic data from damage, loss, and theft. Students will learn about the various solutions and devices that can be used to protect the data on computer. It also introduces some common best practices to protect the operating system, software, and data on the computer. 2nd
Floor Conference Room

Work Skills: Creating a Resume/ Resume help
Saturday, December 15 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
This session is a relaxed setting where you can create a resume with or without help from staff. If you have a resume, staff can help you update it. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Open Job Lab
Saturday, December 15 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

Intro to MS Access
Wednesday, December 19 | 12:30PM-2:30 PM
This course explains the basic tasks that you can perform by using a database program. Students will learn how to create and use a database. In addition, students will learn how to generate various types of reports by using queries. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Advanced MS Word 2007
Thursday, December 20| 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Move beyond the basics. Familiarity with MS Word is necessary.  2nd Floor Conference Room

Intro to MS Publisher
Thursday, December 20| 3:00PM-5:00 PM
This course explains the basic tasks that you can perform by using a desktop publishing application. Students will learn how to create brochures, flyers, invitations, etc. In addition, students will learn how to integrate with email. 2nd Floor Conference Room

Intro to MS Excel
Wednesday, December 26 |12:30 PM-2:30 PM
Introduction to basic spreadsheet tasks such as formulas tables and graphs.  2nd Floor Conference Room

Intermediate MS Excel 2007
Wednesday, December 26|5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Thursday, December 27| 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Move beyond the basics. Familiarity with MS Excel is necessary.  2nd Floor Conference Room

Advanced MS Excel 2007  
Thursday, December 27| 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Saturday, December 29 | 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Move beyond the basics.  Familiarity with MS Excel is necessary.  2nd Floor Conference Room


Kendall Neighborhood Library – Teens

Teen Video Game Time
Thursday, December 13, & 27 • 3:30 PM-5:30 PM
Teens are invited to join in and have some fun with a variety of video games.  Check out your skills with your friends.  Games rated "T" are for teenagers only. Age: 11 and up.  3rd floor Teen Area.

Teen Movie Time
Thursday, December 20 • 3:30 PM-5:30 PM
Call your library for movie title.  Some movies showings may be restricted to teens 13 and older.  3rd floor Teen Area.


Kendall Neighborhood Library – Children

Toddler Story Time
Tuesdays • 10:30-11:00 AM
Tuesdays – 11:30-12:00
Stories, songs and rhymes for babies and children up to 3 years.  1st Floor Meeting Room.

Preschool Storytime
Wednesday December 19 – 12:30-1:15pm
Stories and songs plus an activity for children 3 years and up. 3rd floor meeting room

Para Los Ninos
Wednesday, December 12 – 12:30-1:15pm (during preschool storytime)
Bilingual program of stories, songs and activities for children and parents. 3rd floor meeting room)

Babytime
Thursdays, December 20, 27 • 11 AM – 12 PM
Join us for stories, songs, and fingerplays. We will enhance your toddler’s enjoyment of books and increase their knowledge of letters, phonics, vocabulary and narrative skills. Socializing and playtime follow the program.  For parents and babies up to 18 months.  3rd floor meeting room
 
Babytime: Baby Yoga
Thursday, December 13 • 11 AM – 12 PM
Baby Yoga is about rich communication with your baby through touch, stretching, cradling, massage and movement.  It's a practice your can learn to do at home every day with your baby.  Participants please bring folding blanket, pillow or carrier for use during class.  This class is for pre-walkers and their caregivers.  Parent or caregiver must accompany child in class. 1st Floor Meeting Room

R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dogs)
Saturday, December 15 – 2:00-3:00pm
Children will read a book of their choice to a trained therapy dog.  Please sign up in advance at the 3rd floor reference desk.

Kendall Book Mania Club
Wednesday, December 19 – 4:45-5:45pm
A monthly book club for kids ages 9-12.  3rd floor meeting room.
Please sign up at the 3rd floor reference desk.

Karaoke 4 Kids
Thursday, December 27 – 4:00-5:30pm
Sing with your friends at the library with some karaoke fun! For all ages       

Meeting Notes 5/30/12

11:15-11:45 AM, Break Room

AGENDA

1.    Updates from NL Managers Meeting 5-24-12:

1.        Steve Hill, Communications Dept, Service Area Maps and Customer Survey:

·         During June, each NL location will have a map of Houston for customers to use a push pin to mark where they live (in order to update each NL’s service area).

·         Customers will also be asked to fill out a brief paper (or online) survey asking for their feedback about HPL services.  Encourage customers to use the online survey (easier to tabulate). 

·         Maps need to be in a monitored location so push pins don’t become a danger to children.  [suggest 2^nd and 3^rd floor desks—lobby too crowded. KL]

·         Maps, easel(s), and surveys will be delivered next week.

2.       Kindle Fire for Staff Training.  NL Admin has purchased 36 Kindle Fires with book sale funds, 1 for each location for staff training.

·         Item will have G# and barcode so it can be checked out to staff members for a 2-week period.

·         Dr. Lawson wants everybody on the staff to be familiar with ebooks and the new mobile app so we all can help customers with their questions.

·         Ebook training—2 at Kendall (May 25 and June 1), 3 hours (2 hours training, 1 hour hands-on practice). 

3.       Counterfeit Bills.  Mike demonstrated the difference between a counterfeit and an authentic $10 bill.  Financial Services has received several counterfeit bills under $20 and asked all staff to check every bill $5 and up.

4.       Jason Stephens, Planning & Facilities: brochure holders for Voter Registration Forms

·         All Texas libraries required by state law (Texas Election Code, Section 20.001) to make voter registration forms available to their customers and to mail them, if requested by the customer.  Each adult applying for a PowerCard should be offered a Voter Registration Form.

·         Staff is not expected to verify customer’s information or to help customers fill out forms.  To answer questions, go to the Harris County Tax Assessors Office, Voter Registration (http://www.hctax.net/voter/acquirevoterapp.aspx) or the Texas Secretary of State (http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml).

·         If requested, staff can put completed forms (which are postage-paid) in the outgoing mail box for pick up.

·         At Kendall: in addition to the forms at the desks on each floor, additional forms (both English and Spanish) are in brochure holders in the 2^nd and 3^rd floor Print Centers.

5.       New Substitute Guidelines

·         Substitutes can only be requested when staffing levels fall below established minimum level [posted on Quick Links page

·         For vacation requests, staff must switch Staurdays with a co-worker.  Substitutes may only be requested to fill unexpected absences.

·         Substitutes must be requested only for hours the library is open to the public, minimum 4-hour shift.

·         See CSS section on Quick Links blog for revised guidelines and request form.

6.       NL Administration offices are moving from Marston to the 6^th floor of Central (old HALS suite) June 11.  Other moves from Marston:

·         Collection Development is moving in the Library Materials Services area by June 6

·         Financial Services is moving into the former Collection Development office on the Concourse level by June 6.

·         Communications department is moving to the former ILL space (already moved?).

·         Human Resources is moving to the former Program staff office on the 4^th floor of Central by June 11.

2.    eBook Training, May 25 & June 1

3.     SRP begins next week (see June/July Program Calendar).
4.  Ready 2 Open: Everyone has this on his or her schedule 15 minutes before we open to the public, meaning everyone is on the floor making sure everything is turned on, checked in, straightened up, and ready for customers.

Meeting Notes 03/28/2012

11:15-11:45 AM, Break Room

AGENDA 

1. New Staff: Glenn Hollis, BTOP trainer, begins March 24

 
 2. Updates:

a.       Library Card Renewal Requrements (from Fred Schumacher): "Everyone renewing his/her library card registration must submit a new completed application form and present the required documentation.  If fines are owed on the account being renewed, the fines owed must be paid in full at the time the registration is renewed."

b.      How to Handle Customer Comments (from Laurie Covington): “When a customer complains (or compliments) our locations, we should offer them a Patron Comment Form. According to the Patron Comment Policy (1.1 B.1), “whether or not the patron decides to pursue a matter by filling out Patron Comment Form, a staff member and the unit manager always send in the form upon each incident of a complaint.”

Therefore, if a customer complains verbally, but does not want to fill out the Patron Comment Form, the staff member accepting the complaint should fill out the Patron Comment Form themselves with as much information as is available. This applies to complaints both in person and on the telephone. If the customer does not give you their name, leave that section blank. It is preferred that staff direct customer concerns to the manager first so he or she is aware of the issue and can address it immediately.

Route Patron Comment Forms to Yolanda Anguiano in NL Administration and indicate if follow up is needed. Communications tracks complaints and reports them monthly to ELT so it is as important to report these verbal complaints as the ones we receive in paper form. It can also be helpful to have a record of customer concerns as early as possible so they can be resolved quickly.”  Comment forms can also be filled online.

c.       Handy After-Hours Phone Numbers (from Laurie Covington): “Have you ever been working an evening or weekend and had a pipe break or the AC go out?

There is now an after-hours GSD Call Center for Weekdays after 4:30pm and on Weekends. Simply call 713-213-8776 and they can help you with your emergency plumbing, carpentry, and mechanical issues.

Emergency AC and HVAC issues can be assisted with the Johnson Controls After Hours number: 1-866-635-1395.

For Security issues after hours (including after hours alarms) call the On-Call Investigator at 832-316-1944.

For Neighborhood Library issues you can call 832-393-2707 during the weekday and on weekends and someone should answer your calls.”

3. Updates from March Managers’ Meeting (Pedro):

· The open discussion times for Mike VanCampen at neighborhood libraries has changed from 10-12 to 9-11a.m.

· Hired 13 new substitutes recently.

· Please encourage any substitute that you believe is doing a great job to apply for new positions that are being posted.

· Please let your manager or team leader know of anyone that is planning on retiring or leaving to try and get the position posted ASAP.

· Team leaders rotate on Saturdays for any questions that might arise. Their number is 832-393-2707.

· Passports are currently still being processed at Alief and Central. Alief’s hours are different from what the HPL website states: Mon.&Wed. 3-7p.m. / Tues.&Thurs. 1-5p.m. / Sat. 10-2p.m.

· All staff should have printed out and signed the Cigna email by March 30^th. Even staff that is not a Cigna member.

· After hours call procedures are stated above. If HiTech calls tell them not to send HPD. You call GSD to send investigator. GSD will call you back with an update.

· Staff should view the Neighborhood Library Leaders blog on a regular basis for updates and are encouraged to comment on posts.

· Staffs interested in literacy are encouraged to let their team leaders know. Carnegie is being discussed as being a designated literacy hub.

· Keep on the look-out for counterfeit money, including $1 & $5 dollar bills.

· Let your manager or team leader know when service personnel are showing up without a badge for identification.

· Keep doing incident report on everything needed to be reported to show the necessity for security.