Staff Meeting Notes, 11-30-16

11:15 – 11:45 AM, Break Room

1. Welcome New Staff: Kitty (Acting Manager); Norma (PT-CSC); Antoinette (PT-CSC for Collier); Victor (Assistant Manager, starting 12/12).
2. Updates (Karen):
1. Cell Phone Use at Public Service Desks
1. When you’re working at a public service desk, you’re paying attention to our customers and you’re ready to respond to their needs.
2. OK--library activities, such as demonstrating Overdrive, checking wireless connection
3. NOT OK--personal activities, such as checking social media, texting, shopping.
4. Phone should be set to silent mode in public areas.  
5. No personal phone calls at the desk. If it’s an emergency, find someone to cover the desk and take the call in a non-public area.
2. Closing Issues
1. Last week the following were observed after staff had finished closing the floor: lobby lights on; conference room blinds not opened; extra chairs in study rooms; drive-up window not locked; self check and TV screens still on; phone not forwarded; front door not locked.
2. Review opening and closing checklist so you know what you’re responsible for doing.  Work with your colleagues on the floor to complete these tasks.  Don’t leave the floor until everyone is finished.   
3. Leave the building together--there’s safety in numbers!  If you leave before everyone else, we won’t be able to respond if you should need help.
3. Safety Issues: Kick Stools
1. Two kick stools are stored under the desk on the 2nd and 3rd floor; 1 is stored under the Lobby desk.  Extra stools must be kept in the workroom--if you bring one out to use, put it back in the workroom when you’re finished.
2. We don’t want any customers (especially young children!) or volunteers hurting themselves by tripping over or falling off a kick stool.,

Quick Notes

1. Tag Arriving Holds:  All incoming holds must be tagged if they aren’t already, especially Central items.  This speeds checkout and supports your team members at the public service desks!  
2. Float Items: Check out items to be floated to the KEN-FLOAT account before you put them in a floating bin under the sorter. This account will hide the item from view in the catalog until it’s checked in at its receiving location.  
3. Sorter Tasks at the End of the Day:  Clear Outgoing Holds and Bin 9 Exceptions every day. They haven’t been checked in yet and need to be cleared the same day they were returned so the customer doesn’t get a fine.  
1. Outgoing holds get labeled and go into a Delivery bin ASAP--someone is waiting!  
2. Bin 9 Exceptions need to be checked in, then tagged, floated, or returned to Central.  
3. Turn around items waiting to be tagged the same day.  The catalog shows them as “Check Shelf”--ready to be checked out--and we need to get them on the shelves as soon as possible.

Upcoming Events

• Friday, December 2: Last Day of Pay Period; Staff Training--Alice on Business Reference
• Monday, December 5: Last Day to complete Cigna Health Assessment (and save $$!)
• Tuesday, December 6: SW Managers Meeting (Karen, Kitty)
• Friday, December 9: Payday!; Youth Services Meeting (Jasmine, Leona, Shanti); Staff Training--Alice on Business Reference
• Saturday, December 10: Staff Holiday Gala
• Friday, December 16: Customer Experience Managers Meeting (Karen, Kitty, Melinda)
• Friday, December 23-Monday, December 26: Library Closed for Christmas
• Sunday, January 1-Monday, January 2: Library Closed for New Year’s Day

Open Discussion Notes 3-9-16

Moderator: Albert
Recorder: Trish
Present: Albert, Alice, Alisa, Chris, Doug, Iffat, Janalyn, Jasmine, Katherine, Karen, Lauren, Leona, Pam, Shanti, Temeka, Trish

1.  ROB staff will be working at KEN this week (Chris and Nagma).
2. We need to bring problems to the table and bring a solution for it as well.
3. Please record all statistic counts at the desk and phone questions.  We have to record the counts to show how busy we are at the reference desk on each floor.  The 2nd and 3rd floor desks are not the problem, it's the lobby and drive up counts not being recorded.
4. Cards are being given out and the card barcode is being trashed.  Please complete applications for all new and replacement cards.
5. Card Apps--Make sure the complete app is filled out so Albert will have the info to enter into the system just in case.  Make sure everything is readable.  Tape the barcode sticker on the app if it's not sticking.
6. Card PIN numbers must be given to all customers when getting a new card. Ask if they would like to change the PIN to a number they will remember.
7. Coin Copier printer can be used for KEN work related print job with a code.
8. Please do not turn the phone ringer down in the work areas.  In case of an emergency and for safety reasons, the volume should be turned up.
9. Please answer the phones by the 4th ring, even if you're in the workroom.
10. Lauren and Temeka will make sure the ring tones on the phones are different for the public, private and individual extensions.
11. More RFID tags have come in to make sure we have KEN 100% tagged.
12. Please clean up behind yourself in the kitchen and the refrigerator
    .

Staff Meeting Notes 2-17-16

11:15 – 11:45 AM, 3rd floor conference room

1. News from Jan CE Managers Meeting and SW Managers Team Meeting
1. From SW Managers Team Meeting:
1. Self-check Percentages: target number is 85%; need to use expensive technology/equipment; express check is the new normal; will not cost us our jobs.
2. Sirsi override: Everyone should be using individual Sirsi password for overrides; do not use “s****”
3. Do not keep change in the drawer: if over, send extra money with deposit; if under, send deposit less shortage and provide an explanation; do not keep loose change in the drawer under any circumstances.
4. RFID Tags staggered: tags should be placed along the book spine at the top, middle, and bottom in a random fashion so the inventory scanners are not reading them all in the same place.
5. PIN numbers for Library Cards: let customers choose their own PINs; the 5-digit number is hard to remember; they’ll need a PIN to check out with Express Check; the more customers with random 5-digit PINs, the more who will forget it and the more times we’ll need to reset for them.
2. From CE Managers Meeting:
1. With new year comes new goals.  Mayor Turner has called for all City depts to participate in shared sacrifice facing budget shortfall coming in FY17.  He’s asked for slow-down in hiring but not a freeze; critical positions will be filled.  The mayor and Michele want transparency and will communicate any developments as they are confirmed.  View the City budget at www.houstontx.gov/budget.
2. HelpDesk phone calls are being recorded for quality management.  Extra customer service training will be provided for staff when needed.
3. Remember to slow down when using Telecheck and Smart Money.  Dimitri is seeing errors especially with staff putting transactions in Smart Money but not running the check or credit card through Telecheck.  This means the library doesn’t get the money but the fines or fees are cleared from the customer’s account.
2. Training: 2016 COH Summer Jobs Program and Application Process (Karen)
1. handout (memo from Ophelia Cespedes and copy of Summer Jobs Program flyer)
2. PowerPoint presentation: The 2016 Summer Jobs Application

Quick Notes

• Cleaning and GSD: See email from Pedro, below.
• Closing & Pick-Up--What does this  mean?: At the end of the day we want to reset the public spaces (and the workroom) back to their original setup--to move furniture back to its original position, open the blinds, and clear the service desks of clutter--so we’re ready to start the next day with a clean work space.  When you are assigned a closing duty, work with the other staff on the floor to make sure everything is neat and ready for tomorrow.  If you finish early, go see if your colleagues need help on the other floors.
• Lynda.com Training: Must be completed by Mar. 4.  When you complete the training, add your name and the date completed to the sign-in sheet on Karen’s door.
• Study Rooms and Multiple Reservations: At the top of each reservation page: “ONE reservation per customer at a time; finish one before booking the next”.  The change in meeting room policy does not apply to the individual study rooms, because our practice is specific to Kendall, not official HPL policy.
• Answering the Phone & Teamwork:  Everyone needs to make the effort to answer the public line during open hours, and the private line at all times.  Don’t expect someone else to do it.  If  you are trying to call in or are waiting for an important call, you would want someone to answer the phone.
• Dr. Lawson at the White House: See memo from Dr. Lawson about the ConnectED Library Challenge (handout).

Upcoming Staff Events

• Friday, February 19: Pay Day!
• Friday, February 26: CE Managers Meeting at CEN (Karen, Lauren)
• Friday, February 26: Last Day of Pay Period
• Tuesday, March 1: SE Managers Team Meeting (Karen)
• Wednesday, March 2: Programming Meeting
• Friday, March 4: Staff Training Meeting (Blue Group)
• Friday, March 4: Pay Day!
• Friday, March 4: Lynda.com Training deadline
• Wednesday, March 9: Open Discussion Meeting
• Friday, March 11:  Youth Services Meeting (Jasmine, Leona, Nina, Shanti)
• Friday, March 11: Last Day of Pay Period
• Wednesday, March 16: Staff Meeting
• Friday, February 26: CE Managers Meeting at CEN (Karen, Lauren)
• Friday, March 18: Pay Day!

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Email from Pedro 4-22-15

Please communicate with staff about cleaning up after themselves.  If there is an arts and craft that we provide, we need to clean up after ourselves.  GSD does not need to clean up after something that we did.  If there is a paint project and kids need to go clean up, the staff is responsible for making sure the kids are not making a mess and the staff should clean up if they do, since it is a craft they are doing.  Make sure tables are clean and if glitter is used, try and pick up as much as possible.

GSD is also not responsible for cleaning the microwaves, refrigerators, washing someone else’s dishes or wiping down our staff/public computers. If they do, then that is them being nice and providing that service on their own.  I suggest  you work a weekly or biweekly rotation among staff into your schedule to clean the refrigerator, microwave and wipe down the computers if you yourself do not want to be the only one responsible for it.  You are able to order air cans from Supplies to spray keyboards if need be.

Staff Meeting Notes 12-2-15

11:15 – 11:45 AM, Breakroom

1. Updates from 11/20 CE Managers Meeting (Lauren)
2. Training: Rules Revisited--Library Rules, Meeting Room Guidelines, ADA Guidelines, Open Carry FAQs (Karen)
1. Library Rules: Website, http://hpl.lib.tx.us/library-rules-policies; 1-page handout, https://hplnet.houstonlibrary.org/forms/15_Library_Rules_FINAL.pdf [updated link, also updated on Kendall blog.]
2. Meeting Room Guidelines: http://hpl.lib.tx.us/sites/default/files/neighborhood_libraries.pdf
3. Open Carry FAQs (from the Texas State Library & Archives Commission) & Notes from COH OPen Carry Forum 11/4/15: https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/ocpublic.html

Quick Notes (from SW Managers Team Meeting 12/1/15)

• Keep bookend on each shelf.  If no room, shift or float items to make space.
• Use standard HPL email signature format.  It should include the HPL logo, disclaimer and Citizensnet info (in your desktop email and Outlook Web Access).  See Karen or Lauren if you need help setting this up (or go to http://houstonlibrary.org/hpl-brand/internal-documents/email-signature):
• Email: also use plain pages, no “stationary” or decorated backgrounds.
• Emails sent to all staff emails must be approved first by Michele Gorman (for Customer Experience).
• If you are planning to retire or resign in the near future, please let Karen or Lauren know as soon as possible so we can notify CE Administration about filling your position.
• Badges must be worn and visible in public areas and workrooms when you’re on the clock.
• Building lights should be turned off at night.
• The private line number should always be answered using the standard greeting (and should always be answered).  
• Customers who want to check out a book they just returned are welcome to do so (if there are no holds for it).  There is no “24-hour rule”  that requires a book must be returned to the shelf first before it can be checked out again.
• If there’s no Clear Holds report in the morning, notify the IT Help Desk, then pull books that are dated 14 days or more.
• Axis360 training is required for all front-line staff by December 18.  Notify Karen or Lauren when you have completed the training.

Upcoming Staff Events

• Friday, December 4: Last Day of Pay Period, Timecards approved at 5:30PM
• Friday, December 4 & 11: Staff Training--Basic Word  (Pam)
• Friday, December 11: Pay Day
• Wednesday, December 16:: Open Discussion Meeting
• Friday, December 18: Last Day of Pay Period, Timecards approved at 5:30PM
• Thursday, December 24: Christmas Eve - Library closed
• Friday, December 25: Christmas Day - Library closed
• Friday, January 1: New Year’s Day - Library closed

Customer Phone Inquiries about Accounts

From Alisa Baker, 1/8, 3:19PM:
Fred,

We wanted to clarify what information can be given over the phone about patron accounts. We had a staff meeting yesterday and many of the staff were unclear as to what info can be given out if the patron knows their library card number, i.e. pin, name etc. Would you please clarify what information can be given out over the phone?

From Fred Schumacher, 1/8, 6:08PM:
If the phone customer provides his/her library card number, you may give checked out item information, fine information and the like.  You should not give out PINs.  I would be suspicious of a customer calling to get the name for a library card.  Likewise, I would be suspicious of someone calling to get personal contact information on a library card.  if it is the customer’s card, s/he should know that information, shouldn’t they?

fs

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

Staff Meeting Notes 5-14-14

11:15 – 11:45 AM, Breakroom

1. Updates from NL Managers Meeting  (Karen)
2. Training: Sprocket Work Orders (Meg & Karen)

Quick Notes

• Use the HPL 3-part greeting when answering all phone calls.  The greeting is “Thank you for calling the Houston Public Library system.  This is the Kendall Neighborhood Library.  How may I help you?”
• Don’t forget to stay on the line when you’re transferring a call to to make sure the call goes through.
• When you’re filling a bunch of holds at the same time, be very careful to wrap the item with the correct customer’s name.  We had 10 items last week wrapped with the wrong name and it’s almost impossible to fix.
• If a customer is checking out and the account is expiring within 3 weeks, please renew the account so the customer can enjoy the full checkout period.
• When a customer signs up online, use “Modify User” to add the card number and update the the temporary account.  Use “  “ to delete multiple online registrations for the same person.  Remember, 1 person = 1 library card account.
• Please do not turn off the 3M pad.  We tend to forget that we turned the pad off.  The RFID tags are more effective when the tag readers are turned on.
• When processing holds, use TRAP HOLDS to fill the request.  A patron arrived at the Drive-up window to pick up her 3 available holds and was surprised to discover she actually had 9 ready (but 6 had not been checked in correctly).     
• Please rinse dishes and food scraps into the right sink, where the garbage disposal is located.  Rinsing food scraps in the left sink will clog the drain.

Upcoming Staff Events

• Friday, May 16:  Last day for “Give ‘Em the Pickle” training
• Saturday, May 17:   Children’s Book Celebration, Central (LH)
• Thursday, May 22: NL Managers Meeting, Central (KL)
• Friday, May 23: Last day of pay period; timecards approved at close of business.
• Monday, May 26: Memorial Day, Library Closed
• Wednesday, May 28: Staff Meeting
• Friday, May 30: Payday
• Monday, June 2: First day of Summer Reading Program
• Monday, June 30: Deadline for completing Executive Order 1-50: Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Annual Training.