Randy Mapanoo started his career with JPL as a Library Clerk at Pablo Creek Branch in January 2010, and then promoted to Library Associate at Southeast Branch in March 2011. Slated for a demotion if the 15% budget cuts had taken effect FY2012, and still on probation, he pursued a project that would, if successful, give him some job security. He also knew his efforts could serve a real need at SE, educate customers, and be a draw for the library.
Southeast Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin said, “Randy Mapanoo exhibited these Destination Leadership practices in creating his E-reader presentation: Modeling the Way, Challenging the Process, Enabling Others to Act, Encouraging the Heart and Inspiring a Shared Vision when he used his E-Reader presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources…” His diligent research and study did indeed result in a successful, popular E-reader class, and Randy is now the “go to” person at SE when customers or employees have E-reader questions. It is no wonder he received both the Employee of the Quarter and Challenge the Process awards for the first quarter of FY2012.
From these Q&A’s you can see how Randy progressed and covered so many aspects of Destination Leadership to develop an effective E-Reader class.
Q: What did you do to propose and prepare yourself to make the first E-reader presentation at SE?
A: I saw the need for organized training in a group setting because many customers were asking for assistance with their E-readers and other electronic devices and resources. With approval from my direct supervisor, Bob Silkett, and Lynne Baldwin, I then discussed my plans for the E-reader training class with Overdrive expert E-Specialist Donna Peretzman. By taking online training on electronic resources and borrowing a variety of readers from ILS, I learned how each reader worked. I also spoke with staff at the Overdrive Resource Center to learn specific aspects of the program. Then I scheduled individual training times for customers and staff and continued to talk to customers about their technology needs and how our branch could help them.
Q: Did you set a goal as to when you would present the first E-reader training class?
A: My goal of creating and presenting this class was to have it in the first quarter of FY12, and the first class was scheduled for December 14, 2011. I completed my training and research and then created the PowerPoint presentation in time to meet my goal.
Q: Your project obviously needed the cooperation of staff in other areas; how did that transpire?
A: I borrowed a variety of E-readers from ILS. Community Relations and Marketing staff worked with me on promoting the project. Flyers were made and the large sign Wally Bowden made was the first thing customers saw when they entered SE. I requested that program information be posted on the SE plasma screen, on our home page rotating screen and on the branch’s blog. Fellow SE staff also assisted with promoting this project to customers and a registration sheet was placed at the reference desk.
Q: What is your overall view of the first E-reader training class and subsequent classes?
A: I made training handouts for customers and believed this to be a valid experiment. From that first class, we could see any kinks in the program, use customer feedback and my experience in training to develop better programs for the future. The work paid off and the first class was a big success. Thirty plus customers attended on December 14—just in time for Christmas.
The second class, February 13, had 39 people attend with the same positive results: customers are being educated in new technology and Southeast Branch is developing its 21st century customer base. Using my presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources, SE Librarian and new Adult Programming Coordinator Jeremy Hall is working on creating additional training for customers. Seeing the need for a separate training space, Lynne Baldwin is working with Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel and SST Manager Gretchen Mitchell to create an electronic classroom at SE.
Q: What fun things do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love to read and finally found time to do so again last month. I just finished
The Imperfectionists, by Tom Rachmann, and enjoyed it. I also am starting to enjoy cooking more. I used to see it as just a chore, but I am beginning to appreciate it as I get better. I can’t say I’m good yet, but having fun is a start!
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