Staff Profile

As JPL's first Circulation Services Coordinator, Ron Block has set the bar high for this position.  He won the Enable Others to Act Award in the first quarter of FY 09-10, and he does just that--consistently.  An excellent communicator, Ron adheres to policies and procedures implemented by the Library Board.  Receiving direction from his immediate supervisor, Ava Barrett, Main Library Supervisor, and JPL Administration, Ron keeps the communication pipeline clear with customers and staff, ensuring delivery of equitable service.  Additionally, his skills and creativity have proven to be very effective with JPL's partnerships.

Here you see him with his greatest treasure, granddaughter Audrey, and to the right is a more current picture. 

Q: You are the first JPL Circulation Services Coordinator, a position created in 2007. What previous experience prepared you for this challenging job?

A: I have worked in libraries most of my adult life. I began as a 16mm film inspector in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. Over time, I became the head of circulation for the Onondaga County Public Library which included involvement with all branch and member libraries. I have also worked as the Reference Desk Manager at Syracuse University and as a Circulation Manager in the Palm Beach County Library System before accepting a position with JPL in 2004. Each of these positions allowed me to become extremely familiar with all aspects of circulation services and customer service in libraries.

Q: How does the Circulation Services Coordinator interact with JPL’s branches and Main?

A: I interact in several ways. Through the Circulation Roundtable (CRU) and Library Leadership meetings, I am able to disseminate information regarding policy changes and information. I am also available by telephone and email to answer any guidance questions, or to handle customer issues that are difficult to handle at the branch level. Primarily, this position has offered me the chance to work with JPL’s amazing Board of Library Trustees and staff to help streamline processes and adopt new policies that allow us to serve our customers more efficiently. I am continually impressed by how staff handles the challenges we face. It’s a terrific system-wide team!

Q: What is your role in JPL’s partnerships with other organizations?

A: I began to participate in outreach events throughout Jacksonville, including Jax Kid’s Day and Voluntary Pre-K registration. By networking at these events I have been able to bring new partners to JPL to increase our exposure in the community and bring library services to unique places. I have been very pleased to help form relationships with Disney, Ringling Brothers, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Theatre Jax, Home and Patio shows and hopefully many more in the future! I love to help get the JPL story out to the community.

Q: What is your most rewarding accomplishment as Circulation Service Coordinator?

A:  I think bringing the Circulation Workdays together has been the most rewarding. Circulation staff has the most contact with customers on a daily basis. I wanted them to have a day that focuses on their needs, give them effective speakers and even catch up with old friends. The feedback I have received has really been amazing. This is a group that really is the backbone of JPL!

Q: Share some things about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: In addition to libraries, I have a strong passion for cooking. I learned so much in my grandmother’s kitchen that I have carried into adulthood. Preparing foods serves as a type of therapy; there is nothing like assembling ingredients and ending up with a successful dish. I actually auditioned to be on MasterChef with Gordon Ramsey last November, surviving three rounds before I was cut. I am absolutely going to try again this year! In addition to libraries and cooking, I enjoy being a grandfather to Audrey, who is now 17 months old, and I visit her as often as I can.