You started working for JPL as a custodian and later became a CSA II, then promoted to Library Assistant. How did you accomplish that?
October 1, 2003, the City’s HR Department hired me as a custodian for JPL and I began work under Susan Derrick at the old Main Library. Prior to that, I was an office administrator in the private sector for three years. I believed a door of opportunity would open for me at JPL.
While I was still a custodian, Margaret Smith told me she saw potential in me because I took pride in my work and suggested that I sign up to work Sundays at the circulation desk. After talking to several supervisors who agreed, I asked Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, who also thought I should go for it. I used my break time to train at the circ desk with Kenya Coleman, Carolyn Woods, and others at the Main Library. Within six months, in addition to working as a custodian, I started working every Sunday at the Mandarin Branch and learned a lot. Then I took the CSA II test, scored third on the list, and was offered jobs at three different libraries and chose Regency Square. Pay and benefits were better than my previous employment.
Later, I took the Library Assistant test and scored third on the list; however, the City had a hiring freeze at the time, so I continued working at AR as a CSA II. In 2006, Diane Moser called me with the good news that I had been promoted to Library Assistant and, again, I was offered my choice of three locations to work. I have been working in the Reference Department at the new Main Library ever since.
How did you progress so well that you can now use your computer knowledge to teach library customers?
Other than City/JPL mandatory training, I have always selected computer classes, and I’ve learned much more from other computer savvy employees that I have worked with at Regency Square Branch and here in Main’s Grand Reading Room, Call Center, and Circulation areas. (Before coming to JPL, I used keyboarding and other clerical skills in my work.) I am grateful to have received an Innovator Award for implementing the keyboarding class at Main.
Customers have complimented your ability to reach them on their level. How do you connect so well with them?
I assisted in computer classes and learned some good teaching techniques before teaching customers myself. I remember so well when I knew little about computers and empathy connects easily with customers. Patience and encouragement help them relax so they can learn more quickly. When they see how simple the steps are to learning computers, they are willing to go further. Just like me. Most of the students are seniors and letting them know they matter is important. Being reliable means a lot to them, and when I don’t know the answer, I tell them that I will get the information they need, and I do.
How do you balance your other duties with teaching computer classes?
My other responsibilities are checking in periodicals, newspapers, weeding, withdrawing materials, changing the location of materials, pulling holds, and revising the monthly newspaper statistical report. Currently, my desk time consists of working in the Call Center, 3-West, Circulation and other desks when staff is short. I balance this by bringing some work into the Call Center and I work at a fast pace. I am grateful for so many inspiring, encouraging and enabling people that I have worked for and with; most of all, I thank God, who makes all things possible. I am determined to continue to reach for higher heights.
Do you have a favorite pastime or hobby?
I enjoy working out, walking, listening to music, inspirational reading and spending time with family.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment