Staff Profile

Mrs. Cynthia Simmons has blended into the fabric of JPL very well for 29 years—so quietly one might not be aware of her for a while since she shuns the limelight; however, her work always shines wherever she is located and no matter the position. When asked to be the subject of this month’s “Staff Profile”, Cynthia relented but said, “It’s hard to talk about yourself.” 

Q: As Clerical Supervisor for the Main Library and Urban Core Libraries (EB, WBK, NS and GB), how did you progress to your current position with its responsibilities?

A: My 25 years as a Civil Service employee was preceded by four years as a part-time worker with the Summer Library Program. In August 1986, I became a Part-time Shelver at the Haydon Burns Main Library. While there, I was promoted to Part-time Temporary Clerk in Children’s and then to Clerk I in General Services’ Florida/Genealogy department. Promoted to Clerk II in 1988, JPL assigned me to Regency Square Library and later I transferred to Southeast Library where I was promoted to Library Assistant. Afterwards, I came back to old Main and was promoted to Clerical Supervisor and transferred to Mandarin Branch. After working at KR for about ten years, I came back to the new Main Library and recently was assigned as a liaison for the ULC’s, working closely with Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor. Ron Block is my supervisor at Main.   I train employees at Main and at the ULC's and help implement policy changes and manage monthly finances.

Q: What management strategy do you use to effect the efficient daily running of Circulation?

A: I am willing to do the job my employees do and I keep a “hands-on” work experience with them every day so I can see what is done and make changes that need to be made. This way, we can all work efficiently to serve customers with speed and accuracy, adhering to JPL policy. I listen to staffs’ input.  Whenever and however their ideas can be used to improve service, they are implemented in Circulation.

Q: What is the result of changes that help Circulation operate better?

A: We have more cohesive teamwork. Currently, we are striving to improve check-in accuracy.

Q: How do you help employees adjust to change?

A: By working personally with staff to overcome resistance to change, which is something we all must deal with, and highlighting positive results that will occur through change, we meet the challenges.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A: My husband and I enjoy traveling when we can.