Staff Profile - February 2015

Library Assistant Alvin (A.J.) Joyner is down to earth, witty, and doesn’t miss much going on around him. A.J. won the Model the Way and Employee of the Quarter Awards for the first quarter of 2015. A.J. will be honored at JPL’s Board meeting, February 11, 2015, along with other winners. A.J. takes his work seriously and, in addition to doing his job well, he filled in for Clerical Supervisor Carolyn Woods for a while recently during her absence. 
 

Q: You’ve been with JPL a long time and worked in several areas.  Where and when did you begin working with JPL and what has been your progress?

A: I started at Eastside Branch as a Page in 1988. I worked in circulation as a part-time shelver until EB began its renovation in 1993 as part of The Better Jacksonville Plan. Then I moved to the Distribution Department, housed at the old Main Library and drove a truck (JPL did its own distribution back then), and delivered materials to all the branches. In 2002, I transferred to the Bookmobile and served as a clerk and drove the Bookmobile from 2002-2004. Six months after transferring, the Bookmobile was discontinued. I moved back to EB and worked there from 2004-2008 and was promoted to Library Assistant there. In 2008, I was transferred to Graham Branch, stayed there eight months, and then on to SST where I have been until now.
 
Q: How does your prior experience help you in your position of Library Assistant in SST?

A: Before coming to JPL, I worked in a warehouse while attending FCCJ. Having worked in different areas of JPL over the years, I met most of the staff when I made deliveries, and I became familiar with the libraries' individual needs and this helps.  Now, I receive and input materials into the computer, making sure items and quantities are correct and that books aren't damaged.  I also distribute circulation supplies throughout the system--stickers, books, etc.

Q:  You filled in for the Clerical Supervisor for Acquisitions, Processing and Linking areas of Support Services when needed recently, in addition to your usual duties.  How did you manage that?

A:  Our employees are deft in their everyday responsibilities. When necessary, they would report any problems/needs to me.  If I could handle something, I did, and as needed, I referred matters to Jill Haile, Librarian III, or to Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor for Collection Management, and one of them would get back to me as to what to do. Our staff and I have learned good organizational skills, which helps when you juggle different tasks.  Our team is reliable and works well together.  They made it much easier to stay on schedule, and everything was caught up when the Clerical Supervisor returned to work. 

 Q: Name a change you have seen in your area that is beneficial to JPL?

A: The Books On Belt (BOB) area where I work is, in part, efficient because Carolyn Woods, the Clerical Supervisor, listens to suggestions and incorporates them whenever possible.  

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A:  Spending time with family and friends and watching basketball.