Staff Profile - July 2016

Margaret Morford has mastered one of Wisdom's greatest components: knowing when to speak and when not to; she has that down pat.  And you would never know if she doesn't like someone because she is gracious to all. This Special Collections Librarian tops off these jeweled characteristics with a proficiency she wears like comfortable shoes.  

Margaret's husband, Don, is a physician. She is a proud aunt of grown nieces, Mary and Kris, and she and Don are excited about their planned visit with them and their families in Ocean City, MD, in late July.

 Q: You won an “Inspired a Shared Vision” award in the 2^nd fiscal quarter for your accomplishments with the JPL 50+ grant program.  What did the grant require of JPL?

A:  JPL was one of 4 libraries in the country selected to receive the AARP Foundation ISOA grant that ran from June 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016.  JPL was chosen due to its excellent programs for seniors.  Since Jacksonville’s population has 30% of its people over 50 years of age, we were considered an excellent candidate for the grant.  

The grant required that we combine AARP Foundation resources with library staff, volunteers, materials and programs to help patrons ages 50+ to find jobs and local support agencies to achieve economic success.  We performed 5 minute intake surveys for the AARP Foundation at a designated place in the library Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., August 2015 through March 2016 and we surveyed 460 people.  The survey was designed by the AARP Foundation which asked people if they had concerns about food costs, housing, looking for a job, wanting information about free tax preparation, or taking care of a relative. If they were interested, the AARP Foundation would send the person information about organizations within the community that could help them.

Q: How did you promote the JPL 50+ program and what challenges did you overcome?

                                      

A: The American Library Association monthly magazine American Libraries interviewed Lisa Buggs and me about the success of the JPL 50+ program and is running an article in the June issue.  

Transportation was an issue for older adults-- getting downtown to participate in the programs and take the surveys. We had to be creative and take programs and outreach to various events.

We had a challenge recruiting volunteers due to the distance they had to drive to get downtown and find convenient parking.

Some people didn’t want to take the survey due to privacy concerns and security of the information taken (i.e. giving name, phone number, and email address). 

We had to move our daily AARP Foundation JPL 50+grant room in the Main Library from the 3^rd floor to the ground floor to increase our visibility to customers and so we could be of more help.

Q:  How did the success of the program benefit JPL?

A: The library reached a good number of older adults in our community. We are continuing our programming at the library for seniors and it continues to be called JPL 50+.  The e-specialists have upcoming technology programs at the branches for seniors with topics such as social networking, Android phones and tablets for Adults 50+, and iPhones and iPads for Adults 50+.  Also programs are planned for topics such as Lawyers in Libraries, Get Financially Fit, and we have Career Source Northeast Florida for those looking for jobs.

By targeting people 50 years of age and older, the library is able to design programs of interest for them to attend and address their needs for resources for technology support, personal finance assistance and health concerns.

Q: You have a long history serving JPL. Please tell us about it.

A: I have been with JPL for almost 12 years after coming from a corporate/scientific librarian environment at a chemical company.  I started in Special Collections at the Main Library as a librarian in the African American Collection and remain in Special Collections as a Librarian II. I really enjoy my work in helping people with their research needs.

I have served on the JPL Leadership Awards Committee, am editor of the Special Collection’s newsletter called The Owl’s Nest, and I served as Pilot Program Manager for the AARP Foundation ISOA – JPL 50+ grant.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your life and how did you overcome it?

A: The biggest challenge in my life was finding out I had breast cancer in the fall of 2013.   It was a whirlwind of a year at Mayo Clinic with surgery and treatment, but I am glad to say I am cancer free and doing well.  I appreciate the support I have had from my family and friends (including library, neighborhood, and church friends). The love for my job has gotten me through it.  I definitely have a lot to be thankful for.

There were better days ahead:

Margaret and Don at the Kentucky Derby, May 7, 2016.