Luis Terron Winner of Innovator Award

Luis Terron, e-Specialist, was granted a JPL Innovator Award, February 19, 2016, by Talking Books Librarian II Chris Eaton. Chris said, "Luis has been busy designing and producing prototype library public restroom accessibility 3-D models. This project started at the Main Library’s 10th anniversary where he learned from staff members at the Vision Education and Rehabilitation Center about the need for tactile accessibility aids when conducting mobility training for their clients. 

"Mobility in restrooms was a concern due to the lack of standards in fixture arrangement and privacy issues. When Luis realized VERC’s need at the FSCJ downtown campus, he expanded it to the library’s need for such models. By the time of the 2016 North Florida Regional Braille Challenge, Luis had produced two working models with one of the library's 3-D printers for the men's and women's restrooms on the Conference Level of the Mai Library. The models debuted to a great reception from the children, young adults, and vision educators who participated in the event. They seemed excited about the prospects of this new tactile mobility aid. Media outlets, WJCT, and the Daily Record aired/published stories about the models and the reaction of those using them. 

"Building on this early success, Luis has been working on further development of the models and cooperating with a couple of local 3-D printing businesses to produce them in larger, more durable versions in time for our Information and Technology Symposium where we are expecting a number of attendees in the adaptive technology field, as well as media coverage from CNN."

Hats off to Luis Terron!

Good Idea

Argyle Branch Manager Kristi Dorney (right) awarded Roseanne Takio with an Innovator Award, February 3, 2016.  Roseanne suggested volunteers be added to  KR's daily schedule in the event of an evacuation and the idea was immediately implemented.

Does Roseanne's idea give you an idea?

Jessica Jones Receives Innovator Award

Jessica Jones (seated left) holds her Innovator Award recently granted to her by Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin. Jessica is a Part-Time Clerk at KR and volunteered, along with Library Clerk Sara Peretzman, to create a display for Main's 10th anniversary. They used customer compliments from Main's opening in 2005, complemented by the library's symbol of the reading owl. Sara and Robert Moseley set it up on the ground floor for all to see. A good pic of the display can be seen in the article posted November 19, 2015, "Main's 10th Anniversary Photo Contest & a Kiosk Full of Kudos". 

KR Manager Mark Hohnadel said, "The part-time staff were also honored at a party just for them at the Mandarin Library on December 9.  (Pictured L/R standing: Mr. Hohnadel, Patty Henderson, Stacey Van Hoy, and Shukti Banerjee; seated L/R: Jessica Jones and Tammy Hilbert.)

DCPS Students Sail Thru Circ, Thanks to Cynthia & Corey

Cynthia Simmons, Main Library Clerical Supervisor, and Corey Scott, Library Assistant, received their Innovator Awards recently.  Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin said she nominated them for "redesigning the space on the first floor near the circulation desk and in the promenade to provide better access and an easier flow for our DCPS school visits. Both Cynthia and Corey have done an outstanding job ensuring that there is enough room for the students, teachers, staff and our regular customers. They worked with the children’s department and the adult services departments on the daily scheduled visits that needed assistance, as well as opening up self-check machines to better maximize the checkout time. They organized the children’s display of books in the circulation area and made sure that I love JPL stickers are available to be given out to each student."

A big step, Cynthia and Corey, towards Getting to Yes, too.

Two At Main Receive Innovator Awards

Main's Libraran IV Lynne Baldwin reports, "Trevonna Miller and Sean Wallace were presented with Innovator Awards on October 13, 2015, at the monthly staff meeting in the Main Library's Special Collections department.  Sean and Trevonna were recognized for their teamwork in creating a sign showing the procedures for the new VCA machines.  Get to Yes customer service is thriving at the Main Library!"

DO YOU KNOW A DESERVING EMPLOYEE TO NOMINATE FOR AN INNOVATOR AWARD?  WE WANT TO HELP SEE THAT HAPPEN.  Just email Lelia Wertman and copy Sara Gunter to get the ball rolling.

David Foster Receives Innovator Award

Mandarin staff not only cheered their success with SLP, they hoorahed David Foster for getting an Innovator Award, which was presented to him August 19 for his creative marketing. He wore a Super Hero T-shirt every day during the summer learning program. Customers liked his idea and started donating a variety of Super Hero T-shirts for him to wear. KR Manager Mark Hohnadel presented the award; Lynne Baldwin, who formerly managed KR, nominated David.

Never one to capture the spotlight, David is pictured here with the whole KR gang that made KR's SLP a great success. L/R are Sara Peretzman, Stacey Van Hoy, David Foster, Eric Cusaac, Don Carpenter, Shukti Benerjee, Robert Moseley, Lisa Veal, Diane Lewis and Mark stands in the back. Allison Pulley took the picture.

SS: An Award For A Good Idea & Appreciation for All W/Sundaes

SS's Manager Ann Fridl reports, "Davi Harmon won an Innovator award, May 15, for his suggestion on how to make error free cash handling fun!.  Every seven days that San Marco goes without cash handling errors will be celebrated with a party. I see a lot of parties in our future!

Below the San Marco employees enjoyed their ice cream social, courtesy of the Friends of JPL.  No, they didn't wait this long to enjoy all those slimming sundaes; they are just a little late sending the pic. 

Angela Richman Honored With Innovator Award

South Mandarin Branch's Part-time Associate Angela Richman (seen on left) received an Innovator Award, March 31, 2015, after Margo Crafton nominated and SOM Branch Manager Keli Likins granted Margo's nomination because Angela "brought innovation to SOM doing bilingual story times and adult computer classes in Spanish."  Margo and Keli agreed, "Both weekly programs are successful and we feel that Angela goes above and beyond as a part-time employee.  She showed risk taking skills by starting these programs."

JPL staffs salute you, Angela!

Thinking Caps Are On At UPK

Roz Smalls (R) and Mina Figuerrez were surprised to receive JPL Innovator Awards from Branch Manager Theresa Rooney at the University Park Branch monthly staff meeting, February 27. Theresa said, "Both received an Innovator button and a certificate of recognition.

"Roz Smalls had a simple solution to our public copier issues. We have one older copier, which frequently jams and requires lots of staff time and attention to unjam it, and one newer copier,  which works great but didn’t receive as much use due to its location.  Roz had the idea to swap the locations of the copiers so  the newer one would be highly visible and receive greater use. We asked ITD to do the swap and since then we haven’t had any printer issues to fix or resolve!

 

"Mina Figuerrez very creatively and economically repurposed an old display shelf, which another branch surplussed. It had purple behind the slats and didn’t fit in well with our other furniture.  Mina did a total transformation of the display shelf  using blue duct tape and a red, white, and blue stars and stripes theme. UPK plans to use it as an information kiosk for U.S.C.I.S. brochures and flyers."

Additionally, Director Barbara Gubbin always sends a congratulatory email to recipients of the Innovator Award once the presentations are made by the manager.

New Idea Helps NS Customers

Pat Morrisson and Betty Williams are proud of Part-time Clerk David Stevenson.  David received an Innovator Award for his work with the DVD’s at the Brentwood Branch, January 27.  Betty said, "After noticing that customers often preferred to look on the pre-shelving cart for DVD’s to check out, David decided to “merchandise” them along the top shelf.  Many customers look there first.  He is always trying to think of solutions to challenges.  Great work, David! "

Drum Roll, Please, for Susan & Antoinette

Pat Morrison, ULC Supervisor, proudly reports, "Susan Williamson received an anniversary pin for 10 years of service with the City of Jacksonville.  Susan began her career with JPL in October 2004.  Pictured with Susan is Antoinette Walker, Library Assistant at Westbrook Branch.  Both ladies received an Innovator Award for two projects they initiated at the branch. Using Traveling Tales, Susan provides pop-up story times for young customers at the branch.  Antoinette sponsored a Customer Appreciation Day where, on a frosty morning, more than 20 customers received a cup, a candy cane and a packet of hot chocolate.  Kudos to both ladies for their service and their thoughtful ideas that add value and support the goals of Outstanding Customer Service and Educational Success ."

GB Makes It Easy To Find Job Listings

Joshua Wise received his Innovator Award certificate and button December 22 with Pat Morrison and other Graham staff in attendance.

GB Manager Jackie Spiritas reports, "Library Clerk Joshua Wise, pictured above, created a 'Career Corner' Bulletin Board for the customers at Graham Branch Library. He had the idea to provide an area to promote current job listings posted from CareerSource FL, Library events flyers, and a pocket with JPL brochures related to Economic Success. The board is a very eye-catching and organized resource for job seekers in the area. Manager Jackie Spiritas, who also shared the news, says it is a creative use of bulletin board space devoted to one of JPL's highest service priorities."  'Way to go, Joshua! 

Felecia Battle Gets Innovator Award

Felecia Battle, a Highlands Branch Children's Library Assistant, was nominated for an Innovator Award by YS Librarian II Hongying Song, and Branch Manager Ann Fridl granted the award, which Felecia received, November 7, 2014, for creating an eye-catching Thanksgiving display of a turkey that that would draw any young eye to the book display.  No turkey that Felecia! 

 

Delores Walker Wins Innovator Award

Graham Branch Library Clerk, Delores Walker, was presented with her Innovator Award, September 15, by GB Manager Jackie Spiritas.  Delores planned for months, garnered businesses, volunteeers, and staffs to see the "Unique Boutique" at GB a reality again this year.  Resut:  200+ children received school supplies and clothing.  All this, and she still performed her daily duties. (See the article here about "Unique Boutiqe", posted August 15, 2014.)

Congratulations, Delores!

 

Library Board Presents Awards & Hails Ed Lein's 28 Years

The Library Board made several awards at its August 14 meeting, and Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams proudly made the presentations.  KR Library Assistant Robert Moseley was named the Employee of the Quarter (3rd quarter) and he received a Challenge the Process Award.  He is responsible for JPL's reprogrammed cash registers so customer receipts now itemize what they are paying for.  (Read more about his accomplishment in the September 5 "Staff Profile"). 

Beverly Brown, PCR's Clerical Supervisor, won the Enable Others to Act Award for her recognition of the need for a training class for clerical staff and pursuing that need to a successful reality.  (You can read more about that in the August 5 "Staff Profile".)

Ann Fridl, DU's Manager, won an Encourage the Heart Award for giving "Caught in the Act" awards that recognize staff that demonstrate exceptional team work.  The awards also encourage cooperation and assistance among staff.

Chelsea Partridge, a Shelver at WST, volunteered to present a monthly science program at WST and is working on a notebook to assist other branches in this endeavor, and she is the winner of an Inspired a Shared Vision Award. (Not pictured.)

Winner of the Challenge the Process Award, Gail Blumberg is a Library Associate at JB.  She created and trained a team to implement her plan of a uniform JPLVolunteer program.  (Read more about this accomplisment in the July 5 "Staff Profile.) Gail could not be present at the awards.

Last--but most certainly not the least--to be honored was the indomitable Librarian Ed Lein for his 28 years of service to JPL's Main Library.  Ed was presented with a gold library card, a plant, and a letter of appreciation from Director Gubbin. (Read about his work and organizing concerts at Main, which remain among the best attended adult programs at JPL in the May "Staff Profile".)

KR Thanks Diane Lewis With Innovator Award

Diane Lewis, Library Clerk at Mandarin Branch, received an Innovator Award from Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin, May 22. Alison Pulley, Frances Wickes and David Foster nominated Diane for the award because she volunteered to manage both adult and children's damaged items.  Her efforts are effecting much more efficient service at KR.   

Special Award For Special Programs

In addition to SOM's usual storytelling and craft times, Leslie Patterson, Library Clerk at South Mandarin Branch, found another way to attract customers.  At left, Leslie is pictured receiving her Innovator Award button and certificate from Branch Manager Keli Likins for creating a series of cultural programs.  The first was an Irish Celebration and on May 3, SOM hosted a Mexican Fiesta with 40 people in attendance.  Dips and chips were donated by Los Loros Mexican Restaurant.

October thru December 2013 Innovator Award Nominations

Only six employees (what a *brief list for three months!) were nominted for Innovator Awards in the third quarter of 2013.  Now we are into the fourth and last quarter of 2013 (October, November, and December) and have only one nomination.  If you click on the Innovator light bulb on JPL Neighborhood home page, you can review all the Innovator Award winners.  Why?  You might get a great idea you can use at your location.

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*brief list:  Ain't that a shame!  There is an employee or two you know who deserves an Innovator Award for this quarter (October - December).  GO AHEAD! Take a minute and email your nominations to Leila Wertman (copy Sara Gunter) with the name of the person you want to nominate and the reason why.  Got a question?  Call Leila at 630-7807.

3rd Quarter Innovator Award Winners

Just click below and you can see the reason why David Foster, Jackie Spiritas, Stacey Van Hoy, Robert Moseley, Jessica Jones, and Kris Snider won Innovator Awards during the third quarter (July - September)  of 2013.

http://jplstaff.coj.net/archive/admin/innovator-award/index.html

Do you know someone who deserves an Innovator Award?  If you do and you are a Librarian Senior or above, you can grant the award by emailing Mary Heaney (please copy Leila Wertman and Sara Gunter).  If you are below a Librarian Senior, you can nominate a person to your Senior Librarian or staff with a higher rank, and if they concur, your nomination can be emailed with their approval to Ms. Heaney (copying Leila and Sara).  

Simple to do and encouraging to staff that deserve it.

April-June 2013 Innovator Award Winners

Our third quarter Innovator Award Winners not only "Dig Into Reading", they are making a big difference in the efficiency of JPL service and adding to the quality of life for many customers.  They think and act "outside the box". Above is one of the IA winners, Gloria Armstrong.  Don't miss all of these employees' accomplishments; you might find an idea or two for your library, too, by visiting Innovator Awards on JPL Neighborhood.

THE WINNERS ARE:

GLORIA ARMSTRONG, Library Assistant, Brentwood Branch

KRISTI DORNEY, Librarian, San March Branch

LUIS FLORES, Assistant Director for Facilities Management

ANITA HALLER, Librarian Senior, Children's Dept., Southeast Regional

GAVIN LAMBERT, former Sr. Library Associate, Beaches Branch 

ELLIS LEWIS, Processor, Collection Mangement, SST

JULIE REKOW, Part-Time Library Associate, Beaches Branch

TERRY WELCH, Library Clerk, Beaches Branch

Below are some of the staff that garnered a crowd of 1180 for Beaches Branch ComicCon, May 4, and preempted that with unique advertising, including a sandcastle on the beach at the Jacksonville Beaches annual opening--and 3 staff members won an Innovator Award for their outstanding contributions to this huge "first" for JB.

Congratulations, encore, whistles--and we can't wait to see what you do next!