They ARE Making A Difference

Ralph Beckford and Ebony Wright recently completed the “Teens Making a Difference” program. Both of them were selected to stay on with the library as Part-time Clerks at the University Park Branch Library.  Ralph just graduated from Terry Parker High School; he will be starting as a freshman at Florida State College this fall. Ralph made the cover of The Florida Times-Union this past May in a feature story about the “Teen’s Making a Difference” program.

Ebony will be a senior at Terry Parker High this upcoming school year; she worked this past spring at the Webb Wesconnett Branch as part of the program. Ebony has been taking Advanced Placement and Honors level classes in preparation for her college career. In her free time Ebony enjoys shopping, fashion, music and writing.

Tricia Larrabee, Library Clerical Services Supervisor, is proud of these exceptional young people and wanted to share UPK's positive experience with Ebony and Ralph.  Tricia said, "Both of these students have been welcome and valued additions to the UPK staff.  I hope this will inspire other supervisors to use the Teens program when looking for assistance."

Staff Profile

Lynne Baldwin now manages Southeast Branch Library.  During her 14 years with JPL, she has progressed in leadership, managed several other branches, and won the Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of FY2012.
Lynne balances good management skills with appreciation for each staff's talents and gives an armload of credit to others for any project before accepting any for herself.  The project for which she is most proud is the mural at Argyle Branch, pictured here, except for center section below, as you see it, left to right, at AYL.
Q: How long have you worked for JPL and what positions have you held at our different libraries?

A: I started at JPL as a Reference Librarian at the Webb Wesconnett Branch Library in October 1998. I was the Talking Books Librarian briefly before promoting to Librarian Senior at Willowbranch. I have served as Senior Librarian at Westbrook, South Mandarin, and Argyle. I promoted to Library Supervisor in 2008 and became Branch Manager at Mandarin. I transferred to Southeast as Branch Manager in May 2011.

Q: What improvements did you implement in those branches?

A: The improvement of which I am most proud is the mural in the children’s department at Argyle. It took a year to make it happen but it was well worth the effort and it was a great community project. Most importantly, it was a team effort. It began with Chiquita Powell’s original idea for the mural, later working with Regions Bank on funding for the project, and of course, throughout the project getting support and guidance from Administrative Supervisor Laura Kline and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams; then final approval came from the Library Board of Trustees and the City.

Q: There are several positive changes you have made at Southeast Branch. Please tell us about them.

A: Again, it is all about team work. I am especially proud of the weeding project that has taken place during my tenure at the branch. It has been a true team effort from the shelvers to circulation staff to the reference staff. Great job by everyone! I have been very lucky to work with Anita Haller and Carisia Rooney, who have really opened up the space in the children’s department, introduced new programs and worked on updating the collection. I am very pleased with the teen area that now has a leaner, meaner collection, additional furniture, shelving and fun and inventive display pieces. I want to thank Facilities’ Robbie Tiedeman for the new furniture in the teen and children’s areas. Robbie also helped us reuse and move the old reference collection shelving to the preshelving area in the workroom. This made a world of difference to our employees. Last but certainly not least, everyone at Southeast is very excited about the new electronic classroom.

Q: What future improvements are planned for Southeast?

A: We have been working with SST and Facilities on changing one of our meeting rooms into an electronic classroom at Southeast. Gretchen Mitchell, Lisa Peterson, and Robbie Tiedeman have been so supportive about the project and have done all the work behind the scenes to make this project happen. We are waiting for an LCD projector and other equipment before we can open the classroom to the public for training. Another person that deserves a lot of credit is Reference Librarian Jeremy Hall. In advance of the opening of the electronic classroom at Southeast, Jeremy has been working on a new way of offering training for customers. Jeremy wants to use the continuing education model offered at University of North Florida and Florida State Community College where classes run on a 6-10 week basis. The continuing education classes at these schools are expensive at $100.00 per class. Jeremy’s idea is that the library could offer these same classes at no cost to customers. Jeremy is especially excited about offering a web design training class that he has developed for customers.

Q: Who is the most interesting person in history to you and why?

A: I would like to tweak the question – I have two people in history that I find fascinating for completely different reasons.

Number one is Theodore Roosevelt. He was like a Colossus that strode the world – a politician, historian, hunter, conservationist, naturalist, writer, reformer, soldier, husband and father, brother and son. He changed the world in which he lived and had a great time doing it. He had such a zest for life. He had a true respect for knowledge, for the sake of knowledge. (A little bit like a librarian, don’t you think?) For a real understanding of Theodore Roosevelt, I highly recommend David McCullough’s Mornings On Horseback. It is one of my favorite books.

The other famous person in history that I find fascinating is Carole Lombard, a film actress from Hollywood’s golden age. What woman would not want to be Carole Lombard? She was beautiful, smart, talented, sexy, funny, confident—and she could more than hold her own with any man. No wonder Clark Gable was head over heels in love with her. If you have never seen a Carole Lombard movie, I highly recommend My Man Godfrey, produced in 1936, costarring William Powell, or Made for Each Other, produced in 1939, costarring James
Stewart.

Innovator Award Winners Could Give You An Idea

Regency Square Manager Sally Doherty nominated Rita Vernon, Librarian, and Ann Fridl, Librarian Senior, (L/R below) for an Innovator Award, and their certificates and buttons were presented June 26, along with a celebratory cake.  Ann and Rita's idea to have Adult Summer Reading Program 5-Star Bookmarks is now a reality.  Staff and customers can place these bookmarks in books they have read and want to recommend to others.  A special display with the 5-Star Bookmarks in the books are available there.  Extra bookmarks are on the corner of the display and at the reference desk with a sign to attract new participants.

Need an idea?  Look at the Innovator Awards on the JPL Neighborhoods page and see employees' unique ideas other managers have recognized, appreciated, and implmented in their libraries.  You might find some of them will help your library do better with less, rev up a service that isn't doing as well as you'd like, or take you in a new direction.

Got an idea that could get you an Innovator Award?  Share it with your manager and you might be the next winner.

WST Customers Join Star Wars Invasion

Eve Harm reports that West Regional Branch had a galactic Star Wars Summer Reading Kickoff with 350 jedis and princesses in attendance. Author and artist James Hance (lower left) was invited to do a reading of Wookie the Chew, his book about Chrisolo Robin, Wookie the Chew, Droidlet and Owlbi Wan.  In addition to the reading, WST offered balloon art, photo ops with a Stormtrooper, Jawa, and crafts.  The stormtrooper wasn't the only Star Wars costume seen that day because WST also hosted a costume contest with 14 contestants.  There were Darth Vaders, Boba Fetts and Jedis populating planet WST.  Prizes were awarded for first, second and third places and they had a three way tie.  Prizes included a Chamblin gift card, Stars toys of all kinds and three prints donated by James Hance.  WST finished the afternoon with a game of "Save the Princess" that involved lots of balloon popping and Pin the Tail on the Tie-Fighter. 

SRP "Dream Big" Becomes Reality at NW

June 20, 2012, Karl Boecklen, “Mr Karl” of the Jacksonville Zoo, and his staff presented an exciting program on small animals of the night as part of the Summer Reading Program at Bradham Brooks Northwest.  The ever popular Zoo program garnered 81 children in attendance, plus adults.

In front of the class, Mr. Karl displayed several skeletons of animals with informatin about each one.  Additionally, live animals that always fascinate children were included, such as an armadillo, a member of the rodent family, a boa, and a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut so kids could touch it.

SciFi Day at South Maindarin

As customers entered the library on SCI-FI Day, June 23, 2012, their eyes were attracted to colorful signage preparing them for a "far out" day.  South Mandarin Branch employees personally accented  the occasion  in different ways.  Sarah Miller (top right) wore  rhinestones on her cheekbone.  Shedriek Battle donned his  antennas to better tune in to customers' needs and Elaine Randolph bedecked herself with flowers, and as you see, even book carts were decorated for the celebration.  For the day, customers and staff were citizens of the planet “Fleurs” where flowers bloom continually.  Ms. Randolph said even MOSH would have been envious of their efforts.

All of the preparation for SCI-FI Day was to attract csutomers to SOM's displays of mixed books, CDs and DVDs by various authors, and a  SCI-FI Reading List, sent by Sara Radovic, was available at the Reference Desk.  

Teen's Superstar Soars Even Higher

JPL's Main's Teen Department was fortunate to hire T'Keyah McBride (pictured left with a friend) last July via Kathy Tekin's recommendation due to her participation in our Teens Make a Difference program. T'Keyah remained as a part-time shelver but must leave July 22 to attend UF where she plans to major in Zoology and ultimately become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She will do very well at UF, considering her many accomplishments at Andrew Jackson High School. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, won a trophy for being the top elective student in medical magnet, won over 20 awards and received many certificates from Jackson HS for her accomplishments and was in the AP and HONORS programs.

T'Keyah wants to express her appreciation to JPL for giving her the opportunity to learn about our library system and says she has "met some awesome, fulfilled people and would like to give a shout out to Main's Children's and Teen's departments, and also Circ and POP. I will miss you all and I love you all."  JPL will miss this gifted young lady, too.

A Tribute to Wally Bowden

Some things are worth repeating, aren't they?  In March 2009, Wally Bowden, JPL's Graphic Artist, was featured on our "Staff Profile".  Being the family man he is, he shared his wedding photo with us of his recent bride, Jenny, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walt Bowden. Here we are three years later and Wally is moving up in the world.  We are happy to see anyone as honest, kind, smart, hardworking, and yes, handsome as he to expand his horizons.  Will he be missed?  By all of us who have benefitted from his excellent work ethic, which includes his willingness to break his neck at the last minute to get a project done.  Wally always made us look good.  His last day is Friday, June 22, and all of JPL wishes Wally and Jenny the very best in life.  What goes around, comes around, so Wally should be getting some wonderful

returns for all he has done for us.                                                   

Kudos from Customers

“The staff at the Graham Library (Carolyn Armstrong, Carmen Chatfield, Marjorie Gibbons, Julie Lipschutz, Johnnie Speights, and Joel Thorbs) is always very helpful when I need information. I use my library account on line quite often to place items on hold."

Murray Hill Branch: “I had placed a book on hold a while back. I received an email notice that it was available for pick up. Unfortunately it was not on the shelf …The staff was wonderful (Milicia Thomas, Alissa Leonard, Daniel Kibler, Margaret Esposito, and Revondolyn Dubois) and figured out the problem. …I was kept in the loop and phoned by the librarian when it was finally available...I think the Murray Hill staff is great …”

Southeast Branch: "...his name is Randy (Mapanoo). The gentleman in the back helped me with some tax reports & tax tables. He was extremely polite & helpful. I hope that he gets recognition for his professionalism & helpfulness. Thank you."

University Park Branch: “Miss Mary (Calcagni) in the children's section of UPK is wonderful. Always welcoming and always willing to help.”

“I love Willowbranch Library! I know the staff by name and they know me by name too. I recently had a hold pickup, when I retrieved the book I noticed a Twilight Bookmark sticking out of it. It looked a lot like a bookmark I had, and it turns out it was. It had my name on the back. It turns out …Jason (Brown) saw it in a book I returned and set it aside knowing I would have a hold pick up …and I thanked him for returning it to me. It made my day… because this staff cares….and my love for this library grows.”

CM Bill Gulliford Reads at SE's Summer Reading Program Kickoff

Dream Big! READ! was the theme of the Summer Reading Program Kickoff Party and Story Time, June 12, at the Southeast Branch Library.

The celebration was a huge success with 135 parents and children in attendance.  City Councilman and guest Story Teller Bill Gulliford made the event even more special by reading a story about animals which delighted both parents and children. Art on the Square and refreshments rounded out the party and the beginning of the ever popular Summer Reading Program.   

Baby, It's Cold Inside

Several months ago, Alissa Leonard came up with the idea of doing a milk jug igloo for Murray Hill (she saw one in her library back in elementary school). She posted signs for milk jug donations and received an enthusiastic response from MH customers. With the help of Library Assistant Margaret Esposito, they slowly put the igloo together and on June 6 held the Igloo Grand Opening during Family Preschool Storytime.  The kids loved it.

UPK Teens Strut Their Stuff

University Park Library Clerk Rosalin Smalls (far right, above) was mistress of ceremony at their Teen Fashion Show, June 4.  Participants--pictured with her--and viewers alike enjoyed the event.  Ms. Smalls gives credit to Teen Librarian Mina Figuerrez for the idea. 

JPL Staff Art Show

Our JPL Staff Art Show, currently on the 2nd and 3rd floor landings at the Main Library, will plesantly surprise you when you see the talents of individuals working throughout the library system.  Don't procrastinate; the exhibition will only be up until July 1.  This is one you will want to bring your family to see and invite your customers to visit.

On the 2nd floor, you can see Elizabeth McCooney's (P.T. Shelver, Webb Wesconnett Branch) two fascinating large acrylic on canvas paintings;  Mia Clark's (Teen Librarian, Main) mixed media, which she says "...explores the poetic beauty found when forms, colors, and textures are intuitively combined in pleasing ways"; and Marie Andree Myers' (Library Associate, Children's Department, Main) art--printmaking on paper--comes from her printmaking class she took last year at UF.  Marie uses old maps, cutouts, and overlaying prints on prints, creating unique compositions.

On the 3rd floor, Troy Eittreim (Library Clerk, Willowbranch) displays his digital media.  Troy won the 2012 Donnie Award from the Museum of Computer Art, has exhibited his digital media throughout the U.S. and has done solo exhibits.  Chaka Onfroy (Library Clerk, Circulation, Main)  has an acrylic on canvas.  Mike Shell's (Librarian Senior, E-Library, Main) photography reflects his intuitive, creative mind.  Julie Rekow (P.T. Library Associate, Pablo Creek Branch) shares her paintings from a children's illustration class she took at Mineapolis College of Art and Design in 2007.  Tony Miller (Library Associate, Fiction, Main) likes doing delightful pop art using acrylic on canvas. Tony has taught art to kids three years old to high school age students and has exhibited in several shows.  Cranston Burney's (Library Assistant, Special Collections, Main) color photography will wash away your stress and charm your mind. Ed Lein's (Librarian, Reference & Periodicals, Main) acrylic on canvas is just an example of this multi-talented artist.  Ed is famous for the ever popular Intermezzo Sunday Concerts at Main.  Additionally, he is a tenor soloist, who has appeared in recitals, oratorios, and dramatic works throughout Florida--and he composes music!  Eve Harm (Librarian, San Marco Branch) shares two of her beautiful fused glass pieces (displayed in glass case under staffs' art work on wall).

You can read much more about these interesting employees in the bios beside each of these artists' works and be amazed at their varied talents.  You don't want to miss this exhibit!

...4, 3, 2, 1: BLAST-OFF AT SOM

South Mandarin's Summer Reading Program blasted off into space in the children’s room! Recent Volunteer of the Quarter winner Gayle Lafser did a great job decorating the glass doors in the children’s room with a space theme. She also created a beautiful book visualization for the program. For every book the kids read weekly, the space ship will fly one step closer to the moon.  Each child who is registered with the summer reading program has his/her name on a tiny star in “space.” So far there are over 115 kids registered, and the program just started 4 days ago!

Prior to SOM's SLP "blast-off", 55 kids and parents enjoyed a Spring Puppet Show, May 23, to celebrate the beginning of summer. The photo at left shows Pat Dowdell, Children’s LA, playing the part of “Miss Librarian” in one of the plays.

Staff Profile

As JPL's first Circulation Services Coordinator, Ron Block has set the bar high for this position.  He won the Enable Others to Act Award in the first quarter of FY 09-10, and he does just that--consistently.  An excellent communicator, Ron adheres to policies and procedures implemented by the Library Board.  Receiving direction from his immediate supervisor, Ava Barrett, Main Library Supervisor, and JPL Administration, Ron keeps the communication pipeline clear with customers and staff, ensuring delivery of equitable service.  Additionally, his skills and creativity have proven to be very effective with JPL's partnerships.

Here you see him with his greatest treasure, granddaughter Audrey, and to the right is a more current picture. 

Q: You are the first JPL Circulation Services Coordinator, a position created in 2007. What previous experience prepared you for this challenging job?

A: I have worked in libraries most of my adult life. I began as a 16mm film inspector in my hometown of Syracuse, New York. Over time, I became the head of circulation for the Onondaga County Public Library which included involvement with all branch and member libraries. I have also worked as the Reference Desk Manager at Syracuse University and as a Circulation Manager in the Palm Beach County Library System before accepting a position with JPL in 2004. Each of these positions allowed me to become extremely familiar with all aspects of circulation services and customer service in libraries.

Q: How does the Circulation Services Coordinator interact with JPL’s branches and Main?

A: I interact in several ways. Through the Circulation Roundtable (CRU) and Library Leadership meetings, I am able to disseminate information regarding policy changes and information. I am also available by telephone and email to answer any guidance questions, or to handle customer issues that are difficult to handle at the branch level. Primarily, this position has offered me the chance to work with JPL’s amazing Board of Library Trustees and staff to help streamline processes and adopt new policies that allow us to serve our customers more efficiently. I am continually impressed by how staff handles the challenges we face. It’s a terrific system-wide team!

Q: What is your role in JPL’s partnerships with other organizations?

A: I began to participate in outreach events throughout Jacksonville, including Jax Kid’s Day and Voluntary Pre-K registration. By networking at these events I have been able to bring new partners to JPL to increase our exposure in the community and bring library services to unique places. I have been very pleased to help form relationships with Disney, Ringling Brothers, Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Theatre Jax, Home and Patio shows and hopefully many more in the future! I love to help get the JPL story out to the community.

Q: What is your most rewarding accomplishment as Circulation Service Coordinator?

A:  I think bringing the Circulation Workdays together has been the most rewarding. Circulation staff has the most contact with customers on a daily basis. I wanted them to have a day that focuses on their needs, give them effective speakers and even catch up with old friends. The feedback I have received has really been amazing. This is a group that really is the backbone of JPL!

Q: Share some things about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: In addition to libraries, I have a strong passion for cooking. I learned so much in my grandmother’s kitchen that I have carried into adulthood. Preparing foods serves as a type of therapy; there is nothing like assembling ingredients and ending up with a successful dish. I actually auditioned to be on MasterChef with Gordon Ramsey last November, surviving three rounds before I was cut. I am absolutely going to try again this year! In addition to libraries and cooking, I enjoy being a grandfather to Audrey, who is now 17 months old, and I visit her as often as I can.

Good Display; Good Marketing Idea

Part-time Children’s Library Associate Julie Rekow suggested exhibiting flags from around the world in Pablo Creek’s Children’s Department. Branch Manager Carol Bailey thought that was a cool idea and flags representing nations around the world are now mounted on the wall near PCR's non-English language materials for children. They are colorful, attractive, and visible from across the room--making it easy for PCR customers to find non-English materials.

What A Way To Celebrate Mother's Day

Laurie Mills, Library Associate at Webb Wesconnett Branch, usually does two photo shoots a year for customers.  This Mother's Day photo shoot was held on May 7.  An elaborate setting for the shoot drew 63 customers who had the choice of Mom with kid(s) or just kids.  Then Laurie emailed the pics out so mothers could have their pictures for Mother's Day. (Laurie is pictured with her granddaughter, Alysa, in her lap.) 

What a great way to show customer appreciation and brighten a lot of Mothers' days.

'70's Day at Webb Wesconnett

Webb Wesconnett Branch's May 23rd family program proved you don't have to wait till the weekend to have a good time. Customers and staff celebrated the 70’s with 37 in attendance. Laurie Mills reported they decorated pet rocks and had birth certificates available for customers to name their pets and proclaim their "birth dates". Customers disco danced or danced down a soul train line, played trivia and karaoke to top off the night. Pictured bottom left is Sandra Lockley, who won first pick for her '70's outfit; Jessica Serrano was second and Merikris Boado placed third.

3 New Book Drops at SE

SE Branch Manager Lynn Baldwin is happy to announce installation of their new outdoor book drop units at the Southeast Branch Library.  A BIG Thank You to Facilities' Brad Schwarzbauer and Public Buildings' Gene Bragg for doing a great job assembling and installing the book drops.

Here's One More of A-B Students Honored at UPK

Rosalin Smalls, Libarary Clerk in Circulation at University Park Branch, wanted to highlight her granddaughter, 12 year-old Zylynn Clark, pictured center with her certificate from University Park Branch for her 7th grade Fletcher Middle School A-B honor roll status.  Cheering Zylynn on are Kim Hamilton (left) and Mary Calcagni from UPK.

UPK Honors Their Honor Students

University Park Branch Library honored students who visit UPK and made the A-B Honor Roll at their schools.  A special celebration was held by the Children's Department for these hard working children.  On May 9,  they were treated to chicken wings, chips, and ice cream.  This picture was taken with the kids holding certificates they received from UPK commemorating their achievements .  Mary Calcagni, Kim Hamilton, and Rosalin Smalls are proud of these go-getters.  What an outstanding thing to do for your smart students/customers.

Kudos from Customers

Sunday Only – Part-time:  "Mrs. (Mildred) Sapp helped me out beyond the call of duty."

Main Library – Genealogy Department:  "David (Fuller) from the 4th floor Genealogy Desk is outstanding. He goes above and beyond to assist me and other visitors in the library. He knows his job and is outstanding."

Main Library – NonFiction: "Very informative instructor (Donna Peretzman). Instructor explained details, I finally heard it simply put! Instructor explained the topic clearly and patiently."

Mandarin Branch: “In regard to Linda (Smith): Having had a business of my own, I recognize customer service and good attitude. She is a credit to her profession and this library ... .”

Pablo Creek Branch: “I have been to many JPL locations over the years ... I have found the staff at PCR to be the friendliest in the JPL system, from manager Carol (Bailey) to Ralph (Henderson), a real nice addition, to the PCR staff, Curt (Beadell), Gail (Blumberg), Tamera (Branam), and Matt (Cahill), among all others! Just want to make sure that JPL knows this fact (not opinion).”

Goodbye to Shawn Norton at SE

The team at Southeast bid farewell to PT Shelver Shawn Norton (front left in picture) on May 11 with homemade cake and ice cream.  Shawn accepted a job in the medical library at the University of St Augustine.  Southern hospitality offered by this handsome bunch helped make his departure a little sweeter. 

Take A Bow for Your United Way Support

Jacksonville Public Library employees have rallied and we closed out the United Way drive successfully.  Our employees donated $18,251.00.  (Library Director Barbara Gubbin is amongst the biggest supporters of United Way.)

Tricia Larrabee coordinated for branches and Sandra Lockley assisted her.  Tamara Crotts coordinated for all the Main Library departments.  They could not have done so well without the cooperation of the branch and department UW representatives.  Great teamwork, dedication, and accuracy helped us conclude this campaign a day ahead of schedule and with an increase of $3,647.27 over our last UW Campaign in 2010.

The City sponsors a city wide staff sale each year for UW, and this year Hazzel Sutton brought in a small store for JPL to sell at the Hemming Plaza Sale, April 27, and Tamara worked hard with her to sell, sell, sell. Jennifer Martinez also had a special event sale for Center for Adult Learning.

Our UW reps and JPL employees who gave to United Way deserve a round of applause.  Your continued support and caring for this community effected a $3,647.27 increase over 2010.

And the Winner Is:

Congratulations to Owen Woods, the custodian at Southeast Branch Library, who received a certificate for Outstanding Achievement in English from Florida State College Jacksonville.  (Please click on the picture for a larger view.)

Staff Profile

Loquacious would not describe Charlene Adkins, Library Supervisor of JPL's Collection Development and Acquisitions.  However, it takes a lot of words just to touch on the many aspects related to her position.  Charlene has her thoughts well in order before she speaks and she reminds one--in her quiet way--of a famous statement by Admiral Farragut, "D--- the torpedos; full speed ahead!"  The Support Services Team is happy to have her on board. 

Q: How did your career evolve to you becoming the Collection Development Supervisor for the library system?

A: My career with JPL began just after I graduated with my MLS from FSU in 1989. I started as an adult reference librarian at Mandarin and worked there the longest (8 years), except for my time in Collection Development (13 years). I also worked at Regency, San Marco, and Southeast. Before I got my library degree, I managed a store in the locally owned family bookstore chain, Whites, which no longer exists. Growing up, I thought I would have a career in something to do with books and my love of reading—although I wasn’t quite sure what it would be. In fact I thought I might go into publishing, but the thought of moving to New York City was a bit daunting! During library school and my early years at JPL, I always thought Collection Development would be a good fit for me based on my experience and abilities. While I was working at Southeast as a Senior Librarian, the Collection Development Coordinator at the time (Susan Shami) decided she wanted to go back to public service. Theresa Barmer, who was head of Technical Services (our name before we became Support Services), asked if I would be interested in the position and answered my questions about the duties. Within the week, I was told I would be transferred to the position of Collection Development Coordinator--a senior librarian position at that time. I have been in charge of Collection Development since 1999. The position and my duties have greatly expanded over the years. When I first came, there was a clerk in the department besides me and that was it. At that time, I edited order lists, the clerk created the order lists, and staff throughout the system ordered from the lists. I met with vendors and coordinated with other staff in Technical Services on issues involving Collection Development, but was not involved in developing the budget, requesting and tracking blanket orders, centralized ordering, supervising standing orders, continuous orders, electronic ordering, periodicals, weeding, opening day collections, collection analysis and site visits, or all of the myriad of duties that are handled within Collection Development. Currently, Collection Development consists of me, Senior Librarian Jill Haile, Librarians Steve Egbert and Benjamin Smith, and Library Assistant Hope Bissell. We all work very closely together to centrally order all library materials. I also supervise the Acquisitions and Processing department, which is responsible for receiving orders, processing materials, and linking items to the catalog records.

Q: What is the process used to select and order materials for JPL's system?

A: The majority of our new materials ordering is done based on reviews in sources such as Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, School Library Journal and a few other library review sources. We also closely monitor media outlets for the current Hot titles that are not from established authors—we meet weekly to discuss these types of orders. Reviews are read and a quantity decision is made from our ordering grid which is tweaked regularly. Those orders are entered into a Baker and Taylor Titlesource cart online which is downloaded into Workflows to bring in the bibliographic and order information and then those purchase orders are sent back out electronically to Baker and Taylor (or Midwest or Ingram) to be placed on order with the vendor. That is how the bulk of materials are ordered; there are also quite a few variations depending on the type of material and the vendor. We have automatic order plans in place for very popular adult fiction titles (B&T Automatically Yours plan);  juvenile and YA series standing orders; and automatic order plans that we customize for DVD based on box office sales or non fiction topics. Continuous order plans are set up that order certain types of large print, spoken audio and downloadable audio.  Periodicals titles are reviewed, adjusted and ordered on a yearly basis.  We have standing orders for print reference and serials materials (travel titles are an example), and we meet with vendors' representatives from electronic database vendors, and other materials vendors to consider new databases and services, such as the language learning database. Although a large portion of our ordering process is based on reviews, there are quite a few other processes for materials ordering as well.

Q: How has Collection Development balanced the City/JPL budget cuts with materials needs/demands of JPL?

A: Each year, we keep close tabs on how materials are being used through collection analysis, staff input, Workflows reports, trends in the library field and newly available materials and formats. As budget time approaches, we juggle adjusting the materials budget to meet decreased funding and the need to reapportion the budget to cover new material types such as e materials. For instance, we have done periodicals usage studies the last two years in order to have feedback on the periodicals receiving the most use. This has allowed us to cut the periodicals budget in order to redistribute those funds to other materials such as e books, but has allowed branches to still have the magazines that customers use the most. In many cases, such as popular adult fiction and entertainment DVDs, we have had to purchase fewer overall copies so that we can still have the popular materials, but because we cannot buy as many as we once did, customers have a longer wait before they receive those extremely popular materials. In times past, we had a much higher materials budget. Right after all of The Better Jacksonville Plan libraries had opened, we were able to afford to buy one copy for every hold of an adult bestseller. It has been many years since we could afford to do that. Now we buy an initial order, and in the majority of cases, we do not reorder additional copies unless the holds to copies owned ratio exceeds between 4 and 6 to 1. That means that whatever the most popular title of the moment happens to be, it could have hundreds of holds. Currently, Hunger Games is the king of titles with holds due to the newly released movie—it has almost 700 holds! Around 300 is more typical for the most popular materials though. That can mean a long wait for a customer. But it is one way we can stretch our budget dollars.

Q: How will technology affect the kinds of materials Collection Development will order now and in the future?

A: The continuing increase in popularity of e materials, particularly e books, has the publishing world and libraries that have to try to purchase e materials trying to find their way in a very unsettled, disorderly, fluctuating marketplace. The library market is currently dominated by one primary popular materials vendor--Overdrive. Publishers are nervous about how they can operate profitably in a market changing from print dominance to a mix of print and electronic materials. Libraries are caught in the middle and affected by being able to buy from one publisher one day, and either not being able to purchase that publisher's materials the next, or having restrictions placed on how materials can be circulated, or having prices raised to three times the amount they were just the day before. As e materials continue to gain in popularity in libraries, there are signs of other vendors coming into our market to try to develop models that are more acceptable to libraries. Models in which we purchase the materials, just as we do with physical materials, then the materials are available through the library seamlessly. Hopefully, customers will be able to check out an e book from the library as easily as they can a physical book and they will not have to know the ins and outs of multiple vendor platforms as is the case now. There are going to be more and more materials that will be available electronically, but I think there is always going to be a place for print as well. Historically, as a time of great change occurs when a new technology upsets the existing technologies, there is always an unsettled period, but eventually a coexistence is worked out. Going to the movies in the theater did not disappear when television became available in everyone's homes. Attendance patterns changed, but they have both coexisted now for many years. I think the same will happen with print and electronic books. And with other types of digital materials, that may be on the horizon.

Q: What is your favorite pastime?

A: I have more than one and they mostly revolve around my family--my husband, Guy, and our two boys, Duncan (15) and Spencer (12). I love to cook, read, watch movies, work in the yard, keep up with my boys' activities in band (Mandarin High School and Mandarin Middle School), Scouts and theater. I like to play tennis, but don't get to do it too often these days. I also love to travel. Last year, we joined 13 members of my family on a cruise for my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. This year we hope to go to New York for the Thanksgiving Day parade (but not 17 of us!)--something I have always want to do!

"If Wishes Were Fishes"

"If Wishes Were Fishes", a puppet play written by Eve (a WST librarian) and her husband, Mark Harm, was enjoyed by 30+ children at West Regional, April 28.  It is the story of Delila D, a magical but hard of hearing fairy, her rescuers, Miss Ewe and Al, and their wishes.  A fairy singalong was included, and Chris Cavan (left in picture) and Eve served as presenters.  After the show, kids made their own magic wands, and then stood in the fairy circle to be sprinkled with fairy dust, so their wishes would come true.  You can view the play here:  http://youtu.be/JOiazrs9R04

Jax Youth Poetry Slam Hosts Teen Talent at Main

Main's Teen Department hosted the 8th annual Jax Youth Poetry Jam in the Hicks Auditorium on Saturday, April 21.  Winners were Reginald Drake, first place; Desirae Lee, second place, and George Abraham, third place.  Thirteen of the 16 participants are pictured here and their smiles reflect their enthusiasm for this competition.

The Main Library has hosted the past three JYPS events after collaborating with the founder, Tonya Smart.

This is a spirited, competitive spoken word event for talented and emerging young people, ages 11-18. During the competition, teens must perform original work in under three minutes.  Each performace is scored by a panel of judges and the highest and lowest scores are dropped.  The winners of the first round go on to compete in another round until the winners are determined. 

JYPS was honored to have Councilman Don Redman as one of the  judges, and Deputy Director Carolyn Williams was the announcer.  Audience participation is encouraged to support the poets and they can boo or cheer the judges' scores.

May 1, 2012: Unveiling of Mural of Jean Ribault's Landing In NE Florida, May 1, 1562

At 5 p.m., May 1, 2012, in Special Collections, 4th floor of the Main Library, the Jacksonville Public Library will host the unveiling of Lee Adams' mural of French Captain Jean Ribault's landing at the mouth of the River of May (as he named it; now known at the St. Johns River), May 1, 1562.  He claimed the land for the King of France and raised a monument commemorating his claim the next day as depicted in the painting.

The mural actually spans a time period of 1562-1565.  When Jean Ribault set the original pillar in place commemorating his claim of the land for France, May 2, 1562, he could not have imagined how many people over the next 450 years would be interested in his historic claim.  Even U.S. Sen. Charles Bennett wrote a book, Settlement of Florida, that included the French exploits of this era, and many have searched out the details of Jean Ribault's and his compatriots' adventures exploring our area and the native people they met.

The 450th anniversary will be celebrated by other local organizations (click here for more informton: http://www.coj.net/commemorate450.aspx)

Mrs. Lyn Corley, a long-time resident of Jacksonville and a Florida history buff, worked diligently to see this largely restored mural finally housed at the Main Library where many people can see the mural and be inspired to search out Florida's rich history.

SE Proudly Presents Successful Mom & Son

Local Artist Anthony Rooney is displaying four of his works at the Southeast Branch Library through the end of May.  Anthony studied art in France and recently received his Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of North Florida.  Anthony is the son of Southeast Children’s Librarian Carisia Rooney.

Thank you for sharing your paintings with us, Anthony, and Congratulations! on receiving your degree.

City/JPL United Way Campaign Kickoff

JPL's United Way representatives for all our branches and departments at Main have received their preprinted donation forms to give to you at your unit's staff meeting, or to you personally.  They are contributing their time to help garner funds that will help keep kids in school, improve Northeast Florida's appalling illiteracy rate, have a place where kids can go after school and stay out of trouble, and on and on the efforts go with United Way.

We thank you and all of our United Way JPL reps for donating time and money for this worthy cause.  We hope you can give but if you cannot, we know you are giving to a good cause elsewhere.

Please turn in your donation form to your respective JPL/UW representative by Friday, May 4, 2012, so we can get all of JPL's donations into the City/UW rep by our deadline.

We hope you can attend the Citywide Staff UW kickoff celebration/sale in Hemming Plaza (that is  across the street from the Main Library), 11 am - 2 pm, Friday, April 27, 2012.  Employees with City i.d. badges will receive a free hot dog, chips, and drink.  You will be entertained by Bobby Thigpen--live--while you find some well-priced items that staff will have on sale to benefit Untied Way.

Kudos from Customers

Brentwood Branch: "I appreciate the warm welcome and help I receive each and every time I go the Brentwood library, which is several times each week. (Gloria Armstrong, Irissa Allen, Kimberly McTeer, Margaret Miles.)"

Highlands Branch: "Best Employee ever was Eva (Newton) @ the Dunn Ave. Library. Yea! Great! Wonderful."

Main Library – Ref/Per:  "Intermezzo Concert with Lawrence Quinnett. Excellent performance. Thank you for all you do (Ed Lein) for the Library and music lovers."

Mandarin Branch: "We LOVE the Mandarin Library. Especially the children's section. Mr. David Foster is in our librarian "hall of fame". When you enter the children's section, he is always "on duty", greeting every patron with a smile and a kind word. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and helpful. His enthusiasm for good books has been contagious to our three boys!"

West Regional:  "I would like to commend Ms. Chris Cavan of the West Regional Branch for going above and beyond in customer service. I called that branch asking if a specific book (the only copy in the system) could be expedited to my local branch because we needed it quickly. Ms. Cavan offered to drop it off personally on her way home. I was able to pick it up the next morning without having to wait days for it to go through normal processes. ..."

SE Teens Are At Their Chibiest!

Southeast Branch's Teen Chibi Drawing Class goes on full speed. For over a year, tweens and teens improved their drawing skills and finally they got to the point they could compete with their teacher.  Most of the artists say chibi drawing class is the only class they would never want to skip.

Every week, Chibi Club hosts a mini drawing contest which became almost a tradition. We proudly present the winners of last week, Ariel (15) and Jasminn (11). (You can click on the picture for a larger view.)  Their awesome work can be visited at SE Branch Library right now--come on over!

Main Library Has Movie for Deaf & It Was A Big Hit

Per Kathy Lussier, CR&M's Assistant Director, Eric Soriano did a great job putting together a public viewing of the movie,  “The Hammer” at the Main Library.  This is a new movie about a deaf wrestler; learn more at this website:  http://www.thehammerpremiere.com/ 

Eric reported there were 85 people in the audience--not counting a volunteer and an interpreter. Mitesh Sangani thought this was one of the best attended JPL movie programs ever. Additional handouts had to be made to accommodate the demand.  Eric will follow through with viewers' suggestions on future programs and services we could offer to the community.

While a majority of the attendees were deaf, there were also some ASL students and teachers there.  Eric was delighted to meet the program chair of UNF’s Deaf Education department as well as a retired deaf librarian. Many were first time visitors to the Main Library.  They appreciated the movie and look forward to visiting again. All of them expressed the desire to attend future library deaf or ASL related activities.  Eric Soriano is scheduling a post-event meeting with the Jacksonville Deaf Club and some of the local colleges to discuss any other future collaborations.

Good feedback was received on the fliers and posters and the interpreter.  Eric expressed his appreciation to CR&M for helping make this a successful event.

Fair Housing Highlighted at South Mandarin Branch

SOM currently has a Fair Housing display and features such books as To Kill A Mocking Bird, by Harper Lee.

CM Matt Schellenberg at SOM's Story Time

Council Member Matt Schellenberg was the guest reader for Story Time at South Mandarin Branch Library on April 9.  He delighted children and parents with Born to Read and Read  It, Don't Eat It.  He enjoyed the experience, too, and offered to return to the branch for another Story Time.

LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!

Give yourselves a pat on the back:

• The Jacksonville Public Library provided more than 10,000 programs and services last year to Duval County residents at its 21 locations.

• More than 165,000 area children and teens attended library programs last year – nearly the entire youth population of Duval County.

DU Proves There Really IS a Free Lunch

Thanks to Kathleen Brunner, Highlands Branch Childrens's Librarian, all employees there won a drawing for a lunch delivered to the branch, sponsored by the 96.1 Lite Lunch Brigade.  (Kathleen entered the drawing on her personal time.)  They also have a group shot of the happy DU staff on their site. Nice advertising for JPL and who doesn't like a good, free lunch? Click here for more information:

http://www.wejz.com/PhotoPages/Photo.aspx?PhotoID=874321

Recognition by VIP's for Volume Handled in TB

Councilman Robin Lumb and JPL Board Member Christina Stallings visited Talking Books and Interlibrary Loan departments for a tour and presentation of activities at the Main Library,  Monday, April 2.  Ms. Stallings wrote this nice note to Jerry Renolds, Manager of TB and ILL,  “Thank you very much for taking the time to present JPL's Talking Books section this morning.  Councilman Lumb was amazed at the volume of materials requested and handled by this area.  Great job!"

Staff Profile

David Foster, Library Associate in Mandarin Branch’s children’s department, is well known for his ability to “break the ice” with strangers and make them feel right at home, all the while finding out what customers’ real needs are so he can best help them. David is respected by his present and past supervisors, peers, and customers for his exceptional skills. One thing he said that might best describe his take on customer service was what he learned on his first job out of high school, “It taught me the value of proactive anticipation of what will best help a customer.” He makes each customer feel like their need is his top priority--and for him it is.

Q: What is your professional history with City/JPL?

A: I began working for JPL in late fall of 2004, just as the last of the new branches were being completed under The Better Jacksonville Plan. Although my mother and I visited UPK on its grand opening day months before, I was not actually part of the start-up team. Michael Sullivan, Kathleen Krizek, Mary Calcagni, and Kim Hamilton saw my potential as an assistant in the Y department, and I worked between the circulation and Y departments. Although I knew that I would move to South Mandarin, ironically, I also was not part of the start-up crew there. I arrived over a week after its grand opening and again was fortunate in that Ed Murray, Lynne Baldwin, Anne Clement, Marsha Collins, and Linda Ehnert saw my potential as an LA in the Y department. I worked for Ms. Clement for 4 1/2 years before my transfer to Mandarin Branch, where I am Margo Crafton's assistant.

Q: Are your people skills and good customer service derived more from a personal affinity for people, professionally acquired, or both?

A: My family has a history of serving our community; my mother and sister-in-law are teachers, my sister is a nurse, one of my brothers works in law enforcement, one of my nieces works in a seniors home, and one of my nephews served eight years in the military.

My rapport with customers stems from two people, in particular--my father, who had the ability to speak with ease with virtually anyone about virtually any topic, and a family friend, for whom I worked after graduating from high school. That job involved sales, and my friend taught me how he maintained a client base, in no small part due to his jovial, outgoing nature. I apply that lesson on a daily basis, welcoming families as they step into our department, and proactively providing assistance.

My love of reading comes from my mother, who cannot sit at the breakfast table without reading the cereal box ingredients! At home, we were surrounded by encyclopedias, Reader's Digest, National Geographic, and any number of bookcases that were filled to the brim.

My approach to customer service is that--at that particular moment, during that particular transaction--to the customer, I am the face of JPL.

Q: Why is it important to connect with parents as well as children?

A: Building a strong rapport with the entire family allows me to better determine the family's needs, whether specific, such as resources for a school project, or whether broad in scope, such as encouraging a life-long love of the library, and, by extension, building a life-long love of reading.

I am fortunate that--at both SOM and KR--I have hosted the Mother Goose and Toddler Time programs, allowing me to focus on our future readers from the very beginning!

I also host a kids graphic novel book club, which Shivon Rockward started for KR, in which I am able to work with school-age students who are at a stage where many students face distractions, such as video games and television. I stress critical thinking, specifically comparison and contrast and the concept of irony, as well as the pure joy of leisure reading. I provide an atmosphere that is conducive to each student's expressing his or her point-of-view.

Q: How is customer service changing in the children’s department?

A: More and more, we are a hub for families with parents who—in addition to helping their kids get books—are here to search for a job. Something as simple as letting a parent know that, in addition to finding books that pertain to their child's interests, we can provide coloring pages, puzzles, and pop-up books to keep their attention so a parent can focus on that important task. I am also able to tell parents about our website links, specifically Careers and Jobs, under the Recommended Websites on our home page. My taking a moment to research the next WorkSource visit could change a family's life!

The summer months, which are our peak season because our school-age kids are on break, have also changed in the last few years of our nation's economic downturn. I've heard again and again that our programming has offered families a free, healthy alternative to costly entertainment.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most of us would not know.

A: My family has a new generation! My brother and I were raised as a “second” family, so we've been uncles since we were in elementary school. In the last few years, my oldest nephew and his wife have started their own family. Children have always been part of my life!