Keep Those Creative Ideas Flowing

Chanika Kimbrough (R), Library Clerk at Graham Branch, received an Innovator Award from GB Manager Jackie Spiritas, April 11.  The award was granted for Chanika's idea to create a series of educational bulletin boards.  A picture of her board for March and April, The Library Is the Place to BEE, was posted on this blog in March.  In February, Chanika had a collage of famous African American faces.  What's next, Chanika?  

Galaxy Traveler Visits KR

On April 9, during Early Release Wednesday We Play, the Mandarin Branch Library had a surprise visitor from a galaxy far, far away.  501^st Legion Twin Ion Engine Pilot TI 7723 (Vader’s Fist) took time from his official duties escorting Darth Vader during his travels between vessels to stop by the library and autograph trading cards, coloring pages and share temporary tattoos with 37 exited kids. 
 

Big thanks to Brian Chittick of the 501^st Legion and David Foster and Alison Pulley for organizing the event and taking photos.

Thanks to KR Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin for the latest news on what's going on in the galaxy.

 

P.S.  Wonder if he'd loan us the hood so we can deal with the pollen?

 

Popular? Yes, On A Par With Smiley Face

April 8, Alison Pulley received an Innovator Award and button for creating a very clever, eye catching "joke box" for Mandarin Branch Children Department's Humor Festival in April, as well as other Southeast Region libraries (San Marco, South Mandarin and Southeast).  This adorable guy is bound to attract some whimsical "donations".  Children's Senior Librarian Anita Haller was so impressed she asked Alison to bring the joke box to the quarterly Youth Services staff meeting as an example of creative marketing.  The joke box will also be featured at the library booth at the Mandarin Arts Festival, April 19-20.   

Swingin' Into Spring

Celebrating a welcome spring, Westbrook's Part time Clerk Brooklyn Parkins made flowers out of tissue paper to add to the butterflies on the managers window. She also helped create a children’s display with colorful flowers.  Brooklyn’s creative skills will be missed as she will soon journey on to further her education.   

The little cutie below had a different idea as to how a big flower could be used and snagged one for her Easter bonnet--and it looks as though she's thinking about picking one for Mommy's Easter bonnet, too.

Art Club + DCPS = Fun For Kids At KR

 April is Celebrate Art Month at Mandarin Branch.  On April 1, Library Associate Alison Pulley and her Art Club created jester masks as a part of the SE Region’s Humor Festival.  Alison will be hosting two more Art Clubs on  April 15 and 29.   

 

April 4-16, the Duval County Schools are displaying the works of their students from elementary schools in the Mandarin area.  The drawing genius of Charles Schulz, creator of  the classic Peanuts comic strip, is being celebrated with displays and posters throughout the branch.

Thanks for the input from KR Branch Manager, Lynne Baldwin.  Thanks to the kids for the creative masks and brightening our day, and most of all to Charlie Brown and friends for all the years of pure delight!

Birthday Celebrations At SS

San Marco Branch Librarian Kristi Dorney took this photo of a recent birthday celebration for two employees at SS.
Phil Sturges (April 12) and Sigrid Wellhausen (March 30) were presented with cake and ice cream by fellow staff members. L/R are Robbie Crabtree, Phil Sturges, Sigrid Wellhausen, Donna Crowther and Pam Thompson.

DU Rewards Talent

Highlands Branch held a talent show, April 3, with 27 customers enjoying five performers.   Of course, parents came to support their teens.  Talent ranged from singers (one of whom wrote his own song) to playing the ukulele.  Afterwards, the group snacked on chicken wings, chips, and fruit punch. 

 The 1st place winner received a trophy (pictured right) and a book;  2nd and 3rd place winners received a certificate and a book and 4th and 5th place winners received a book.

 

Thanks to Beverly Mason, Library Associate at DU for the article and pictures.

Staff Profile - April 2014

Webb Wesconnett's Branch Manager is a leader in pushing for staff education in the basics of technological issues so customers can be better served and JPL as a whole can use e-specialists' time in the most efficient way. How does she do that and manage CW effectively? Glad you asked.

Q: You are credited with leading your entire reference staff to do basic troubleshooting with technical issues for customers before offering people an appointment with the e-library specialist. How did you accomplish this?
A: More than anything else, probably by example. Many of the questions and issues that come up can be dealt with on the spot—we try to save our E-Library Specialist for the more challenging or time-intensive issues. I think the customers appreciate our efforts, and it keeps us aware of their needs and issues. Most of my employees are more technologically adept than I am anyway, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch.

Q: Do you now have training for other staff in some areas of new technology, and if so, please share your plans and results with that.

A: We try to take advantage of training opportunities offered by SST and the Training Office, but scheduling for these is difficult. Recently our Reference staff participated in an internal, mini-seminar on Google Power Searching. We are looking forward to the E-Services Get-to-Yes training, and at least two of us will attend a session on SharePoint.

Q: Are the majority of Webb Wesconnett Branch customers transitioning to new technologies and what are their main issues with technology?

A: Many of our customers, probably more so than at other locations, are very much on the wrong side of the Digital Divide. Their main issues tend to be really basic—struggling with setting up email accounts, producing simple documents, finding appropriate websites and filling out applications for work or assistance.

Q: You also support JPL’s efforts to provide computer classes in Spanish, both at CW and other libraries. How do you plan and execute that?

 A: This is primarily a scheduling function on my part. I try to ensure that Webb has adequate coverage for Thursday evenings and Friday mornings when the classes are here, and that Jessica is available to participate, as needed, in classes or meetings that may be held at other locations in the system.

Q: What is something most of us would not know about you that you would like to share with us?

A: I enjoy watching, and reading about silent films—particularly those of Lillian Gish and D.W. Griffiith.

April Is Poetry Month

Do you have a favorite poem that you would like to share on the blog? (If it's long, you could share your favorite stanza or two.) Do you like it because it delights you and/or it made a big impact on your life?  The last stanza (all the stanzas lead up to the "real deal") of The Chambered Nautilus, by Oliver Wendell Holmes, is my inspiration:

Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!
Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea!

Share your treasures of poetry (your own or your favorite poet's) and why you like it on your JPL Staff News blog.

Hello (And Welcome!) Kitty

Ronald Jones, Library Clerk at Webb Wesconnett Branch, sent in this picture of one of their staff wearing "hello kitty" head phones to take a webinar.  Excellent way to block out the noise and facilitate concentration.  Have you tried saying hello to kitty? 

 

Keli Likins Sees A Big Picture

SoM Branch Manager Keli Likins formerly managed the Main Library Teen Department and before that taught in public school.  Her experience is benefitting JPL and customers as she continues teaching SAT/FCAT prep courses in the SE. Region (KR, SS, SE and SoM).  Students can learn how to use the Gale Testing and Education Reference Center, which lets them take practice tests and an online SAT course, gain access to top SAT prep books, learn the Word of the Day and get information on test dates and deadlines--all topped off with free pizza in her March classes! She gives this review of her progress:

"The idea for research classes for History Fair, Science Fair, and SAT/FCAT Prep began during the time I worked in the Main Library Teen Dept.  After working with the school system for several years, I realized they would be a lot more open to outreach, if you offered something very specific that they wanted for their students.  The DCPS takes FCAT and History Fair  seriously so these seemed like good topics.  The classes could be taken into the schools, as well as taught in the library.  Though there are many teen programs you can offer that are fun, I also wanted to make sure I was in line with the library’s goal to offer education based programming.  These classes would help support that goal.

"When I got to the South Mandarin Branch, one of the easiest ways for me to incorporate the regional model was to share with the other libraries in my region what I was already good at – teaching research classes.  As I had taught so many of these classes already in the past, there would be no real preparation required so it was only a matter of sharing a couple of hours of my time to help out the region.  I have since then recruited some help from other Teen Librarians to help teach – our class at SoM on March 22, which was taught by Bryan Thomas, had 24 attendees!

Good Advice:

"If anyone has a specialty they should definitely consider sharing it with other libraries in their region.  The time traveling is well worth being able to save someone else the trouble of building something from scratch.  If I had to do a craft program, it would probably take me days to prepare."

Happy Mom, Keli Likins. and her son, Benny.

April Fool's Day At CW

Ronald Jones knew how to "treat" Webb Wesconnett staff on April Fool's Day.  He had a pan of calorie free brown-ees for everyone. Thanks to Marshelle Berry for the heads-up.

Retiree Mary Cardell's Update

Below is a blurb from Mary Cardell, a librarian who retired from JPL in 1998.  For those who are not acquainted with Mrs. Cardell, she is a low key, gentle lady who has a lot of depth and interests.  Above Mary  (R) and her hubby, Dick, are enjoying manning the Genealogy Table for the St Andrews Society in early March at the NE Florida Highland Games (a yearly treat for them) in Green Cove Springs. Judith Elliott, Florida officer of the Elliot Clan of which Mary is a member, is in the center.

 

" I began working at JPL in the Fall of 1968. Most of my time, except for short stints in branches and the Children's Department was spent in the Art and Music Department (at the old Main Library), under the tutelage of the late incomparable Jeff Driggers.

"What I enjoyed most about library work was the opportunity to learn new things while helping patrons. In the course of answering a question one often learns new facts oneself.

"Dick and I both retired in 1998. We spent most of our time restoring a home in the Lakewood  section of the southside of Jacksonville. Our living room has a great view of the egrets, herons, ibises and other birds who nest on an island in the lake. We are active members of the Sierra Club which meets in nearby Lakewood Presbyterian Church. I continued to play the bells at St John's Episcopal Cathedral when I was able. I played my clarinet in the "Recycles" which is an orchestra made up largely of retirees and also began singing in the Bach Vespers Choir which meets at St Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church on Hendricks Avenue. 

"In the year 2000, our group went to NYC to sing in Carnegie Hall in a concert of choir members from across the country. We have not traveled as often as we would like but have been able to take longer trips. In September of 2005, Dick and I spent a month in the British Isles, traveling by train, bus and on foot. We stayed in B&Bs and small hotels. We enjoyed a Holland America cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Malta and a Viking river cruise on the Rhine and Danube, Amsterdam to Budapest. We heartily recommend the latter. But beware, once you go on a cruise your mail box will be filled with tempting offers from the cruise lines and travel agents.

"We have been to several class reunions, my 50th high school reunion in Daytona Beach and my 50th college reunion in Cullowhee, North Carolina (Western Carolina University, Go Catamounts!)

"We also went to Dick's 50th High School Reunion and plan to attend his 60th later this year. (Miami Edison). A group from the class of 1956, Mainland High School, Daytona Beach meets monthly and those of us from out of town join them occasionally.

"Well I guess that is the extent of my activities since retirement. Retirement does give you time to do some of the things you have always wanted to do. Enjoy it." 

To Touch Or Not To Touch

The Children’s Department at the Mandarin Branch Library hosted Michelle (R, far left) with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the Stories for Young Children program, March 27.  A crowd of 89 plus kids, parents, and caregivers were excited to see--and sometimes touch-- snakes, opossums, lizards and other exotic creatures.  Big thanks to Children’s Library Associate Alison Pulley (R, far R), PT Library Associate Frances Wickes and volunteer Brianna Moore (R, middle), who coordinated the event at the branch.  (Thanks to KR Manager Lynne Baldwin for this blurb.)

CAL's ESL Instructor Now In South Korea

For nearly  a year, Lane Wright volunteered as an ESL instructor with the Center for Adult Learning (CAL). When a vacancy opened in the department, Lane began working as a part-time instructor at the Main Library.  He taught higher level classes as well as an introductory level group of women who spoke very little English. Lane put together fun, creative lessons that helped women from many different countries begin to understand and express themselves in English. In February, Lane followed his passion and accepted a full-time position in South Korea teaching English to second and third graders.  Lane is third from the left sitting among fellow teachers and new friends.

Thanks to CAL's Literacy Program Manager, Sharon Jaskula, for this article.

Lesislative Day At The Capitol

Keeping JPL’s needs in the forefront of our legislators’ budget plans is a top priority for the Library Board and Director Gubbin and the Administrative team, supported by JPL’s various Friends groups.  A major effort in this vein is an annual trip to Tallahassee when they visit our state senators and representatives.  On March 25, Board Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons-Hutchins, Director Barbara Gubbin, Deputy Director Carolyn Williams, Roxanne Henkle, Willowbranch "Friends", and Daniel Kibler, Murray Hill "Friends", again met with state legislators.  Above are pictured L/R State Senator Audrey Gibson, Board Chair Dr. Simmons-Hutchins, Director Gubbin, and a University of Central Florida student, Peter Cannon, who is working on his MLS. 

The whole team met with Senator Audrey Gibson, Representatives Reggie Fullwood, Daniel Davis, and Janet Adkins.  Director Gubbin spoke briefly with Senator Aaron Bean, Representatives Lake Ray and Dr. Ronald Renuart.  Representative Mia Jones was out sick but JPL’s needs were discussed with her District Secretary, Milan Thompson.

Below are pictured L/R Deputy Director Williams, Murray Hill Friends member, Daniel Kibler, Willowbranch Friends member Roxanne Henkle, and State Representative Daniel Davis.



Director Gubbin wants to thank our "Friends", Roxanne Henkle and Daniel Kibler, for making the trip to Tallahassee--and all the "Friends" group members, who could not go to Tallahassee but work tirelessly throughout the year to support the Jacksonville Public Library.

NS Blossoms w/Activites For Spring

Pat Morrison, Urban Libraries Supervisor, proudly recaps some of NS' activities:
 
Customers and staff at Brentwood library welcomed spring with open arms and loads of activities.  Young customers were treated to a week of food, fun and games during Spring Break.  The activities began with Game Day where children and teens played board games and Bingo.  The winners received prizes and all attendees received hot dogs, chips, drinks and popcorn.  Game Day was sponsored by a generous donation from the Friends of Brentwood Library.

Above, Betty Williams gives encouragement at the Connect Four table.  Teen volunteer DeJohn officiated at the table and aptly mediated disputes and kept the peace.

Chanika Kimbrough (left) was Bingo caller extraordinaire and Gloria Armstrong (below) was Mrs. Popcorn Popper.

 
Children and teens created bracelets at Art Club.  Attendance at the event was predominantly teen boys who showcased their skills by making double, triple and quadruple strand bracelets. 

Movie Time was a “Toons” marathon showcasing classic cartoons like the Flintstones, Tom and Jerry and the Chip 'n' Dales.  No time for a feature?  Just drop in for a cartoon or two.

 

Gardening and Spring flowers was the theme at Story Time.  Story time regulars Sophia and Michaela (pictured R, below) show off their gardening skills with the pots and seeds Peggy Crawford provided.

 




 


 

 

 The week of activities ended with the “A Good Yarn” crochet and book club beginning a new project.  Below, Sharon Whitt gives instructions to the group.  Aquilla Stewart coordinates this activity – scheduling, recruiting and contacting participants, and assisting Sharon.

 

 

By the end of the week 85 children and teens attended programs at Brentwood Library.  Kudos to the staff!

184 Attend 2 KR Programs

Lynne Baldwin, Mandarin Branch Manager, gives a shout out for her employees, "I want to brag about the Children’s Department at the Mandarin Branch Library:  129 kids, parents and caregivers showed up for the spring break movie presentation of Frozen, March 21, and 55 kids created collages with Alison Pulley at Spring Break Art Club, March 18.  WOW!" 

Lynne cheers Fran Sweeney (right), who volunteered to set up refreshments for the movie.  Volunteers like Ms. Sweeney are the "whipped cream and the cherry on top" all across the library system and we could not have the successes JPL enjoys without our volunteers.

Fun At Highlands Branch

Beverly Mason reports that Highlands Branch held two programs recently, "On March 18, 17 teens participated in Teen Gaming, played Wii and Xbox games and Clue. On March 20, we showed Thor the Dark World; 11 attended.  Refreshments were served at both programs.  

 

 

Worth Repeating

Donna Carroll, Regency Square Branch Manager recognizes a good deed when she sees one, "We had a customer with an $18 fine that he could not pay.  Another customer overheard this and without hesitation paid the fine.  He said while he doesn’t have much, he believes in helping others when he can."

At WBK, Learning Is Fun

Westbrook Branch's spring break balloon twisting program, March 21, was double decked with fun and a science lesson for 25 kids.   What child doesn't like creating things with balloons--and they learned about helium and how balloons are made.  Big kids at heart, Kimberly McTeer and Susan Williamson, also joined in the fun.

SOM's Kids Programs Keep 'Em Coming In

South Mandarin Library's Lego Club, April 12, had 33 kids showing off their creativity. Children's Library Associate Bryan Thomas reports, "Lego Club is held the first early release Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. to celebrate early out. Each month has a new theme. All kids can come and use their imagination to create anything from a spaceship to an entire city. Legos are provided. This program is for grades K-6th grade.

"A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (right), March 15, included Irish storytellers and 38 people sang Irish folk songs, made colorful shamrock window art and had face-painting.

"Origami Fun, March 19, kept 31 kids happy as they celebrated spring break.  Kids made origami star sun catchers and an origami star book."

SOM's Librarian, Margo Crafton, taught the Origami class.

What's not to like about being creative!

 

Kudos From Customers

Beaches Branch: Michelle (Petrin) in Reference was so friendly, helpful and went over & above!

Main – Special Collections:  I feel compelled to tell you about my most recent experience using the COJ's Public Library. I was doing...research for a retired college Professor... The Professor has pinned several books including "World's Finest Beach." That book renders a history of the development of Jacksonville Beaches. I called your library and spoke with Kathleen Krizek. She was enthusiastic, cheerful, attentive to my needs and most knowledgeable. The Professor was searching for information on The Homestead Restaurant. Ms. Krizek immediately directed me to a book titled "The Lost Restaurants of Jacksonville." The following day, I visited your library and met Ms. Krizek. Once again she provided me with excellence in customer service. She assisted me in locating the book and directed me to the second floor where I could continue the research in the old newspapers that are on film...

Mandarin Branch: I would like to commend the entire staff of the Mandarin Regional Library and, in particular, the children's librarian, David (Foster).  Mr. David knows my son and my family, and yesterday we were at the library when ...my 5 year old...disappeared. I ...could not find him and immediately went over to Mr. David to let him know I was having trouble finding my child. He sprang into action, and immediately had the entire staff searching for my son. ...(He) had wandered out to the parking lot on his own, and we were very fortunate that another mom brought him back inside. When a child goes missing, every second counts, and the library staff made every effort to make sure that every second counted. I really, really appreciate their effort and caring in helping me in a moment of panic. I can see that they take the entirety of their job very seriously, and they have always provided us with the best service librarians could offer. I just wanted to thank them for everything.

Webb Wesconnett Branch:  ...I worked at the Charles Webb library…and saw first-hand how difficult a job the librarians have every day. They are the front line, and every staff member (Sharon Kirkes, Stephanie Miller, Jeff Geiger, Sara Radovic, Christie Rogers, Jessica Serrano, Stephanie Harley, Vickie Leonard, Dana Curry, Ronald Jones, and Patricia Turner) I met was calm, professional, and kept a positive attitude during a trying time. I commend the library staff for meeting the needs of the citizens of the City of Jacksonville each and every day. We are behind the curtain and do not always realize the challenge of working directly with the public.

Willowbranch:  Micah (Mills) was so very patient and kind when showing me some basic computer functions, helping me login to email and other sites.  He calmly explained how to do it, instead of doing it for me, which I appreciated.  He never made me feel stupid for not already knowing how to do these things.  I really appreciated his assistance.

UPK's Open Mic Night & Teen Fashion Show

 
Eighty two customers enjoyed a variety of talents at University Park Branch's annual Spring Break Extravaganza, 6 pm - 8 pm, March 18.  Rosalin Smalls was Mistress of Ceremony for 13 young people, ages 7 - 16, who performed and participated in the Teen Fashion Show.  Alius Dance School students demonstrated modern dance and ballet. Some sang and there were poetry readings and a creative pencil table performance.

The program was closed with a surprise expression of appreciation to Mina Figuerrez for her tireless work with the teens.  Light refreshments, including Roz’s sumptuous red velvet cake, topped off the evening.  Everyone expressed their delight and anticipation for next year's event. 

Happy Birthday, Lynne!

The Mandarin Branch employees surprised Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin with a card and beautiful flowers for her birthday. We add our best wishes, too! 

Staff Profile - April 2014: Sharon Kirkes

Webb Wesconnett's Branch Manager is a leader in pushing for staff education in the basics of technological issues so customers can be better served and JPL as a whole can use e-specialists' time in the most efficient way.  How does she do that and manage CW effectively?  Glad you asked.

Q: You are credited with leading your entire reference staff to do basic troubleshooting with technical issues for customers before offering people an appointment with the e-library specialist.  How did you accomplish this? 

A: More than anything else, probably by example. Many of the questions and issues that come up can be dealt with on the spot—we try to save our E-Library Specialist for the more challenging or time-intensive issues. I think the customers appreciate our efforts, and it keeps us aware of their needs and issues. Most of my employees are more technologically adept than I am anyway, so it wasn’t too much of a stretch.

Q: Do you now have training for other staff in some areas of new technology, and if so, please share your plans and results with that.

A: We try to take advantage of training opportunities offered by SST and the Training Office, but scheduling for these is difficult. Recently our Reference staff participated in an internal, mini-seminar on Google Power Searching. We are looking forward to the E-Services Get-to-Yes training, and at least two of us will attend a session on SharePoint.

Q: Are the majority of Webb Wesconnett Branch customers transitioning to new technologies and what are their main issues with technology?

A: Many of our customers, probably more so than at other locations, are very much on the wrong side of the Digital Divide. Their main issues tend to be really basic—struggling with setting up email accounts, producing simple documents, finding appropriate websites and filling out applications for work or assistance.

Q: You also support JPL’s efforts to provide computer classes in Spanish, both at CW and other libraries.  How do you plan and execute that?

 

A: This is primarily a scheduling function on my part. I try to ensure that Webb has adequate coverage for Thursday evenings and Friday mornings when the classes are here, and that Jessica is available to participate, as needed, in classes or meetings that may be held at other locations in the system.

Q: What is something most of us would not know about you that you would like to share with us?

A: I enjoy watching, and reading about  silent films—particularly those of Lillian Gish and D.W. Griffiith.

Northwest Has It

Just in case customers are zooming to computers or using a meeting room and didn't stop for a book, Northwest's Gloria Buenavista gives them inviting invitations as seen in these two "ads", and Shinita Miles, part time Library Associate, made a must see/read table display of tempting books.

GB's Whitt Gets Innovator Award

Sharon Whitt, Library Associate at Graham Branch, was presented an Innovator Award certificate and button, March 14, 2014, by her Branch Manager, Jackie Spiritas.  Sharon is credited with creating Fitness Fridays at GB during February and March.  An earlier blurb appears on this blog about these classes.

Author Daniel Schafer Is Big Draw At UPK

Award-winning author and historian Daniel Schafer spoke about his newest book, Zephaniah Kingsley Jr. and the Atlantic World: Slave Trader, Plantation Owner, Emancipator, at the February 18th meeting of Old Arlington, Inc., a non-profit community group, held at the University Park Branch. Branch Manager Theresa Rooney coordinated with Old Arlington members on pre-event publicity and the event attracted 78 people.  Ms. Rooney said, “I had heard Dr. Schafer speak before so I knew we could bring in a good crowd with some coordinated effort, particularly word-of-mouth advertising. Old Arlington President Steve Matchett made the poster and flyer we used. Kathy Lussier and Olga Bayer were particularly helpful in helping me to get an item about the event posted in the JPL e-newsletter and in putting out a press release on Friday before the event. I had shared with the Old Arlington members that my vision was to fill the room and amazingly, we did, although even I was surprised by the huge turn-out. I had 83 chairs in the Community Room, but in the last few minutes before the event began, my staff and I started rolling in 10 chairs from the Computer Classroom just to make sure we had enough seating. Dr. Schafer’s talk was fascinating and the Arlington Women’s Club supplied awesome refreshments. The leftover refreshments – particularly the best lemon bars I’ve ever tasted – were much appreciated by my staff.”

KR's Robert Moseley Finds A Better Way

Robert Moseley, KR Library Assistant, received his Innovator Award on Saturday, March 15, 2014, for creating instructions on how to format the audit report.  Robert used Stacey Van Hoy as a guinea pig to work out any kinks before finalizing the instructions and Mandarin Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin reports Robert's instructions have made formatting the Workflows audit much easier to understand and complete.  Go, Robert!