This article was contributed by Jerry Reynolds, Librarian Sr.:
Talking Books/Special Needs highlights two areas of increased efficiency: The first is the digital book format. The case is thinner which allows for more copies to be housed in a given space than the thicker cases that house tapes. Additionally, one cartridge can hold as much content as several tapes meaning that, no matter what the length is of the vast majority of books, we need deal with only one cartridge instead of multiple tapes.
The second is the use of volunteers. We now average 12 – 15 volunteers in any given month and our plans are to increase this number. Without these volunteers, it would be impossible for us to accomplish the outreach activities and other programming that we have been so successful in sustaining. We are deeply grateful for their many efforts.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Kudos from Customers
Brentwood - Staffs (Gloria Armstrong, Margaret Miles, and Trudy Hill) are the most helpful people... They are never rude, always greet me with a smile and never lose my returned books. …Thank you to ALL of them.
Main – 2ND Floor Reference: I am a senior person who cannot visit your library. The following comments are about Theresa Rooney: She is patience personified and a valuable asset to your library. Accolades to you and your entire staff. Thanks!
Main – Teen Department: I really appreciate the work and dedication put in by all the staff here at the Main Library, especially in the Teen Department. I commend Alissa (Leonard), Kelly (Likins), Mia (Clark)…. I respect them all for the awesome work they do … keeping us teens in order (mostly me).Thanks you guys.
South Mandarin - The male librarian (David Foster) in the children's section is absolutely wonderful!!! He always remembers our family including names (Wow - I have 5 kids). He is so friendly and helpful.
Willowbranch: Isabel (Pierre) and Julie (Lipschutz) in the children's library are wonderful both in expertise and personality. Because of them, my daughter has a love for the library. It is the highlight of our week.
Main – 2ND Floor Reference: I am a senior person who cannot visit your library. The following comments are about Theresa Rooney: She is patience personified and a valuable asset to your library. Accolades to you and your entire staff. Thanks!
Main – Teen Department: I really appreciate the work and dedication put in by all the staff here at the Main Library, especially in the Teen Department. I commend Alissa (Leonard), Kelly (Likins), Mia (Clark)…. I respect them all for the awesome work they do … keeping us teens in order (mostly me).Thanks you guys.
South Mandarin - The male librarian (David Foster) in the children's section is absolutely wonderful!!! He always remembers our family including names (Wow - I have 5 kids). He is so friendly and helpful.
Willowbranch: Isabel (Pierre) and Julie (Lipschutz) in the children's library are wonderful both in expertise and personality. Because of them, my daughter has a love for the library. It is the highlight of our week.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Program at Mandarin Middle School Draws 220!
Donald Carpenter, Library Associate at Mandarin Branch Library, contributed this article. He has been successful in his outreach to Mandarin Middle School children by researching and helping them with a specific project, and he has acquainted them with JPL resources and programs:
How do you get 220 kids into an auditorium for a library program? Ask!
I attend School Advisory Committee meetings regularly at three public schools assigned to me by JPL, so the principals and teachers are acquainted with me. At every meeting, I talk about upcoming JPL programs and ask if there’s anything I can do to work with the schools. I also wrote a letter showing what the library provided (based on an example from Keli Likins) and asked that it be sent to all of the teachers.
In late September, I was asked by Khaki Hager, a history teacher at Mandarin Middle School, to do a presentation that would help the kids prepare for the National History Day Contest. The presentation was initially for a small group but the numbers continued to grow. I researched what was required to win the contest and came up with a three part program.
The first part was “Styles of Note Taking, or How to Stay Awake in Class”. This program was a simple Power Point showing three note taking techniques: outlining, mapping, and charting. The second part was a discussion on the requirements to win the essay portion of the National History Day Contest, which is the way the vast majority of the kids were entering this contest. I also included a single page handout with simple bibliographic examples for the kids. The third part, presented by Jeff Geiger, Librarian, was a Power Point showing the various databases available through JPL.
About a week after the presentation, I received a large packet from Ms. Hager. It contained thank-you notes from all 220 kids. I’m not vain enough to think that this was their idea, but by reading the notes, I could see that all three presentations were well received by the kids and that they had actually listened!
Now for the important part: what would I do differently? Believe it or not, the notes from the kids contained some good, positive criticism. (I told them at the start that I’d never done this before.):
1) Don’t talk so fast.
OK, I got a little excited, but it also took about 20 minutes to get the kids settled in. If this happens again, I will cut the program short rather than try to squeeze everything in.
2) Include audience participation.
This would help the kids get more involved.
Now that I’ve done this, I look forward to repeating the presentations and will improve them with time and practice. If anyone is planning something similar, please feel free to ask for help. Asking for help was one thing I’m sure I did right.
Below are some quotes from students’ thank-you notes to Don Carpenter’s presentation:
“Thanks for that amazing speech about the history fair and the note taking…”
“I want to thank you for your effort and your time to inform me about the history fair. I did learn new things and I think you did a great job…”
“Thank you for coming down to my school. You have taught me about doing different things. I did not know that the library had all those features, especially the ask the librarian part.”
How do you get 220 kids into an auditorium for a library program? Ask!
I attend School Advisory Committee meetings regularly at three public schools assigned to me by JPL, so the principals and teachers are acquainted with me. At every meeting, I talk about upcoming JPL programs and ask if there’s anything I can do to work with the schools. I also wrote a letter showing what the library provided (based on an example from Keli Likins) and asked that it be sent to all of the teachers.
In late September, I was asked by Khaki Hager, a history teacher at Mandarin Middle School, to do a presentation that would help the kids prepare for the National History Day Contest. The presentation was initially for a small group but the numbers continued to grow. I researched what was required to win the contest and came up with a three part program.
The first part was “Styles of Note Taking, or How to Stay Awake in Class”. This program was a simple Power Point showing three note taking techniques: outlining, mapping, and charting. The second part was a discussion on the requirements to win the essay portion of the National History Day Contest, which is the way the vast majority of the kids were entering this contest. I also included a single page handout with simple bibliographic examples for the kids. The third part, presented by Jeff Geiger, Librarian, was a Power Point showing the various databases available through JPL.
About a week after the presentation, I received a large packet from Ms. Hager. It contained thank-you notes from all 220 kids. I’m not vain enough to think that this was their idea, but by reading the notes, I could see that all three presentations were well received by the kids and that they had actually listened!
Now for the important part: what would I do differently? Believe it or not, the notes from the kids contained some good, positive criticism. (I told them at the start that I’d never done this before.):
1) Don’t talk so fast.
OK, I got a little excited, but it also took about 20 minutes to get the kids settled in. If this happens again, I will cut the program short rather than try to squeeze everything in.
2) Include audience participation.
This would help the kids get more involved.
Now that I’ve done this, I look forward to repeating the presentations and will improve them with time and practice. If anyone is planning something similar, please feel free to ask for help. Asking for help was one thing I’m sure I did right.
Below are some quotes from students’ thank-you notes to Don Carpenter’s presentation:
“Thanks for that amazing speech about the history fair and the note taking…”
“I want to thank you for your effort and your time to inform me about the history fair. I did learn new things and I think you did a great job…”
“Thank you for coming down to my school. You have taught me about doing different things. I did not know that the library had all those features, especially the ask the librarian part.”
Monday, January 11, 2010
Facilities Management & Planning - Maximizing Efficiencies in Difficult Economic Times
The Facilities Management and Planning group is taking a closer look at internal processes to ensure we maximize efficiencies in FY 2010. In our effort to reduce operational costs, we adopted a new strategy in delivering custodial services to JPL facilities. In October 2009, we switched from nighttime janitorial cleaning to daytime cleaning at all 21 branches and eliminated hourly day porters at 13 locations. The reduction in services will save JPL $312,000 annually, while enabling staff to closely monitor daily cleaning activities. Branch managers are reporting that the change has resulted in improved cleaning of their facilities. Another benefit of the daytime switch is the reduction of contract security staff at the Main Library saving JPL an additional $16,000.
Recently we continued our efforts to promote sustainable building practices by installing 19 electric hand dryers in public and staff restrooms at the Main library. Thirty five additional hand dryers are slated to be installed in upcoming months at AR, CW, DU, KR, NW and WBK. Once completed, paper towels will be removed from public and staff restrooms, reducing consumable paper products at those locations. We expect to see significant savings as a result of the decrease in paper towel orders.
In other exciting ‘sustainable’ news, the Facilities Management and Planning group established a partnership between JPL and the North Florida Chapter of the US Green Building Council to promote residential green building practices. The USGBC will hold workshops at seven library locations beginning January 14th at SOM. The workshops will provide information on advantages and incentives for local home-owners to build ‘green’, or remodel their homes with energy efficient products and appliances. Promotional flyers and posters were distributed to the branches to stimulate workshop attendance. Please visit http://greenjpl.wordpress.com/ for more information.
As we are continuously challenged to do more with less, FMP staff will keep working with vendors throughout the year to find cost-effective solutions for delivering services while ensuring that customer and staff needs are met.
Recently we continued our efforts to promote sustainable building practices by installing 19 electric hand dryers in public and staff restrooms at the Main library. Thirty five additional hand dryers are slated to be installed in upcoming months at AR, CW, DU, KR, NW and WBK. Once completed, paper towels will be removed from public and staff restrooms, reducing consumable paper products at those locations. We expect to see significant savings as a result of the decrease in paper towel orders.
In other exciting ‘sustainable’ news, the Facilities Management and Planning group established a partnership between JPL and the North Florida Chapter of the US Green Building Council to promote residential green building practices. The USGBC will hold workshops at seven library locations beginning January 14th at SOM. The workshops will provide information on advantages and incentives for local home-owners to build ‘green’, or remodel their homes with energy efficient products and appliances. Promotional flyers and posters were distributed to the branches to stimulate workshop attendance. Please visit http://greenjpl.wordpress.com/ for more information.
As we are continuously challenged to do more with less, FMP staff will keep working with vendors throughout the year to find cost-effective solutions for delivering services while ensuring that customer and staff needs are met.
Holmes & Smith Enable Others to Act
One of the key ingredients to enabling others to act is to get to know your co-workers. Kate Holmes and Frank Smith use a classic instrument for lubricating conversation: FOOD. Watch the latest One-minute Video Story to learn how they Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart.
Everyone knows someone who models the way, inspires a shared vision, challenges the process, enables others to act, and/or encourages the heart. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it. Please contact jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
Everyone knows someone who models the way, inspires a shared vision, challenges the process, enables others to act, and/or encourages the heart. If you have a story to share, we'd love to hear it. Please contact jpltraining@coj.net.
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Last Call -- FLA Poster Sessions
JPL has some of the most creative staff with some of the most successful projects and programs in the state. The Poster Sessions at the Florida Library Association's Annual Conference (April 7-9 in Orlando) is a great way to share our experiences with others.
The deadline to apply is fast approaching so please read this message if you are interested:
The deadline to apply is fast approaching so please read this message if you are interested:
Poster sessions may cover an array of topics such as reports on library
projects and programs, research studies, trends, and problem analysis.
Presenters create high quality visual material to cover a 4 foot by 8 foot area
and will be present to discuss their poster session with other conference
attendees during a pre-assigned time slot.
For more information, tips, and examples see http://www.flalib.org/conference_2010.php and click on Poster Session - Information, or click Online Application to apply.The deadline is Friday, January 22, 2010.
Any questions please contact patty@neflin.org.
Patricia Morris
Chair, FLA Continuing Education Committee
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Center for Adult Learning's Sharon Jaskula Shares Plans for Efficient Department
The Center for Adult Learning is managing and conserving resources in a variety of ways. A few years ago, all literacy students were given consumable workbooks and other materials free of charge when they enrolled in the program. As the program grew, this became too costly. Today, each CAL location has a “classroom set” of materials that are used (and reused) on site. Students are given ISBN numbers and ordering information if they want to purchase personal, consumable copies of materials directly from the publisher.
CAL also strives every year to secure grant funding for staffing, equipment, and materials that will enhance adult literacy services. An LSTA grant currently supports two full-time Special Purpose Employees who train tutors and instruct students. We are also constantly recruiting and training volunteer instructors to help serve more students - not an easy feat since CAL volunteers are asked to consistently commit at least 3-6 hours per week for a minimum of six months. We have recently established a relationship with the Florida Coastal School of Law that will provide up to four interns each week to help with testing, tutoring, and front desk coverage. These interns are scheduled to begin later in January.
Even small things can add up to big savings. CAL used grant funds to purchase an ELMO digital presenter and projector. Having this equipment allows CAL staff to train literacy tutors around the state without having to prepare/photocopy hard copies of manuals and student materials. Trainees leave with a CD of materials (to print as needed) rather than hundreds of pages of paper provided by JPL. We are working to reduce travel expenses as well by developing online tutor-training with the help of Richard Mott and Kate Holmes.
No dollars are well-spent if they fail to meet the needs of the customer. While CAL can’t be all things to all people, we have developed relationships within the community that keep us abreast of service trends and unmet needs. For example, our community college’s transition to a state college has eliminated many courses for lower-level readers. CAL staff researched the educational requirements for new G.E.D. and vocational programs at the college and now help adult learners reach those specific targets. Knowing whether or not other agencies are providing a service prevents duplication and allows us to direct resources where they are most needed.
In these times, we are all struggling with limited resources. CAL is proud to be part of the Library’s effort to provide a lifeline to another adult literacy provider, Learn to Read, Inc., the city’s oldest and largest provider of one-to-one tutoring for adults. JPL administrators, board members and Learn to Read are currently exploring the possibility of temporarily sharing space to ensure the continued survival of that organization. In my opinion, these efforts define what it means to be good stewards of JPL assets, sharing existing resources and maximizing their benefit to the community.
CAL also strives every year to secure grant funding for staffing, equipment, and materials that will enhance adult literacy services. An LSTA grant currently supports two full-time Special Purpose Employees who train tutors and instruct students. We are also constantly recruiting and training volunteer instructors to help serve more students - not an easy feat since CAL volunteers are asked to consistently commit at least 3-6 hours per week for a minimum of six months. We have recently established a relationship with the Florida Coastal School of Law that will provide up to four interns each week to help with testing, tutoring, and front desk coverage. These interns are scheduled to begin later in January.
Even small things can add up to big savings. CAL used grant funds to purchase an ELMO digital presenter and projector. Having this equipment allows CAL staff to train literacy tutors around the state without having to prepare/photocopy hard copies of manuals and student materials. Trainees leave with a CD of materials (to print as needed) rather than hundreds of pages of paper provided by JPL. We are working to reduce travel expenses as well by developing online tutor-training with the help of Richard Mott and Kate Holmes.
No dollars are well-spent if they fail to meet the needs of the customer. While CAL can’t be all things to all people, we have developed relationships within the community that keep us abreast of service trends and unmet needs. For example, our community college’s transition to a state college has eliminated many courses for lower-level readers. CAL staff researched the educational requirements for new G.E.D. and vocational programs at the college and now help adult learners reach those specific targets. Knowing whether or not other agencies are providing a service prevents duplication and allows us to direct resources where they are most needed.
In these times, we are all struggling with limited resources. CAL is proud to be part of the Library’s effort to provide a lifeline to another adult literacy provider, Learn to Read, Inc., the city’s oldest and largest provider of one-to-one tutoring for adults. JPL administrators, board members and Learn to Read are currently exploring the possibility of temporarily sharing space to ensure the continued survival of that organization. In my opinion, these efforts define what it means to be good stewards of JPL assets, sharing existing resources and maximizing their benefit to the community.
Staff Profile
Belinda Campbell, Library Assistant in Support Services, was recognized as Employee of the Quarter and congratulated by Chair Mark Wood and Director Barbara Gubbin in the November Library Board of Trustees meeting. Ms. Campbell, who has worked for the Jacksonville Public Library for 38 years, was presented with tokens of appreciation.Q: You have been with the City/JPL a long time. What has kept your interest in working for JPL?
A: My longevity with JPL is because of the relationship I had with my coworkers in the Art and Music Department for over 30 years; we worked and played as a family. Over the past five years or so I have worked as a copy cataloger in Support Services and I like my work and I thank God for the friends I have made.
Q: You have a reputation of being diligent, thorough, and positive and a quick learner. How have these characteristics helped you through the years?
A: Having a positive attitude is the key to achieving everything.
Q: You enable your colleagues to perform their jobs better by providing work-related information and instruction. Why do you consistently take time to do this?
A: If there is a need, I am willing to assist. I believe in treating people the way I would want to be treated.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
A: I Love Football.
Q: Who is your favorite author or book and why?
A: Lately, I’ve been reading lots of children’s books, such as SpongeBob, Thomas the Builder, and Dora the Explorer. I have a seven-year-old grandson and we read together. I read to him or he reads to me, which is a joy!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Westbrook Branch Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Jacksonville
The Westbrook Branch Library celebrated its 50th birthday Wednesday, December 16,, with a Fab 50s themed event. Laura Minnich, Branch Manager, said they were excited to reach this milestone!
Visitors to the library that day were invited to peruse various displays celebrating the 50s and participate in a trivia contest. Drawings were held throughout the day and several local businesses contributed prizes.
Barbara Gubbin addressed library customers and staff and congratulated all who made it possible for Westbrook to achieve 50 years of library service. They were honored to have Mrs. Judy Campbell in attendance; her father was instrumental in persuading City Council to build the Westbrook Branch. She addressed the crowd as well and shared some special memories of her father and his impact on the community. Also in attendance were Warren Jones, District 9 Council member, Harry Reagan, FJPL president and several former Westbrook staff members, who are pictured, left-right, back to front: Marjorie Gibbons, Ed Lein, Jackie Curry, and Annette Smith. Friday, December 18, 2009
Kudos from Customers
Beaches Branch: A couple weeks ago I called... for materials on a national park. My son needed it for school - the next day. We called at around 5pm, and Katherine Daye was very helpful. She quickly pulled some materials together for us to pick up that evening. The most impressive thing is that she was pleasant and happy to help. That is real customer service and we appreciate her.
Highlands Branch: This is a complimentary card for the entire staff...in particular Ms. Kristi Dorney, who immediately came to my rescue for rescheduling meeting space.... I was able to do so with no hesitation and much welcomed friendliness. I believe this lady, as well as the cleaning staff and regular library staff, are an asset to our city's local, free public learning and will recommend this facility for future use.
Main - Genealogy Department: Mr. David White in the genealogy department was the only! person in the last 7 years out of all the statistic offices, funeral homes and all other places (incl. Internet), who was able to help us, was listening, and understood the necessity of our inquiry. Thank you very much!
Pablo Creek Branch: Mrs Crafword gave excellent reference help and has assisted me in obtaining all the information I needed in a thorough manner.
Regency Square Branch: I have received ...excellent service rendered by Mr. Hassan Hamid, Clerical Worker II, ...very courteous and helpful. I also took note of the jovial and wholesome nature that he possesses and...kindness and professionalism shown to me by Ms. Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Supervisor...
Highlands Branch: This is a complimentary card for the entire staff...in particular Ms. Kristi Dorney, who immediately came to my rescue for rescheduling meeting space.... I was able to do so with no hesitation and much welcomed friendliness. I believe this lady, as well as the cleaning staff and regular library staff, are an asset to our city's local, free public learning and will recommend this facility for future use.
Main - Genealogy Department: Mr. David White in the genealogy department was the only! person in the last 7 years out of all the statistic offices, funeral homes and all other places (incl. Internet), who was able to help us, was listening, and understood the necessity of our inquiry. Thank you very much!
Pablo Creek Branch: Mrs Crafword gave excellent reference help and has assisted me in obtaining all the information I needed in a thorough manner.
Regency Square Branch: I have received ...excellent service rendered by Mr. Hassan Hamid, Clerical Worker II, ...very courteous and helpful. I also took note of the jovial and wholesome nature that he possesses and...kindness and professionalism shown to me by Ms. Tyhedra Wilson, Clerical Supervisor...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Mrs. Claus & Rudolph Make Early Appearance at Southeast
On the morning of Thursday, December 17, the Children’s Department of Southeast Regional Library held a Reindeer Run with a special early appearance of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Mrs. Claus.
Participants were children 3 to 11 years old, who followed Rudolph around a designated track. The run was organized to provide food donations for hungry pets to be given to local animal charities. Pictured are Rudolph (Paul Schaffner, Library Assistant) and Mrs. Claus (Nelly Harnisch, Clerical Support Aide II). Also, pictured is Mrs. Claus and participants after the exhausting run.The run will continue each weekday until Wednesday, December 23.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Southeast Celebrates Successful 2009
On Thursday, December 10th, Southeast full-time employees, part-time employees, and volunteers celebrated the end of 2009 by holding an end-of-the-year grill event. Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled and all the trimmings were available.Senior Librarian Bob Silkett suggested the event as he explained that 2009 had been a challenging, yet very successful year for the Southeast Library. This being the case, staff had good reason to chow down. Pictured from left to right are Pauline Berkeley (P/T Circulation), Arlene Wilson (P/T Shelver), Theresa Barmer (Library Manager), and Joyce Myllykangas (F/T Circulation).
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Live United - JPL United Way Campaign
Congratulations to JPL for joining together to make Jacksonville a better place!
Library staff have contributed $16,560.20 this year to the Live United campaign to change lives and shape communities. Special thanks to United Way Employee Campaign Chair Sara Gunter, and Co-Chairs Pam McClellan and James Patterson for their leadership. Thanks to each of the library representatives who volunteered their time to help make the campaign a success! Finally, thanks to every library staff member who gave, volunteered, or advocated to make Jacksonville a better community in 2009!
Library staff have contributed $16,560.20 this year to the Live United campaign to change lives and shape communities. Special thanks to United Way Employee Campaign Chair Sara Gunter, and Co-Chairs Pam McClellan and James Patterson for their leadership. Thanks to each of the library representatives who volunteered their time to help make the campaign a success! Finally, thanks to every library staff member who gave, volunteered, or advocated to make Jacksonville a better community in 2009!
Friday, December 11, 2009
One-Minute Video - Gretchen Mitchell Encourages the Heart
In this week's one-minute video story (which is actually more like two minutes), Chiquita Powell and Gretchen Mitchell remember how distraught Chiquita was at the prospect of taking full responsibility for the Children's Department at the Argyle Branch when it first opened, and how an unexpected visit from Gretchen made a world of difference.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
(To play properly, you may need to click Play [>], then click the Pause button, give it a minute to pre-load, then check back and click Play [>] again.)
p.s. If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see previous ones.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Northwest FRIENDS
The staff of the Northwest Branch Library thanks its Friends group for their fundraising efforts for the branch. A reception was held on Monday, December 7 to thank the NW Friends of the Library. The Friends had held a booksale at the branch in September and Alisha Harrell, president, presented the proceeds to the staff at the reception. The staff is very grateful to the Friends and all their hard work and has great plans for the library and its customers!
Monday, December 07, 2009
Pablo Creek Branch Excels in Volunteer Efficiency
Pablo Creek Branch Library had 40 volunteers (more than twice that of other JPL locations), who worked 5,477 hours, FY2009! PCR also retains many of their volunteers over a long period of time. Consequently, we asked Gail Blumberg, Library Associate, Senior, and Volunteer Coordinator there, to share some ideas on one of this year’s Performance Objectives: "Increase the library’s capacity to serve the public with an improved volunteer recruitment and retention program. Identify best practices; evaluate current practices; address barriers & increase current (FY09) level of volunteer hours by 2%.”
Ms. Blumberg said Pablo Creek’s location provides good access to retirees and students, who are more apt to volunteer. PCR has many volunteers that have proven to be a good fit. Some have even become part-time employees. She realizes this might not be the case at all locations.
The volunteer coordinator must combine organizational and communication skills in order to run a successful volunteer program. At PCR, for example, a weekly schedule is posted that includes volunteers’ names, duties and hours of service. Employees and volunteers can consult this weekly schedule as needed. This results in better planning and a positive work environment.
Where communication is concerned, she is cognizant that volunteers and staff feel free to voice their needs and opinions to her. She assigns specific duties to volunteers, such as processing holds, weeding newspapers, or reshelving in the teen, children’s or adult areas.
Each prospective volunteer is interviewed before being assigned to any work area. During this time, Ms. Blumberg tries to match the volunteer to the best work for him/her. For instance, she finds out if older volunteers can stand for a length of time shelving. If they cannot, they might be assigned to making phone calls for customer holds. This process has been beneficial in the retention of volunteers. PCR has volunteers who have been there since it opened in 2004.
She is glad to hear that HR is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. This will allow both volunteers and library staff to decide whether or not individual placements will work for all concerned.
Ms. Blumberg said Pablo Creek’s location provides good access to retirees and students, who are more apt to volunteer. PCR has many volunteers that have proven to be a good fit. Some have even become part-time employees. She realizes this might not be the case at all locations.
The volunteer coordinator must combine organizational and communication skills in order to run a successful volunteer program. At PCR, for example, a weekly schedule is posted that includes volunteers’ names, duties and hours of service. Employees and volunteers can consult this weekly schedule as needed. This results in better planning and a positive work environment.
Where communication is concerned, she is cognizant that volunteers and staff feel free to voice their needs and opinions to her. She assigns specific duties to volunteers, such as processing holds, weeding newspapers, or reshelving in the teen, children’s or adult areas.
Each prospective volunteer is interviewed before being assigned to any work area. During this time, Ms. Blumberg tries to match the volunteer to the best work for him/her. For instance, she finds out if older volunteers can stand for a length of time shelving. If they cannot, they might be assigned to making phone calls for customer holds. This process has been beneficial in the retention of volunteers. PCR has volunteers who have been there since it opened in 2004.
She is glad to hear that HR is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. This will allow both volunteers and library staff to decide whether or not individual placements will work for all concerned.
Friday, December 04, 2009
City's HR Initiates Trial Period for Volunteers
Sandra Stonestreet said that Human Resources is developing guidelines for a “trial period” for adult volunteers. Currently volunteers are required to clear a background screening before they can begin volunteering. JPL volunteer coordinators find many adults don’t understand the nature of the work or it is not what they expected and do not come back to complete the 30 hour commitment. A trial period will give adults an opportunity to experience the work first hand before going through the background screening process. We hope this will result in more satisfied volunteers and a savings to the City.
The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.
The suggestion of a “trial period” came out of a recent volunteer coordinator meeting. Volunteer coordinator meetings are held each quarter. A lot of great ideas come from these meetings. We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and increase volunteer hours.
Staff Profile
CSAII Susan Williamson works at Pablo Creek Branch Library and believes in furthering your education.Q: You received your AA in Psychology from the University of Phoenix recently--Congratulations! Do you plan to continue your education at this time?
A: Thank you. I am very excited about my AA degree. I have been working on it for a long time. Yes, I do plan to continue my education. I am waiting to see if FCCJ is going to have a four year program for psychology. My dad always wanted me to finish school. At this time, however, I am not sure when and where I will be finishing up. I have to give a special thank you to Christie Rogers and Joanna Tuskey for helping me to get through math. I was having a very hard time and they offered to help me.
Q: What have you learned in psychology that will help you in your position as CSAII?
A: Working with customers every day, I find that I use a lot of psychology. The classes have helped me understand and meet the needs of our customers. These classes have also helped with my personal development plan which is “Model the Way”.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of working at the library?
A: For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work in a library. For 13 years I worked in a private elementary school library. However, I knew I really wanted to work in a public library. When the opportunity came, I was ready. I worked for a summer at Webb Wesconnett Branch and then I was able to work part-time at Regency Square Branch. I have been full-time for five years and I love working at the Pablo Creek Branch. The most rewarding aspect to me has been getting to know the customers and working with some good people.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: Since I now have some free time, I enjoy reading the most. I have also found that I enjoy writing book reviews on PCR's Facebook page.
Q: What is the most interesting book you have ever read?
A: I cannot think of one book that has been the most interesting to me. However, when I realized in ninth grade how much I had missed reading, the first book I picked up was Victoria Holt’s Menfreya in the Morning. After that, it was all the Gothic romances that were written at that time; now it is any good mystery.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Notes from Collectin Development:
These Summer Blockbusters are now on DVD and in the collection:
When college-bound Sam Witwicky learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world.
James T. Kirk and his fellow novice crew members aboard the Enterprise face the Romulan villain Nero, who seeks revenge against the Vulcan race for an action committed by Spock in the future.
Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daly (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smitsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibts at the Smithsonian, including the pharoaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren't at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.
When college-bound Sam Witwicky learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy the world.
James T. Kirk and his fellow novice crew members aboard the Enterprise face the Romulan villain Nero, who seeks revenge against the Vulcan race for an action committed by Spock in the future.
Shawn Levy (CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, JUST MARRIED) directs the sequel of his hit film NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. Night guard Larry Daly (Ben Stiller), now a successful entrepreneur, returns to the Museum of Natural History to visit his friends--the exhibits that come to life at night--only to learn that they are being shipped off into deep storage at the Smitsonian Institution. To make matters worse, the exhibts at the Smithsonian, including the pharoaoh Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria), are suddenly coming to life--and they aren't at all happy about their new visitors. Determined to save his friends, Larry rushes to Washington, D.C., and makes his way into the inner workings of the largest museum complex in the world while Kahmunrah recruits the likes of Ivan the Terrible (Christopher Guest), Napoleon (Alain Chabat), and Al Capone (Jon Bernthal). Larry, meanwhile, finds himself with spunky Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) as a co-conspirator and love interest, and General Custer (Bill Hader) leading the battle for the Smithsonian.
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