Job Fair at Main Library Scores Big

Ava Barrett, Main Library Administrative Supervisor, had this to report on the Job Fair held at the Main Library, March 6:  "It was a resounding success! The employers all reported being very pleased with the response and quality of the candidates and the candidates reported satisfaction with the vendors. Total registered candidates: 404. All workshops were full to capacity and WorkSource had lines of people waiting to go in for assistance with resumes or applications. Two companies actually hired on the spot and others told me they had collected some very good prospects. Everyone says it was a resounding success. Our Job Resource Guide was very popular and ran out quickly.  I am really pleased with the outcome of all our hard work."

Thank you to Library Board Trustee Rita Cannon for introducing Councilman Don Redman to speak at this event.  Partners included FSCJ, The Chamber of Commerce, WORKSource, and more than a dozen employers looking for workers.  At least two employers were hiring on the spot.  Free workshops on resume writing, networking and interviewing were offered by area experts.

Staff Profile

Randy Mapanoo started his career with JPL as a Library Clerk at Pablo Creek Branch in January 2010, and then promoted to Library Associate at Southeast Branch in March 2011. Slated for a demotion if the 15% budget cuts had taken effect FY2012, and still on probation, he pursued a project that would, if successful, give him some job security. He also knew his efforts could serve a real need at SE, educate customers, and be a draw for the library.

Southeast Branch Manager Lynne Baldwin said, “Randy Mapanoo exhibited these Destination Leadership practices in creating his E-reader presentation: Modeling the Way, Challenging the Process, Enabling Others to Act, Encouraging the Heart and Inspiring a Shared Vision when he used his E-Reader presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources…” His diligent research and study did indeed result in a successful, popular E-reader class, and Randy is now the “go to” person at SE when customers or employees have E-reader questions. It is no wonder he received both the Employee of the Quarter and Challenge the Process awards for the first quarter of  FY2012.

From these Q&A’s you can see how Randy progressed and covered so many aspects of Destination Leadership to develop an effective E-Reader class.

Q: What did you do to propose and prepare yourself to make the first E-reader presentation at SE?

A: I saw the need for organized training in a group setting because many customers were asking for assistance with their E-readers and other electronic devices and resources. With approval from my direct supervisor, Bob Silkett, and Lynne Baldwin, I then discussed my plans for the E-reader training class with Overdrive expert E-Specialist Donna Peretzman. By taking online training on electronic resources and borrowing a variety of readers from ILS, I learned how each reader worked. I also spoke with staff at the Overdrive Resource Center to learn specific aspects of the program. Then I scheduled individual training times for customers and staff and continued to talk to customers about their technology needs and how our branch could help them.

Q: Did you set a goal as to when you would present the first E-reader training class?

A: My goal of creating and presenting this class was to have it in the first quarter of FY12, and the first class was scheduled for December 14, 2011. I completed my training and research and then created the PowerPoint presentation in time to meet my goal.

Q: Your project obviously needed the cooperation of staff in other areas; how did that transpire?

A: I borrowed a variety of E-readers from ILS. Community Relations and Marketing staff worked with me on promoting the project. Flyers were made and the large sign Wally Bowden made was the first thing customers saw when they entered SE. I requested that program information be posted on the SE plasma screen, on our home page rotating screen and on the branch’s blog. Fellow SE staff also assisted with promoting this project to customers and a registration sheet was placed at the reference desk.

Q: What is your overall view of the first E-reader training class and subsequent classes?

A: I made training handouts for customers and believed this to be a valid experiment. From that first class, we could see any kinks in the program, use customer feedback and my experience in training to develop better programs for the future. The work paid off and the first class was a big success. Thirty plus customers attended on December 14—just in time for Christmas.

The second class, February 13, had 39 people attend with the same positive results: customers are being educated in new technology and Southeast Branch is developing its 21st century customer base. Using my presentation as an example of the need for customer training on JPL electronic resources, SE Librarian and new Adult Programming Coordinator Jeremy Hall is working on creating additional training for customers. Seeing the need for a separate training space, Lynne Baldwin is working with Administrative Supervisor Donna Riegel and SST Manager Gretchen Mitchell to create an electronic classroom at SE.

Q: What fun things do you like to do in your spare time?

A: I love to read and finally found time to do so again last month. I just finished The Imperfectionists, by Tom Rachmann, and enjoyed it. I also am starting to enjoy cooking more. I used to see it as just a chore, but I am beginning to appreciate it as I get better. I can’t say I’m good yet, but having fun is a start!

S.S.H. at Mandarin Branch - Shoo Teens There

S.S.H., or Students Suddenly Heard, is an event planned for teens, ages 11-18, to audition at Mandarin Branch for a variety show to be held at a later date.  Mandarin's Teen Coordinator, Don Carpenter, had a popular open mic event last summer and is planning another soon that will have a different twist.  He invites other JPL's to extend this invitation to their teens.  He is seeking actors and writers for MC and sketch comedy, dancers, musicians, magicians, jugglers, artists of all varieties and anyone else who thinks he/she can contribute to what will be a fabulous show.

Hooray for Elaine Randolph

South Mandarin Branch Manager Ed Murray nominated Elaine Randolph, Librarian Senior, for the newly implemented Innovation Award because he thought her Valentine Day display was"timely and fun".  Ms. Randolph became the first employee to win this award, and Library Director Barbara Gubbin was present when she received it on February 29.

Ms. Gubbin also submitted this picture and wanted all to see how well Ms. Randolph promoted Cupid and SOM's collection of materials.  (Please click on photo for larger view.)

A Good Way to Serve, Promote JPL, & Have Fun

Any sports fans out there? Tracy O’Sullivan, Library Associate at SOM, is also President of the Gator Club of Jacksonville, a division of the University of Florida's Alumni Association.  There are several SEC and other university alumni groups in Jacksonville that can be found on the Internet, and Tracy has found it is a good way to meet fellow alumni and make new friends. Maybe your alma mater has a local alumni and friends group that you could join.

Tracy has been involved with the Gator Club since she graduated from the University of Florida, and says, “I am very honored and proud to be a leader for the Gator Nation.” On February 2, she attended an award ceremony in Gainesville on behalf of the Gator Club of Jacksonville. The work Tracy and other club members did this past year earned the Jacksonville Club three awards--the most given to any club that night. The awards were for Best Young Alumni Leader, Best Young Alumni Event in the State of Florida, and Most Improved Gator Club in the State of Florida. The local Gator Club is just one of a hundred Gator Clubs around the world. In Jacksonville alone, there are over 10,000 Gator Alumni graduates.  She helps raise money for student scholarships and bring Gator alumni and friends together.  To view photos from the award ceremony, click here:  http://www.jaxgatorclub.com/.

SOM Knows What To Do W/Spring Break

The Children are coming! The Children are coming! Duval County Public Schools Spring Break, March 17 - 25, is just around the corner.  All kids and teens are welcome at these South Mandarin Branch programs:

• 6 pm, Monday, March 19 – Board Game Battle  – Battle against your friends for bragging rights.
• 3 pm, Tuesday, March 20 – Spring into the 1960’s – Dude, we'll host a cool blast to the past.
• 2 pm, Wednesday, March 21 – Celebrate the '60’s Book and Music Exhibit – Teens check it out, man, moving and grooving to top music and books of the 60’s.
• 3 pm, Thursday, March 22 – LEGOs in the Library – Building party (blocks donated by our patrons.)
• 3 pm, Saturday, March 24 – No Batteries Required! – Puzzles and games.

First To Receive JPL Innovator Award

Librarian Senior Elaine Randolph was South Mandarin's first recipient of the JPL Innovator Award.  Elaine created an impromptu "Valentine's Day" display in multiple formats, which included romance novels, dating guides, romantic comedies on DVD, and mood music on CD.  The display was a small sensation and generated much interest!

Please Note:  Other Innovation Award winners will be posted on this blog soon!

Kudos from Customers

Highlands Branch: “The staff at the checkout counter (Michelle DuBois, Tyhedra Wilson, Dana Curry, Corey Scott, Felecia Battle, Barbara Fritz & Cheron Williams) is super friendly.”

Main – Florida Collection: “I am writing to express my thanks to the staff in the Florida Collection (Raymond Neal, Hazel Sutton, Andy Barmer, Margaret Morford, David Fuller, Cathy Currier, & Jeff Geiger). I traveled to Jacksonville...to do research ... Each staff member...was courteous, helpful, and patient. My many requests for microfilm were promptly filled and when I had problems with equipment they were right there to help. With their assistance, I was able to get a great deal of information. …”

Main – Reference & Periodicals: “Today's class was very good. Jason Eneox did a very good job. Thank you.”

Mandarin Branch: “I would like to thank the librarians that work in the children's area (Margo Crafton, David Foster, Elaine Roberson, Frances Wickes, Sarah Miller & Brittany Gonzales). My grandchildren are regular visitors to the library and I have seen first-hand how patient and helpful they are with children that are there to look for books, movies, etc. I am a Media Center assistant (18 years) and know how important it is to encourage young readers. ...”

Pablo Creek Branch: “The children's department... is excellent. I bring my 2 year old once a week to the family preschool program. She loves it and I love what she learns from it. It is wonderful that a craft is always available following the program. I consider this an important part of my daughter's early education. A special thank you to Ms. (Margaret) Crawford, Ms. (DeLon) Rowan and Ms. (Hongying) Song, who are always extremely friendly and call my daughter by name.”

Need a Better View of You?

If you want to improve your and/or your family's health, look and feel better?  You can click here to view Elizabeth McConney's PowerPoint presentation, Easy, Healthy Food Choices, which earned her the Model the Way Award for the first quarter of FY12.  The presentation, originally made to customers, can benefit all of us.  Ms. McConney compiled this presentation using the new USDA guidelines.  She is a part-time shelver at Webb Wesconnett Branch and Librarian Mia Brack, reported that Ms. McConney "saved the day" when she pinch-hit with this talk after a scheduled speaker could not keep her engagement.

JB's Sharon Whitt Has Computer Wit

Beaches Branch Library Associate Sharon Whitt recently tried a new way to answer customers’ questions. On February 15, 2012, from 1-3 p.m., she became a Computer Coach and made herself available for all computer related inquiries. During her two hour stint, she assisted eight customers and answered ten questions.  Sandra Ostroski, Librarian Senior, reported this venture and said management was very pleased with the responses customers gave to Ms. Whitt's first endeavor of this kind.  (Click on the picture for a larger view.)

First 2012 Friends Book Warehouse Sale

Harry Reagan, President of the Friends of JPL, advises, "We have scheduled our first Book Warehouse Sale of 2012 for March 2, 3, 4 & 10."  All JPL locations should now have flyers and bookmarks advertising the Sale, and all staff are asked to help promote it every chance they get.  Word of mouth is a very cost-effective means of advertising.

We hope to see you (and some of the people you’ve told or emailed) at the Sale.

Monthly Film Series @ WST: "To Kill A Mockingbird" - Feb. 21st, 2:30 PM

This year, Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird was chosen for the National Education Association's "Big Read." In support of that, the film version, starring Gregory Peck in his Oscar-winning portrayal of Atticus Finch, will be shown on Tuesday, Feb. 21st, at 2:30 PM, in the auditorium (that is, Community Room A).

There is no admission charge. Free popcorn and soda will be provided.

- EDL

Glenda Atkinson-Lewis Retires After 33 Years

Glenda Atkinson-Lewis was honored by the Library Board of Trustees on the date of her retirement, February 9, 2012, when the Board passed a Resolution honoring Glenda for her “33 years of outstanding service to the Jacksonville Public Library and the City of Jacksonville since May 1979…”

She began her career as a Clerk at the Charles Webb Wesconnett Branch, November 25, 1979, assisting with the initial setup of that library. Later she worked in the Bookmobile, Talking Books and other branches, then on to the Main Library’s Florida Collection, Genealogy, Circulation, Popular & Fiction and Children’s departments. She retires as a Library Assistant.

Glenda will be honored with a reception by JPL staff, 2:00 pm -4:00 pm, Friday, February 10, 2012, in the Main Library’s Conference level, Room G-4.

Glenda Lewis will be missed and all of us at JPL wish this lovely lady the very best in her new chapter of life.

Talking Books Volunteers Reach Milestones in February

Librarian Chris Eaton reports that our Talking Books Library volunteers have something to celebrate in February:

Mr. John Burrows and Mr. Charlie Perry of the Telecom Pioneers each have five years of volunteer service.

Mr. Robert Bronzo reached one year of volunteer service.

Ms. Cheryl Williams logged 1500 hours of volunteer service.

Thank you for making JPL's Talking Books a more effective, efficient department of the library system, Mr. Burrows, Mr. Perry, Mr. Bronzo and Ms. Williams.  We laud your accomplishments and sincerely appreciate all that you do.

Former JPL Volunteer, Virginia Campbell, Passes

Heather Campbell, Senior Librarian in Main's Popular and Fiction departments, informed us that her mother, Virginia Campbell, passed away January 25.  Mrs. Campbell worked in Ohio and Indiana as a Home Economics teacher. She later worked in Indianapolis, Indiana as a substitute teacher. 

Mrs. Campbell volunteered to go door to door collecting signatures for a petition to extend library services to all Marion County residents- something that only occurred after (following Jacksonville’s example) Indianapolis’ consolidation. Moving to Florida in 1968, she taught school as a full time teacher and as a substitute in Desoto and Charlotte counties. Later she served as an RSVP volunteer in hospitals and schools.

Mrs. Campbell volunteered in the old Main Library Literature and History Department when she visited Heather in Jacksonville from 2000-2003.  She moved to Jacksonville after Hurricane Charley destroyed her home in Punta Gorda, FL.  She volunteered in the Main Library Special Services Department from 2005-2008 when she stopped due to health concerns.  She compiled information packets for the former Books By Mail program, updated return labels with the new Main Library address, and helped update ILL reciprocity lists.  

Mrs. Campbell's final act of volunteerism was to donate her body to medical science.

Heather, we all send our sincere condolences in the loss of your mother and wish to express our sincere appreciation for all your mother did to help so many.

Raiford A. Brown Honored at EB

For Black History Month, the Brown Eastside Branch Library has set up a display in the main entrance honoring Raiford A. Brown.

Staff Profile

Marshelle Berry has been employed by JPL for 25 years. She was Branch Manager of Brentwood and Regency Square Branches before her recent assignment to Supervisor, Urban Library Centers (Brown Eastside, Brentwood, Graham and Westbrook Branch Libraries).

Q: Changing from a manager of one branch and taking on management of four libraries was a monumental step. How did you prepare for that transition?

A: Changing from a manager of one branch and taking on management of four libraries was certainly a change, but not really a major transition for me. I had previously worked at several of these libraries and am very familiar with the branches and the communities they serve.

However, my leadership training and professional experience has been a springboard for success. Creating one team in four library locations was a new concept for JPL.  It was an inviting challenge, one that I knew I could handle. A few years ago, I chaired a Florida Library Association committee in which the members resided in various regions throughout the state of Florida.  I was able to successfully engage geographically separated individuals to meet deadlines and accomplish goals. Looking back on this experience helped me to understand that a team’s strength is not necessarily determined by close proximity. A team is developed through identifying shared values, open lines of communication, building trust and, most importantly, by building on the strengths of the team. The City of Jacksonville’s Leadership Development Academy and the Library’s Destination Leadership program also prepared me for my current role. The LDA class on Team Building defines a team as a group of people working together towards a common goal.  Keeping this definition in mind has been beneficial in my leading the four branches to meet and exceed goals.

Q:  Do you have a basic rule for handling difficult decisions in management?

A: Absolutely.  My basic rules for handling difficult decisions in management is to stay focused on the desired outcome and identify possible solutions, while keeping the big picture in mind.

I understand that there are often numerous solutions to any given problem. Therefore, as a manager, I have to identify the solution that will bring about the best possible result.  One method I use to identify a solution is to gather the opinions of others.  I have never been a know-it-all.  I like to bounce ideas off other people to see different viewpoints.  After I gather what I like to call “contrasting points-of- view”, I make my final decision based on the information I have gathered.

In his book, Growing a Business, Paul Hawken states, “Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to deal with them.”  I agree.  I have been able to make difficult decisions a little less difficult by making problems interesting.

For example, while managing Regency Square Branch Library, I challenged myself not only to streamline the presorting area, which had been traditionally known to be a place of extreme clutter and overflowing shelves, but I was also determined to streamline the process to the point where at least one range of presorting shelving could be removed. This was a major undertaking that took team work, buy-in and a great deal of collaboration. I did not sit in my office with my door closed trying to figure out the problem.  I observed, asked questions, and gathered the opinions of others.  I found that quite often the best solutions came from the part-time shelvers, who actually did the physical work and had a major stake in creating a successful outcome.  The presorting problem was interesting because it has existed for such a long period of time.  The decision to remove an entire shelving unit met with opposition but it was a decision that I had made and wanted to move forward.  Before I left Regency, the presorting shelving was consistently in great shape and the one range of shelving was dismantled and removed.  I’m certainly results-focused. This has enabled me to be a champion in making great decisions.

Q:  What is your management philosophy?

A:  Ralph Waldo Emerson was quoted as saying, “What you do speaks so loud that I can not hear what you say.”

I believe strongly in setting an example, or as Kouzes and Posner in The Leadership Challenge would describe it: Model the Way.  I have found that leading by example is a strong way to influence others. When you model the way, you don’t have to do a great deal of talking.  People tend to learn best by observing you. The Greek philosopher Plato was quoted as saying, “Good actions give strength to others and inspire good actions in others.”  While I believe this to be accurate, I also believe the reverse is also true.  Substandard actions inspire substandard actions in others.

As a manager I am always conscious of the message I’m sending, not only by my words but especially by my actions.

What is the most rewarding element of your position as the Urban Centers Library Supervisor?

A:  In my current role, I experience variety.  I have always successfully handled multiple priorities.  So, this role is actually a great fit for me.

On Monday, I may be working all day in the office.  On Tuesday morning, I may be assisting customers at the desk at Westbrook and by that same afternoon, I could be assisting customers at the Brown Eastside Branch.

Needless to say, I have to remain flexible, delegate responsibly, and remain thankful for such great staff members.

Would you share something about yourself most of us don’t know?

A:  I love inspirational quotes. Here’s a few of my favorites:

• Well done is better than well said. -- Benjamin Franklin
• Make the most of yourself for that is all there is of you. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
• It always seems impossible, until it’s done. --- Nelson Mandela

Black Women in American Culture & History Calendar

Besides the other outstanding people honored in the 2012 Black Women in American Culture & History calendar, you will see JPL's photogenic Library Board Vice Chair Dr. Brenda Simmons.  Dr. Simmons is also a charter member and the Administrative Liaison and Advisor for Black Women in American Culture & History and has been since 1989. 

You will also see Deputy Director Carolyn Williams featured for April and a snapshot of JPL's Library Supervisor of JPL's Special Collections/African American Collections Pat Morrison.  Pat is also the Black History Calendar Committee Co-Chair.

2nd Chibi Exhibit at Southeast Branch

Southeast Branch Library proudly presents its second Chibi Exhibition. Teens and Tweens of Southeast's Chibi Club celebrated their success (pictured right) with a chocolate themed party. Their magnificent art work can be viewed at SE Library during January and February.  Don't miss it. 

Like Variety? DU Has It

Highlands Branch Anime Club celebrated Japanese New Year by serving egg rolls--made by the teens and fried by Charron Williams--to the ten teens attending  the event.  They dined at creative place settings designed by Dana Curry.

On January 11, Beverly Mason held the second annual Peanut Butter Mania. One of the highlights was Tyhedra Wilson singing “Peanut, Peanut Butter (and Jelly)".  Sixteen children, teens, tweens and parents enjoyed peanut butter on bread, crackers, or apples, with or without jelly. National Peanut Butter Day is January 24, but DU celebrated a little early because of early voting.

Later in the day, Eva Newton and Dana Curry took a pile of fabric and PVC pipes that had been in storage since 2004 and restored DU's puppet theater. Every few years employes take the parts out of the box, make an attempt at putting it together and pack it back up. Dana and Eva made it a reality. Expect some puppet shows in the near future at Highlands.