Mrs. Cynthia Simmons has
blended into the fabric of JPL very well for 29 years—so quietly one might not be aware
of her for a while since she shuns the limelight; however, her work always shines wherever she is located and no matter the position. When asked to be the subject
of this month’s “Staff Profile”, Cynthia relented but said, “It’s hard to talk
about yourself.”
Q: As Clerical Supervisor
for the Main Library and Urban Core Libraries (EB, WBK, NS and GB), how did
you progress to your current position with its responsibilities?
A: My 25 years as a Civil
Service employee was preceded by four years as a part-time worker with the
Summer Library Program. In August 1986, I became a Part-time Shelver at the
Haydon Burns Main Library. While there, I was promoted to Part-time Temporary
Clerk in Children’s and then to Clerk I in General Services’ Florida/Genealogy
department. Promoted to Clerk II in 1988, JPL assigned me to Regency Square
Library and later I transferred to Southeast Library where I was promoted
to Library Assistant. Afterwards, I came back to old Main and was promoted to
Clerical Supervisor and transferred to Mandarin Branch. After working at KR for
about ten years, I came back to the new Main Library and recently was assigned as a liaison for the ULC’s, working closely with Pat Morrison, ULC
Supervisor. Ron Block is my supervisor at Main. I train employees at Main and at the ULC's and help
implement policy changes and manage monthly finances.
Q: What management strategy
do you use to effect the efficient daily running of Circulation?
A: I am willing to do the job
my employees do and I keep a “hands-on” work experience with them every day so
I can see what is done and make changes that need to be made. This way, we can
all work efficiently to serve customers with speed and accuracy, adhering to
JPL policy. I listen to staffs’ input. Whenever and however their ideas can
be used to improve service, they are implemented in Circulation.
Q: What is the result of
changes that help Circulation operate better?
A: We have more cohesive
teamwork. Currently, we are striving to improve check-in accuracy.
Q: How do you help employees
adjust to change?
A: By working personally with
staff to overcome resistance to change, which is something we all must deal
with, and highlighting positive results that will occur through change, we meet
the challenges.
Q:
What is your favorite pastime?
A: My husband and I enjoy
traveling when we can.
University Park Branch volunteer Emily Adams (left) received her newly designed JPL tote bag recently from UPK's Volunteer
Murray Hill's Children’s Librarian, Chiquita Powell, submitted this recap of their After School Thanksgiving Program, November 21, "It has been a struggle to get customers to attend our after school programs, so I was very excited we had 13 people show up today. The children participated in three activities. First, they played Thanksgiving Bingo. The two winners were able to select leftover summer reading books. The children then made two crafts. The first was a turkey crown, and the second was a "thankful" wreath. The children were able to write on small leaves what they were thankful for and attach it to a paper wreath. Everyone had a great time."
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