Soon JPL will begin transitioning to Floating Collections. We will start with Media, including DVDs, CDs, VHSs and books on tape. The print collection will follow and that is planned for November or December.
JPL has completed three classes on Floating Collections, and to further heighten awareness in a fun way, we will be listing two questions in this blog twice a week over the next few weeks. Below are the first two questions and any staff desiring to send an answer to either one or both questions can do so and be eligible for a prize to be awarded at the close of this series of Q’s. Send your answers to these and/or forthcoming Q’s to either Cheryl Callavini or Mark Hohnadel via email.
Q: How will staff deal with an overflow of materials in our collection?
Q: If we find that we have very few or no books in a certain subject area what can we do?
Answers to Q's will be given in the next blog; so be looking for them. (Right or wrong, staff who email their answers to either Ms. Callavini or Mr. Hohnadel will have their names entered for the prize drawing.)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
After 35 Years, Naomi Bryant Retires
Naomi Bryant, Library Assistant in Acquisitions, ends her long career with the library on June 25 and will be missed by JPL staff.On June 23, her supervisors and peers, joined by Naomi's family, honored her with a party at University Park Branch where she works in the Support Services area.
You are wished the very best always, Naomi.
Stars of Star Wars Shine at Mandarin Branch
On May 29, David Foster hosted his fourth annual Star Wars program, in which participants made arts & crafts from a galaxy far, far away by using ordinary household items and lots of imagination. The centerpiece each year is the selection of and customization of light sabers that are made from empty gift wrap rolls. Other activities included designing your own droid components from plastic egg halves, apple sauce containers, and tapioca containers, plus walking a remote R2D2 like a puppy, plus listening to stories from a miniature, robotic Yoda. With help from the 501st Legion, Florida Garrison, Squad 7, the program was a huge success with 127 people in attendance.According to the voice/ image release forms, the following real people correspond with the following characters in the group photo (from left to right):
Brian Chittick, (TIE Fighter Pilot)
Cheyenne Bowers (Imperial Officer)
Rebecca Hudson (Storm trooper)
Michael Joiner (Darth Vader)
David Foster (Obi-David Kenobi)
Mike Milner (Imperial Officer)
Jason Sobol (Helper)
Patrick Nichols (Biker Scout)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Kudos from Customers
Beaches: “Children's room clerk, Diane Byrd, invariably goes way beyond the call of duty to help me when I come in with knotty inquires involving children's books. … Many thanks for her friendly service.”
Main – Reference: “Mr. Greg [Royce] and Ms. Crystal [Chase] are always customer service oriented and very, very helpful. I appreciate their expertise and patience."
Southeast: “Just want to compliment 'Torrie' (Pertoria Kennedy), who was working the front desk. She was friendly, professional, and helpful. Torrie provided the most pleasant service I've experienced at the library.”
University Park: “…Mr. Wise…is very pleasant…His being cordial, coupled with his professionalism, makes for a welcomed visit…”
Webb Wesconnett: “Sandra Lockley is very professional. She assisted me two weeks ago with a problem on my account. ...”
Main – Reference: “Mr. Greg [Royce] and Ms. Crystal [Chase] are always customer service oriented and very, very helpful. I appreciate their expertise and patience."
Southeast: “Just want to compliment 'Torrie' (Pertoria Kennedy), who was working the front desk. She was friendly, professional, and helpful. Torrie provided the most pleasant service I've experienced at the library.”
University Park: “…Mr. Wise…is very pleasant…His being cordial, coupled with his professionalism, makes for a welcomed visit…”
Webb Wesconnett: “Sandra Lockley is very professional. She assisted me two weeks ago with a problem on my account. ...”
Efficiency and Operational Procedures
This article was contributed by Bill Schaefer, our new Operations Analyst, who reports to Barrett King, Deputy Director:
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, efficiency is the effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost. Put simply: are we getting a bang for our buck? The JPL receives a finite budget annually and must strive to make the best use of allocated money and resources while at the same time focusing on providing the highest quality service to the customer. Successful organizations strive to be efficient by developing operational procedures that standardize how business is conducted throughout the organization and optimize best practices based on experience and cost effectiveness. Standard operating procedures help reduce confusion, variation, and are a key step toward process improvement.
One of my primary duties is to help assist with defining how the Jacksonville Public Library system can improve its operational procedures to deliver quality services more cost-effectively, with less waste. Efficiency improvement at the JPL can take many forms ranging from the addition of new automated equipment which eases employee workload, freeing staff to focus more on customer service needs, to developing new operational processes that maintain high standards and help save money. I have been tasked to review current operational procedures and to identify to senior leadership areas where they may consider implementing procedural or policy review. I will also be involved with drafting operating procedures for review to increase library service efficiency. I have been working to become knowledgeable on the policies and regulations within the JPL and COJ systems to determine where we are today and what we can do to make tomorrow more efficient. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected to work as part of JPL’s highly trained and professional staff, and I look forward to working with all of you.
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, efficiency is the effective operation as measured by a comparison of production with cost. Put simply: are we getting a bang for our buck? The JPL receives a finite budget annually and must strive to make the best use of allocated money and resources while at the same time focusing on providing the highest quality service to the customer. Successful organizations strive to be efficient by developing operational procedures that standardize how business is conducted throughout the organization and optimize best practices based on experience and cost effectiveness. Standard operating procedures help reduce confusion, variation, and are a key step toward process improvement.
One of my primary duties is to help assist with defining how the Jacksonville Public Library system can improve its operational procedures to deliver quality services more cost-effectively, with less waste. Efficiency improvement at the JPL can take many forms ranging from the addition of new automated equipment which eases employee workload, freeing staff to focus more on customer service needs, to developing new operational processes that maintain high standards and help save money. I have been tasked to review current operational procedures and to identify to senior leadership areas where they may consider implementing procedural or policy review. I will also be involved with drafting operating procedures for review to increase library service efficiency. I have been working to become knowledgeable on the policies and regulations within the JPL and COJ systems to determine where we are today and what we can do to make tomorrow more efficient. I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected to work as part of JPL’s highly trained and professional staff, and I look forward to working with all of you.
Kids Race Sea Monsters at Graham Branch
Graham Branch held a sea monster race and party, June 17, for children. The party was one of their special Make A Splash At Your Library programs. Here Bruce Woods colors his own sea monster and shows Picasso doesn't have a thing on him.Tuesday, June 15, 2010
JPL's Donations to Gift for Health
Library employees donated a total of $2,054.00 in pledges and cash/check donations toward's the City's 2010 Gift for Health campaign that closed last week. We appreciate the thoughtfulness and gifts made by those who could support this worthwhile effort.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Two New Titles & Two Wedding Dates
Ali Johnson previously worked in Marketing Communication part-time as a Communications Specialist when she was single. Now working full-time for Kathy Tekin, Library Supervisor, Youth Services, Ali has a new title--Youth Services-Community Relations Specialist. Shortly after taking her new position, she made another major change in titles--Mrs.--when she married Kyle Loftin in Orange Beach, Alabama, May 22. (Ali prefers to be known as Ali Johnson Loftin.) She gives this fun fact about their wedding: "I actually forgot to apply for my marriage license in advance for the May 22nd wedding, so the secondary wedding ceremony, which we held on the 29th in my home state of Kansas, will be our official wedding date, though we will acknowledge the 22nd as our anniversary date. " (To enlarge picture, double click on it.)Best wishes to the bridge and groom!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Bravo Zulu!!!
Bravo Zulu!
Navy Band Southeast’s Brass Quintet, Windward Brass, treated the Northwest staff and customers to everything from “Ain’t Misbehavin” to “Amazing Grace” with a little tango thrown in. They performed musical styles ranging from traditional brass quintet literature, Broadway hits, and the popular songs of today. We even got downright patriotic with “ God Bless America”.
Just another day at the library.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Mary Heaney Inspires a Shared Vision
In the latest one-minute video story , Mary Heaney tells how she inspired a vision of a popular book club for young girls that could nurture social skills, encourage reading, and build a sense of community at the Regency Branch.
(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.
If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see the rest.
(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.
If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see the rest.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Main Teen Department Participates in ALA Great Stories CLUB
The Main Teen Department and Impact House have partnered to participate in the ALA Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) Round III grant this spring. The grant awarded 11 copies each of 3 book titles that were selected by YALSA and $200 for refreshments and gift books. A select group of Impact House teens, Ms. Perret, Ms. Elias, and Mia Clark, Librarian, have met regularly to read Gary Soto's The Afterlife. Tomorrow is their last meeting where they will celebrate with pizza and final discussions. The book club has been a big success and they plan to continue their partnership by starting a new book club in June. More information about the grant can be found in the link below.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/ppo/programming/greatstories/club.cfm
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/ppo/programming/greatstories/club.cfm
Staff Profile
Matthew Moyer is innovative, interesting, has a wonderful sense of humor and is the Employee of the Quarter for the second quarter and won the Challenge the Process award recently. He, along with the Zine Committee (L/R: Josh Jubinsky, Matthew Moyer, Jessica Whittington and Andrew Coulon), helped begin a new collection at the Main Library, known as the Zine Collection, and participated in a well received Zine presentation at FLA in March.Q: What is a Zine?
A: A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine, or magazine; pronounced "zeen") is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest usually reproduced via photocopier. They are generally produced in editions of less than 200, and profit is not the primary intent of publication. Zines are written in a variety of formats, from computer-printed text to comics to handwritten text. Print remains the most popular zine format, usually photocopied with a small circulation. Topics covered are broad, including fanfiction, music, politics, art and design, personal journals, social theory, single topic obsession, or general content far enough outside of the mainstream to be prohibitive of inclusion in more traditional media.
Q: Why did you think the Zine Collection would be a good addition to Main’s Popular Department?
A: The timing seemed right. Libraries all around the country have added zine components to their collections, but there really aren’t any such collections in public libraries in the Southeast. Why not Jacksonville?
Q: Who is the target audience for the Zine Collection?
A: Originally, the target audience was adults from the ages of 16–40. This group is familiar with the zine format and recognizes zines as a source for educational and entertaining writing. This demographic is still the core audience, but with the Zine Machine program for kids and having the poet Alan Justiss (after all, chapbooks and poetry pamphlets were the antecedents of zines) speak at our Much Ado events, we’re hoping to expand awareness of the medium.
Q: Is customer interest still growing in Zines? How do you promote the collection?
A: Interest is still very high. Our circulation has been steady, and every time we’re at an outreach, new faces approach us, surprised and happy that the library is now making these materials available. We promote the collection through our web presence (blog, Facebook, and Twitter). We’ve had musical performances and author readings to hype the collection, but more importantly, we do a lot of outreach. We’ve set up our table at concerts and other events like the Riverside Arts Market, where we sign up people for library cards and have zines available for checkout right there. We feel that it is important to take the collection out to where our audience can be found.
And people seem to love the “I Heart My Zine Library” buttons.
Q: Please recommend a couple of “best” titles from the JPL Zine Collection.
A: Where to start? Sandra Knauf’s Greenwoman zine—all about gardening and environmental consciousness—is always a favorite. Molly the Popsicle, by Christoph Meyer and his five-year old son Herbie, is a really fun read. We’ve got a massive donated archive of the famous punk zine Maximum Rock N’ Roll, which is indispensable reading for anyone interested in music subcultures. I’m personally enjoying The Rise and Fall of the Harbor Area at present. But there are so many hidden treasures in the collection right now – Food Geek, America?, Dictionary Stories, Reggae Chicken, King Cat, Galatea’s Pants, Stories That Care Forgot, Salt and Slush, Feedback…. I could go on forever.
Q: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a huge Dolly Parton fan. I want to make a pilgrimage to Dollywood.
A: A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine, or magazine; pronounced "zeen") is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest usually reproduced via photocopier. They are generally produced in editions of less than 200, and profit is not the primary intent of publication. Zines are written in a variety of formats, from computer-printed text to comics to handwritten text. Print remains the most popular zine format, usually photocopied with a small circulation. Topics covered are broad, including fanfiction, music, politics, art and design, personal journals, social theory, single topic obsession, or general content far enough outside of the mainstream to be prohibitive of inclusion in more traditional media.
Q: Why did you think the Zine Collection would be a good addition to Main’s Popular Department?
A: The timing seemed right. Libraries all around the country have added zine components to their collections, but there really aren’t any such collections in public libraries in the Southeast. Why not Jacksonville?
Q: Who is the target audience for the Zine Collection?
A: Originally, the target audience was adults from the ages of 16–40. This group is familiar with the zine format and recognizes zines as a source for educational and entertaining writing. This demographic is still the core audience, but with the Zine Machine program for kids and having the poet Alan Justiss (after all, chapbooks and poetry pamphlets were the antecedents of zines) speak at our Much Ado events, we’re hoping to expand awareness of the medium.
Q: Is customer interest still growing in Zines? How do you promote the collection?
A: Interest is still very high. Our circulation has been steady, and every time we’re at an outreach, new faces approach us, surprised and happy that the library is now making these materials available. We promote the collection through our web presence (blog, Facebook, and Twitter). We’ve had musical performances and author readings to hype the collection, but more importantly, we do a lot of outreach. We’ve set up our table at concerts and other events like the Riverside Arts Market, where we sign up people for library cards and have zines available for checkout right there. We feel that it is important to take the collection out to where our audience can be found.
And people seem to love the “I Heart My Zine Library” buttons.
Q: Please recommend a couple of “best” titles from the JPL Zine Collection.
A: Where to start? Sandra Knauf’s Greenwoman zine—all about gardening and environmental consciousness—is always a favorite. Molly the Popsicle, by Christoph Meyer and his five-year old son Herbie, is a really fun read. We’ve got a massive donated archive of the famous punk zine Maximum Rock N’ Roll, which is indispensable reading for anyone interested in music subcultures. I’m personally enjoying The Rise and Fall of the Harbor Area at present. But there are so many hidden treasures in the collection right now – Food Geek, America?, Dictionary Stories, Reggae Chicken, King Cat, Galatea’s Pants, Stories That Care Forgot, Salt and Slush, Feedback…. I could go on forever.
Q: What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a huge Dolly Parton fan. I want to make a pilgrimage to Dollywood.
Mandarin Branch Celebrates The River with Art
Check out the art scene at the Children’s Department at the Mandarin Branch Library. Click on the picture to get a bigger view.The After School Art is a wonderful program at Mandarin developed by Shivon Rockward with an emphasis on different artistic and cultural styles. The children's program is offered once a month on Tuesday afternoon during the school year. Works from the program are on display on the After School Art Wall.
Customers help celebrate The River with the ABC River Celebration Bulletin Board in the Children’s Department at Mandarin. Each letter of the alphabet is an original work of art designed by our youngest library customers.
Could we be looking at the next Picasso?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Team Regency Encourages the Heart
In the latest one-minute destination:LEADERSHIP video, Lanette Jackson explains how the Regency Branch Encourages the Hearts of their co-workers by using the now-familiar "Wall of Appreciation".
(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.
(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.
If you missed previous video stories, simply click the arrow on the left side of the screen to see the rest.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Much Ado About Mandarin Branch Library
Mary Mlady, Volunteer Coordinator at Mandarin, (left) congratulates longtime KR Volunteer Josie Lococo on being named the Volunteer of the Quarter.Mandarin Branch also celebrated the reopening of the branch after a five day renovation of the circulation area with a C
ustomer Appreciation Party on Wednesday, May 12, 2:00 -3:00 pm. Cake, popcorn, bottled water and Capri sun fruit pack were served. Staff took the opportunity to demonstrate the new self check machines to customers and route them to the new interior book drops. Lynne Baldwin, Manager, and staff thank Michael Sullivan, Administrative Supervisor, for attending and showing his support.
ustomer Appreciation Party on Wednesday, May 12, 2:00 -3:00 pm. Cake, popcorn, bottled water and Capri sun fruit pack were served. Staff took the opportunity to demonstrate the new self check machines to customers and route them to the new interior book drops. Lynne Baldwin, Manager, and staff thank Michael Sullivan, Administrative Supervisor, for attending and showing his support. 
Customers are very pleased with the new circulation area. Three self check machines, two interior book drops, new carpeting, tract lights and LCD Screen give this library area a whole new look, and Kara Heydon's pictures adorn the back wall until June 30. (Other artists' works will subsequently be displayed.)
Mandarin Branch staff welcome you to come see their beautiful new look and enjoy this exceptional photographic display. (Double click on the pictures for a better look.)
A BIG WELCOME TO:
Dr. Donna L. Riegel, Administrative Supervisor, who reports to Carolyn S. Williams, Deputy Director,
AND TO
Lisa Brown Buggs, Community Education and Enrichment Program Supervisor, who reports to Barrett King, Deputy Director, Administrative Services.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Artwork from Genius Factory Kids
Northwest is doing an art show. Staff used the children's department and the hallway (elevator foyer)to display the artworks.
As staff put up all the works, we were amazed at all the wonderful art projects the kids did this week. The kids were very excited to see their work displayed and to show off their artistic talents to their parents. Northwest is so proud of Genius Factory kids and their gorgeous art work! Here is a sneak peek…
As staff put up all the works, we were amazed at all the wonderful art projects the kids did this week. The kids were very excited to see their work displayed and to show off their artistic talents to their parents. Northwest is so proud of Genius Factory kids and their gorgeous art work! Here is a sneak peek…
Kudos from Customers
Beaches Branch: “We come to storytime every week we *LOVE* Miss Lizzie (Bourland)! She's a **SUPERSTAR!!*”
Highlands Branch: “Janet (Ducat) is a very helpful and very nice person. Every time I need something she is always there for me!”
Main – Children’s Department: “… I was very impressed with the quick response of your staff (Keith Hayes) to my request for a class visit. …My visit was fruitful in that I left with all the materials I needed to write a scenario and allow the creative staff to develop the additional information needed to attach a library visit to the Children's Lit course … .”
Main Library – Conference Center: “…Frank Smith was terrific again this year helping me navigate through all the coordination required. (In fact, he did all the work for me!) I'm grateful for his assistance and cooperation. Mitesh Sangani and his staff …were wonderful to work with as well. …”
Pablo Creek Branch: “Wanted to let you know about the wonderful service provided by your staff member Susan (Williamson). I come in here all the time to check out and pick up holds and she always gives 110%. Thank you!”
Highlands Branch: “Janet (Ducat) is a very helpful and very nice person. Every time I need something she is always there for me!”
Main – Children’s Department: “… I was very impressed with the quick response of your staff (Keith Hayes) to my request for a class visit. …My visit was fruitful in that I left with all the materials I needed to write a scenario and allow the creative staff to develop the additional information needed to attach a library visit to the Children's Lit course … .”
Main Library – Conference Center: “…Frank Smith was terrific again this year helping me navigate through all the coordination required. (In fact, he did all the work for me!) I'm grateful for his assistance and cooperation. Mitesh Sangani and his staff …were wonderful to work with as well. …”
Pablo Creek Branch: “Wanted to let you know about the wonderful service provided by your staff member Susan (Williamson). I come in here all the time to check out and pick up holds and she always gives 110%. Thank you!”
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
It's a bird...It's a plane...It's.....
It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Free Comic Book Day! Fifteen kids of all ages stopped by the Northwest Library on Saturday, May 1 to pick up their free comic book.
How did we do it? I pulled out comic books from our collection (Adult, Teen and Children's sections) and put them on the table decorated for the day. When the customers check out, circulation staff hands them their free comic book.
How did we do it? I pulled out comic books from our collection (Adult, Teen and Children's sections) and put them on the table decorated for the day. When the customers check out, circulation staff hands them their free comic book.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Congratulations to Brenda Javier, New American Citizen at Regency Square Branch
Team Regency recently hosted an Encourage the Heart party in honor of Brenda Javier, who was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen on March 15. Team members brought in All-American food items, dressed in red, white, and blue and celebrated Brenda’s tremendous achievement. Pictured L/R: Mary Heaney, Pamalia Null, Lucy Harris, Bernice Newsom, Marshelle Berry, Lanette Jackson, and Stephanie Harley. Brenda Javier is in the center holding her flowers.
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