new in 2014

Check out some exciting new features coming in 2014...  For more information about Learn4Life, check out the Reference Staff blog.

from the tap 12-30-13

log off at the end of the day

From Edward--

IT has requested that all users close any running programs and log off their computers at the end of the work day.

and the winners are...

Staff who participated in Staff Development Day received a Technology Passport with instructions that if he or she scanned and e-mailed the passport to Paul, they would be entered for a chance to win one of three $10 gift cards.  The day has arrived to announce the lucky winners of our drawing:
1.  Ramona Pierce
2.  Tara Greene
3.  Judy Page
Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated.  Winners may pick up gift cards at the circulation desk at Headquarters, or contact Melody (x8230) to have your card sent to you at the branches.  If you haven't already done so, please complete our quick anonymous survey.

from the tap 12-23-13

staff development day survey

A week ago, Staff Development Day was held at the South Branch.  The planning committee is following up with an anonymous survey that will help us further understand our staff’s exposure to technology and areas of technology in which you are interested in receiving training.

Don’t forget that your passport scans are due to Paul (paul.birkhead@rowancountync.gov) by 10:00 am this Friday (Dec 20th).  We will draw three winners for the $10 Tinseltown Movie Theater gift cards (courtesy of the Friends) and winners will be announced by 5:00 pm on Friday here on the Staff News blog.  Be sure to check back then to see if you’ve won and how to collect your gift card!

sweet potato pies

From Pam--

Jeff is offering to make more sweet potato pies @ $7 each if anyone is interested.  The pies will be delivered on Monday, December 23rd.   Proceeds will go to the Benevolence Fund.  Please contact Pam Nance or Sherri Jefferies if interested.

from the tap 12-16-13

gadget lab resources

Here some gadget help sheets from the Gadget Lab at Staff Development Day:

Nook & Sony Cheat Sheet (pdf)
Nexus One Home Screens (doc)
Hot Holiday Devices (pdf)
Comparison of Tablets (doc)
iPod Touch Set-Up (doc)
Apps for Dummies (doc)

team-building exercise in creativity

Here is the full tutorial on how to make the origami stars from our Staff Development Day:

problem solving activity

How should we respond to patrons who dispute their fines because they did not receive an email reminder?
Answer:  Not receiving an email reminder does not negate their responsibility to return books on time.  Upon check out they received a date due slip and our policy is that books are due two weeks from the date of the circulation.  Be courteous and offer to verify their email address, also suggest that they check their spam folder to insure that the emails are not being dumped there.  Sometimes when email providers  push out a new upgrade this will  send the TLC emails to the spam folder.

Who do we call when there is an after hours technology problem.  If it is x8500, why do they act like we shouldn’t be calling them to get in touch with Information Systems?
Answer:  This is from the folks at IT.  Call the after hour number, tell them it is not an emergency and request to speak to a supervisor.  The 8500 extension serves all areas of county government so we are competing with real EMS stuff.  Explain to the supervisor who you are and the situation they will then get our IT person on call to handle it.  Usually the IT person will call you back within a few minutes.

What is the proper procedure for accepting a donation that the patron wants added to the collection with a book plate?  Do we tell them it may or may not be added (at the discretion of the selector)?  If so, what happens if they say they want it back if we don’t add it?
Answer:   Be gracious and thank them for their generosity.  From the letter acknowledging gifts:
"These items will be evaluated as to appropriateness for the library’s collection.  If they are not added they will be given to the Friend of Rowan Public Library for their book sale.  Due to the number of donated materials received, gifts cannot be returned to the donor."  If the patron does not seem satisfied with this answer please refer them to your supervisor.  The selectors should not be put on the spot in such situations.

Is there a limit on how many materials not owned (formally ILL) requests we can take at a time for one patron?  Can we send ILL requests directly to Vanessa when the requested book or item is out of print and or too expensive for the library to purchase?
Answer:  Patrons may place up to 3 ILL requests at a time.  All ILL requests regardless of price or availability go to the selector.  Please refer to the Staff Blog for complete details.

What should I do if a book is lost?
Answer:  If a patron has lost a book:  From patron’s account highlight the material.  Go to  the bottom of the screen in the middle section and indicate mark lost.  Click on Go.  A replacement fee will be automatically be added to the patrons account.  If you cannot find the book and you have verified that it is not at any other location:  Go to check in screen, look to the right for special status, select this item only,  enter the missing book’s barcode, a new screen will appear, select MS: missing staff action  If the book were being pull for a patron then you would choose another copy to reserve for the patron.   TLC will give you the option to place a hold or it can do it automatically.  If it is the last copy then the information/request needs to go to the selector.  Then fill out a blue slip and send to Sherri.

What if a patron is looking at inappropriate material on his own computer? 
Answer:  Regardless of the ownership of the device RPL’s Disruptive Patron and Acceptable Use policy  is in place.  Internet use will be managed in a manner consistent with the Library’s Disruptive Behavior Policy.
The following actions will not be allowed:
•    accessing, sending, or displaying inappropriate, obscene, or disruptive messages, files, or images
•    using obscene language
•    changing  or adding files to the network
•    harassing, insulting, or attacking others
•    violating copyright laws or software license restrictions
•    unauthorized access, including “hacking,” and other unlawful activities online
•    unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors
Violations to these rules may result in a loss of access or library privileges, as well as appropriate legal action.

What is the proper procedure to follow if you witness two patrons in a heated argument?  Call a manager first?  Ask them to leave?  What do you do if they ignore you?  At what point do you ask for names so you can fill out an incident report?
Answer:  There is no one set answer for this question.  Your response depends on the situation and the staffing at the time of the incident.  If the people are loud then it falls under the disruptive patron policy.  If there is imminent threat of violence call 911 then contact a supervisor.  Please review the Disruptive Patron Policy, Procedures and Guidelines.

What to do when patrons have overdue books that can’t be renewed and they want to get on the computer?  Payment?  Or override in computer lab?
Answer:  Patron must pay $1.00 which will not go towards any accumulated fines.  This is considered a Privilege of Use fee.    If paying at HQ circulation they need a slip to take to the Computer Lab to show proof of payment.  We need this income.

What is the procedure for putting notes in a patron’s account?  How long must we wait to delete the message?
Answer:  Notes should be brief and concise to a situation not addressed by other flags or procedures.  Always date and initial the note.  Once a situation is resolved it may be removed.  Some notes will stay indefinitely.  If there are questions concerning a note please refer it to your supervisor.

What procedure to follow when patron brings in a copy of a book to replace one that has been made lost?  [This should not be offered to patrons but if they initiate we may follow these quidelines.]
Answer:  Procedure for replacement items brought in by patrons from the Blog:
Item must be exact item (same ISBN). Explain to patron that there is a $4 processing fee.
1.       From Check Out screen, check box next to item.
At bottom of screen, choose “Print Selected Items” > Go. Save this slip to attach to “Tech” slip.
2.       Check item in using barcode number of item being replaced. Do not make “Lost”.
This will also add late fees if required.
3.       Add $4 processing fee to patron’s account. (Use the “New Charge” button on Charges screen. Scroll down to  “Patron charge for processing replacement material”.)
4.       On Check In screen, use Special Status to change item status to “Repair: Tech Svcs”
5.       Fill out Tech Serv. Slip stating under “Other:” that it is a replacement copy and print the title or barcode of the item. Attach the slip from step 1 to the Tech slip.

nc withholding allowance certificate DUE DEC. 11TH!

From Darlene Boling, Director of Human Resources

The North Carolina General Assembly recently enacted House Bill 998 which becomes effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Under this new law, all taxpayers will pay a lower rate and be granted a higher standard deduction. Many deductions and tax credits that impact North Carolina withholding tax are no longer available for tax years beginning on or after January 1.  

All employees must complete a new Withholding Allowance Certificate, either Form NC-4 EZ or Form NC-4 and return to Human Resources by December 11, 2013.  DO NOT RETURN THE NC-4 ALLOWANCE WORKSHEET.  If you have questions, please contact your personal tax advisor.  If you fail to complete and return a new Withholding Allowance Certificate (NC-4EZ or NC-4), Rowan County is required to withhold NC tax as “Single” status with no allowances.

new online catalog: LS2

The following are resources Edward shared in his LS2 class at Staff Development Day:

Training site for LS2 Pac
http://ls2pac.tlcdelivers.com:8080/#

Help pages
http://ls2pachelp.tlcdelivers.com/2_7_1/UserApp/LS2PAC.htm

online tools

Click here to download PDF.

online tools: ancestry

Click here to download PDF.

online tools: ebook resources

Click here to download PDF.

online tools: rpl home page tips

Click here to download PDF.

sending email attachments

Click here to download PDF.

general scanning instructions

Click here to download the PDF.

from the tap 12-09-13

dinner

Friday, December 6th
If all-day staff development ain't enough...join us afterward for dinner with Alicia Corriher. 

from the tap 12-02-13

p-card purchases

From Jeff:

Please contact Pam before you place an order or make a purchase at a store to find out if they are a current vendor.    If they are not a vendor you must obtain a W-9 form before the order or purchase is made. We are having difficulty obtaining W-9 forms from several companies.  See Pam for any questions.

staff development day

Just a reminder about our Staff Development Day coming up on Friday, December 6th.  This year's theme is "Technology", and we're having the activities at South Rowan Regional so that we can spread out and use all the computer areas and meeting spaces on one open floor plan.

  

from the tap 11-25-13

post #200

I am excited to report this is our 200th post on the Staff News Blog, and what better way to celebrate than to share a little uplifting news...   

Jeff Hall is back in action at HQ after being out for several weeks following his neck surgery.  Kelly Miller is returning to work this week at South following her recent hand surgery.  Alicia Corriher is at home and thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers, cards, and flowers following her recent surgery.  Tina Cranmer, Pam Bloom’s son Evan’s partner, is improving from total amnesia after a fall last Saturday and was able to recognize Evan and their daughters.  Please continue to lift up Mandi Bliven, Betty Middleton's granddaughter, as she undergoes brain surgery next Tuesday.

alicia corriher

As you may have heard, Alicia Corriher, a substitute at South, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and had surgery on Thursday.  Despite her lack of sleep, diet of ice chips/water, and itchy reaction to some of the medication, Alicia is in good spirits and full of her signature spunk.  She sends her deep appreciation for the love and support from RPL, and is enjoying the cards and flowers prominently displayed on a shelf in front of her bed.  Please continue to lift her and her family up for healing and strength.

from the tap 11-18-13

staff changes

There have been a number of staff changes recently.  Shearin Teague, who has been serving as a Page at East was recently promoted to Part-Time Library Associate I at East.  Pam Bloom, who previously worked as a Library Assistant in the Computer Lab at HQ, is now a full time Library Assistant (Children's Services) at HQ in the position vacated by Jennifer Loflin's retirement.  Tammie Foster, who previously worked part time as a Library Associate at South, is now a Library Associate (Children’s Services) at East in the position vacated by Elaine Burchette’s retirement.  Sheila Flowers is our newest PT Library Assistant (Circulation) at HQ in the position vacated by Barb Sprandel’s retirement.  Warmest congratulations and welcome to all!

mmmm good!

We are having a soup lunch for benefit the Staff Benevolence fund on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Lunches will be delivered to branch staff on request. Please bring a drink or dessert to contribute.

sweet potato pie

Jeff is taking orders for Sweet Potato Pies and all money will be donated to the Benevolent Committee.  The cost of the pies are $7.00.  These pies come with a guarantee.  Please let Sherri Jefferies (ext 8257) know if you would like to order a pie or two before 5pm on Monday, November 18th.  Pies will be delivered on Tuesday, November 19th the day of the Benevolent Luncheon.

Thanks To All In Advance!

from the tap 11-11-13

we need your input!

Is there an issue that you don’t quite know how to address?  A procedure you wish everyone would do consistently?  Something you would like to know but you’d rather not put it out there in-person?  Now’s your chance.  The Staff Development committee is preparing a problem solving activity for December 6th and we are requesting input from our coworkers. 

Each supervisor has been asked to place a bowl, basket or other container out in an area where folks can put in their questions or issues.  Deadline to submit issues is November 22.

spam alert

If you receive an e-mail that looks similar to the one below, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK.  It is spam and should be deleted.

Rowancountync Webmail Users,

There is an emergence from our data base we are currently carrying-out a
maintenance process to your mailbox account, to complete this process
Please copy and paste the link on you web Browser or click on the link.

http://rowancountync.form2go.com/rowancountync-gov-update.html

(copy it and paste it into your web browser's bar. then fill and submit for complete update)

This process will help us to fight against spam mails sent to your email. Failure to complete
this process, will have your mailbox account deleted from our database.

Thanks
HELP DESK

happy halloween!

East celebrates with a festive story time (that adorable young pirate in the top left belongs to Ms. Tammie)!

Pam, Tara, Sherri, and Vicki showing a little Halloween spirit at HQ!

Sheila sports her pumpkin sweater while Kelly's homemade "Book Fairy" costumes get a twirl by Marian, Kelly, Amy, and Joan at South!

baby shower for ashley bowie

copies of salisbury life

If anyone has an extra copy of last month's Salisbury Life magazine (free publication mailed out to residents in Salisbury), please give to Melody.  It featured an article about Jennifer Loflin's art program at Rowan Public Library.

A photograph of John Tucker's son, Zach, was featured prominently in an article about getting a well-rounded education in the most recent edition of Salisbury Life.

obituary for stamey shoemaker

FAITH - Mr. Stamey Clyde Shoemaker, 75, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 at his home, after courageously battling esophageal cancer for almost three years.

The son of the late William Clyde and Elizabeth Brown Shoemaker, Stamey was born June 2, 1938 in Forsyth County. He was a 1956 graduate of Statesville High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1962-1964.

Stamey was an active member of Faith Baptist Church and the Homer Holshouser Sunday School Class. He also served on the Lord's Supper Committee. He worked at the Salisbury Post Office as a city carrier from September 1968 until July 1998. After being retired for six years, he was employed part-time with the Rowan County Library for nine years when he had to retire December 2012 due to complications of pneumonia.

He was a avid reader and also enjoyed working crossword puzzles and attending American Legion Baseball games.

Stamey was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Stamey was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Shoemaker on Jan. 20, 2001.

Stamey is survived his wife, Charlene Jones Shoemaker, whom he married June 28, 1967; son, Neil Shoemaker and wife Wendie; grandchildren, Hannah and Ben Shoemaker, Katrina Coble, Tawny Brazeel, Cody Brazeel; great-grandchildren, Kacyn Shoemaker, Riley Cavin, Maddie Hughes, Jakob Hughes, Jaxon Brazeel; brothers-in- law, Wayne Jones and wife Phyllis and Woody Jones and wife Martha; sister-in-law, Grace Anderson; and special friends, Ray and Patty Leazer.

Visitation: The family will receive friends at Faith Baptist Church on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 from 10-11 a.m.

Service:The funeral service will be Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Joe Smith, pastor. Burial will follow at Faith Baptist Church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Rowan County Veteran's Honor Guard.

Memorials:In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Faith Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 84, Faith, NC 28041 or Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care, 720 Grove Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Black and all the staff of Carolina Oncology for the compassionate care they offered Stamey during his illness and to all the Hospice staff who took such good care of him. Also, a special thanks to Stamey's close friends, Bill Poole and Rob Howle, who visited Stamey on a weekly basis.

Powles Funeral Home, an honored provider of Veteran's Funeral Care is assisting the Shoemaker family. Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.

Originally published in the Salisbury Post

stamey shoemaker

Stamey Shoemaker, former courier at RPL, passed away this weekend after a lengthy battle with cancer.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, and extended family.

from the tap 10-28-13

fall photowalks

Fall Photowalks, a set on Flickr.

Check out the photos from our series of photowalks in Rockwell, China Grove, and Salisbury!