from the tap 02-04-14

adverse weather policy

Please check the following television stations/websites tomorrow morning for any potential changes to Rowan County Government’s operating hours:

WBTV (Channel 3)
WSOC (Channel 9)
News 14 Carolina (Channel 14)
Rowan County’s Homepage:  www.rowancountync.gov

Employees are to use their discretion based on their own personal situation to decide if and when travel to and from work can be safely made.  Employees should protect their families and belongings before attempting to travel to work during adverse weather.

If the adverse weather policy goes into effect, employees will be allowed to utilize annual leave for lost time if they are unable to arrive at their designated work area.

superfoods handouts and recipes

Click here to download PDF

updated computer policy at HQ

From Melody--
Greetings! The Management Team has discussed the fact that there are times now when many computers are available and persons who would like more time don’t have that option.

Beginning today the two hour time limit for computer use at Headquarters has been removed. This change brings all locations under the same guidelines for computer use.

The patron’s first session consists of 60 minutes. When that time is close to being exhausted, the patron is given the option to extend their time in increments of 15 minutes.

This allows others who want to use computers to make reservations without having significant wait times, as any computer that had been used by one person more than an hour would be available in fifteen minutes or less.

In order for this to work, patrons should extend the time themselves; staff should not extend time for them. The exceptions would be a class or a job application that the patron needed more than an additional fifteen minutes to complete.

Thanks for your help in educating our patrons about this change by letting them know that they can extend their time on their own and that we have removed the two hour time limit for computer use. And thanks to Edward for working with IT to accomplish this.

Thanks, everyone. Melody

tlc upgrade

From Edward--

TLC  installed the new LS2Pac this past Sunday. We are currently in the implementation phase with a Project Manager from TLC to help with the setup.  IT is working on the images for the public catalogs and they will be rolled out at HQ first and then to the branches. When I have a link to the catalog, I will send that out so the staff can have a chance to use the new catalog.

endowments

From Pam--

I just got a call from a book club wanting to find out information on setting up an endowment.  I was told they asked someone on the 2nd floor for information and was told by that person, "I don't know anything about that."  Attached you will find some information you can print out if anyone asked about an endowment.  You can also give them my phone number and /or email address.

from the tap 01-27-14

definition of a reference question

This morning at the Librarians' meeting, Lynn shared the definition of a reference transaction as determined by the NC State Library Statistical Report:

A reference transaction is an information contact which involved the knowledge, use, recommendations, interpretation, or instruction in the use of one or more information sources by a member of the library staff.  It includes information and referral services.  Information sources include print and non-print materials or records, and through communication or referral, other libraries and institutions and people inside and outside the library.  The request may come in person or by any other means by a person of any age.  Do not count directional transactions or questions of rules or policies.

That's a whole lot of jargon, but what may help more is to determine what is not a reference question:

• Messages (to pull hold requests)
• Renewal of items checked out
• Checking items in/out
• Creating guest passes
• Looking up library card numbers
• Directional assistance (where are the biographies, bathroom, etc)

If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

50 novels guaranteed to make you a better person

It’s a new year, and resolutions are flying left and right — although, it has been two weeks, so certain pledges have probably already crashed and burned. Here’s one that’s always on everyone’s mind, beginning of the year or no: how to be a better person. Well, since science keeps proving that reading literary fiction accomplishes that very fact, why not attack a novel in order to spruce up your heart and mind?  Check out Emily Temple's list of 50 novels guaranteed to make you a better person.  (Flavorwire, Jan. 13; Science, Oct. 18)

roxy is a big sister

If you know Judy Page (circulation @ HQ), you know that she has the cutest four-legged grand-doggy.  Recently Roxy became a big sister, and she's learning to play the part!  From Judy, "Big sister still doesn't look real sure about the situation, but at least she let Makayla stay in the bed with her." 

from the tap 01-20-14

a message from melody

I am writing to let you know that I am planning to retire as of March 31, 2014.  I have been very fortunate to have been able to work with all of you and all the staff over the last 36 years at Rowan Public Library.  I will continue to work with the Friends and keep up with what’s going on here.  Thanks for all you do to make Rowan Public Library such a great place for our staff and our citizens.

Sincerely,
Melody

upgrade to LS2 PAC

From Edward--

Our upgrade to LS2 PAC is scheduled to take place after closing on January 25th. Our new PAC (catalog) will be online when we open Monday morning.

zola is here!

Congratulations to Ashley Bowie and Adrian!!
Zola Donshuntai' Neely was Born on Friday, January 10th at 10:47 am.

6lbs 12oz, 19 3/4"

from the tap 01-13-14

zinio is live!

from the tap 01-06-14