packing baskets for the courier

Please make sure that all interoffice envelopes are on top in one basket for whichever branch they destined. The blue money bags should always be visible for the courier when they arrive to pick up the baskets.

Beginning the week of February 14th, 2015 the courier will now have a canvas bag to carry the blue money bags and all envelopes destined for HQ. As soon as the courier arrives back at HQ they will take that container to Administration on the third floor, deliver the money and envelopes then return the container to the van. Our goal is to make sure all items arrive at their destination on schedule.

Thank you to all who prepare the baskets and work to make sure materials move around our system smoothly.

changing PINs over the phone

Patrons may now reset (or set, if they have never had one) the PIN for their account over the phone.  Just ask for their card number and have them verify the information from their account.  You may then set, or reset, their PIN.  We making changes to allow easier access to renewals, holds, and online tools for folks.  Thanks!

disruptive behavior policy

Disruptive Behavior Policy
Three points of information from Marian:

• If a coworker witnesses a violation of the Disruptive Behavior Policy a second person or librarian does not have to see it themselves to act.  That applies only when we have patron complaints that need to be substantiated.
• Branch associates have the authority to ask patrons to leave or ban patrons within the guidelines of the Disruptive Behavior Policy.
• If someone is viewing child pornography that is a violation of the law.  Tara should be contacted at HQ and at the branches call the police.  If Tara is not there a librarian should call the police.

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

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.

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.