Friday, July 25, 2008

Annual Fall Support Staff workshop info.

Hear it here first!!!

The Annual Fall Support Staff workshop is set and ready to go -
Here is the information:

Workshop starts at 9:15am
We will have 3 different speakers.
The first two will be before lunch. They will talk about ~
Novelist - Different things you can use to help your patrons find what they are looking for!
and
How to talk to your Deaf & Hard of Hearing Patrons.
We will finish up at Noon with the first two workshop after that we will have lunch and during lunch we will discuss Blogging 101.

An information sheet will be sent to each library. If you don't get one, please email me and let me know.
Remember - You need to sign up on the Calendar of events located at OWWL.org for this workshop.
I hope to see all of you there!!!

OPAC tip

At the OWWLug meeting today we all learned something new that I thought would be nice to share with everyone else! It's fun to learn new things!!!
Did you know that when patrons place 'holds' in the OPAC it does make a difference when they log in?
Let me try and explain:
If your patron logs into the OPAC BEFORE they start to place their hold - the system will see the library card number and associate it with a member library.
If your patron doesn't log in first - then the system see the patron as a PLSHQ patron.
They can still place the hold it just determines where they are on the holds list.
This is only a problem if they are placing a hold on an item that their home library owns and if it's a popular item. In other words, they may not be first on the list for your library because the computer recognizes them as PLSHQ not their home library.

So - Help your patrons!!
Remind them to Log in FIRST before placing holds from their home computer.

Do any of these belong to your library?

The Cataloging department at PLS has a collection of items that don't have any library markings in them.
If any of these belong to your library, please let Heidi (hjensen@pls-net.org) know and she'll get them cataloged and sent back to you.
Thank you and as always - PLEASE PLEASE remember to mark every item with your library name on it before putting in delivery.

* Eragon - Xbox (game)
* Fighting fire with fire by Bob Donnelly (Book)
* Through the fire by Diane Noble (Guidepost book)
* They wore no medals by Marvel B. Deliman (Book)
* Gilligans Island - First Season (DVD set)
* Petticoat Juncion (DVD)
* Tow bits and pepper (DVD)
* Secret of the Andes (VHS)
* Algonquin out loud (CD)
* Got questions? by Dr. Louis J. Pantuosco Jr. (Book)

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Job Opportunity

Another Library Assistant position available:

Help Wanted - Newark Library
Part time Library Clerk
Schedule includes morning, afternoon and evening hours as well as Saturdays. # of hours not yet set - (minimum 15)

Skills required: Comfort with computers, knowledge of the organization of libraries, a pleasant customer service style and the ability to multitask. Experience with workflows a definite PLUS.

Benefits: Working with a great staff, serving an appreciative community, sick leave, vacation and NYS retirement option.

Applications available at main desk at the library or through e-mail inquiry.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Job Opportunity

Palmyra is looking for a Library Clerk.

The job would be about 12 hr./week & will include a couple of afternoons, one or two evenings & about one Sat. a month

If you are interested, please contact Patricia Baynes at:
pbaynes@pls-net.org

GREAT article to read

What Libraries/Librarians can learn from Starbuck's Fall.

This is a great article that Betsy Morris brought to my attention.
We all need to remember the importance of GOOD (ok EXCELLENT) customer service!

Check it out at:
http://dbl.lishost.org/blog/2008/07/11/what-librarians-can-learn-from-starbucks-fall/

Job Opportunity

Here is a job opportunity that I wanted to share with everyone -

Gorham is looking for 1 - 2 new part time clerks. If you are interested, please contact Diane Hovey at Gorham. dhovey@pls-net.org

RRLC meeting notice

I would like to invite and encourage all Library Assistants from the RRLC area to attend the next RRLC Library Assistants Group meeting.
Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 5th at 9:15am at the RRLC office which is located in Packett's Landing in Fairport, NY.
If you would like a copy of the agenda planned, please let me know.
Thanks,
Heidi

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Excellent website just for Support Staff

Did you know there is an on-line journal for Support staff?
I have been a member of this organization for a few years now and I just love reading the articles that are written for Support Staff.

The name of the on-line journal is:
Associates : The Electronic Library Support Staff Journal

Its free!
Talk about awesome information for Support Staff and you don't need to pay a thing!
Check it out at:

http://associates.ucr.edu/journal/?page_id=206

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Here's what I'm working on

Hi Everyone!

I just want to keep everyone in the loop (so to speak).
Here is what I'm "working" on for the 2008 Fall Support Staff workshop.
Working is the key word. I don't have anything set yet so please be patient. I hope to have everything finalized by the end of next week.

3 different topics will be covered -
The first two will be in the morning:
Ergonomics - How to sit properly - how to stand properly - chair height - simple exercises - ALL to help prevent workplace injuries.
and
How to communicate with the deaf and hard- of - hearing patrons.
Learn the best way to communicate and help those patrons feel welcome to your library.

The last topic will be discussed over lunch -
Blogging - Who should do it, Why, and how easy it is anyways??

Please mark your calendars and I hope to see you on on Friday, October 24th.

Monday, July 14, 2008

PLS Intranet/TWiki re-branding Contest!

The Great PLS Intranet/TWiki re-branding contest!!

We’ve (sort of) gotten used to referring to TWiki, and some people still say Intranet, but what does it mean, anyway???

What do you think our “source of PLS knowledge”, “user’s manual”, “online file cabinet” should be called?

The contest

  • Suggest a new name
  • Suggest a logo (make a sketch, find some clip art—it doesn’t have to be a master artwork, just enough to convey your idea!)

“Rules”

  • Be a PLS employee
  • Submit as many ideas as you want by July 31, 2008
  • Have fun!

Judging

  • Entries will be reviewed and selected by the TWiki Committee.
  • The winner will be unveiled at the August 15 System Meeting.

Prizes

  • Bragging rights for a long time!
    • (…And if you put your name on your ideas—Rice Krispie treats made with homemade marshmallows!)
Reminder:
All entries need to be submitted by July 31, 2008 to Lindsday Stratton.

ALA conference

For the past 4 years, LSSIRT (the Library Assistants group within ALA ) host a mini conference within the annual large ALA conference. It was originally called 'A conference within a conference'. It's now called 'The Empowerment conference'. Which ever title we are talking about, it all refers to the conference set up for library assistants by library assistants. It's a great way for support staff to communicate and learn together from all over the United State.
I was fortune enough to attend the first mini- conference which was held in 2005 at ALA located in Chicago. I have lots and lots of notes from that conference. I learned soooo much within a few days. It you ever get the opportunity to attend an ALA conference, I highly recommend it.
Lindsay Stratton from the PLS Office emailed me the below link. It an article from someone who attend the 'Empowerment' conference this year at ALA. Please take a few moments to read it.
Thank you to Lindsay for sending it to me. Lindsay is a PLS Librarian who is a major advocate of Support Staff Training and Empowerment. We are very fortunate to have Lindsay on the PLS staff.

http://librarytrainer.com/2008/07/08/ala-part-ii-empowerment/

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Interesting article to read

I just finished reading a very interesting article from 'Public Libraries' magazine in the March/April 2008 issue.
The name of the article is:

TO MLS OR NOT TO MLS.

The article gives very interesting perspectives from library staff who have an MLS as well as from those who don't. I have nothing against MLS staff. I have great respect for those individuals who have taken the time to earn their MLS. I also have great respect for those staff members who go out of their way to learn as much as they can while on the job.

If you would like to read this article, please let me know. I'll be happy to share with you.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Job Opportunity

EAST ROCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY

CLERK-TYPIST

Job Summary

The East Rochester Public Library is seeking a part-time clerk-typist to be responsible for opening/closing the Library and Circulation Desk Duties. The position reports directly to the Library Manager.

Major Duties

  • Opening/Closing the Library: Includes processing materials from book drops, booting up library computers, confirming money count from previous day, printing out router information to pull books for library patrons, process delivery.

Closing includes counting the cash drawer, checking restrooms and fire door, lock hallway doors, patron counter amount in log.

  • Circulation Desk: Check out materials for patrons. Answer phones, take messages and answer questions, renew items. Answer reference questions, locate items for patrons. Search for materials using CARL Solution. Place reserves on materials. Assist patrons with computers, copiers and printer. Call patrons with information regarding library materials or accounts. Issue new library cards/update records. Check returned items for condition/cleaning. Receive money for fines, book reservations, and book sale. Check out materials for patrons.

Qualifications

High School Diploma, Secondary Education or equivalent experience helpful.

Hours

12 Hours per week. Wednesdays 1-5; Fridays 9-5

Instructions to Applicants

Fill out Application at the East Rochester Public Library, or send resume plus three references by July 23, 2008 to:

Meredith Fraser/Library Manager
East Rochester Public Library
111 West Elm St
East Rochester, NY 14445

Computer Recycling Service

Did you know??

DELL AND ABVI-GOODWILL LAUNCH FREE COMPUTER RECYCLING SERVICE FOR
RESIDENTS OF THE GREATER ROCHESTER AREA

Rochester, N.Y. July 3, 2008 - Reconnect, a free drop-off program to
recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill of Greater Rochester, Inc.

Reconnect offers consumers in the greater Rochester area and
surrounding counties free recycling for any brand of computer equipment
in any condition. Residents can find a drop-off location at

www.reconnectpartnership.com
or
www.abvi-goodwill.org.

Job Opportunity

Posted on behalf of the University of Rochester River Campus Libraries

Library Assistant IV - Access Services

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for coverage of the circulation desk
including the opening and supervising of desk operations on Saturdays.
Assists with the training and supervision of student assistants. This
position requires having a basic understanding of the Library
departments and the River Campus. A high degree of accountability and
the ability to work independently is required. The position must have
knowledge of the library closing procedures.

SCHEDULE:
40 hours per week includes Saturday
7:30 am - 4:30 (may be negotiated)

RESPONSIBILITES:

Responsible for assisting library patrons including:

Charging/discharging of library materials
Fine collections
Locating library materials
Reserve questions
Explains library policies
Answers directional & informational questions

Responsible for ongoing circulation procedures including:

Processing of financial transactions and term billing
Creates handouts, signs and other forms of advertising
Updates stack directories
Maintains lost and found
Maintains the New Book Shelf
Runs circulation notices and exception reports
Updates Library hours, posts hours online and in holders around the
building

Support for the Circulation Desk:

Handles locate requests
Maintains and updates patron records, ex. Lost book charges, fines
problems, etc.
Monitors electronic theft detection system
Reports copier and card reader problems
Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:
2 years post high school education and 3-4 years of work experience (or
an equivalent combination of education and experience)
Relevant college degree preferred and may be substituted for the above
Good telephone skills
Aptitude and desire to work with the public
Sensitivity when dealing with patrons
Good judgment
Good command of English

Desirable Qualifications:
Experience working with computer terminals
Previous academic library experience
Ability to organize work
Knowledge of bookkeeping procedures


NOTE: This document describes typical duties and responsibilities and
is not intended to limit management from assigning other work as
required.

Send resume with references to:

University of Rochester
Rush Rhees Library
Kelley M. Kitrinos, HR Administrator

Rochester, NY 14627-0055

Or e-mail: rclhr@library.rochester.edu

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Upcoming Meeting

Reminder:
OWWLUG meeting is Friday, July 25th from 10am - Noon.
If you have any topics you would like to have added to the agenda, please let Lindsay Stratton know at
lstratton@pls-net.org

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Job Opportunity

Job Opportunity

Ithaca College is accepting applications for an Access Services Assistant, and 2 Acquisitions Specialists.
Information about these positions can be found on the Ithaca College Human Resources web site:

http://www.ithaca.edu/hr/employment/resources.php