Lori Reza

Hey everyone.

Lori just came by and told me that she is resigning effective immediately.

She had what sounds like her literal dream job offered to her that was full time with benefits and no nights or weekends.  She is very excited and very sorry that she had to resign today because they want her to start tomorrow!

This will mean some changes to our scheduling, but Pedro is trying to find us some more assistance, especially on Saturdays.

Thanks,
Brandon

Tax Season

Most of you have been through a tax season before so you know what it is like.

However, we have some new hires who have not so I want to give some advice.

1) WE DO NOT GIVE TAX ADVICE. - People will ask all sorts of things, but the truth is that none of us are experts.  Anything other than "What libraries give tax help?" and "Where can I get forms" is something with which we just cannot help.  If someone is insistent, please get Tula or me and we will do our best.

2) The only forms we have are 1040, 1040EZ, and 1040A.  Any other form will need to be obtained through a different source.  www.irs.gov has all of the forms on it, however people will need to pay to print them.  Occasionally, you will have someone say that we have to give them printouts for free.  This is not true.   Handle this like you would anyone else wanting to print something.

Finally, I want to emphasize this again

WE DO NOT GIVE TAX ADVICE!!!!!

Workflows

Please remember to shut workflows when you are not assigned to the desk.

If you are scheduled for the desk and workflows is already up when you get there, please shut it down and log in as yourself.

Thanks,
Brandon

January Staff Meeting

Staff Meeting

January 30, 2015

Place: Tuttle

Attendance: Brandon, Tula, Jeremy, Rosa, Nadine, Wendy, Lori, Brittany, and Courtnie

Notes:

1)      Next month and March’s meeting will be on different days. The administration have moved the managers meeting to a Friday.

2)      Training

a)      NEO? Looks like everyone but Lori does not need to take the new onboarding (NEO)training courses.

b)      Give ‘em a Pickle - if you have not taken this quick training video guide, please do so. It is going away soon. So please do so sometime this week when you are off the desk this week or let Tula or Brandon know that you need to take it so you may be scheduled time off the desk to take it.

c)       Defensive Driving - this needs to be done every 3 years, either with the city or on your own. Either way, the city needs a copy of the certificate on record. If you have not already registered, please do so now so that it can get approved.

                                            i.            Questions asked:

Rosa – How do we find out how many hours of training do we have so far?

Answer: To see how many hours you have go to the training portal and it will list your formal hours. If you had informal training (ex. someone came and personal trained you on serials or other procedures, etc.), let Brandon know.

3)      Customer Service Minute

a)      Appropriate Computer Use – Do not get on Facebook of social media site while on duty. If you are looking at the internet or on the computer, are you able to justify the use of it? Remember you can use the time to become familiar about databases on the HPL websites. When you are on break or lunch then you are free to browse the internet at your leisure.

b)      Appropriate Dress – Capri pants are fine but it’s based on material. If it is yoga or sweat pants material, then leave it at home.  Remember that the dress code that is currently in affect was established in the 80s and hasn’t been rewritten since, but will be revised over the next year possibly. If you are doing programming or storytime, you may want to wear something you can move around in. If you know we will be shifting and moving books all day, then jeans may be appropriate. Keep in mind that you want to wear something that will separate you as a staff member from other patrons. You want to be taken seriously and not have them look at you as if you have no authority which you all do.

4)      Nuts and Bolts

a)       Special Projects

i)        Reshelving Tuttle -  Next Friday we will start to reshelve the entire adult nonfiction portion of Tuttle. We will try to put the nonfiction into the first half of the rows before the YA split and after the split will contain the CLASSICS and the Biographies, which will also be separated by Juvenile and adult.

ii)      Displays -  Nadine has agreed to take over the displays at Tuttle; while Rosa and Tula continue to handle the displays at PLE. Remember that the displays need to be clean and clutter free. Look out for ads that were left by outside sources or vendors. Definitely no signs for personal businesses or want ads. If you have any questions about posting a sign for an outsider ask Brandon or Tula.

iii)    Cleaning up workrooms -  Tula is starting to rearrange the PLE workroom and preparing it possibly for it to become a HUB location. When PLE is completed, Tula wants to start working on Tuttle’s backroom and closets. Brandon has talked with Pedro about Tuttle possibly becoming a HUB but only once Sharita’s position gets filled.

iv)    Programming -  Tuttle has been asked about starting an ASZ; possibly starting back a movie day. It was originally on a Thursday night but we may try it on a Saturday just to see if it can become a more active family activity. Graduation Game Plan for the Spring, has been brought back up again. It was held in the Fall at both locations. It was considered a success at PLE while Tuttle didn’t have anyone attend. It may be considered to keep the same schedule setup for PLE the way it was for the Fall but change TUTs up for the Spring.

v)      Ideas - If anyone has any ideas on programs that can be used for Tuttle to help build up the storytime or ASZ times, please let Brandon know. No idea will be turned away. And if the idea isn’t possible for Tuttle it may be possible for PLE, so let him know.

b)      HEAR Plans

i)        Brandon has met with most of you and gone over your HEAR plans; if not he will get to you in the next week or so to go over that. The HEAR plan is to show you what is expected that way when the review come no one is surprised. Previously, most of the staffs HEAR plan consisted of a combined goal of shelf reading and shelving which should have been 2 separate goals. Since both locations can’t actually shelve as much books per day or hour that could acquire a 5; the focus will be on shelf reading, which everyone can keep their same section for their shelf reading assignment. If you do not have a shelf reading assignment, then please let Brandon know so that he can assign you a section. Let him know what your current section is anyway so that he can keep up with who does what.

ii)      Applications – not everything that is wrong with the application has to be counted wrong. Brandon is only looking for the major details, like if the signature is missing or it is a duplicate record. If the person forgot to check off yes or no on the voter’s registration app, then it isn’t a big deal.

c)       Outreach

i)        Nadine went out and conducted an outreach at Hester House. She signed up 13 people for library cards.

We need to be on the lookout for more outreach opportunities. Sharita’s position is looking at possibly being turned into a children’s focused position, so that person will be needing to do outreach for schools and community centers. Remember, just going to a place to hand them flyers is considered outreach, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out event.

Holidays

Hello everyone,

This is the last day that I will be here until after the new year.

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for all that they've done in the last year.

I know that my arrival and all the subsequent changes have made everything very chaotic, but I think all of you have risen the the challenge.  Rather than resent the intrusion, all of you have made me feel welcome and excited to be in our grouping.

If you have any problems when I'm gone, please talk to Tula.  If there are any time card issues, please contact Richard Hurst.  Finally, if there are any other issues outside what they can assist with, please call Pedro or the Customer Experience team (formerly NL Administration) at 3-2707.

Thanks, and have a wonderful holiday,
Brandon

Notes from the staff meeting

Staff Meeting

December 19, 2014

Place: Tuttle

Attendance: Brandon, Tula, Jeremy, Rosa, Sharita, Nadine, Wendy, Courtnie, Pedro

Absent: Lori Reza, Brittany Moore

Notes:

• Brandon will try to hold meetings the Friday after each Manager’s meetings, that way he can pass along any information quickly.
• Training
• Staff Borrower Cards- read over the policy and explained in detail about the procedures. Staff card need to be set up by either the manager or assistant manager. All employees are asked to read and sign the policy, saying they have read and understood the regulations.
• The “super” password is going to be phased out soon in workflows, so start trying to use your own personal workflows password to override any necessary things. If you have trouble with overriding with your password, ask Brandon or Tula for assistance.  Also, start closing out workflows when you leave the desk.
• Customer Service Minute – let Brandon or Tula know if anything happens. We can’t fix problems we don’t know about. If someone makes a comment either good or bad, let us know.
• Phrases to stop using- “We are not a daycare”. This isn’t polite customer service and it can only make matters worse. “No”. Give them alternatives to try instead of just telling them that we don’t offer a service. Tell them what we do offer or what we can do to help them.
• Another tip to remember is that when a patron is angry, don’t feel like you have to apologize for your actions, if the actions were within guidelines, but do apologize for the reaction to your actions. For example “I’m sorry that your upset about the suspension against your child …”
• Question from Sharita and Wendy about difficult patrons needing “extra” computer help and the kids over at PLE.
• Response: Something to be aware is that Tuttle will start offering an Open Job Lab at least once a month, where patrons who specifically need help with job applications. Also, if it is slow at the desk, you might be able to help the patron but let them know that it was lucky that they came in at a slow time, that this sort of help may not always be possible.
• Response: With the PLE kids, just treat them like you would want to be treated. Don’t yell at them from across the room. Don’t watch over them like a hawk, that makes them want to cause trouble. If they act up, give them warnings, but if they choose not to listen, then follow the incident and suspension guidelines. Give them the same warnings and courtesy’s that you would to an adult.

• Nuts and Bolts
• Hiring went well. 66 people were hired and 77% of that was internal promotions. Brandon has all the statistical factsheets, if anyone is interested. As of right now, they are not having a hiring freeze, just a hiring frost. Meaning things are going to be a bit slower than usual.
• Michelle Gorman is starting up a new “chat” sessions throughout the year. PLE/TUT is placed into a group with LAK/KAS, MOO/DIX and few other locations from this side of town. At least twice this year, Michelle will host a meeting with “our” assigned group and from all the staff members at those locations, roughly 15 people will be selected to go eat pizza with Michelle and have a chat with her and the other staff members, to see how things are going at the branch locations for our area.
• With the new changes to NL Admin/team leaders which is now called Customer Experience (CE); part of Pedro’s role is to come out to the branches each week and work with the staff. Do not be alarmed if you see him at either PLE or TUT once a week or every two weeks.
• On January 12, 14, 16, both managers and assistant managers must attend an ALL Day Boot Camp training. Brandon and Tula will be looking at the schedule to see how that will work out for the week.
• Robberies @ HPL – Please keep the lights on until further notice. Report anything weird or unusual.
• Budget Cuts- Please stop gossiping about things, especially behind the desk. It starts rumors and can spread quickly, which end up with mixed up messages. Please do not gossip with each other or patrons, things you say may end up being taken as “this is HPL’s standpoint”.
• Councilmembers  – Anytime you interact with any city councilmen or their staff members, please let Brandon know, so it can be documented. Again, this goes back to you talking about an opinion, but someone else taking it as the libraries opinion, in general.
• Stop using nicknames- please stop referring to patrons as “bag lady” or “weird sisters” etc. They are becoming too commonplace among the staff and the nickname can be slipped out in front of the intended patron by accident. This can lead to bad customer service.
• Facilities is now called SPACES.
• PLE will be getting a new roof sometime in the next year or two. TUT will be getting new furniture.
• Security issues – needs to be documented.
• HPLQ- Houston Public Library Quarterly, sort of like Books on the Bayou, but these books will come out quarterly.  Books Alive is coming up this Spring and the theme is “The Good, The Bad, and The Nerdy”. SRP- planning and organizing is starting up soon as well. There is NO dedicated children’s programming person. A position has been posted and it does not require a degree. If interested or know anyone, let Brandon know.
• Taxes- a lady from VITA is coming to TUT to help prepare the taxes for free, but no word on when that will start.
• Civic Engagement- is going to be Jan 26^th, a video will be shown throughout each library location for the interested members. Please let Brandon or Tula know if anyone asks about this program.
• Defensive Driving- if you haven’t taken DD in 3 years, then talk with Brandon, so he can get you signed up. You MUST have it on record with HPL and it is good for 3 years.
• Family Deaths- Talk with Brandon if this occurs. There are policies and guidelines that must be followed. Only FT workers get this benefit, which is 3 paid days off. You would need proof (obituary) to verify the death.
• Sick Time- each FT employee can have up to so many days sick, without dr.’s note. After that, documentation needs to be given to Brandon for records.
• DIY- if you enjoy Do-It-Yourself projects, and coming up with ideas, let Brandon know. HPL is looking for someone to help with flyers.
• Central/JIB- Both locations will be closed from Dec. 26^th-28^th. Staff will be rerouted and helpdesk, phone ref, etc. will be at other locations, do not be alarmed.
• Graduations!! – If you graduated or will be graduating, let Brandon know. Michelle has asked for a list of all those that have graduated.
• Christmas Party – we will have it on Jan. 8^th as a belated holiday staff party and also as a Farewell party for Sharita.
• New Safe- TUT has a new safe, but do not use it until it gets bolted down; continue to use the old one.

• Shelf Reading Assignments
• For now, keep the current assignments, until they can see how the staff changes will look in February.
• Extras
• Pedro’s work cell: 281-901-4439. NL admin is 32707. Keep both those numbers handy, especially the NL #.
• Do not clock out till 15 minutes after the hour. 

Welcome to the new PLE/TUT Blog!

Hello everyone!

By the time this goes live, I should have met all of you, but on the off chance I haven't let me introduce myself.

My name is Brandon Pope and I am the new manager of the PLE/TUT grouping.

This month, things are going to be weird.  As all of you know, Jon and Ashley were transferred out much quicker than they were expecting.  Additionally, by the Tuesday after they left, I came in as well as two other staff members.

If you haven't met them yet, we now have a new Sr. CSC and a new p/t CSC in our grouping.

Jeremy George comes to us from Central.  He has a lot of experience in HPL, but this is the first time he has worked in the branches.

Lori Reza is a new hire to the city.  She is just starting working at the library, so don't be surprised if she has a lot of questions.

This blog will be one of the ways that I get information to you.  I will try and back that up with in person conversations and email, but please make a point to check this each day.

Additionally, I am including all sorts of useful links in a column on the right.

Thank you all!  I know things have been unsettled the past few weeks, but I think that we are in very good shape to do some amazing things at both of our branches!

Brandon