Volunteer Coordinator
We can use this area to post our ideas about the volunteer coordinator. Use the comments section, I suppose. Be sure to initial your comments.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Printer, Fax, copy Machine
Denise asked if the fax machine could be fixed.
I believe that it likes to grab up more then one page at a time when sending a thick fax.
I have not encountered the same problem - I have sent through faxes of 6 sheets with no problems. This could be worked around by dividing the fax and sending it in different batches if it has many pages.
The printer does have a printing issue and it hasn't really worked correctly since it was bought.
It only likes about one or two sheets of paper in the tray - more then that and it just grabs them and shoots them through and they come out blank.
I believe but have not investigated that the machine would need to be sent into a company to be looked at. I do not think HP has people who come out to clean and fix machines. And then what would we do for people who needed to fax while we were without a machine? I could put my printing needs on a disk and print elsewhere but the inability to fax for patrons is a problem.
I have located on-line Compu-Fort in Fort Atkinson. I have E-mailed them with the question if
they work on HP printers and would come to the library.
I did notice that just to diagnose and evaluate they charge $40.00. On-site labor is $65.00 for the first 30 minutes. 30 minutes is the minimum. Then after the first hour the fee is $95.00
per hour. So we will see what they E-mail back to us.
I believe that it likes to grab up more then one page at a time when sending a thick fax.
I have not encountered the same problem - I have sent through faxes of 6 sheets with no problems. This could be worked around by dividing the fax and sending it in different batches if it has many pages.
The printer does have a printing issue and it hasn't really worked correctly since it was bought.
It only likes about one or two sheets of paper in the tray - more then that and it just grabs them and shoots them through and they come out blank.
I believe but have not investigated that the machine would need to be sent into a company to be looked at. I do not think HP has people who come out to clean and fix machines. And then what would we do for people who needed to fax while we were without a machine? I could put my printing needs on a disk and print elsewhere but the inability to fax for patrons is a problem.
I have located on-line Compu-Fort in Fort Atkinson. I have E-mailed them with the question if
they work on HP printers and would come to the library.
I did notice that just to diagnose and evaluate they charge $40.00. On-site labor is $65.00 for the first 30 minutes. 30 minutes is the minimum. Then after the first hour the fee is $95.00
per hour. So we will see what they E-mail back to us.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hand-outs and info.
Two new hand-outs.
Our new hours that will be starting on Monday, Nov. 30 and info. about the upcoming brainstorming session/open meeting that will take place Wed. Dec. 2nd from 5:30 until 6:30
being sponsored by the Camb. Comm. Lib. Cap. Campaign Comm. Thank you.
Plus - the Friends have given two coupons for "Free Faxing and Printing and Photo copys" to the
participants of the current workshop. Library will get reimbursed from grant. The how-tos and limits are on the card.
Our new hours that will be starting on Monday, Nov. 30 and info. about the upcoming brainstorming session/open meeting that will take place Wed. Dec. 2nd from 5:30 until 6:30
being sponsored by the Camb. Comm. Lib. Cap. Campaign Comm. Thank you.
Plus - the Friends have given two coupons for "Free Faxing and Printing and Photo copys" to the
participants of the current workshop. Library will get reimbursed from grant. The how-tos and limits are on the card.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Book Delivery Update
So far we have four volunteers for four participants in the delivery service.
Each volunteer will need some help for a while in finding titles and ordering selections.
Participants: Deliverer:
Edith Kenseth - Pam Reichmann
Fran Wendorf - Sue Beard
Elsie Aassen - Katie Gould
Margaret Smith -Doris Rusch
Each paticipant in their record has an asterik by their phone number and Ms in #29 and 32. This tells the computer NOT to notify the patron - each deliverer will be in charge of asking for any holds for their person. Currently, Edith Kenseth has four holds on the back counter by the program folders. Do not send any participants holds back - they can always be checked out and
renewed when the deliverer actually picks them up. As we talked if special due dates are needed
that can happen when deemed appropriate by the circulation desk staff.
Encourage all volunteers to look for titles in the regular collection as an option when trying to find materials for their patron. With giving them the knowledge that those titles more then likely can borrowed by ordering in large print format. Each participant should have a list in their folder of some of their reading preferences.
When checking out to the delivery person run a date due slip for the patron and then print one for the delivery person too.
More details will follow as the program develops. JB
Each volunteer will need some help for a while in finding titles and ordering selections.
Participants: Deliverer:
Edith Kenseth - Pam Reichmann
Fran Wendorf - Sue Beard
Elsie Aassen - Katie Gould
Margaret Smith -Doris Rusch
Each paticipant in their record has an asterik by their phone number and Ms in #29 and 32. This tells the computer NOT to notify the patron - each deliverer will be in charge of asking for any holds for their person. Currently, Edith Kenseth has four holds on the back counter by the program folders. Do not send any participants holds back - they can always be checked out and
renewed when the deliverer actually picks them up. As we talked if special due dates are needed
that can happen when deemed appropriate by the circulation desk staff.
Encourage all volunteers to look for titles in the regular collection as an option when trying to find materials for their patron. With giving them the knowledge that those titles more then likely can borrowed by ordering in large print format. Each participant should have a list in their folder of some of their reading preferences.
When checking out to the delivery person run a date due slip for the patron and then print one for the delivery person too.
More details will follow as the program develops. JB
FRIENDS WORKSHOP UPDATE
STAFF - The Friends' are providing three laptops and a portable printer for their workshop participants. These laptops and the printer are located (for now) on the shelves on the left hand side (when you face the shelving unit) of the Madison Comm. Foundation book shelf. The workshop starts Wednesday. The participants may be/ should be/will be coming in during library hours to practice what they are learning. The laptops will be available to them to use in the library with some set-up help from staff. Each participant will, also, be given a zip drive that they will be using and printing from so staff may need to help also with that process. The participants will be required to get a library card and the laptops will be checked out to them. Each lap top will have a generic record with a bar code for each lap top. More instructions will follow.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Health Benefits
In doing some research I have found getting up from a computer work station to answer the phone may have some health benefits for all of us. It is a good idea to relieve repetitive actions every 30 minutes or so by taking a break from them. The repetitive action of sitting at the computer and using the light pen should be interrupted with a break so having to get up and answer the phone is okay.
The intense mental concentration that may be a part of computer use for all of us may tend to cause breath-holding or shallow breathing so getting up to aswer the phone would eliviate this
problem thus an added health benfit.
Taking a break from the computer screen can minimize damage to the eyes that could result from sitting too long at a computer.
Getting up from a sitting position is good exercise for everyone's quads.
One's productivity does not decline when frequent short breaks are taken. I have always tried to encourage short breaks for staff plus I try to make sure that staff have different tasks throughout the day to stimulate brainwaves and change up routine. Which should help everyone's overall health.
Yes, the intensity of multi-tasking can be waring on everyone and multi-tasking these days is part of life. So maybe by answering the phone, even if it is often for me, everyone gets to take a short break during their routine tasks.
When Vicki gets back from her surgery and Lisa has some time she will call the company that the phone system was purchased from and we will see if changes can be made. Although, the
vendors and sales people that the library works with will still be using the 423-3900 line due to the fact that it is the official publisized phone number of the library. When the 423-4910 number was actually acquired it was done so for the convenience of calling out for staff and the convenience of those calling in using the 423-3900 not to find the phone line busy.
The intense mental concentration that may be a part of computer use for all of us may tend to cause breath-holding or shallow breathing so getting up to aswer the phone would eliviate this
problem thus an added health benfit.
Taking a break from the computer screen can minimize damage to the eyes that could result from sitting too long at a computer.
Getting up from a sitting position is good exercise for everyone's quads.
One's productivity does not decline when frequent short breaks are taken. I have always tried to encourage short breaks for staff plus I try to make sure that staff have different tasks throughout the day to stimulate brainwaves and change up routine. Which should help everyone's overall health.
Yes, the intensity of multi-tasking can be waring on everyone and multi-tasking these days is part of life. So maybe by answering the phone, even if it is often for me, everyone gets to take a short break during their routine tasks.
When Vicki gets back from her surgery and Lisa has some time she will call the company that the phone system was purchased from and we will see if changes can be made. Although, the
vendors and sales people that the library works with will still be using the 423-3900 line due to the fact that it is the official publisized phone number of the library. When the 423-4910 number was actually acquired it was done so for the convenience of calling out for staff and the convenience of those calling in using the 423-3900 not to find the phone line busy.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A visitor
On Thursday, Sept. 17 Heidi Oliversen from SCLS/Link will be making a visit to the library.
She is visiting Deerfield first, then Kaia and I will be having lunch with her. Her visit will be around 1:30 and anyone who would like to meet her is welcome to come to meet her and get paid for your time. I believe everyone has maybe talked with her at one time or another as she is the circulation support specialist. It fun to put a face with and meet those you talk with on the phone or through E-mails.
Each year the staff from SCLS Admin. and SCLS LINK pay a routine visit to each library.
So the afternoon she is here we need to all brush up on our circulation skills and if their is any odd thing that pops up between now and then we could gather a list of questions for her. She is sharp at what she does. She is one of the main reasons the manuals for circulation are so great.
JB
She is visiting Deerfield first, then Kaia and I will be having lunch with her. Her visit will be around 1:30 and anyone who would like to meet her is welcome to come to meet her and get paid for your time. I believe everyone has maybe talked with her at one time or another as she is the circulation support specialist. It fun to put a face with and meet those you talk with on the phone or through E-mails.
Each year the staff from SCLS Admin. and SCLS LINK pay a routine visit to each library.
So the afternoon she is here we need to all brush up on our circulation skills and if their is any odd thing that pops up between now and then we could gather a list of questions for her. She is sharp at what she does. She is one of the main reasons the manuals for circulation are so great.
JB
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Minutes from Staff Meeting
Rather than take up lots of space here, I have pasted the link to the minutes from the staff meeting a couple of weeks ago. Everyone has been so busy, there hasn't been time for them to be reviewed, so here they are in a sort of "raw" edition. Thanks to Kathy Grunwald for taking a stab at it.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Adep7Zl2I0F9ZGY2bXZoYm5fMzRkOGNncndjYw&hl=e
Post any comments or observations in the comments area.
Denise
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Adep7Zl2I0F9ZGY2bXZoYm5fMzRkOGNncndjYw&hl=e
Post any comments or observations in the comments area.
Denise
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Attention Please
During this present week there seems to be a number of items not checked in but back on their respective shelves or on the cart to be shelved. One book, one rental DVD, and two regular DVDs have been found this week. I know that there is significent amounts of materials being dealth with in space that resembles having no space but we must get a handle on actually checking in items. Last week we had an item checked in and sent off with one of the DVDs missing. Please go slow enough to look at the screen after checking in each item, do not go by the sounds the computers make as an indication that items are checked in - they make the same sounds even if you are not in the proper screen. Should we have delivery leave red crates in the hallway until we are ready to deal with each one of them so that we don't have to step around and over so much stuff. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings the book drop items could stay in the bookdrop until noon and then be emptied. What might help us to have a better handle on our ability to check-in items properly? Any and all suggestions can be considered?
Thanks JB
Thanks JB
Friday, July 31, 2009
Test no. 2
Second test to see if the RSS feeds are working.
Set setting to authorized authors only.
As of Friday, it appears that I have to have the blog set to public view in order for the rss feed to work. This should not be a problem, since I disabled the ability to find it in search engines and the like, but I will keep researching a bit more.
dcf
After more searching on help groups, I have determined that we have to keep our setting at public in order to use the rss feeds. More discussion to follow.
Set setting to authorized authors only.
As of Friday, it appears that I have to have the blog set to public view in order for the rss feed to work. This should not be a problem, since I disabled the ability to find it in search engines and the like, but I will keep researching a bit more.
dcf
After more searching on help groups, I have determined that we have to keep our setting at public in order to use the rss feeds. More discussion to follow.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thunderbird Updates
I am going to use this post as an ongoing update about the Thunderbird progress. I will just keep editing it as things go along.
As a start, follow this link to watch the blip tv recording of introduction to Thunderbird. There are two versions, one from June, and one from July. I don't know what the difference is between the two. There will also be a "live" introduction on August 20, if anyone is interested.
As of Tuesday, my email is migrated. If anyone needs to take a look, go right ahead. I still have to learn a little more about training the filters, but it is not a "big" deal for us right now. Went pretty well, so I think it will go smoothly for "most" of us. dcf
Update as of Friday, July 31.
I will be scheduling Wednesdays for a couple more weeks to work on accounts. I plan next to do the staff account, bounced account, and work on deleting the extra accounts that we don't use anymore. So, August 5 for the staff etc accounts, August 12 for Sue and Sharon, August 19 for Joan and Patty. What clean up needs to be done will most likely be scheduled during off hours.
Update as of Wednesday, August 5
Staff email is migrated. Sharon is going to be in charge of this, and will communicate problems and questions as she has them. One thing we found out is that we can transfer the migrated address book over to the new one very easily, so there is just one address book. Same for the migrated emails.
Update as of Wednesday, August 12
All email accounts that are going to be active on the main staff computer have been migrated. What remains is Denise's email, Staff email, Sharon's email (abbykitty), Bounced Notices, and Cataloging Email. This used to be Sue's email, but since Sue and Kathy share a job, per se, I just made it generic Cataloging. The actual email address is going to be the same. It is just the label for getting there has changed. Any question, just post them in the comments section.
Update as of Monday, August 24
All email has now been migrated. There is still some cleanup to do, but we should be basically done. Any questions, please let me know!! dcf
As a start, follow this link to watch the blip tv recording of introduction to Thunderbird. There are two versions, one from June, and one from July. I don't know what the difference is between the two. There will also be a "live" introduction on August 20, if anyone is interested.
As of Tuesday, my email is migrated. If anyone needs to take a look, go right ahead. I still have to learn a little more about training the filters, but it is not a "big" deal for us right now. Went pretty well, so I think it will go smoothly for "most" of us. dcf
Update as of Friday, July 31.
I will be scheduling Wednesdays for a couple more weeks to work on accounts. I plan next to do the staff account, bounced account, and work on deleting the extra accounts that we don't use anymore. So, August 5 for the staff etc accounts, August 12 for Sue and Sharon, August 19 for Joan and Patty. What clean up needs to be done will most likely be scheduled during off hours.
Update as of Wednesday, August 5
Staff email is migrated. Sharon is going to be in charge of this, and will communicate problems and questions as she has them. One thing we found out is that we can transfer the migrated address book over to the new one very easily, so there is just one address book. Same for the migrated emails.
Update as of Wednesday, August 12
All email accounts that are going to be active on the main staff computer have been migrated. What remains is Denise's email, Staff email, Sharon's email (abbykitty), Bounced Notices, and Cataloging Email. This used to be Sue's email, but since Sue and Kathy share a job, per se, I just made it generic Cataloging. The actual email address is going to be the same. It is just the label for getting there has changed. Any question, just post them in the comments section.
Update as of Monday, August 24
All email has now been migrated. There is still some cleanup to do, but we should be basically done. Any questions, please let me know!! dcf
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Stuart Stotts
A big crowd enjoyed the music and stories by Stuart Stotts on Friday, July 10. We now own two of Stuart's cds for circulation!Thursday, June 25, 2009
Information about the email migration to Thunderbird
Notice!
I think everyone has gotten emails about the eventual changeover from Eudora email to Thunderbird email, which is a sort of division of Firefox. Firefox is the preferred browser over Internet Explorer, and you might notice our iGoogle page is the home page for Firefox.
If you haven't gotten this email, I have copied and pasted it here.
I will be taking a class on July 1 for the Thunderbird mentors, and I should know more after that, but although once we have changed over, I don't think it is a big deal, the actual migration might be confusing. Just like this post.
Please post comments this next week so I know where people are coming from. Thanks
Denise
I think everyone has gotten emails about the eventual changeover from Eudora email to Thunderbird email, which is a sort of division of Firefox. Firefox is the preferred browser over Internet Explorer, and you might notice our iGoogle page is the home page for Firefox.
If you haven't gotten this email, I have copied and pasted it here.
Greetings,I need for everyone to let me know your preferences. You can watch the Introduction to Thunderbird online class at any time. It has good information that you will find helpful in using the new system. Everyone should also go to the above site that explains what you need to do before the new system goes up. But,... (1) are you guys just wanting me to do it all, and explain it to you later, (2) going to go these websites and learn individually, or (3) have a short staff meeting to go over everything.
Your library has expressed a willingness to start migrating to Thunderbird (Eudora's email replacement) in the near future! There are many parts to this project (other emails will follow) but this is just a quick email to let you know of some of the online SCLS training offerings that are or will be available. If you can participate in only of the training sessions, please consider attending an "Introduction to Thunderbird" training session. Also, see link at the end of this document for things that you can do in advance to prepare for the migration.
Thunderbird Online Training Offerings:
- Pre-recorded (can be seen at any time):
- Introduction to Thunderbird
- Live (click on a link to register):
- Introduction to Thunderbird offered on Friday, July 17 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Thunderbird: Open Forum Q&A offered on Wednesday, June 24 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This is a "drop in" session where you bring your questions/issues. You must register in advance. Forum "closes" at 10:30 AM the day of the presentation but if you join the presentation before then, we'll be available through 11:00 AM.
Preparing for the Thunderbird migration:
- There are some organizing features in Eudora that will not migrate to Thunderbird. Take a look at the following link and see if any of these apply to you. Some "work-arounds" are offered.
- http://www.scls.info/technology/email/prethunderbirdprep.html
- The above link will also offer some options on how you can clean up and archive your Eudora email in advance of the migration, if you are so inclined.
I will be taking a class on July 1 for the Thunderbird mentors, and I should know more after that, but although once we have changed over, I don't think it is a big deal, the actual migration might be confusing. Just like this post.
Please post comments this next week so I know where people are coming from. Thanks
Denise
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Morton Grove Public Library's collection development and materials selection policy
For Reference purposes I have posted this link to the Morton Grove Public Library's collection development and materials selection policy.
This might be useful for future decision making.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Bats at the Library!
On Thursday, May 21, 2009, 42 people learned about bats at a program sponsored by Cambridge Community Library and Cambridge Foundation. Questions ranged from "Where should I put a bat house?" to "Do bats have armpit hair?". Ken and Barb Bowman from Bat Conservation of Wisconsin, Inc. (http://www.batcow.org/), with their bats, provided a fun, educational, and batty night for all!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Answer to Joan's Question
Well, I cheated somewhat, since I was looking at the homepage with Kathy on Thursday afternoon. The new logo is for Book alikes. (dcf)
Everyone notice that the homepage web address for the library has changed. It should now be easier for patrons to find us. We are going to be changing bookmarks, etc. to reflect this change. We will now just list the Cambridge Library homepage, where they can access linkcat, etc. That way they can be apprised of relevant information for the library.
The New Web Address is: http://www.cambridgelib.org
Everyone notice that the homepage web address for the library has changed. It should now be easier for patrons to find us. We are going to be changing bookmarks, etc. to reflect this change. We will now just list the Cambridge Library homepage, where they can access linkcat, etc. That way they can be apprised of relevant information for the library.
The New Web Address is: http://www.cambridgelib.org
Friday, May 8, 2009
Problems with RHSA
We got this in an email notice from SCLS. FYI Everybody.Have you noticed an slight increase in the number of items you find
missing from your hold shelf? Or canceled items on the hold shelf that
are listed in the main part of the RHSA, not in the staff section? It's
because patrons are now able to cancel their holds on items that are
already on the hold shelf. (Sorry, we had nothing to do with it.) Back
when we upgraded to Telecirc II, we discovered that patrons were able to
do this using Telecirc but at that point Dynix called it a bug. Now we
find out that this functionality was deliberately written into the
latest version of our PAC software as a feature ... and we can't turn it
off.
Yesterday at noon a patron canceled his hold on Twilight (DVD), which
was on the hold shelf waiting for pickup. The cancellation "notice" went
to the RHSA and an "Item being Held" block appeared on the record of
the next patron at the same pickup location. But you don't know about
this because you already ran the RHSA this morning and won't run it
again until tomorrow morning. In the meantime, the next patron waiting
for the DVD is planning on coming into the library after work to pickup
the DVD. And you don't know that you should pull the canceled DVD for
the previous patron and flag it for the new patron's hold. What can you do?
If you find this happening frequently at your library, you could choose
to run your RHSA during another part of the day. If you have a patron
come in and you can't find his hold on the hold shelf, run your RHSA to
your screen and check for the item. You can choose to sort the report
by last patron to help you search for the item.
missing from your hold shelf? Or canceled items on the hold shelf that
are listed in the main part of the RHSA, not in the staff section? It's
because patrons are now able to cancel their holds on items that are
already on the hold shelf. (Sorry, we had nothing to do with it.) Back
when we upgraded to Telecirc II, we discovered that patrons were able to
do this using Telecirc but at that point Dynix called it a bug. Now we
find out that this functionality was deliberately written into the
latest version of our PAC software as a feature ... and we can't turn it
off.
Yesterday at noon a patron canceled his hold on Twilight (DVD), which
was on the hold shelf waiting for pickup. The cancellation "notice" went
to the RHSA and an "Item being Held" block appeared on the record of
the next patron at the same pickup location. But you don't know about
this because you already ran the RHSA this morning and won't run it
again until tomorrow morning. In the meantime, the next patron waiting
for the DVD is planning on coming into the library after work to pickup
the DVD. And you don't know that you should pull the canceled DVD for
the previous patron and flag it for the new patron's hold. What can you do?
If you find this happening frequently at your library, you could choose
to run your RHSA during another part of the day. If you have a patron
come in and you can't find his hold on the hold shelf, run your RHSA to
your screen and check for the item. You can choose to sort the report
by last patron to help you search for the item.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Amazon Orders
If anyone happens to bring back Amazon orders from the Post Office, leave them for Denise to deal with. I have to put them into an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of them. Otherwise, it gets confusing about what is here, and what is not.
Don't forget to use the Friends of the Library link if you make an Amazon order for yourself.
Additional note - the spread sheet that I use to keep track of these orders has been migrated to Google Docs. The link is listed on the left side of the page
Don't forget to use the Friends of the Library link if you make an Amazon order for yourself.
Additional note - the spread sheet that I use to keep track of these orders has been migrated to Google Docs. The link is listed on the left side of the page
Problems with "My Lists" in Dynix
This information was sent by email from Link. We don't know if this will come up very much, but it is probably not on the link blog. So, this is FYI.
We have had a couple of reports of spouses' My Lists getting merged together. We have reported this to SirsiDynix and it is a known bug. I have posted the full description of the bug from SirsiDynix below. The problem is that My List does not always get logged out when a patron logs out. I also noticed that the list is not logged out when a session times out. For this reason, patrons should be encouraged to always close their browser when they are done with their session in LINKcat. I will post something on the LINK Help Page. I do not expect that this will be fixed in our current software.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
When a borrower clicks the logout button in HIP their My List might not be cleared. If another borrower logs into HIP before the previous borrowers session times out the My List will get transfered and merged with the new borrowers List.
We have had a couple of reports of spouses' My Lists getting merged together. We have reported this to SirsiDynix and it is a known bug. I have posted the full description of the bug from SirsiDynix below. The problem is that My List does not always get logged out when a patron logs out. I also noticed that the list is not logged out when a session times out. For this reason, patrons should be encouraged to always close their browser when they are done with their session in LINKcat. I will post something on the LINK Help Page. I do not expect that this will be fixed in our current software.
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
When a borrower clicks the logout button in HIP their My List might not be cleared. If another borrower logs into HIP before the previous borrowers session times out the My List will get transfered and merged with the new borrowers List.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Good Read Lists
Staff - please look over these "Good Reads" lists and pick two newsletters you would like to sign up for and be willing to receive and monitor on-line. Here is the link. http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/addnluser.html?sid=6965
Make suggestions to Joan about title choices for our library based on suggestions from the newsletters and keeping in mind our patrons.
Joan has already signed up for Non-Fiction that reads like Fiction, Books on the Air and Book Sizzle. For the rest of us, when you make your choices, please post them in the comments section, and initial so we know who it was.
Happy Spring!!
glitter-graphics.com
Make suggestions to Joan about title choices for our library based on suggestions from the newsletters and keeping in mind our patrons.
Joan has already signed up for Non-Fiction that reads like Fiction, Books on the Air and Book Sizzle. For the rest of us, when you make your choices, please post them in the comments section, and initial so we know who it was.
Happy Spring!!
glitter-graphics.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Link Library PC Help
On each Link Patron PC, there is supposed to be a desktop icon called LINK PC Help. This link is not on the staff pc's currently. I have added it to the bookmarks on the igoogle page and the blog. This way we can see the same thing the patrons are seeing without having to use those computers.
There is also basic computer information that new users might find helpful. You might want to check this out to see how it can help the patrons.
You can also click this link to get to the site.
There is also basic computer information that new users might find helpful. You might want to check this out to see how it can help the patrons.
You can also click this link to get to the site.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Cambridge CAP Program
It has been brought to our attention that reservations for Ripley Park are now being taken by the Cambridge CAP. There is a flyer by the desk, but the information can also be found on their extensive website. The link to their website is on the igoogle page under bookmarks.
It is worth taking the time to familiarize ourselves with the website in order to give updated information to people who request it from us.
Denise
It is worth taking the time to familiarize ourselves with the website in order to give updated information to people who request it from us.
Denise
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
TV Turn Off Week or
"Turnoff Week" April 20 - 26, 2009 - Center for Screen Time Awareness is also promoting turning-off the screens. Well, we can't turn the screens off completely (actually we could and do everything by hand but we won't) but we can promote limited use of screens during April 20 -26
even though we promote checking-out of items that need a screen. Just be aware and chatter about it with our patrons - the pros and cons of such a notion - the other activities to do while having limited viewing time. I am having Amy mention it lightly in the newspaper. talk, talk, talk about it.
National Library Week - April 13 through the 19th - we have coloring books to hand out to those coming in that week. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Plus remember to promote "Family Night" on Thursday, April 16 - themed for April 24th and
Arbor Day. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Starting to promote and hope to have materials ready for the Madison Comm. Foundation Grant. Brochures to hand out and article in the paper of April15/16. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Conversations with patrons is good, get out from behind the desk (even though we have a lot of work to do behind the desk) - out from behind the desks can help build up what our consumers take with them. Offer them more then just checking-out their items. Thanks to all for promoting your business. JB
even though we promote checking-out of items that need a screen. Just be aware and chatter about it with our patrons - the pros and cons of such a notion - the other activities to do while having limited viewing time. I am having Amy mention it lightly in the newspaper. talk, talk, talk about it.
National Library Week - April 13 through the 19th - we have coloring books to hand out to those coming in that week. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Plus remember to promote "Family Night" on Thursday, April 16 - themed for April 24th and
Arbor Day. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Starting to promote and hope to have materials ready for the Madison Comm. Foundation Grant. Brochures to hand out and article in the paper of April15/16. Talk, talk, talk about it.
Conversations with patrons is good, get out from behind the desk (even though we have a lot of work to do behind the desk) - out from behind the desks can help build up what our consumers take with them. Offer them more then just checking-out their items. Thanks to all for promoting your business. JB
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Using Sticky Notes
If you want to add to a sticky note, as you have seen, just type, and it saves by iteself. If you want to delete some of the text in a sticky note, just highlight it and press the delete key. It is the same as if you were using WORD.
If you want to add another sticky note to the igoogle page, go to the upper right hand corner of the page, where it says "Add Stuff" and click on that link. When you get to that page, search for gadgets (sticky notes) , and then click on Add it Now when the sticky notes gadget appears. Then, you can go back to the igoogle page, and it will be there. It can be moved around the page easily. There are some other sticky notes that we might try to use. They might be fun and functional as well.
Denise
If you want to add another sticky note to the igoogle page, go to the upper right hand corner of the page, where it says "Add Stuff" and click on that link. When you get to that page, search for gadgets (sticky notes) , and then click on Add it Now when the sticky notes gadget appears. Then, you can go back to the igoogle page, and it will be there. It can be moved around the page easily. There are some other sticky notes that we might try to use. They might be fun and functional as well.
Denise
Friday, March 27, 2009
Incidents that need attention.
All staff - when assigning PSATS to new card holder's records please be very careful to make sure you have used the correct taxing district for each new library card.
While working the desk and doing the annual report I found the following unintended errors
but these unintended errors costs us dollars so I need to emphasize the importance of being very careful about this step when issuing cards.
A patron's record had their address as 2646 Olia Rd. but the record indicated their P-Stat to be
Jefferson Co. WI No-Library. Please remember for it to be a Jefferson County P-Stat the address should or would start with a "W". Since no "W" was in or at the start of the address further talking with the customer may have helped in determining where they vote which is, also, information that helps determine where they reside. But given who this was I can't imagine they didn't know that they live in Christiana Township, Dane County and should have completed this on the form.
Then when I was doing the annual report we had 306 check-outs to Green County. I thought this to be peculiar so further invesgation found that two different patrons had in their P-Stat
the # 209 corresponding info. G-Jeff-T-Jefferson, Town. Translated that is #209- Green County, Jefferson Township. They both should have had #265 O-MWFLS-JC - Jefferson City (Jeff). When translated is O-Mid-West Federated Library System-City of Jefferson (Jefferson County).
I know it can be confusing but the main codes and numbers we use are posted by the computer and if the patron has no clue (which does happen because they think they reside in Cambridge just because their address is Cambridge) please always ask. If by asking someone or you are here by yourself just use #502 X-UND which translated means "undetermined" plus save their form until someone is around that can answer the question correctly. Thanks - JB
While working the desk and doing the annual report I found the following unintended errors
but these unintended errors costs us dollars so I need to emphasize the importance of being very careful about this step when issuing cards.
A patron's record had their address as 2646 Olia Rd. but the record indicated their P-Stat to be
Jefferson Co. WI No-Library. Please remember for it to be a Jefferson County P-Stat the address should or would start with a "W". Since no "W" was in or at the start of the address further talking with the customer may have helped in determining where they vote which is, also, information that helps determine where they reside. But given who this was I can't imagine they didn't know that they live in Christiana Township, Dane County and should have completed this on the form.
Then when I was doing the annual report we had 306 check-outs to Green County. I thought this to be peculiar so further invesgation found that two different patrons had in their P-Stat
the # 209 corresponding info. G-Jeff-T-Jefferson, Town. Translated that is #209- Green County, Jefferson Township. They both should have had #265 O-MWFLS-JC - Jefferson City (Jeff). When translated is O-Mid-West Federated Library System-City of Jefferson (Jefferson County).
I know it can be confusing but the main codes and numbers we use are posted by the computer and if the patron has no clue (which does happen because they think they reside in Cambridge just because their address is Cambridge) please always ask. If by asking someone or you are here by yourself just use #502 X-UND which translated means "undetermined" plus save their form until someone is around that can answer the question correctly. Thanks - JB
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Alaskan Adventure @ Cambridge Library
Pictured to the left are Ann Molinaro, former Alaskan resident, and Joan Behm, Library Director. Joan read an Alaskan picture book while wearing a parka. Molinaro shared her experiences and souvenirs from Alaska. The evening concluded with an Iditarod film and Klondike ice cream treats!
New Procedures - OuterLibrary Loan
Staff - When SCLS doesn't have a particular item that our patron's want as before we have the consumer fill out the sheet the same as always. But the name has changed from Inter-Library Loan to OuterLibrary Loan, the software has changed and the procedure has changed somewhat. When items come from outside the system either in the mail or through delivery let me know and we will have a lesson.
The black book is still used, envelopes and labels should still be saved, orange ILL cards can be used. In the black book there is a print-out per each item ordered. When items arrive the date needs to go on that sheet, the bar code from the orange card needs to go on that sheet, the sheet needs to stay in the book so that when the item is returned the date goes on that sheet and then
once a week I need to go into the software and mark items as received or returned (this is the new part). Down the road we may change the procedure so anyone working the circulation desk would
go into the software and update statuses of the orders. Time will tell. THE BOSS
The black book is still used, envelopes and labels should still be saved, orange ILL cards can be used. In the black book there is a print-out per each item ordered. When items arrive the date needs to go on that sheet, the bar code from the orange card needs to go on that sheet, the sheet needs to stay in the book so that when the item is returned the date goes on that sheet and then
once a week I need to go into the software and mark items as received or returned (this is the new part). Down the road we may change the procedure so anyone working the circulation desk would
go into the software and update statuses of the orders. Time will tell. THE BOSS
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Library 2.0 and Rss Feeds
I have finally finished
up the last week of the Library 2.0 class. The amount of information is staggering, and it is humbling to realize how little I really know. However, the more I do learn, the more I realize that we really need to upgrade our website and the services we provide through there to reach and engage patrons that we do not currently serve. The newer generations are web savvy and web engaged, and we really need to be looking to the future.
With Joan's suggestion, I have used RSS feeds to keep us updated with 3 of the SCLS blogs/wikis. You will notice boxes with the labels for these at the top of the Igoogle page. Whenever an update is made to these blogs, we will automatically receive it in the little reader box. We'll try this for a while, but it makes sense, because now we don't have to check each blog individually. Maybe there is too much stuff on the Igoogle page now. I can take off some of the stuff like the newsfeeds, maps, etc. Again, just depends, and it can always be added back in later. I think the sticky notes are becoming more automatic, at least I hope so.
Patty, maybe if you could post info about what is going on with the kids's programs on the blog, we would have it to reference? What do you think?
The doodad at the top is called a Word Cloud.
Denise late at night
up the last week of the Library 2.0 class. The amount of information is staggering, and it is humbling to realize how little I really know. However, the more I do learn, the more I realize that we really need to upgrade our website and the services we provide through there to reach and engage patrons that we do not currently serve. The newer generations are web savvy and web engaged, and we really need to be looking to the future.With Joan's suggestion, I have used RSS feeds to keep us updated with 3 of the SCLS blogs/wikis. You will notice boxes with the labels for these at the top of the Igoogle page. Whenever an update is made to these blogs, we will automatically receive it in the little reader box. We'll try this for a while, but it makes sense, because now we don't have to check each blog individually. Maybe there is too much stuff on the Igoogle page now. I can take off some of the stuff like the newsfeeds, maps, etc. Again, just depends, and it can always be added back in later. I think the sticky notes are becoming more automatic, at least I hope so.
Patty, maybe if you could post info about what is going on with the kids's programs on the blog, we would have it to reference? What do you think?
The doodad at the top is called a Word Cloud.
Denise late at night
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Floating Stations
On the Link Updates blog, there is a post about floating workstations. Give it a read. It will make our lives a little easier in the future. Here is the link to the page. This is password protected. See recipes if you don't remember the password.
The floating stations now have numbers. The log in information is on the recipes page. We have already used one to switch back and forth between cataloging uses and circulation. The floating stations are not meant to be used for circulation, but can be used for other functions.
The floating stations now have numbers. The log in information is on the recipes page. We have already used one to switch back and forth between cataloging uses and circulation. The floating stations are not meant to be used for circulation, but can be used for other functions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Email Software will be changing.
I took a quick look at some of the SCLS wikis and blogs, (and, by the way, I have decided our experiment is closer to a wiki), and noticed there was information everyone should be aware of when it comes to migrating email to the new system. Click this link to get to the post.
Joan, maybe you want to take the online class this Friday, if it isn't too late.
Here is a link to some information about blogs vs. wikis.
Joan, maybe you want to take the online class this Friday, if it isn't too late.
Here is a link to some information about blogs vs. wikis.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Website services for libraries
We might want to look into this. I will see what more I can find out through my web 2.0 class. It appears as though they will set up a website for you. I did check our eligibility, and there is NO CHARGE.
Engaged Patrons. Org
And, there is this to help with cataloging.
Library Thing
And lastly, the info on Doodle, the last thing in this week's class.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s a little something to add to your quiver of Web 2.0 tools; something light-weight to round out the 2nd week of our course. :-)
Doodle http://www.doodle.ch/ is a simple, quick and free way to schedule meetings and conduct polls. If you’ve ever gone through multiple rounds of emails with colleagues and committee members when trying to decide on a meeting date (and I know you have), you’ll like Doodle.
How does Doodle work?
Create a poll.
Email to people a link to the poll.
Check the poll to see how people are voting.
If you supply an e-mail address, you’ll receive an email message each time somebody votes in your poll. If you don’t wish to receive these email notifications, just leave the field empty.
Those you invite to respond to a Doodle don’t have to register to use it, or even use their real names. It’s simple to use – with no bells & whistles – and it gets the job done.
Martin Mann touts its use as a productivity tool: “But, Doodle, above all else, can be a proactive way to put a stake in the ground. You propose a handful of different times when you are available, then ask people to identify which of those will work for them.”
After introducing colleagues to this tool they invariably say, “How did we live before Doodle?”
Engaged Patrons. Org
And, there is this to help with cataloging.
Library Thing
And lastly, the info on Doodle, the last thing in this week's class.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Here’s a little something to add to your quiver of Web 2.0 tools; something light-weight to round out the 2nd week of our course. :-)
Doodle http://www.doodle.ch/ is a simple, quick and free way to schedule meetings and conduct polls. If you’ve ever gone through multiple rounds of emails with colleagues and committee members when trying to decide on a meeting date (and I know you have), you’ll like Doodle.
How does Doodle work?
Create a poll.
Email to people a link to the poll.
Check the poll to see how people are voting.
If you supply an e-mail address, you’ll receive an email message each time somebody votes in your poll. If you don’t wish to receive these email notifications, just leave the field empty.
Those you invite to respond to a Doodle don’t have to register to use it, or even use their real names. It’s simple to use – with no bells & whistles – and it gets the job done.
Martin Mann touts its use as a productivity tool: “But, Doodle, above all else, can be a proactive way to put a stake in the ground. You propose a handful of different times when you are available, then ask people to identify which of those will work for them.”
After introducing colleagues to this tool they invariably say, “How did we live before Doodle?”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Problems with email notifications
It has been brought to our attention that some patrons may be having problems with email notifications. If someone mentions that they are not receiving their notice emails, check first to see if the email address is correct, then check to see if there is an M by lines 29 and 32 in the patron record.
If everything appears correct, the problem is most likely on their end. With the advent of all the "new" web based email, sometimes emails are forwarded from one server to another. Sometimes things will go into a spam filter that had not gone there before. So, the patron needs to check and see if the library emails are going into their spam.
You can check to see if they are getting their emails - so far as our system is concerned - by using the prompt - .hb - while in their record. this will bring up the history block. Any notice that has been sent will show up here.
If everything appears correct, the problem is most likely on their end. With the advent of all the "new" web based email, sometimes emails are forwarded from one server to another. Sometimes things will go into a spam filter that had not gone there before. So, the patron needs to check and see if the library emails are going into their spam.
You can check to see if they are getting their emails - so far as our system is concerned - by using the prompt - .hb - while in their record. this will bring up the history block. Any notice that has been sent will show up here.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Please remember!
Staff - if you order personally using Amazon. com remember to go to the Friend's website first.
Be sure to spread the word around, as we all know, many people useAmazon for ordering a variety of items. Thanks JB
From the Friend's website:
When you link to Amazon.com through the link on the Friends’ website, you help earn money for the library programs supported by the Friends.
Be sure to spread the word around, as we all know, many people useAmazon for ordering a variety of items. Thanks JB
From the Friend's website:
When you link to Amazon.com through the link on the Friends’ website, you help earn money for the library programs supported by the Friends.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Contest #2
Leave me a comment telling me the answer.
Be sure to initial your comment so I know who it was.
Be sure to initial your comment so I know who it was.
Staff Meeting Scheduled
Monday, March 16 at 9:00A.M. (hopefully we can start before 9:30).
Lunch will be provided - bring any mid-morning snack you might need.
Denise you may wish to bring your own lunch but will be reimbursed for it.
Tentative agenda:
Staff Blog, I-Google, Flickr account
Overdrive Service
Madison Comm. Foundation Grant status
And any other items we can get discussed by 1:00p.m.
Thank you.
Lunch will be provided - bring any mid-morning snack you might need.
Denise you may wish to bring your own lunch but will be reimbursed for it.
Tentative agenda:
Staff Blog, I-Google, Flickr account
Overdrive Service
Madison Comm. Foundation Grant status
And any other items we can get discussed by 1:00p.m.
Thank you.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sharing
Denise will be sharing her interesting phone conversation with a mother about this persons's daughter and then shortly after that her conversation with the visiting police officer. This happened last week one day. Denise handled it appropriately and it will be good for her to share the incident with all the staff. Not necessarily on the blog but in person so that all staff can hear how she handled it and be aware of the incident in case it would happen again or something similiar would happen. THE BOSS
Friday, February 20, 2009
Kicking, shouting, and stumbling
Thank you Denise for working so hard to bring the CBR team really into another level of the Tech. Age. Eventually, I am sure we will wonder how we ever got along without this tool to make our library tasks easier.
With your serene guidance we will ALL soon be using this method to communicate with each other.
THE BOSS
And here is Joan's special prize.
With your serene guidance we will ALL soon be using this method to communicate with each other.
THE BOSS
And here is Joan's special prize.
Prizes for reading the notes (First go round)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tech Update - Unintentional change to Linkcat software
This information does not seem to be on any of the blogs, so I copied and pasted from the email that was sent around.
When we upgraded the LINKcat software, the position of the "Cancel request" and the "Change Status" buttons on the Hold Requests page were
switched. I was unable to change them back to their original positions.
Because the positions of the buttons were switched, it's possible that
some patrons may accidentally cancel their holds when they meant to
change the status of their holds. If this happens, you may shuffle the
holds queue to place the patron back in his/her original spot. Here is
the recommended procedure for shuffling the holds queue:
1. Shuffle hold queue if there's a valid reason for doing so
2. Place a "special note" in patron's PURF explaining the circumstances
3. Delete the special note and retain in PURF history OR you can retain
in current PURF if you remember to eventually delete it
If you have questions about the procedure for shuffling the holds queue,
please contact Heidi at 608-261-9109.
Amy
When we upgraded the LINKcat software, the position of the "Cancel request" and the "Change Status" buttons on the Hold Requests page were
switched. I was unable to change them back to their original positions.
Because the positions of the buttons were switched, it's possible that
some patrons may accidentally cancel their holds when they meant to
change the status of their holds. If this happens, you may shuffle the
holds queue to place the patron back in his/her original spot. Here is
the recommended procedure for shuffling the holds queue:
1. Shuffle hold queue if there's a valid reason for doing so
2. Place a "special note" in patron's PURF explaining the circumstances
3. Delete the special note and retain in PURF history OR you can retain
in current PURF if you remember to eventually delete it
If you have questions about the procedure for shuffling the holds queue,
please contact Heidi at 608-261-9109.
Amy
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Special Events
On Friday, Feb. 13, Joan was "sort of" surprised by a group of choir members from the High School. They serenaded her and presented her with a red rose. Turns out her husband Charlie had set the whole thing up. When he found out she had planned to work at home that day, he had to reveal the secret so she would go in to the the library.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Happy Valentine's Day!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
We are now in the blogging universe
Hi everyone. I have the blog set up, and am learning how to use it effectively, so I can show everyone else how to use it without much fuss. I hope this is something that can eventually help with communication between us all. We'll see how it goes.
Denise late at night on Tuesday, Feb. 10
As of Thursday, I have completed a lot of changes that I think will make this more helpful. Rather than typing out a bunch of instructions, it would make more sense for everyone to have a little lesson. I will try to see if we can work this out with Joan.
Please comment about new ideas or questions on how to use this blog.
Thanks!
Denise late at night on Tuesday, Feb. 10
As of Thursday, I have completed a lot of changes that I think will make this more helpful. Rather than typing out a bunch of instructions, it would make more sense for everyone to have a little lesson. I will try to see if we can work this out with Joan.
Please comment about new ideas or questions on how to use this blog.
Thanks!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
