Hello and thank you for the Forum!
These 2 questions were brought about due to the specific staffing makeup of NW, but it seemed timely to ask it now and I think it may have broader system application.
1. We usually plan programming around 3 months in advance. Summer Reading is locked and loaded at this point, and we would be locking down August during the month of May. What suggestions would you have regarding how we approach planning for post-Alignment programming during the time frame before the Alignment takes effect? Would you suggest holding off altogether until the Alignment takes effect? We are getting calls from presenters that we would be looking at booking for the fall and wonder what we should tell them.
2. Specifically regarding our LEC - there is programming that has been created and tailored specifically to her skills and abilities planned for May - July, but the (admittedly highly tentative) date for completion of the Alignment is the end of June. The issue is the analog of the LEC position may take her away from NW (and at an undetermined time prior to the end of June), leaving a gap in coverage for presenting the programs we committed to her presenting prior to learning about the Alignment. Granted, July won't be published until April, but supplies have been purchased, plans have been made for specific programs to be offered, etc. The question is - if there are obligations that a staff member has taken on locally, but they end up moving to a new location/position prior to the date of their obligation, would they still be allowed to wrap up their obligations at their previous location even after moving to their new one - sort of a transition period where old responsibilities are met while new ones are taken on.
We would strive wherever possible to ensure that we meet our programming obligations regardless.
Thanks again!
Mark
Mark, thank you for your questions.
Answer for question #1: We certainly want to continue offering programs to our members so please continue offering programs locally as well as those offered and planned by Outreach. Once we know the process for the system-wide initiatives then we’ll use that. Until then continue with the planning approach that is currently in place.
Answer for question #2: The specific resolution of any possible gap of programming coverage that might occur if a staff member moves to a new location will be determined case by case as the departments/libraries work through their needs together.
Have I fully answer your question Mark?
Yes! Thank you!