Manager of Library Operations Meeting Minutes for July 2012

Submitted by admin on Fri, 08/17/2012 - 08:48

Meeting Location:

Edmond Library

Attending: Denyvetta Davis, Julie Ballou-NW, Barbara Beasley-WA, Rosemary Czarski-CT, LaVetta Dent-VI, Priscilla Doss-BI, Jana Hausburg-CT, Melody Kellogg-ED, Chris Kennedy-MC, Devin McGhee-DC, Michael Owens-RE, Katrina Prince-BE, Angela Thornton-DN and Randy Wayland-SO.

Guest: Candace McDaniel, HQ/LO

Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. by Denyvetta Davis, Director of Library Operations

LO Partners

Staff Recognition Event – Candace McDaniel, HQ/LO
Candace shared with the managers that the Staff Recognition Committee is doing things a bit different this year. She stated the committee would like for staff to share stories about the library received from customers. The committee is preparing a keepsake scrapbook for each honoree and will send the managers a questionnaire asking to dedicate a staff member to assist with photos.

Candace stated instead of calling the groups of nominees to the podium, she asked the managers on their thoughts of presenting their honorees with the awards. She shared a list of 81 honorees nominated this year. Chris Larwig-MaC, is compiling clips for a showing during the event at the Cowboy Hall of Fame on November 10 in which the committee has arranged for some galleries to remain open for tours. A string quartet will play during the dinner.
United Way Campaign – Candace McDaniel, HQ/LO
Candace informed the managers the United Way Committee’s goal is to exceed $20,000 in donations with 100% participation. She indicated the committee would like to attend one of their staff meetings between August 30 and September 13 to share information regarding committee packets and asked the managers to inform her of a date the committee may attend. This year, the committee will prepare a special gift for every MLS employee.

Creative Moments – Denyvetta Davis, Director of Library Operations

Denyvetta distributed to the managers 5 items of different shapes and sizes for an exercise during the meeting She asked the managers to come together in groups and use each item to identify words or phrases that describe themselves as managers and staff. Each group shared their thoughts at the end of the exercise.

Open Discussion

Summer Reading
Denyvetta asked the managers how Summer Reading was going. Managers agreed it is going well and expressed the excitement parents have being able to pick out books.
Unusual Incidents/Reports/Training
Denyvetta informed that Linda Hyams, SEC, is scheduling unusual incident training for staff at the libraries. She asked if the incident training from June helped with some of the incident concerns. The managers agreed that training has helped.
Sundays
There have been no problems with Sunday schedules and reserves are being processed on Sundays. The extended hours are going well also. Denyvetta asked the managers to be certain the libraries have the same staffing level on Saturdays and Sundays as during the weekdays.
Innovation Plans
Katrina informed the managers that BE plans to use the aerospace grant to enhance the Shannon Lucid exhibit in the meeting room; add a quality, scale model of the space shuttle in a wall mounted case; include space science programs that include kids learning how to build and launch model rockets; and partner with a local
science teacher to teach about science/space science.
LaVetta indicated having more accessible cabinets at VI as well as getting foot stools for each isle.

Priscilla stated BI will have a robotics challenge during October and November with Lego groups limited to 24 each week.

Barbara indicated that WA librarians counting the money each week has worked out well.

Julie informed that NW has marketing cards and staff business cards on order through MaC.
August MLO Meeting
Denyvetta briefly discussed with the managers locations for the MLO meeting on August 15. The managers agreed to meet at the OKC Museum of Arts.
Other topics
Rosemary, CT asked the managers if they shelve materials according to how the catalog has it listed or by the author. Denyvetta asked that all locations shelve materials according to the catalog to eliminate customer confusion.
Angela shared that she forwarded an email to DN staff regarding work hours changing effective August 1. She indicated that librarians are asking if they have the option to come in at 8:30am and take a 30 minute lunch or do they have to take a whole hour for lunch?

Denyvetta explained that the idea is for all of the libraries’ first shift to begin at 8:00 am. The purpose of this is so that there is time for a variety of tasks to be performed prior to opening to the public, things such as processing the bookdrop, reserves or staff meetings. It is also helpful for the libraries to be consistent so that staff throughout the organization know when to expect a person available. The decision on the length of time for the lunch period will depend on the specific needs and circumstances. It is important to establish a standard so that the scheduling is efficient and effective to meet the needs of the library. (Listen to discussion or read transcript)

Denyvetta informed the managers, for safety purposes, to be sure and schedule no less than 2 staff members to be in the building at one time. Additionally, if at all possible to ensure that one of those two staff members has supervisory responsibility to expedite any decisions should there be a need. For some libraries this includes librarian, associate librarian, assistant manager or manager for other libraries it will also include circulation clerks.

Kudos

Denyvetta informed that members of the Ad Team extended kudos to NW staff for being friendly and helpful and also to ED for their new signage.
Denyvetta passed around a letter from a CT customer complimenting Susan Beasley for her great service and a letter Jana received from a CH customer complimenting Tim.
Barbara extended kudos to Albert, MTC, for watering WA new trees and grass during the hottest peak of the day.
Randy gave kudos to one of SO’s customers.
Julie gave kudos to NW staff during a fire alarm for their immediate action and amazing job clearing customers out of the building.

Sharing

SO Library update – Randy Wayland, SO
Randy stated to the managers that the tentative date for SO grand opening is September 25. He and Donna will meet with city officials the morning of July 19. The sorter will arrive the week of September 17. Randy and Diane, DEV will soon meet with the sculpture artist Joe Slack about SO’s public art.

Randy informed that SO has a new assistant MLO, Emily Canniff who will begin her position on July 23. He shared that Emily is from the Boston area, has a lot of energy and ideas, and has experience working in the New York and Boston area libraries.

Denyvetta shared that the City has given a verbal agreement that they will pay the lease to keep the Almonte’ Library open but a written agreement has not been received.

DC Library update – Devin McGhee, DC
Devin informed the managers that she met with Del City officials and attended the City Council meeting on July 16. She shared that it was a good opportunity to observe what works in the community. She stated that a continuation of the 1-1/2% sales tax voting on the Capitol Projects will be on August 28.
Workshops/Training
Rosemary shared that most of CT staff attended the wellness workout. The video is on the Intranet.
Good Reads!
Denyvetta distributed to the managers the reading list (click here for online list) for MLOs and informed that the book titled, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is now required reading. She encouraged managers to share the reading list with staff during staff meetings. Denyvetta informed that author, Steven Covey passed away.
Denyvetta shared that she recently read “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan McCain and “Anywhere Leader: How to Lead and Succeed in any Business Environment” by Mike Thompson. She invited the managers to contact her if they would like to read and discuss these books.
MLS News
Denyvetta shared with the managers that a couple who is upset about a spouse not being able to pick up reserves may attend the Commission meeting on July 19 at Edmond.
Library News – Local/state/national
Jones is in the process of selecting an architect for the library building project.
The Tulsa Library is closed for now due to an infestation of bed bugs.

ALA is making conference/program changes beginning with the 2013 annual conference. All programs and discussion groups will take place within the convention center, program slots are being changed to 60-90 minutes, 10-15% of the program slots will be reserved for late-breaking/hot topic programs with final descriptions
due by a later deadline (around MidWinter), and they will be seeking more programs that allow opportunities for
interactive discussion than just someone talking at length at the front of the room.
Other
Melody passed around self reserve signage made by MaC and invited the managers to visit ED self reserve area.

Reminders/Announcements

Circ Forum – August 1, 2012 – 1:30pm - NW
CONNECT – September 11, 2012 – TBA
MLO Meeting – September 12, 2012 – Southwest OKC Public Library
FOCUS/MLS & Pioneer – October 8, 2012 – Magnuson Hotel/Meridian Convention Center