We were talking about this in our backroom and we all the question:
Are the "two (2) separate incidents of no call/no show" counted for an evaluation period or are they for term of employment? For example, if someone has one this year and then 5 years down the road has one again, will those 2 incidents result in termination of employment?
As for microform, we double-checked and the format type is spelled correctly. Thank you for helping to make sure we've got things straight!
Have a great weekend,
-Meg
I agree that we should purchase unaltered music CDs, however it's never bothered me to place the same age restrictions on movies as a theater or video store or Wal-Mart checkout counter, so it doesn't bother me to do so with CDs. Books don't have ratings. A child can purchase Fifty Shades of Grey in print anywhere, but has to show ID for the movie.
D. 2. Borrowers will be charged $5 per hour to a maximum of $60 for electronic devices.
Could you go into more detail about which devices will be charged the $5 per hour? Is it only a late fee for overdue electronic items, or is it a fee to use the iPads, etc?
Destiny - some background info on holds - at one time there was no limit on the number of items you could put on hold but a limit on how many items you could have checked out (I forgot how many but it was before 2004.)
Then when we got music DVDs, a few members had well over 100 of them on hold, that's when the limit of 30 came into play.
Just some FYI
In regards to bereavement leave, "Immediate family is defined as employee's and/or spouse's natural, adopted, step or foster: children, siblings, parents, grandparents or grandchildren, wards or guardians"
I have a unique family situation. When my mother passed away I was taken in by a still living aunt and uncle who were my legal guardians (my father is still living but we were estranged at that time - I mean it when I say "unique!") It was a difficult situation for them, so although they remained my guardians I also was raised by/lived with/still spend "family time" with two other still living aunts and uncles to whom I'm actually closer than I am my childhood legal guardians. Should something happen (two of my uncles are in declining health right now), are these people considered my immediate family, or are they extended family not eligible for bereavement leave?
(For clarification, No matter what kind of leave I'd need to take, I'd feel obligated to go to my legal guardians' funerals if they passed. But I will be devastated if/when my other two aunts have any problems, because they have shared the burden of being my emotional substitute moms. I don't forsee any issue with bereavement leave if/when something happens to my father, because he's covered as he's my father. Correct?)
You are right, disability is great, but also too limited. Another issue is that it typically covers only the period following the birth of an infant ( as childbirth and recovery is considered the "medical disability"), but is lacking when it comes to families who have adopted.
I did not work for MLS when I adopted my sons at 3 and 8- but I would have really appreciated the option to have some paid leave to settle in as a family and bond with my "babies".
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will faithfully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties of my office or employment during such time as I am [job title]"
Hi Heather! Thank you for the comment. That procedure for issuing accounts used to live in AL 212 (Card Signatures) which was eliminated over the summer to make way for ONEcard.
We're exploring some possibilities to address these situations and expect the committee reviewing this policy-- AL 200-- to make some proposals to the commission's Public Services committee in December. Stay tuned!
The issuance of a student card to a child without a parent or guardian's signature that allows the minor to check out two items for two weeks is a card type unknown to many staff members. They rarely encounter a situation that requires it. While subsequent use requires the parent or guardian's signature, would we like to consider restricting materials for check out to items similar to the one card limitations (educational use)?
Good catch on the tax forms verbiage! That is very much the opposite of what many of our libraries are doing. We've been providing tax forms free of charge as they are no longer stocked by a lot of agencies.
For those of us who are perhaps a bit too lazy to go to the OK Room, is there any chance you'd be willing to post a story or two over on the staff forum? I think it would be a really valuable service for those of us who weren't here! You know what they say, those who don't know history... uh... I forget the rest.
I just got here in 2011 and am learning some of this for the first time. I did already know about the Tin Drum kerfuffle, which was pretty hard to miss living here in the late 90s. But I only saw that from the outside -- I'd love to hear what it was like working here then.
Not to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Not to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Not to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Not to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Thank you for the background Pauline. I think it's really helpful for staff who weren't here at the time. As librarians, none of us want to limit access to any materials just because some people find them offensive. This just shows how our policies are impacted by external influences, as we are a recipient of public funding. The Library fought to keep the materials out in the open, just unfortunately "Family Talk" was as close as they could get. Hopefully the environment has changed enough to revisit Family Talk, but we won't know until we begin reviewing this policy.
I think the only time the public has made much mention of how we look is when we are wearing nifty library T-shirts. They love them, and ask why they don't see them more. We explain we can only wear jeans and T-shirts on Friday and Saturday and they tell us they never noticed. I think we do a great job in the summer of representing the library and looking professional. I love my library T-shirts and wish we had new ones. ( I especially like the logo that was on the July Infomag, and would love to see it on a library shirt.) Library polo shirts are also great, but I don't want to spend $30-$50 buying them. I don't think requiring us to spend money out of pocket for some things is fair either. I'm not sure what all the suggestions are, but if it has been suggested that we should only wear jeans with MLS polo shirts, I think we should be given new ones.
I was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
I don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
I was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
I don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
I was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
I don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
There is also a loophole where you can have 30 items on the hold shelf, 30 items in queue, and then as soon as one of the items in queue becomes available for the member to pick up they can place another item on hold. So the member can upwards to 60+ items on hold for them. I know that at the NW Library there is a member who often has that happen.
As a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
As a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
As a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
Yes, the Family Talk section is currently bound to certain subject headings. The guidelines for this section did seem to encourage library staff to identify additional titles to include in that special collection. If we absolutely must retain Family Talk, I believe we should solely identify materials using the subject headings. Otherwise we are encouraging library staff to take on the mantle of censor and act "in loco parentis" by deciding what is and is not appropriate for all children. Many staff have already pointed out how the existence of this collection seems a stark diversion from the guiding principles of our profession, and other policies within the library.
Here are the current family talk subject headings:
Family Talk Area for all Easy, Reader, Tween Fiction and Tween Nonfiction in the following topics:
I was wondering what people's thoughts on the JNF/TNF distinction were. I don't know about other people, but we have had a few members confused by where the two different collections are housed. While this policy does explain the distinction between the collections, there is room for overlap. Why did we make a distinction between JNF/TNF or ANF/JNF?
I agree! We have several members that would love to have access to more movies and graphic novels (American comics & manga). While ILL is an option, it doesn't allow members to meet their information needs expediently. The Principle of Least Effort is often exhibited when people decide it's too big of a hassle to try to get what they want from the library in terms of providing information and waiting for their desired material. We should not take a back seat to Redbox in terms of ease of use.
I agree! We should either fully catalog the items and allow them to be reserved by customers, or not purchase them at all. If we are really putting members first, we need to make a decision on this. It is frustrating for both members and staff trying to locate the items and send them to the members that want them. Members find it frustrating that they can't place a reserve on the item they want, and staff have had to come up with their own special routing procedures to send the material to the member who wants the item.
If you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
If you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
If you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
If you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
If you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
At any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
At any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
At any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
At any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
I remember both those books, What's happening to Ellie? and What's happening to Tom?, and I'm almost positive those were both supposed to be JNF.
We've got two more in that series (see also What Tom likes and What Ellie likes) and I just love them! They provide some really important knowledge that I would never, ever, ever have asked my parents about in a million years. I agree they should be where kids can find them discreetly and not in some super-embarrassing, hard to access Family Talk section.
ETA: I'm a Cataloging Tech. Probably should have mentioned that. :)
I remember both those books, What's happening to Ellie? and What's happening to Tom?, and I'm almost positive those were both supposed to be JNF.
We've got two more in that series (see also What Tom likes and What Ellie likes) and I just love them! They provide some really important knowledge that I would never, ever, ever have asked my parents about in a million years. I agree they should be where kids can find them discreetly and not in some super-embarrassing, hard to access Family Talk section.
ETA: I'm a Cataloging Tech. Probably should have mentioned that. :)
There is also inconsistencies with cataloguing through out topics. I just checked in books about manners and I had one that was considered "Family Talk". I flipped through it and the only "questionable" content would be monsters taking a bath.
There is also inconsistencies with cataloguing through out topics. I just checked in books about manners and I had one that was considered "Family Talk". I flipped through it and the only "questionable" content would be monsters taking a bath.
Some of us were absolutely against the "Family Talk" section from the very beginning, myself included. I don't have time right now, but you may be able to dig through the minutes of some of the committees that were responsible for developing the guidelines, to get more background info on this. I know it was approved by the Commission, but I'm not sure what intra-library group developed the guidelines. I'm sure MSL played a role and maybe the Ad Team (as it was known at the time.)
Yes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
Yes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
Yes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
I requested the first volume of Spider-Gwen and we got it!! Tomorrow I'm planning on recommending my autumn list of comic books, which will include Spider-Gwen volume 2. :) I'm a Marvel girl so I'm not that familiar with DC. I did recommend the DC Bombshells series (which we *just* got in!!) but, besides that and a couple others, I'm at a loss! LOL
I wish there was a way for staff to recommend titles for purchase - other than the public "Suggest a Title" or having to find out which collection my suggestion would fall in and then trying to find which person is in charge of that collection. For example, Ms. Marvel is in one collection, Squirrel Girl and Moon Girl are in a couple of different sections.
I recommend comic books like mad for our collection, and for the most part, they get purchased. I just wish I didn't have to use my reserve list to do it.
Oh, and please consider Spider-woman and Spider-women.. **hint, hint** ;)
I wish there was a way for staff to recommend titles for purchase - other than the public "Suggest a Title" or having to find out which collection my suggestion would fall in and then trying to find which person is in charge of that collection. For example, Ms. Marvel is in one collection, Squirrel Girl and Moon Girl are in a couple of different sections.
I recommend comic books like mad for our collection, and for the most part, they get purchased. I just wish I didn't have to use my reserve list to do it.
Oh, and please consider Spider-woman and Spider-women.. **hint, hint** ;)
We have had a relationship with Child Guidance for years and they used to offer developmental and autism screenings at several of our libraries. They have not been able to do this for the past couple of years because they are not considered an exempt organization in the current meeting room procedures.
When the meeting room procedures were updated, Child Guidance was part of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD), which is exempt because they are a county agency. However, shortly after the new meeting room procedures went into effect OCCHD underwent major budget cuts and eliminated the Child Guidance department. Fortunately OU Children's Child Study Center took on the Child Guidance department so they could continue to serve the community. Unfortunately, OU Children's Child Study Center is not an exempt organization. Therefore, even though Child Guidance wants to offer free child development and autism screenings at our libraries, we can not give them the room for free and they do not have a budget to pay for the meeting room.
We have had to pass up other opportunities to offer hearing/vision screenings and other early interventions led by university doctors, residents, and staff because the current meeting room procedures do not allow us to waive the room fee. We were also not able waive the fee by considering this a library program since it did not fit the criteria of a library program (ie. library staff did not lead or facilitate the program and it would not be appropriate for a library staff person to be present in the room during the screenings).
I feel that providing these screenings would help us achieve our mission of growing smarter communities one person at a time. Developmental screenings help identify delays early in life, which might otherwise go undiagnosed until the child starts school at 4 or 5 years old. Because a child's brain reaches 80% its adult size by the age of 3, it is very important to catch these delays as soon as possible and provide early interventions to help that child catch up. Early interventions for speech, language, and developmental delays can have huge impacts on a child’s school readiness and success later in life and I feel that we have an opportunity to make a difference in our communities by providing access to these screenings in our libraries.
•email needs to be included, as well as requests submitted online
•a link to the Citizens' Bill of Library Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement would be beneficial ◦perhaps make reading/understanding the importance of these documents a part of the new hire process--system-wide or even just at NW
•"Staff should be especially aware of potential legal liability for conveying inaccurate information" Admin should be especially aware of the potential chilling effect if staff are frightened of providing assistance. Again, perhaps make liability/our expected level of service part of the new hire process for those who will work a desk
•"The 'Confidentiality of Library Users' Records' law...." Is the 1985 version the most recent? Is NW in violation by not having this posted?
•"Reference Interview/Courtesy Standards": I feel that this section and beyond would be better situated as procedure, but here are some specific things that need to be changed (in my opinion) ◦Vague, non-specific words should be eliminated. "...looking up frequently" as a policy is either unenforceable or rife for abuse.
◦Section should be rooted in our Core Values
◦"The following policy guidelines are not rigid rules or strict limitations" means the following words do not belong as policy.
•"MLS Reference Services" ◦"Library staff...will interpret library resources..." What does "interpret" mean, precisely?
◦specific "library equipment and tools" should not be mentioned--remove reference to "PAC, MARS," etc.
•Reference Service--Standard Procedures ◦Remove "Libraries without voice mail need to establish individual procedures."
◦Remove reference to "the agency"--replace with "the library"
•Reference Service--Parameter Guildelines ◦"Make only collect calls..." needs to be deleted
◦"Maintain customer privacy by providing only library name and telephone number when leaving messages for customers." We do not do this. Should we begin leaving vague messages when calling re: damages, or is this strictly for reference questions, or do our core values now allow us to at least allude to the issue (i.e. "Mr. Smith, this is Librarian Lily, and I have the answers to the issue you asked about this morning. Please give me a call....")
•Reference Service--Special Approaches ◦Criss-Cross directory section details that the "older editions" are 1905-1997--since this was written in 1998, I'm guessing the language needs to be updated?
◦Contest Questions: I don't even know what this section is for. Should I?
◦Consumer Information: there is a missing apostrophe in the second sentence. Should be "product's rates" (or "products' rates).
◦Genealogies and Census Microfilm: Do BI, DN, RE, and SO all still have microfilm readers?
◦Tax Forms: "The library does not provide tax forms." Oh? Our website begs to differ....
◦Inquiries by mail: "This is third in priority...an attempt to answer mailed requests will be made within 20 working days." Eesh. Kinda makes a lie of the "All reference and information questions will be handled with equal effort regardless of the originating source" from the beginning of this policy.
◦References to CD-ROM should probably be deleted (because it makes us sound like we're super old).
◦references to "prepaid account" need to be removed
◦references to "floppy disks" are hilarious in 2016, but, alas, should be removed
•Internet Service ◦I think we should cease capitalizing internet (as the trend is rapidly moving that way)
◦"...visit one of the libraries offering public Internet access" needs to go.
◦"Internet Coach" is no longer a thing.
•V. Definitions ◦references to "records, videos, cassette tapes" and the like are dated
•VI. Regulations ◦"The library administration shall establish and maintain a purchasing procedure to" ◾Has the library administration established the purchasing procedure? If so, where is it, and does the policy need to say anything beyond maintaining (and potentially updating) the purchasing procedure?
◦"Purchases of similar items or groups of items should not generally be subdivided into multiple purchases of less than $10,000." (emphasis added) ◾When is it okay to subdivide? I don't like wiggle-room (what I learned as "weasel words" in school) in policy documents.
◦"The Commission shall be advised if exceptions are made." ◾Can staff be advised as well?
◦Reference to "Library Operations." Is that still the correct terminology?
◦"The Library will not knowingly purchase nor accept bids to purchase any item from" ◾Are there any safeguards in place to enforce this, or is "Oh, well, we didn't know that was my brother-in-law's company" sufficient?
I've worked for many organizations that allowed for a sick leave bank. This made it possible for employees facing a devastating health issue to keep their jobs during their treatment and recovery, and kept valuable trained personnel in the system for when they were capable of returning to work. If there is a concern that people would use the bank to game the leave system, then a checks and balances structure can be put into place.
I was diagnosed with cancer at 20. It's a terrifying thing to face at any age, but for people who haven't been in the working world long enough to accrue sick leave to help cover the costs of treatment, it can destroy future financial security very quickly. I'm 24 years post treatment, and STILL making payments some of those bills - not to mention the costs of subsequent permanent issues that arise from chemo use.
It would be very beneficial to have some paid maternity/paternity leave available to employees. Even 2 to 4 weeks would be welcome especially to newer employees who may not have access to FMLA leave and single parents. Being able to count on a paycheck during this time would allow for less stress for parents whether they are out for 6 weeks or the full 12 weeks if FMLA is taken. While we do have short term disability available, if an employee is pregnant before the policy takes effect the percentage of their salary paid falls to 25%. While out, employees on leave still have to pay their health insurance costs. Many employees will be unable to bank enough sick or vacation time to have their salary completely covered while out. I agree that offering any paid maternity/paternity leave will be attractive to potential new employees. Employees and their children would benefit from this potential change.
To echo what Natalie said, while sick and AVL can be used after the birth or adoption of a child, a truly progressive parental leave policy would attract and retain the best staff in the state. Compounding the lack of a true "new child" option with the fact that so little AVL can be rolled over, puts new employees of child-bearing age in a very tight spot. Even if you want to plan your leave responsibly, your hands are tied by the roll over rules.
I am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
I am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
I am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
I am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
I am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
While I do agree with certain aspects of your post (like having resource contacts or materials available to give out to those in need), I also think that the policy is still needed. At the DN library we frequently have cases of this policy being used. I have had members complain about other members that have fallen asleep using our public computers and then were still asleep when it was time for another person's session. I have had members get angry that someone was sleeping at the tables or in our more comfortable chairs because they didn't think it was appropriate that it was happening. We have also had members that appeared to be asleep that were actually passed out from intoxication which violates other parts of our rules of conduct. While we are a library that must meet the needs of our community, we are not a public shelter and do not have the appropriate resources or space to act in such a way while still upholding our main function of being an information institution.
I agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
I agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
I agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
I agree with a lot of what has been said. I have seen people wear business casual outfits that do not look very professional and I have seen people wear casual outfits that look very professional. I think a lot of it just depends on the person and the fit of the clothes. That being said, I think professionalism is more about attitude and customer service than it is about wardrobe. With some of the communities that we serve, dressing in a less formal manner can help us to be more approachable and relatable.
On another subject, I find it strange that we can not wear capris or Bermuda shorts that are above the mid-calf but we can wear skirts that are 3 inches above the knee. I also think that leggings could be worn as pants if worn with an appropriately long top, and would look fine.
You may want to add forms to the list of examples librarians are not allowed to interpret or specifically direct members to when asked. Many people I have encountered do not realize this is considered practicing law. This was the practice I was taught as a law librarian.
You may want to add forms to the list of examples librarians are not allowed to interpret or specifically direct members to when asked. Many people I have encountered do not realize this is considered practicing law. This was the practice I was taught as a law librarian.
Could our meeting rooms be free to the public? This is the option the Southwest Library has. "The groups or individuals that reserve the rooms are also responsible for the arrangement of the furniture and agree to return it to the designated location." Equipment (television, dvd player, projector, etc.) could also be provided.
I would really like to see the language revised regarding "tank tops." What exactly does that mean? All sleeveless shirts? Or just the undershirt type, which typically have a spaghetti strap, and which I would refer to as a "cami" (camisole)? I think there are plenty of sleeveless blouses and dresses that look professional, but right now the language is so vague, I'm not sure they're allowed.
As others have already noted, we're all professionals here and, with few exceptions, know how to dress as such. I think fewer explicit rules and greater trust in the professionalism of our employees would go far toward fixing this and other concerns that have already been raised.
I don't believe that allowing us to have a more relaxed dress code would in any way go against our new vision with the core values. More often than not our members do not care what we are wearing as long as they receive outstanding customer service and leave happy with their items in hand. Like others have said......if it's good enough on Fridays, Saturdays and June and July......then why not the rest of the year?
As a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
As a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
As a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
It could be region specific but at Ralph when a library aid or a pcos leaves they get replaced with a different position. From what I understand the goal is that circ is more flexible and then so everyone can take up the shelving. I'm not sure that other regions are doing this (as I've noticed some libraries are posting new library aid jobs) but in our case that is certainly happening. I also think it increases approachability, especially with our younger patrons. I've had several conversations started with me by kids who see I'm wearing a Teen Titans shirt or something.
I humbly, yet wholeheartedly disagree with the statement made about hats considering the array of types and styles. Baseball caps, beanies, cowboys hats, and straw garden hats are obviously inappropriate. However, fedoras, if properly worn, seem to make a professional ensemble appear more polished.
While I agree that you have made a very good point, as an aide, I am startled as this is the first I'm hearing of "the goal being to phase out library aides". When I first started, I wore lightweight loose-fitting slack-like pants that were professional and pretty comfortable, but soon realized that the material would not hold up considering my position requires me to bend, squat, and kneel quite regularly. So I started wearing jeans more often. After doing so, I realized I was being approached by patrons more frequently which I believe lends more to the very first statement of the policy, "The Employee Dress Code policy ensures that library system employees project a professional, business-like image while expressing a non-intimidating, approachable and comfortable image to our customers." Keywords being: non-intimidating and approachable. Considering the demographic we typically serve here at the Village, I believe being allowed to wear jeans and MLS t-shirts makes us appear more relatable and approachable to the customer.
While I agree that you have made a very good point, as an aide, I am startled as this is the first I'm hearing of "the goal being to phase out library aides". When I first started, I wore lightweight loose-fitting slack-like pants that were professional and pretty comfortable, but soon realized that the material would not hold up considering my position requires me to bend, squat, and kneel quite regularly. So I started wearing jeans more often. After doing so, I realized I was being approached by patrons more frequently which I believe lends more to the very first statement of the policy, "The Employee Dress Code policy ensures that library system employees project a professional, business-like image while expressing a non-intimidating, approachable and comfortable image to our customers." Keywords being: non-intimidating and approachable. Considering the demographic we typically serve here at the Village, I believe being allowed to wear jeans and MLS t-shirts makes us appear more relatable and approachable to the customer.
I'm okay with saying "often". Kids do often become bored. And the original policy statement you quoted does say "can": "Such behavior *can* (my emphasis) prompt reprimands from the staff..."
yeah maybe it's just a nit-picky thing but the word "often" is what initially turned me off. You used the word "can" ("can disturb other people). Does the distinction evoke anything for you either way?
As someone with two kids, this statement doesn't seem harsh at all to me. It sounds eminently reasonable. When children are left alone (or even in the presence of adults!), they do get bored, restless, and can disturb other people. That's called being a kid. :) And I'm sure restless kids can act in ways that COULD prompt reprimands from staff, which would foster a negative atmosphere. I hope more people who have worked in the libraries will weigh in on this!
"Children, left on their own, may be able to keep themselves occupied for a time; but, often become bored, restless and disturb others. Such behavior can prompt reprimands from the staff, fostering a negative rather than a positive atmosphere."
The language here seems especially harsh. It implies that children are likely to become a burden if left unattended and paints them as little demons that will reek havoc if left to their own accord. The wording could benefit from some softening as children are the cornerstone of many of our services, and the policy exists to protect them. The rest of the policy looks great - just this sentence could be removed :)
"The Metropolitan Library System will maintain photocopying machines and computer printers at most system libraries for public use and for internal (staff) use for library business."
Could we change "most" to "all"? So many members come in to use the copier that it seems like it should be a de-facto service the system provides. I believe all libraries do currently have a copier so if anything changing the policy would better reflect a service we are already providing.
This policy/chronology needs updating since so many things have occurred in the system since 1998! I believe it is important to keep this updated for posterity's sake and to have documentation of all of the wonderful developments that have occurred.
I understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
I understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
I understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
I understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
I agree on both accounts!
- why not let members renew materials more than twice if the item isn't requested by anyone? At least if it is checked out it is being used by someone as opposed to sitting on the shelf with no circulation.
- two weeks is a short amount of time to read long books, especially if renewing isn't permitted. Thinking about the "long books" that are currently popular: Game of Thrones, Outlander, last few Harry Potter books, etc. - those would be tough to read in two weeks.
"Use basic terms and language (avoid library jargon) and ask open-ended questions."
I absolutely agree that staff should avoid library jargon as it creates a communication barrier and can perpetuate the elitist mentality of "librarian as expert" that does not uphold an egalitarian relationship between librarian and member. However, a lot of the vocabulary used in the system on the front-end and on signage uses library jargon that could benefit from being simplified into layman's terms. For example, many members don't really know the difference between "reference" and "circulation." They know that one desk is for checking out books, and another is for library help. Changing "circulation" to "check-out" at least on signs and in conversation with members could help with the distinction. "Reference" could also benefit from a revamp - I probably couldn't have given you a good definition of reference until I was in library school. Finally, our closing announcements include the phrase "information needs" which is also very librarian-y.
I would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
I would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
I would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
I would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
•Leaving children under 10 years old unattended. (The library assumes no responsibility for minor children.)
This is a question I have related to an incident here at RE yesterday. We frequently have children who are 10 (or claim to be 10, some are 8 or younger) that are in charge of much younger children, including toddlers. Children that young are seldom mentally or emotionally mature enough to provide adequate supervision for very young children. In previous systems where I've worked, children under 5 needed to be accompanied by someone 16 or older. Could a similar requirement be considered the next time this policy is up for review?
Really good point! Maybe it would be a good idea to have a more flexible dress code based around the type of work that will be done. I would love it if we were provided logoed shirts of a certain type and could just wear pants/skirts/jeans as our work dictated.
I was wondering if we were going to change the policy on how we dress because of the way we are reallocating library positions. With the goal being to phase out library aides and have circs/librarians take up the shelving, I'm somewhat worried about how my wardrobe will fair. Most of my business casual wardrobe is skirts/dresses. I have a hard time seeing me able to shelve a cart as quickly in a pencil skirt. It also hurts the longevity of outfits that weren't mean for that kind of work to be taking place whilst in them. I enjoy wearing skirts and dresses, but if I'm going to be doing a lot more shelving (RE is down to 2 dedicated library aides) its going to be khakis and loose fitting button down or otherwise appropriate top. Which to me doesn't really give off the same sort of aesthetic and requires the repurchasing of a wardrobe.
I was wondering if we were going to change the policy on how we dress because of the way we are reallocating library positions. With the goal being to phase out library aides and have circs/librarians take up the shelving, I'm somewhat worried about how my wardrobe will fair. Most of my business casual wardrobe is skirts/dresses. I have a hard time seeing me able to shelve a cart as quickly in a pencil skirt. It also hurts the longevity of outfits that weren't mean for that kind of work to be taking place whilst in them. I enjoy wearing skirts and dresses, but if I'm going to be doing a lot more shelving (RE is down to 2 dedicated library aides) its going to be khakis and loose fitting button down or otherwise appropriate top. Which to me doesn't really give off the same sort of aesthetic and requires the repurchasing of a wardrobe.
I threw in that part because if you are a larger woman, some years it can be an absolute nightmare finding jeans without sparkly little gems all over the back pockets. It's like Lane Bryant doesn't realize some of us are grown women with jobs. Fashion is a mysterious thing.
My body type could best be described as "Mini-Michelin-Man": about 5 feet tall and just one unsightly bulge after another. It is very difficult for me to even find Biz Caz for my personal dimensions at a price that works with my budget, and even when I can it seems to look sloppy and unprofessional. For me, a nice dark pair of jeans and a snappy logo'd shirt would be the best option. Members would see that outfit and think "uniform" rather than "yikes, learn to dress yourself".
Slacks, Pants, Jeans, and Suit Pants
a.Slacks that are similar to Dockers™, jeans in good repair, and nice looking dress pants are acceptable. Dressy pants that fall between the mid-calf and ankle are generally acceptable. Leggings, form-fitting pants or tights are acceptable, when worn with an appropriate skirt, dress or pants.
b.Inappropriate slacks or pants include capri’s (pants that fall above mid-calf) camouflage or cargo pants, sweatpants, exercise pants, shorts, Bermuda shorts, denim overalls or any type of exercise wear when worn without an appropriate skirt or dress.
c. Appropriate jeans include dark, solid, uniform colors with no rips or tears (whether incidental damage or "fashionable" rips that exist at purchase), no bleached or overly worn areas, and no stains. Any Bedazzling or other flashy backside decoration must be covered at all times with a top of appropriate length.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Hi staff!
Thanks for your comments-- we appreciate your input.
This policy has been converted to a procedure (effective August 1) and updated/re-worded. I'll be posting the new procedure (AS 300.1, Proposals for New Software) later this afternoon.
Hi staff!
Thanks for your comments-- we appreciate your input.
This policy has been converted to a procedure (effective August 1) and updated/re-worded. I'll be posting the new procedure (AS 300.1, Proposals for New Software) later this afternoon.
I think this area can be reduced significantly. Many of the bullets seem more like procedure, or would be more appropriate as staff training as mentioned above (customer service, friendliness, reference interviews, etc).
For instance, if the library isn't busy I don't expect a library staff member to halt a conversation with a member just because they've answered 3 questions. We're not on the Bridge of Death from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. However, we do need to make sure that we are open and available to other customers needing assistance. Is there a better way to use our policy to demonstrate treating all members' information needs equitably?
I can't speak for Melody, but my answer for your question is a pretty straightforward "No, it would not exacerbate the problem" if we could carry over up to, say 100% of our leave accrual. In practice, I suspect that it would actually have less impact than you might think on the "November/December" rush, and any impact that it did have would ease the pressure. For the first few years of implementation, it would completely ease the pressure to "use up" vacation because no one would be close to their limit.
Eventually, we would reach equilibrium. Those people who tend to accrue more leave than they use would be in exactly the same position they are in now, with a "bank" of around 100% instead of a bank of around 25%. The only difference is that we'd have fewer issues because fewer people would end up collecting over 100%. Those who are more organized would make plans to use their leave as they creep toward 65% or 75%, which could occur during any time of the year, not just November/December, thus distributing the problem more evenly. Also, given how much easier it would be to plan and avoid the issue of "losing" leave by not using it, I as manager would, frankly, be less sympathetic about granting large amounts of November/December leave on short notice.
Actually, we could eliminate the "rush" completely with a pretty simple rule: you can't bank more than a year's worth of leave regardless of where you are in the year. Forget about the "roll-over" rule. An employee could hit their bank limit any time of year, not just at the end, thus distributing the problem away from November/December.
I can't speak for Melody, but my answer for your question is a pretty straightforward "No, it would not exacerbate the problem" if we could carry over up to, say 100% of our leave accrual. In practice, I suspect that it would actually have less impact than you might think on the "November/December" rush, and any impact that it did have would ease the pressure. For the first few years of implementation, it would completely ease the pressure to "use up" vacation because no one would be close to their limit.
Eventually, we would reach equilibrium. Those people who tend to accrue more leave than they use would be in exactly the same position they are in now, with a "bank" of around 100% instead of a bank of around 25%. The only difference is that we'd have fewer issues because fewer people would end up collecting over 100%. Those who are more organized would make plans to use their leave as they creep toward 65% or 75%, which could occur during any time of the year, not just November/December, thus distributing the problem more evenly. Also, given how much easier it would be to plan and avoid the issue of "losing" leave by not using it, I as manager would, frankly, be less sympathetic about granting large amounts of November/December leave on short notice.
Actually, we could eliminate the "rush" completely with a pretty simple rule: you can't bank more than a year's worth of leave regardless of where you are in the year. Forget about the "roll-over" rule. An employee could hit their bank limit any time of year, not just at the end, thus distributing the problem away from November/December.
Can we look into two three-week checkout periods instead of three two-week checkouts? It's the same (potential) six-week checkout period, with half the hassle.
Can we look into two three-week checkout periods instead of three two-week checkouts? It's the same (potential) six-week checkout period, with half the hassle.
We have all of ours together at RE in one location. They are separated by shelves as to age group and normal location but are all in one bay. I guess I just need to learn more about the way our vendor process works. I mean if titles that are still in print and readily available on our end as consumers aren't available to purchase for the library then that's just a bummer I suppose. I still think that it's odd that we have a volume 1 of batgirl (which isn't even a true volume one) but don't have two or three considering how well it circs.
I could see that being an issue. Maybe then we need to update our review policy. There are comic book reviews out there and whole magazines dedicated to this purpose even when it comes to previews. I know some of the books are hard to come by as far as not being in print so that really can't be helped at this point. I've done some recommendations, we'll see how those go. I did notice we got in a new 52 Supergirl comic so that was pretty nice. My main concern has to do with the timeliness of comic events and having to read one to understand another. We're just now getting issues from DC's new 52 that launched four years ago and now DC rebirth has started. I think this just leads people to go elsewhere because they can't use our services to keep up. I certainly understand if its a vendor problem there isn't much to be done. Maybe its time to look to the review policy. If we can get all of these Harlequin romance novels in, I think we should be able to find a way to get in comic books.
My old library had a daily limit of 180 minutes per card per day. We also used Envisionware and staff could override the limit if a member needed more time to complete a job application, FAFSA, etc. This worked well and helped us make internet access available for an increased number of users. (We also had multiple 15 minute Express Terminals. Very nice.)
I had a member yesterday mention how hard it is to actually find our graphic novels as well. We have them scattered in genres and some by character, Batman and Superman if they are collected editions with multiple authors, and then by author. Which kinda runs into a problem when the writing team changes.
I am all for more female and mainstream characters. Given the accessibility of the titles though. I do know that some books that would be awesome for our collection are hard to come by due to printing. And it seems DC and Image are a lot easier for us to get rather than Marvel.
As far as comic books/graphic novels/etc. go, I see this less of something to be implemented in the policy and more of something to discuss with selectors. If you have recommendations, PLEASE talk with the librarian in charge of that collection at your library, get in contact with one of the selectors, or even just submit some requests! I know there's been some intensive work on developing both our physical and digital comic/graphic novel collections lately, but some of these materials don't have professional reviews, aren't available from our vendors, or get missed just because they're not mentioned in review media. I will, however, promise that the Materials Selection department considers every single recommendation (and is very strongly pro-girl power) so I advise you to reach out!
As far as comic books/graphic novels/etc. go, I see this less of something to be implemented in the policy and more of something to discuss with selectors. If you have recommendations, PLEASE talk with the librarian in charge of that collection at your library, get in contact with one of the selectors, or even just submit some requests! I know there's been some intensive work on developing both our physical and digital comic/graphic novel collections lately, but some of these materials don't have professional reviews, aren't available from our vendors, or get missed just because they're not mentioned in review media. I will, however, promise that the Materials Selection department considers every single recommendation (and is very strongly pro-girl power) so I advise you to reach out!
I've noticed the increase in image titles as well, which is great for already established readers, but just our standard superhero books are pretty lacking. We don't have any Black Panther even though the movie is set to come out and honestly our books revolving around female characters are pretty lacking as well. There are no supergirl titles for adults, 1 batgirl and slightly more wonder woman. We have Ms. Marvel but no Captain Marvel and the list continues. We are just missing very prominent characters. We have several JP and readers about the characters, even the occasional children's comic (supergirl and teen titans go) but are just severely lacking for multiple characters. It's especially hard because it seems like we have several comics that are oriented around male characters in the superhero department but far less for women character.
I've noticed the increase in image titles as well, which is great for already established readers, but just our standard superhero books are pretty lacking. We don't have any Black Panther even though the movie is set to come out and honestly our books revolving around female characters are pretty lacking as well. There are no supergirl titles for adults, 1 batgirl and slightly more wonder woman. We have Ms. Marvel but no Captain Marvel and the list continues. We are just missing very prominent characters. We have several JP and readers about the characters, even the occasional children's comic (supergirl and teen titans go) but are just severely lacking for multiple characters. It's especially hard because it seems like we have several comics that are oriented around male characters in the superhero department but far less for women character.
I do notice that we are starting to get a lot more "indy" titles in, IE Image books, but I have also ran across that sometimes we get a copy of one volume of the series and then a completely different version of the collected volumes for the rest. For example, Y: The Last Man Vol 1 and then getting Y: The Last Man Ultimate Collection Vol 2. As a member of the comic reading community, I know the frustration and the confusion that comes when even missing a single issue.
I completely agree that we are doing a disservice to our members for having one or two volumes of a book and then not having the rest of the series, something that I have come across in the system back in the 2000s when our graphic novel selection was very low.
Plus, I know it is more of a cataloging issue to address, but sometimes the way a series is cataloged makes it hard for us employees and members to try and locate.
I do notice that we are starting to get a lot more "indy" titles in, IE Image books, but I have also ran across that sometimes we get a copy of one volume of the series and then a completely different version of the collected volumes for the rest. For example, Y: The Last Man Vol 1 and then getting Y: The Last Man Ultimate Collection Vol 2. As a member of the comic reading community, I know the frustration and the confusion that comes when even missing a single issue.
I completely agree that we are doing a disservice to our members for having one or two volumes of a book and then not having the rest of the series, something that I have come across in the system back in the 2000s when our graphic novel selection was very low.
Plus, I know it is more of a cataloging issue to address, but sometimes the way a series is cataloged makes it hard for us employees and members to try and locate.
I don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
I don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
I don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
I don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
Agreed. In fact, I think we should completely do away with fees for children's materials (OR get rid of fees for items checked out on a child's card [since a child should be the only one using his/her card], whichever avenue removes financial penalties for kids).
"Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet."
This is exactly the opposite of what we were told to do this tax season. We even printed them for free (but not the whole instruction booklet. They could check that out from the Info desk).
With our current system, it is time consuming and cumbersome to calculate available leave for each PTO request from both the employee side and the supervisor side. I realize this might be a policy and Paycom issue, but I’d like to eliminate the need for calculations and make the process much more straight forward.
I can see how allowing staff to only use available leave, but carry over more, would solve this problem. This would work well for staff who accrue a lot, but might be difficult for staff who accrue the minimum and would be unlikely to carry much over. Another potential solution would be to award staff all leave at the start of the year. The leave awarded could be based on the past- what you worked the year before- or the future- what we anticipate you to accrue based on the hours you are hired for. If based on the future, when someone left Metro before “earning” the leave they were awarded/used it could be deducted from their final check.
Do you think this would exacerbate the situation of everyone trying to get leave in in December? It already makes scheduling and coverage a hassle. Yes, more carry over means you aren't forced into taking the majority at the end, but people will still do it.
This is the first place I've worked that allows employees to use leave they haven't yet earned. It would make approving leave much easier if only earned leave could be used. A companion piece to that would be that employees can carry over more than 25% of their leave to the next year.
The previous policy was working pretty well. Just keep it simple and affordable: $10-20 hourly rate across locations, reservations up to 3 months in advance, no more than X number of reservations a month, a system-wide exempt/discounted list and another at each location’s discretion, etc.
Explaining the new rate was a difficult sell. It went from $10 per hour to $50-$60: instant sticker-shock. Some customers accepted, "The rate hasn't changed in 40 years while the cost of everything else has increased greatly." While our explanation made sense, the rate forced many to meet elsewhere.
Making it easy for non-profits, neighborhood associations, community organizations and the like to meet here was beneficial to the library. It encouraged people who might not have frequented the library to come in and brought us closer to the individuals and groups who were already working in the area. It reminds me of today's webinar about the "Voices of Race" program organized by the Skokie Library. They initiated a huge, 10-week program across the city with the help of over 30 community organizations. The planners said those partnerships developed over time through mutual support and reciprocity. Reciprocity is huge. Offering the rooms at a discounted rate (or free), allowing room reservations beyond 3 months, and maybe even inviting key groups to start using our rooms, etc. are the kinds of gestures that show those organizations devoted to empowering communities that the library is on their side, that we’re in this together. Networking with like-minded groups pushes forward our 20-year goal because they become vocal library advocates. While most of those organizations love the library already, when we extend support they often become zealots.
We should make the rate uniform across the system. Keep it simple. Cut out some of the, "if this, then that" complexity. The only exception might be for businesses that are selling something or charging a fee and perhaps even social events. If anyone is charged a higher rate, these groups are some we should consider. The folks who welcome everyone to their community, cultural, or educational event and are focused on something beneficial to the community should get first dibs (after library programs) and/or a lower rate.
We have had multiple comments from library members about why we charge full price for lost/damaged materials when they can order the item for $5.00 on Amazon. Several want to order the book and give it to us rather than paying $25 or whatever. While, of course, it's more complicated than that, maybe we should think about having something in the policy to account for depreciation. For example, if a book has circulated XX number of times or if an item has been in the system for XX number of years, we reduce it by some percentage. Like Tim Spindle said above this also has been at the manager's discretion in the past, but having something in the policy would empower staff to serve customers in the moment. I noticed a couple of policies that spelled out the fact that they don't do exchanges. For example, "The Seattle Public Library does not accept in-kind personally purchased replacements for items lost or damaged while in circulation." Santa Clara County Library District sometimes allows exchanges if approved in advance but charges a processing free: "The library does not accept the replacement of lost items unless a librarian has agreed to the exchange in advance. A lost processing fee is charged for the replacement."
We should consider reducing fines for overdue children's books, as well as penalties for lost/damaged children's books. They tend to be checked out in larger quantities, and, if you have more than one child, even being a couple days late can cause fines to increase exponentially. This can be a huge barrier to access, especially in low-income communities. Too often, I've heard parents tell their kids they can only check out 1 or 2 books (if any at all). They are worried about having late/lost/damaged materials. Some libraries have done away with fines for children's books altogether or have "read down" options for kids. Another possibility would be to set the maximum fine per children's book at, for example, 50 cents instead of $3. Removing or reducing this cost barrier will also help libraries in at risk communities meet their strategic goal of increasing their circulation of children's materials, and more importantly providing better access to the children who need it the most.
For example, check out this article "In San Jose, Poor Find Doors to Library Closed" -- http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/31/us/in-san-jose-poor-find-doors-to-libr...
Paternity leave involves a parent who isn't sick or temporarily disabled but often has to take care of someone who is temporarily disabled and\or needs time to bond with a new child. There are current pools, paid and unpaid, from which we must draw for family leave but I don't believe these pools are specifically designated as paid family leave.
I think Debbie gives a good answer, and since the arrival of the new system, it has been surprising that there doesn't seem to be a way to give input, some type of "suggestion box." I have friends who work for other library systems who do call their vendor and offer suggestions. To me if we're the customer, wouldn't ideas, tips, and questions be expected and encouraged, even it didn't happen right away? (It didn't happen right away with Jimmy either, by the way). It seems if there was some type of group within the library, not all IT people, but a those with a variety of tech skills, who could pass these ideas along, that would be helpful.
Coming from a non-library field into my Associate Librarian position almost two years ago, this was suggested by my supervisor. I have watched for the opportunity to come up- and then when it finally did a few months ago, it was cancelled due to lack of adequate enrollment.
I would love more training in this area !
Technically, this is a training comment, but the Reference Interview is in this policy. When I first started working at MLS, we had required training on the reference interview so new librarians to the system would learn how to conduct these. It is so important to have these skills to help the customer and librarian discover what the customer really needs. From talking to library students, this isn't something taught in library school either. I believe Reference Interview training should be required of all our new librarians and associate librarians (and for those who are already working here who may not have had this training already).
Technically, this is a training comment, but the Reference Interview is in this policy. When I first started working at MLS, we had required training on the reference interview so new librarians to the system would learn how to conduct these. It is so important to have these skills to help the customer and librarian discover what the customer really needs. From talking to library students, this isn't something taught in library school either. I believe Reference Interview training should be required of all our new librarians and associate librarians (and for those who are already working here who may not have had this training already).
A little background/history might be helpful. At one time, before Carl X, we had a committee of staff from all areas that addressed tech concerns on a monthly or quarterly basis. and yes, it was to assist Jimmy in tweaking CyberMARS, as staff came up with suggestions. that's the history of this, short and sweet - someone else might be able to give a better more concise answer than me.
In response to Todd's comment that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors - we still can give input to the vendor, thru IT (Anne.)
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
I'd like to suggest we add a line that if a material is stolen from a customer, the customer can present a police report to a staff member and we will waive the replacement cost. It's my understanding that currently, waiving this replacement cost is at management's discretion and while I do trust management to give good customer service when this occurs, I think adding this text to this policy will guide & empower library staff to give similarly good customer service "in the moment" instead of "waiting to find someone who can help."
I'd like to suggest we add a line that if a material is stolen from a customer, the customer can present a police report to a staff member and we will waive the replacement cost. It's my understanding that currently, waiving this replacement cost is at management's discretion and while I do trust management to give good customer service when this occurs, I think adding this text to this policy will guide & empower library staff to give similarly good customer service "in the moment" instead of "waiting to find someone who can help."
So this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals? http://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
So this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals? http://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
So this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals? http://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
I am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
I am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
I am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
I am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
I'm not sure I understand what this Policy is for. This seems to say "If you have ideas, tell your boss", specifically about automation of services. Telling your supervisor about good ideas is excellent (and hopefully, obvious) advice, but why is it a policy?
Edit: re-reading it, it doesn't actually suggest that you tell ideas to your supervisor. It says to bring them directly to an Ad team member, which, at the time of writing, referred to Deputy Executive Directors and above, I think. That seems an odd chain of communication to me.
What if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
What if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
What if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
I don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
I think I understand the desire to 'reward' employees who do not use their sick time by providing AVL days for those who do not use sick time; however, unless I misunderstand, it almost works in the employee's favor of more days off to just use the sick time. If this is to be revised in a current system and not a full PTO bank system, you may want to re-evaluate that. If I were to look at this from the outside, I would wonder if this is too complicated and not efficient or cost effective to manage. As an employee, I think it's pretty generous and I value it.
I think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
I think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
I think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
I think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
d.If a customer has forgotten his/her card and does not know the number, staff should check circulation records to verify that the customer is a registered borrower without a block against his/her account. The customer must then show acceptable identification equal to that required for obtaining a library account.
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Currently a member is to show proof of address any time they forget their library card and need access to their account.
It is difficult to explain, when a member has a valid picture ID, why it is not strong enough proof for them to access their account.
d.If a customer has forgotten his/her card and does not know the number, staff should check circulation records to verify that the customer is a registered borrower without a block against his/her account. The customer must then show acceptable identification equal to that required for obtaining a library account.
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Currently a member is to show proof of address any time they forget their library card and need access to their account.
It is difficult to explain, when a member has a valid picture ID, why it is not strong enough proof for them to access their account.
We have several content creators on staff. What about offering sabbatical leave for the purpose of writing a book or working on a film?
It might be a good recruiting tool for prospective employees who already hold a MLIS.
I have heard murmurings about going to a PTO (Personal Time Off) format, where you get so much PTO each year and can use it for whatever you need to take off for. Would it be a graduated system, rewarded more PTO the longer you have in the system?
For some who have been here more than 20 years, they get a very generous amount of time between AVL and SL, would PTO equal that?
Also, how about accumulating time, like our SL can be saved up to 960 hours?
Updated 110.2 Compensation Schedule 09/2023
Shree RanebenurThe telework procedures, agreement and position list are being finalized. Once complete, job descriptions will be updated.
Thank you.
Kelley Hoffman"Telework eligibility is noted in job descriptions for positions which require or allow telework even when the library is not experiencing closure."
Will we be seeing updated job descriptions coming soon?
Mary West"Telework eligibility is noted in job descriptions for positions which require or allow telework even when the library is not experiencing closure."
Will we be seeing updated job descriptions coming soon?
Mary WestMilissa,
Victoria StephensI am not sure who created this, but I can try to find out.
Thank you!
Victoria
Anyone know who updates this?
Milissa CopelandWe were talking about this in our backroom and we all the question:
Rebecca WestAre the "two (2) separate incidents of no call/no show" counted for an evaluation period or are they for term of employment? For example, if someone has one this year and then 5 years down the road has one again, will those 2 incidents result in termination of employment?
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Gatlin SullivanHi Diane!
This is actually an outdated version of the Materials Policy. We welcome your input in the review process-- Janet shared a revised/updated draft just this week, which is available here for your review: http://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/policy_procedures/review/proposed-cha....
As for microform, we double-checked and the format type is spelled correctly. Thank you for helping to make sure we've got things straight!
Meaghan HuntHave a great weekend,
-Meg
V.Format
The library system selects materials in formats that are most appropriate to meet community needs. These formats include:
A.Microform (the spelling of this word needs to be corrected, if it hasn't been already. :) )
Diane SharpI agree that we should purchase unaltered music CDs, however it's never bothered me to place the same age restrictions on movies as a theater or video store or Wal-Mart checkout counter, so it doesn't bother me to do so with CDs. Books don't have ratings. A child can purchase Fifty Shades of Grey in print anywhere, but has to show ID for the movie.
Kara RiddleSimple is better
James NimmoIt would be nice if,
Justin Herwig•Using restrooms for bathing, shampooing or doing laundry.
had "shaving" in the there also.
D. 2. Borrowers will be charged $5 per hour to a maximum of $60 for electronic devices.
Karen LitteralCould you go into more detail about which devices will be charged the $5 per hour? Is it only a late fee for overdue electronic items, or is it a fee to use the iPads, etc?
Destiny - some background info on holds - at one time there was no limit on the number of items you could put on hold but a limit on how many items you could have checked out (I forgot how many but it was before 2004.)
Debbie RobertusThen when we got music DVDs, a few members had well over 100 of them on hold, that's when the limit of 30 came into play.
Just some FYI
In regards to bereavement leave, "Immediate family is defined as employee's and/or spouse's natural, adopted, step or foster: children, siblings, parents, grandparents or grandchildren, wards or guardians"
I have a unique family situation. When my mother passed away I was taken in by a still living aunt and uncle who were my legal guardians (my father is still living but we were estranged at that time - I mean it when I say "unique!") It was a difficult situation for them, so although they remained my guardians I also was raised by/lived with/still spend "family time" with two other still living aunts and uncles to whom I'm actually closer than I am my childhood legal guardians. Should something happen (two of my uncles are in declining health right now), are these people considered my immediate family, or are they extended family not eligible for bereavement leave?
(For clarification, No matter what kind of leave I'd need to take, I'd feel obligated to go to my legal guardians' funerals if they passed. But I will be devastated if/when my other two aunts have any problems, because they have shared the burden of being my emotional substitute moms. I don't forsee any issue with bereavement leave if/when something happens to my father, because he's covered as he's my father. Correct?)
Lisa CokerYou are right, disability is great, but also too limited. Another issue is that it typically covers only the period following the birth of an infant ( as childbirth and recovery is considered the "medical disability"), but is lacking when it comes to families who have adopted.
Amy UpchurchI did not work for MLS when I adopted my sons at 3 and 8- but I would have really appreciated the option to have some paid leave to settle in as a family and bond with my "babies".
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will faithfully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties of my office or employment during such time as I am [job title]"
source: https://www.sos.ok.gov/forms/gov/loyaltyoath.pdf
Margo EllisHi Heather! Thank you for the comment. That procedure for issuing accounts used to live in AL 212 (Card Signatures) which was eliminated over the summer to make way for ONEcard.
We're exploring some possibilities to address these situations and expect the committee reviewing this policy-- AL 200-- to make some proposals to the commission's Public Services committee in December. Stay tuned!
Meaghan HuntThe issuance of a student card to a child without a parent or guardian's signature that allows the minor to check out two items for two weeks is a card type unknown to many staff members. They rarely encounter a situation that requires it. While subsequent use requires the parent or guardian's signature, would we like to consider restricting materials for check out to items similar to the one card limitations (educational use)?
Heather KitchenGood catch on the tax forms verbiage! That is very much the opposite of what many of our libraries are doing. We've been providing tax forms free of charge as they are no longer stocked by a lot of agencies.
Annie EmmonsFor those of us who are perhaps a bit too lazy to go to the OK Room, is there any chance you'd be willing to post a story or two over on the staff forum? I think it would be a really valuable service for those of us who weren't here! You know what they say, those who don't know history... uh... I forget the rest.
Margo EllisI just got here in 2011 and am learning some of this for the first time. I did already know about the Tin Drum kerfuffle, which was pretty hard to miss living here in the late 90s. But I only saw that from the outside -- I'd love to hear what it was like working here then.
Not to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Buddy JohnsonNot to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Buddy JohnsonNot to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Buddy JohnsonNot to belabor the topic, but I believe Family Talk was a result of the King and King controversy from March, 2005. After a parent found a copy of that book (a fairy tale about a marriage between two princes) in the children's section, they complained to Rep. Sally Kern because Oklahoma voters had recently defined marriage as a bond exclusively between a man and a woman. She introduced a bill in the legislature to remove state appropriations for the Department of Libraries which would devastate smaller and rural libraries which rely almost exclusively on ODL for funding. To be fair to the censors, they did not ask for the books to be removed entirely, but rather placed in the adult sections of the library. It took about three months of negotiations - with hundreds of people showing up at commission meetings - before the compromise was reached. We got to keep the books in the children's area and the censors got to limit access.
For anyone who wants to know more, we've got the commission minutes in the Oklahoma Room. Look at March 24, 2005 and April-August, 2005 to see the petition from concerned citizens, Kern's letter to the director, and more documents or search the Oklahoman around that time. Even better, ask an MSL veteran. Under the circumstances they did a heckuva job, saving small libraries from devastation yet keeping the books at least in view of children. Like Pauline said, we've quietly minimized the Family Talk shelf over the years through attrition.
There are a number of policies that seem stupid or wrong but they all have a story (for example the RDVDs came about because of a TV news ratings stunt that turned into public furor). I'm excited to see them all under review but it may not be as simple as the stroke of a pen to resolve them.
Buddy JohnsonThank you for the background Pauline. I think it's really helpful for staff who weren't here at the time. As librarians, none of us want to limit access to any materials just because some people find them offensive. This just shows how our policies are impacted by external influences, as we are a recipient of public funding. The Library fought to keep the materials out in the open, just unfortunately "Family Talk" was as close as they could get. Hopefully the environment has changed enough to revisit Family Talk, but we won't know until we begin reviewing this policy.
Vicki ThompsonI think the only time the public has made much mention of how we look is when we are wearing nifty library T-shirts. They love them, and ask why they don't see them more. We explain we can only wear jeans and T-shirts on Friday and Saturday and they tell us they never noticed. I think we do a great job in the summer of representing the library and looking professional. I love my library T-shirts and wish we had new ones. ( I especially like the logo that was on the July Infomag, and would love to see it on a library shirt.) Library polo shirts are also great, but I don't want to spend $30-$50 buying them. I don't think requiring us to spend money out of pocket for some things is fair either. I'm not sure what all the suggestions are, but if it has been suggested that we should only wear jeans with MLS polo shirts, I think we should be given new ones.
Jessica MinterI was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
Pauline Rodriguez-AtkinsI don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
I was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
Pauline Rodriguez-AtkinsI don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
I was here when Family Talk was initiated, back in the 1990s I believe, and odd as it sounds, at the time it was the best way of preventing something much worse. At that time, there was an organized group trying desperately to sanitize our collections of anything that they considered unpleasant. Also around that time, Sally Kern was proposing that all public libraries be forced to put this kind of material into a locked area inaccessible to anyone under the age of 18, or lose all state funding. The pendulum has swung away from some of that scrutiny, thankfully.
Pauline Rodriguez-AtkinsI don't think anyone really "liked" the idea or particularly "wanted" to do it, but the thought was to voluntarily do a little to avoid being coerced to do a lot more.
The original concept with Family Talk was that each location had to have about 100 titles in the area. A certain number were identified by MSL, and the rest were to be selected at the library level. The idea was always to keep the systemwide selection as minimal as possible, and to allow for the different community standards that exist between our libraries.
The number of titles designed Family Talk by MSL has dwindled over the years.
I think the concept is worth revisiting now.
There is also a loophole where you can have 30 items on the hold shelf, 30 items in queue, and then as soon as one of the items in queue becomes available for the member to pick up they can place another item on hold. So the member can upwards to 60+ items on hold for them. I know that at the NW Library there is a member who often has that happen.
Sarah MakoAs a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
Destiny HightowerAs a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
Destiny HightowerAs a library aide, I find it interesting that there are two separate limits for loaned and reserved items. Currently, "For most accounts, a maximum of 30 physical items can be on loan to one borrower at a time..." and this number does not include items on reserve; which ultimately allows members to "occupy" up to 60 items. While I completely understand the importance of our first core value (Members First), I feel it is almost a direct violation of one of our rules of conduct which is "Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them..." Which consequently contradicts our fourth core value, Freedom to Learn. Because of this, would it be possible to decrease the number of items members are allowed to reserve or somehow have it included in the loaned items?
Destiny HightowerYes, the Family Talk section is currently bound to certain subject headings. The guidelines for this section did seem to encourage library staff to identify additional titles to include in that special collection. If we absolutely must retain Family Talk, I believe we should solely identify materials using the subject headings. Otherwise we are encouraging library staff to take on the mantle of censor and act "in loco parentis" by deciding what is and is not appropriate for all children. Many staff have already pointed out how the existence of this collection seems a stark diversion from the guiding principles of our profession, and other policies within the library.
Here are the current family talk subject headings:
Family Talk Area for all Easy, Reader, Tween Fiction and Tween Nonfiction in the following topics:
Child Abuse
Child Abuse-Prevention
Child Sex Abuse
Child Sex Abuse-Prevention
Domestic/Family violence
Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse
Medication Abuse
Alcoholism
Homosexuality
Premarital Sex
Extramarital Sex
Sex Instruction
Annie EmmonsThanks for the info! So far, I've been interested in everything I've recommended, but this is really great to know!
Caralen HaymansI was wondering what people's thoughts on the JNF/TNF distinction were. I don't know about other people, but we have had a few members confused by where the two different collections are housed. While this policy does explain the distinction between the collections, there is room for overlap. Why did we make a distinction between JNF/TNF or ANF/JNF?
Annie EmmonsI agree! We have several members that would love to have access to more movies and graphic novels (American comics & manga). While ILL is an option, it doesn't allow members to meet their information needs expediently. The Principle of Least Effort is often exhibited when people decide it's too big of a hassle to try to get what they want from the library in terms of providing information and waiting for their desired material. We should not take a back seat to Redbox in terms of ease of use.
Annie EmmonsI agree! We should either fully catalog the items and allow them to be reserved by customers, or not purchase them at all. If we are really putting members first, we need to make a decision on this. It is frustrating for both members and staff trying to locate the items and send them to the members that want them. Members find it frustrating that they can't place a reserve on the item they want, and staff have had to come up with their own special routing procedures to send the material to the member who wants the item.
Annie EmmonsThanks for pointing that out! I'll see what I can do to get Ellie moved to the JNF.
Katherine HickeyThanks for pointing that out! I'll see what I can do to get Ellie moved to the JNF.
Katherine HickeyThanks for pointing that out! I'll see what I can do to get Ellie moved to the JNF.
Katherine HickeyIf you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
Janet BrooksIf you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
Janet BrooksIf you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
Janet BrooksIf you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
Janet BrooksIf you want to be added to the holds for a suggestion you make, the way to do it is through the Suggest a Title feature on the LS2Pac. If you are offering a title for consideration for the system and not personally interested in it, then send an email. We get lots of suggestions that way. You can send an email to the general Materials Selection email address: [email protected]. We'll figure out which selector should get it. I recommend that you send lists at various intervals instead of one title at time. Please provide us with as much info as you have, i.e. author/illustrator, publisher, series, etc. We will evaluate them along with other new titles. We are making an effort to add more graphic novels to the collections this fiscal year. Thanks for your interest in our collections!
Janet BrooksAll the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
Margo EllisAt any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
Margo EllisAt any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
Margo EllisAt any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
All the books in that series are JNF except for one copy of Ellie, which is in Family Talk at BI. Libraries shelve materials wherever it works best for them, but in this case it does seem like the books should match and not be singled out on the basis of gender. I'd say maybe ask your manager what they had in mind there?
Margo EllisAt any rate, everything is copacetic on the cataloging end.
I remember both those books, What's happening to Ellie? and What's happening to Tom?, and I'm almost positive those were both supposed to be JNF.
We've got two more in that series (see also What Tom likes and What Ellie likes) and I just love them! They provide some really important knowledge that I would never, ever, ever have asked my parents about in a million years. I agree they should be where kids can find them discreetly and not in some super-embarrassing, hard to access Family Talk section.
ETA: I'm a Cataloging Tech. Probably should have mentioned that. :)
Margo EllisI remember both those books, What's happening to Ellie? and What's happening to Tom?, and I'm almost positive those were both supposed to be JNF.
We've got two more in that series (see also What Tom likes and What Ellie likes) and I just love them! They provide some really important knowledge that I would never, ever, ever have asked my parents about in a million years. I agree they should be where kids can find them discreetly and not in some super-embarrassing, hard to access Family Talk section.
ETA: I'm a Cataloging Tech. Probably should have mentioned that. :)
Margo EllisThere is also inconsistencies with cataloguing through out topics. I just checked in books about manners and I had one that was considered "Family Talk". I flipped through it and the only "questionable" content would be monsters taking a bath.
Sarah MakoThere is also inconsistencies with cataloguing through out topics. I just checked in books about manners and I had one that was considered "Family Talk". I flipped through it and the only "questionable" content would be monsters taking a bath.
Sarah MakoIs this policy still being enforced for new employees? Do we still need this?
Aaron KilloughSome of us were absolutely against the "Family Talk" section from the very beginning, myself included. I don't have time right now, but you may be able to dig through the minutes of some of the committees that were responsible for developing the guidelines, to get more background info on this. I know it was approved by the Commission, but I'm not sure what intra-library group developed the guidelines. I'm sure MSL played a role and maybe the Ad Team (as it was known at the time.)
Aaron KilloughYes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
Katherine HickeyYes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
Katherine HickeyYes! There are also some inconsistent cataloging issues that may be inadvertently interpreted as gender discrimination/bias by members. A book on puberty for girls with autism ("What's happening to Ellie? a book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions) is in the Family Talk section but the equivalent boys book by the same author (What's happening to Tom? a book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions) is in the ANF section.
This creates a situation where women's bodies are categorized as "off limits" and potentially "dangerous" whereas male bodies are not. I realize this was probably just an error somewhere in the technical process but having a Family Talk section opens us up to these kinds of situations where someone or some entity is making decisions about restricting access to materials.
Katherine HickeyI requested the first volume of Spider-Gwen and we got it!! Tomorrow I'm planning on recommending my autumn list of comic books, which will include Spider-Gwen volume 2. :) I'm a Marvel girl so I'm not that familiar with DC. I did recommend the DC Bombshells series (which we *just* got in!!) but, besides that and a couple others, I'm at a loss! LOL
Caralen HaymansMaybe some Spider-Gwen and Wonder Woman as well? ;)
Sarah MakoI wish there was a way for staff to recommend titles for purchase - other than the public "Suggest a Title" or having to find out which collection my suggestion would fall in and then trying to find which person is in charge of that collection. For example, Ms. Marvel is in one collection, Squirrel Girl and Moon Girl are in a couple of different sections.
I recommend comic books like mad for our collection, and for the most part, they get purchased. I just wish I didn't have to use my reserve list to do it.
Oh, and please consider Spider-woman and Spider-women.. **hint, hint** ;)
Caralen HaymansI wish there was a way for staff to recommend titles for purchase - other than the public "Suggest a Title" or having to find out which collection my suggestion would fall in and then trying to find which person is in charge of that collection. For example, Ms. Marvel is in one collection, Squirrel Girl and Moon Girl are in a couple of different sections.
I recommend comic books like mad for our collection, and for the most part, they get purchased. I just wish I didn't have to use my reserve list to do it.
Oh, and please consider Spider-woman and Spider-women.. **hint, hint** ;)
Caralen HaymansWe have had a relationship with Child Guidance for years and they used to offer developmental and autism screenings at several of our libraries. They have not been able to do this for the past couple of years because they are not considered an exempt organization in the current meeting room procedures.
When the meeting room procedures were updated, Child Guidance was part of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD), which is exempt because they are a county agency. However, shortly after the new meeting room procedures went into effect OCCHD underwent major budget cuts and eliminated the Child Guidance department. Fortunately OU Children's Child Study Center took on the Child Guidance department so they could continue to serve the community. Unfortunately, OU Children's Child Study Center is not an exempt organization. Therefore, even though Child Guidance wants to offer free child development and autism screenings at our libraries, we can not give them the room for free and they do not have a budget to pay for the meeting room.
We have had to pass up other opportunities to offer hearing/vision screenings and other early interventions led by university doctors, residents, and staff because the current meeting room procedures do not allow us to waive the room fee. We were also not able waive the fee by considering this a library program since it did not fit the criteria of a library program (ie. library staff did not lead or facilitate the program and it would not be appropriate for a library staff person to be present in the room during the screenings).
I feel that providing these screenings would help us achieve our mission of growing smarter communities one person at a time. Developmental screenings help identify delays early in life, which might otherwise go undiagnosed until the child starts school at 4 or 5 years old. Because a child's brain reaches 80% its adult size by the age of 3, it is very important to catch these delays as soon as possible and provide early interventions to help that child catch up. Early interventions for speech, language, and developmental delays can have huge impacts on a child’s school readiness and success later in life and I feel that we have an opportunity to make a difference in our communities by providing access to these screenings in our libraries.
Kristin WilliamsonAS 100: Reference Services
•email needs to be included, as well as requests submitted online
•a link to the Citizens' Bill of Library Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement would be beneficial ◦perhaps make reading/understanding the importance of these documents a part of the new hire process--system-wide or even just at NW
•"Staff should be especially aware of potential legal liability for conveying inaccurate information" Admin should be especially aware of the potential chilling effect if staff are frightened of providing assistance. Again, perhaps make liability/our expected level of service part of the new hire process for those who will work a desk
•"The 'Confidentiality of Library Users' Records' law...." Is the 1985 version the most recent? Is NW in violation by not having this posted?
•"Reference Interview/Courtesy Standards": I feel that this section and beyond would be better situated as procedure, but here are some specific things that need to be changed (in my opinion) ◦Vague, non-specific words should be eliminated. "...looking up frequently" as a policy is either unenforceable or rife for abuse.
◦Section should be rooted in our Core Values
◦"The following policy guidelines are not rigid rules or strict limitations" means the following words do not belong as policy.
•"MLS Reference Services" ◦"Library staff...will interpret library resources..." What does "interpret" mean, precisely?
◦specific "library equipment and tools" should not be mentioned--remove reference to "PAC, MARS," etc.
•Reference Service--Standard Procedures ◦Remove "Libraries without voice mail need to establish individual procedures."
◦Remove reference to "the agency"--replace with "the library"
•Reference Service--Parameter Guildelines ◦"Make only collect calls..." needs to be deleted
◦"Maintain customer privacy by providing only library name and telephone number when leaving messages for customers." We do not do this. Should we begin leaving vague messages when calling re: damages, or is this strictly for reference questions, or do our core values now allow us to at least allude to the issue (i.e. "Mr. Smith, this is Librarian Lily, and I have the answers to the issue you asked about this morning. Please give me a call....")
•Reference Service--Special Approaches ◦Criss-Cross directory section details that the "older editions" are 1905-1997--since this was written in 1998, I'm guessing the language needs to be updated?
◦Contest Questions: I don't even know what this section is for. Should I?
◦Consumer Information: there is a missing apostrophe in the second sentence. Should be "product's rates" (or "products' rates).
◦Genealogies and Census Microfilm: Do BI, DN, RE, and SO all still have microfilm readers?
◦Tax Forms: "The library does not provide tax forms." Oh? Our website begs to differ....
◦Inquiries by mail: "This is third in priority...an attempt to answer mailed requests will be made within 20 working days." Eesh. Kinda makes a lie of the "All reference and information questions will be handled with equal effort regardless of the originating source" from the beginning of this policy.
◦References to CD-ROM should probably be deleted (because it makes us sound like we're super old).
◦references to "prepaid account" need to be removed
◦references to "floppy disks" are hilarious in 2016, but, alas, should be removed
•Internet Service ◦I think we should cease capitalizing internet (as the trend is rapidly moving that way)
Mark Schuster◦"...visit one of the libraries offering public Internet access" needs to go.
◦"Internet Coach" is no longer a thing.
SF 200: Purchasing
•V. Definitions ◦references to "records, videos, cassette tapes" and the like are dated
•VI. Regulations ◦"The library administration shall establish and maintain a purchasing procedure to" ◾Has the library administration established the purchasing procedure? If so, where is it, and does the policy need to say anything beyond maintaining (and potentially updating) the purchasing procedure?
◦"Purchases of similar items or groups of items should not generally be subdivided into multiple purchases of less than $10,000." (emphasis added) ◾When is it okay to subdivide? I don't like wiggle-room (what I learned as "weasel words" in school) in policy documents.
◦"The Commission shall be advised if exceptions are made." ◾Can staff be advised as well?
◦Reference to "Library Operations." Is that still the correct terminology?
Mark Schuster◦"The Library will not knowingly purchase nor accept bids to purchase any item from" ◾Are there any safeguards in place to enforce this, or is "Oh, well, we didn't know that was my brother-in-law's company" sufficient?
I've worked for many organizations that allowed for a sick leave bank. This made it possible for employees facing a devastating health issue to keep their jobs during their treatment and recovery, and kept valuable trained personnel in the system for when they were capable of returning to work. If there is a concern that people would use the bank to game the leave system, then a checks and balances structure can be put into place.
I was diagnosed with cancer at 20. It's a terrifying thing to face at any age, but for people who haven't been in the working world long enough to accrue sick leave to help cover the costs of treatment, it can destroy future financial security very quickly. I'm 24 years post treatment, and STILL making payments some of those bills - not to mention the costs of subsequent permanent issues that arise from chemo use.
Marna MartinGood reasoning and I agree. I never considered 100% bank as a possibility and adding another 8 or 16 hours would just be more of the same.
Kevin SendallIt would be very beneficial to have some paid maternity/paternity leave available to employees. Even 2 to 4 weeks would be welcome especially to newer employees who may not have access to FMLA leave and single parents. Being able to count on a paycheck during this time would allow for less stress for parents whether they are out for 6 weeks or the full 12 weeks if FMLA is taken. While we do have short term disability available, if an employee is pregnant before the policy takes effect the percentage of their salary paid falls to 25%. While out, employees on leave still have to pay their health insurance costs. Many employees will be unable to bank enough sick or vacation time to have their salary completely covered while out. I agree that offering any paid maternity/paternity leave will be attractive to potential new employees. Employees and their children would benefit from this potential change.
Heather KitchenTo echo what Natalie said, while sick and AVL can be used after the birth or adoption of a child, a truly progressive parental leave policy would attract and retain the best staff in the state. Compounding the lack of a true "new child" option with the fact that so little AVL can be rolled over, puts new employees of child-bearing age in a very tight spot. Even if you want to plan your leave responsibly, your hands are tied by the roll over rules.
Judith MatthewsWe have the same issue with the computers here at Midwest City.
Sarah MakoI am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
Sarah BrownI am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
Sarah BrownI am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
Sarah BrownI am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
Sarah BrownI am not sure if this would be the best place to put this comment, but I did not see the policy where it was covered. I think that this policy review process would be a great time to revisit the matter of there being a "Family Talk" section. In all honesty, this section and how it is implemented is directly against ALA standards. By separating these books and physically putting them a certain amount of feet high, so that they will be out of the direct line of sight and even reach for many children, is censorship by inhibiting access to the materials. The subjects of books that are placed in this section are highly variable by library or even by who is currently in charge of the section with no strict rules (at least that I have found) of what all must be put in this area. In this way, it is already ineffective, and I think the perceived societal "need" of this being a section has diminished significantly. In short, I think it should be abolished and these materials allowed to be shelved back in with the rest of the children's books.
Sarah BrownWhile I do agree with certain aspects of your post (like having resource contacts or materials available to give out to those in need), I also think that the policy is still needed. At the DN library we frequently have cases of this policy being used. I have had members complain about other members that have fallen asleep using our public computers and then were still asleep when it was time for another person's session. I have had members get angry that someone was sleeping at the tables or in our more comfortable chairs because they didn't think it was appropriate that it was happening. We have also had members that appeared to be asleep that were actually passed out from intoxication which violates other parts of our rules of conduct. While we are a library that must meet the needs of our community, we are not a public shelter and do not have the appropriate resources or space to act in such a way while still upholding our main function of being an information institution.
Sarah BrownI agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
Natalie CurrieI agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
Natalie CurrieI agree that paid maternity and paternity leave should be considered in the policy review. I know we're trying to be a forward thinking institution and recruit the best and brightest. This would be an excellent way to do this and I think it is a concrete way to demonstrate our core values and improve employee morale and loyalty. As Ashley stated, new employees often do not have enough sick leave accrued to cover the amount of time that is needed to recover from childbirth or bond with your new child. While I appreciate FMLA, families with one wage earner and single parents are especially vulnerable during this uncertain time.
Natalie CurrieI agree with a lot of what has been said. I have seen people wear business casual outfits that do not look very professional and I have seen people wear casual outfits that look very professional. I think a lot of it just depends on the person and the fit of the clothes. That being said, I think professionalism is more about attitude and customer service than it is about wardrobe. With some of the communities that we serve, dressing in a less formal manner can help us to be more approachable and relatable.
On another subject, I find it strange that we can not wear capris or Bermuda shorts that are above the mid-calf but we can wear skirts that are 3 inches above the knee. I also think that leggings could be worn as pants if worn with an appropriately long top, and would look fine.
Sarah BrownYou may want to add forms to the list of examples librarians are not allowed to interpret or specifically direct members to when asked. Many people I have encountered do not realize this is considered practicing law. This was the practice I was taught as a law librarian.
Heather KitchenYou may want to add forms to the list of examples librarians are not allowed to interpret or specifically direct members to when asked. Many people I have encountered do not realize this is considered practicing law. This was the practice I was taught as a law librarian.
Heather KitchenCould our meeting rooms be free to the public? This is the option the Southwest Library has. "The groups or individuals that reserve the rooms are also responsible for the arrangement of the furniture and agree to return it to the designated location." Equipment (television, dvd player, projector, etc.) could also be provided.
David CalhounI would really like to see the language revised regarding "tank tops." What exactly does that mean? All sleeveless shirts? Or just the undershirt type, which typically have a spaghetti strap, and which I would refer to as a "cami" (camisole)? I think there are plenty of sleeveless blouses and dresses that look professional, but right now the language is so vague, I'm not sure they're allowed.
As others have already noted, we're all professionals here and, with few exceptions, know how to dress as such. I think fewer explicit rules and greater trust in the professionalism of our employees would go far toward fixing this and other concerns that have already been raised.
Kassy NicholsonI don't believe that allowing us to have a more relaxed dress code would in any way go against our new vision with the core values. More often than not our members do not care what we are wearing as long as they receive outstanding customer service and leave happy with their items in hand. Like others have said......if it's good enough on Fridays, Saturdays and June and July......then why not the rest of the year?
David CalhounAs a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
Tess BotkinAs a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
Tess BotkinAs a side note I would like to say that we need the ability to purchase MLS related shirts, sweatshirts, etc. As a relatively new employee I can't wear shirts I don't have and would happily purchase them. If not then can we at least amend the part of the policy where it says we can only wear MLS branded sweatshirts? It seems odd to me that we are technically only allowed to wear something that no one seems to have access to.
Tess BotkinIt could be region specific but at Ralph when a library aid or a pcos leaves they get replaced with a different position. From what I understand the goal is that circ is more flexible and then so everyone can take up the shelving. I'm not sure that other regions are doing this (as I've noticed some libraries are posting new library aid jobs) but in our case that is certainly happening. I also think it increases approachability, especially with our younger patrons. I've had several conversations started with me by kids who see I'm wearing a Teen Titans shirt or something.
Tess BotkinI humbly, yet wholeheartedly disagree with the statement made about hats considering the array of types and styles. Baseball caps, beanies, cowboys hats, and straw garden hats are obviously inappropriate. However, fedoras, if properly worn, seem to make a professional ensemble appear more polished.
Destiny HightowerWhile I agree that you have made a very good point, as an aide, I am startled as this is the first I'm hearing of "the goal being to phase out library aides". When I first started, I wore lightweight loose-fitting slack-like pants that were professional and pretty comfortable, but soon realized that the material would not hold up considering my position requires me to bend, squat, and kneel quite regularly. So I started wearing jeans more often. After doing so, I realized I was being approached by patrons more frequently which I believe lends more to the very first statement of the policy, "The Employee Dress Code policy ensures that library system employees project a professional, business-like image while expressing a non-intimidating, approachable and comfortable image to our customers." Keywords being: non-intimidating and approachable. Considering the demographic we typically serve here at the Village, I believe being allowed to wear jeans and MLS t-shirts makes us appear more relatable and approachable to the customer.
Destiny HightowerWhile I agree that you have made a very good point, as an aide, I am startled as this is the first I'm hearing of "the goal being to phase out library aides". When I first started, I wore lightweight loose-fitting slack-like pants that were professional and pretty comfortable, but soon realized that the material would not hold up considering my position requires me to bend, squat, and kneel quite regularly. So I started wearing jeans more often. After doing so, I realized I was being approached by patrons more frequently which I believe lends more to the very first statement of the policy, "The Employee Dress Code policy ensures that library system employees project a professional, business-like image while expressing a non-intimidating, approachable and comfortable image to our customers." Keywords being: non-intimidating and approachable. Considering the demographic we typically serve here at the Village, I believe being allowed to wear jeans and MLS t-shirts makes us appear more relatable and approachable to the customer.
Destiny HightowerI think you phrased that well. We all seem to have a pretty good idea of what constitutes professional dress.
Katie WidmannI'm okay with saying "often". Kids do often become bored. And the original policy statement you quoted does say "can": "Such behavior *can* (my emphasis) prompt reprimands from the staff..."
Aaron Killoughyeah maybe it's just a nit-picky thing but the word "often" is what initially turned me off. You used the word "can" ("can disturb other people). Does the distinction evoke anything for you either way?
Katherine HickeyAs someone with two kids, this statement doesn't seem harsh at all to me. It sounds eminently reasonable. When children are left alone (or even in the presence of adults!), they do get bored, restless, and can disturb other people. That's called being a kid. :) And I'm sure restless kids can act in ways that COULD prompt reprimands from staff, which would foster a negative atmosphere. I hope more people who have worked in the libraries will weigh in on this!
Aaron Killough"Children, left on their own, may be able to keep themselves occupied for a time; but, often become bored, restless and disturb others. Such behavior can prompt reprimands from the staff, fostering a negative rather than a positive atmosphere."
The language here seems especially harsh. It implies that children are likely to become a burden if left unattended and paints them as little demons that will reek havoc if left to their own accord. The wording could benefit from some softening as children are the cornerstone of many of our services, and the policy exists to protect them. The rest of the policy looks great - just this sentence could be removed :)
Katherine Hickey"The Metropolitan Library System will maintain photocopying machines and computer printers at most system libraries for public use and for internal (staff) use for library business."
Could we change "most" to "all"? So many members come in to use the copier that it seems like it should be a de-facto service the system provides. I believe all libraries do currently have a copier so if anything changing the policy would better reflect a service we are already providing.
Katherine HickeyThis policy/chronology needs updating since so many things have occurred in the system since 1998! I believe it is important to keep this updated for posterity's sake and to have documentation of all of the wonderful developments that have occurred.
Katherine HickeyThat's a great idea, Tim!
Kenaz ThomasI understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
Julie SchofieldI understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
Julie SchofieldI understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
Julie SchofieldI understand that we need to look neat, clean and professional but have never seen the logic of allowing only the library aides to wear jeans. They often help at the circulation desk and are in the public eye just as much or more than other employees. The public does not differentiate and sees us all as "librarians" so why couldn't we have a universal dress code that includes nice jeans? If employees take advantage of the privilege and wear something inappropriate the manager could then handle it as they would any other issue.
Julie SchofieldI agree on both accounts!
Katherine Hickey- why not let members renew materials more than twice if the item isn't requested by anyone? At least if it is checked out it is being used by someone as opposed to sitting on the shelf with no circulation.
- two weeks is a short amount of time to read long books, especially if renewing isn't permitted. Thinking about the "long books" that are currently popular: Game of Thrones, Outlander, last few Harry Potter books, etc. - those would be tough to read in two weeks.
"Use basic terms and language (avoid library jargon) and ask open-ended questions."
I absolutely agree that staff should avoid library jargon as it creates a communication barrier and can perpetuate the elitist mentality of "librarian as expert" that does not uphold an egalitarian relationship between librarian and member. However, a lot of the vocabulary used in the system on the front-end and on signage uses library jargon that could benefit from being simplified into layman's terms. For example, many members don't really know the difference between "reference" and "circulation." They know that one desk is for checking out books, and another is for library help. Changing "circulation" to "check-out" at least on signs and in conversation with members could help with the distinction. "Reference" could also benefit from a revamp - I probably couldn't have given you a good definition of reference until I was in library school. Finally, our closing announcements include the phrase "information needs" which is also very librarian-y.
Katherine HickeyI would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
Katherine HickeyI would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
Katherine HickeyI would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
Katherine HickeyI would like to make a comment regarding material selection criteria for movies. Currently the criteria are:
◾Be of present and potential relevance to community needs
◾Provide insight into human and social needs
◾Provide high quality performances
◾Be produced with technical skill
◾Be an outstanding example of artistic expression
◾Be an important cultural artifact
The criteria seem fairly subjective and exclude a lot of the popular movies that our members come in looking for. While we certainly have members looking for classics and movies of high quality, many are simply seeking enjoyable entertainment and they are confused why we don't have new releases, and DVDs of popular TV series. This is further confusing to them when they know these items are available at Pioneer. Metro has a great opportunity to supplement what people view on Netflix by providing access to movies that aren't available to stream. This is especially true of TV shows that are expensive to view online, like shows on HBO or Starz.
I find it interesting that the criteria for movies are different from the criteria for books. We don't put such restrictions on books (we know well that it is often the books that aren't exactly high literature that circulate the most! Twilight *cough cough* :) ) According to our core values, members come first which implies that their information needs come first too. I would love to see the movie criteria "liberated" to meet the needs of members instead of what we deem is appropriate entertainment. I think that our visual materials collections would circulate much more.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback!
Katherine HickeyWe will certainly consider this when we review AL 330. Would you mind posting this comment on AL 330 as well?
Vicki Thompsonhttp://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/policy_procedures/al/al-330-responsib...
Thanks!
•Leaving children under 10 years old unattended. (The library assumes no responsibility for minor children.)
This is a question I have related to an incident here at RE yesterday. We frequently have children who are 10 (or claim to be 10, some are 8 or younger) that are in charge of much younger children, including toddlers. Children that young are seldom mentally or emotionally mature enough to provide adequate supervision for very young children. In previous systems where I've worked, children under 5 needed to be accompanied by someone 16 or older. Could a similar requirement be considered the next time this policy is up for review?
Marna MartinReally good point! Maybe it would be a good idea to have a more flexible dress code based around the type of work that will be done. I would love it if we were provided logoed shirts of a certain type and could just wear pants/skirts/jeans as our work dictated.
Aaron KilloughI was wondering if we were going to change the policy on how we dress because of the way we are reallocating library positions. With the goal being to phase out library aides and have circs/librarians take up the shelving, I'm somewhat worried about how my wardrobe will fair. Most of my business casual wardrobe is skirts/dresses. I have a hard time seeing me able to shelve a cart as quickly in a pencil skirt. It also hurts the longevity of outfits that weren't mean for that kind of work to be taking place whilst in them. I enjoy wearing skirts and dresses, but if I'm going to be doing a lot more shelving (RE is down to 2 dedicated library aides) its going to be khakis and loose fitting button down or otherwise appropriate top. Which to me doesn't really give off the same sort of aesthetic and requires the repurchasing of a wardrobe.
Tess BotkinI was wondering if we were going to change the policy on how we dress because of the way we are reallocating library positions. With the goal being to phase out library aides and have circs/librarians take up the shelving, I'm somewhat worried about how my wardrobe will fair. Most of my business casual wardrobe is skirts/dresses. I have a hard time seeing me able to shelve a cart as quickly in a pencil skirt. It also hurts the longevity of outfits that weren't mean for that kind of work to be taking place whilst in them. I enjoy wearing skirts and dresses, but if I'm going to be doing a lot more shelving (RE is down to 2 dedicated library aides) its going to be khakis and loose fitting button down or otherwise appropriate top. Which to me doesn't really give off the same sort of aesthetic and requires the repurchasing of a wardrobe.
Tess BotkinI threw in that part because if you are a larger woman, some years it can be an absolute nightmare finding jeans without sparkly little gems all over the back pockets. It's like Lane Bryant doesn't realize some of us are grown women with jobs. Fashion is a mysterious thing.
Margo EllisMy body type could best be described as "Mini-Michelin-Man": about 5 feet tall and just one unsightly bulge after another. It is very difficult for me to even find Biz Caz for my personal dimensions at a price that works with my budget, and even when I can it seems to look sloppy and unprofessional. For me, a nice dark pair of jeans and a snappy logo'd shirt would be the best option. Members would see that outfit and think "uniform" rather than "yikes, learn to dress yourself".
Language adding the option of daily jeans for the biz-caz challenged need not be difficult to insert into http://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/policy_procedures/sh/sh-6501-employee... . I'll take a stab at it:
Slacks, Pants, Jeans, and Suit Pants
Margo Ellisa.Slacks that are similar to Dockers™, jeans in good repair, and nice looking dress pants are acceptable. Dressy pants that fall between the mid-calf and ankle are generally acceptable. Leggings, form-fitting pants or tights are acceptable, when worn with an appropriate skirt, dress or pants.
b.Inappropriate slacks or pants include capri’s (pants that fall above mid-calf) camouflage or cargo pants, sweatpants, exercise pants, shorts, Bermuda shorts, denim overalls or any type of exercise wear when worn without an appropriate skirt or dress.
c. Appropriate jeans include dark, solid, uniform colors with no rips or tears (whether incidental damage or "fashionable" rips that exist at purchase), no bleached or overly worn areas, and no stains. Any Bedazzling or other flashy backside decoration must be covered at all times with a top of appropriate length.
I'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Kara RiddleI'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Kara RiddleI'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Kara RiddleI'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Kara RiddleI'd like to see the new dress code focus on more general professionalism than exact details. One article of clothing can look entirely different on two body types, so for this reason I would like to see notations, such as inches above the knee and the word "tight" left to the judgment of the wearer and their supervisor. I don't know that any manager would feel comfortable or even be within the law, going around with a yard stick and measuring, so these specifications seem quite arbitrary.
As with jeans, I also think certain forbidden articles of clothing, such as sweatshirts and hats, can be worn quite professionally. A seasonal Halloween sweatshirt presents the library as festive and there are certain hats, such as those that would go with a suit, that make the wearer look quite polished. On the topic of sweatshirts, they are also included in Friday and Saturday attire, so they are apparently appropriate sometimes.
Overall, I'd like to see more trust in the staff's ability to interpret professional attire, with the few exceptions being dealt with by their immediate supervisors, as necessary.
Kara RiddleHi staff!
Meaghan HuntThanks for your comments-- we appreciate your input.
This policy has been converted to a procedure (effective August 1) and updated/re-worded. I'll be posting the new procedure (AS 300.1, Proposals for New Software) later this afternoon.
Hi staff!
Meaghan HuntThanks for your comments-- we appreciate your input.
This policy has been converted to a procedure (effective August 1) and updated/re-worded. I'll be posting the new procedure (AS 300.1, Proposals for New Software) later this afternoon.
I think this area can be reduced significantly. Many of the bullets seem more like procedure, or would be more appropriate as staff training as mentioned above (customer service, friendliness, reference interviews, etc).
For instance, if the library isn't busy I don't expect a library staff member to halt a conversation with a member just because they've answered 3 questions. We're not on the Bridge of Death from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. However, we do need to make sure that we are open and available to other customers needing assistance. Is there a better way to use our policy to demonstrate treating all members' information needs equitably?
Annie EmmonsI agree. I have often thought this and was told it wouldn't work. However, many other employers do it without problem.
Jessica MinterI can't speak for Melody, but my answer for your question is a pretty straightforward "No, it would not exacerbate the problem" if we could carry over up to, say 100% of our leave accrual. In practice, I suspect that it would actually have less impact than you might think on the "November/December" rush, and any impact that it did have would ease the pressure. For the first few years of implementation, it would completely ease the pressure to "use up" vacation because no one would be close to their limit.
Eventually, we would reach equilibrium. Those people who tend to accrue more leave than they use would be in exactly the same position they are in now, with a "bank" of around 100% instead of a bank of around 25%. The only difference is that we'd have fewer issues because fewer people would end up collecting over 100%. Those who are more organized would make plans to use their leave as they creep toward 65% or 75%, which could occur during any time of the year, not just November/December, thus distributing the problem more evenly. Also, given how much easier it would be to plan and avoid the issue of "losing" leave by not using it, I as manager would, frankly, be less sympathetic about granting large amounts of November/December leave on short notice.
Actually, we could eliminate the "rush" completely with a pretty simple rule: you can't bank more than a year's worth of leave regardless of where you are in the year. Forget about the "roll-over" rule. An employee could hit their bank limit any time of year, not just at the end, thus distributing the problem away from November/December.
Benjamin Mead-HarveyI can't speak for Melody, but my answer for your question is a pretty straightforward "No, it would not exacerbate the problem" if we could carry over up to, say 100% of our leave accrual. In practice, I suspect that it would actually have less impact than you might think on the "November/December" rush, and any impact that it did have would ease the pressure. For the first few years of implementation, it would completely ease the pressure to "use up" vacation because no one would be close to their limit.
Eventually, we would reach equilibrium. Those people who tend to accrue more leave than they use would be in exactly the same position they are in now, with a "bank" of around 100% instead of a bank of around 25%. The only difference is that we'd have fewer issues because fewer people would end up collecting over 100%. Those who are more organized would make plans to use their leave as they creep toward 65% or 75%, which could occur during any time of the year, not just November/December, thus distributing the problem more evenly. Also, given how much easier it would be to plan and avoid the issue of "losing" leave by not using it, I as manager would, frankly, be less sympathetic about granting large amounts of November/December leave on short notice.
Actually, we could eliminate the "rush" completely with a pretty simple rule: you can't bank more than a year's worth of leave regardless of where you are in the year. Forget about the "roll-over" rule. An employee could hit their bank limit any time of year, not just at the end, thus distributing the problem away from November/December.
Benjamin Mead-HarveyCan we look into two three-week checkout periods instead of three two-week checkouts? It's the same (potential) six-week checkout period, with half the hassle.
Kevin CookCan we look into two three-week checkout periods instead of three two-week checkouts? It's the same (potential) six-week checkout period, with half the hassle.
Kevin CookWe have all of ours together at RE in one location. They are separated by shelves as to age group and normal location but are all in one bay. I guess I just need to learn more about the way our vendor process works. I mean if titles that are still in print and readily available on our end as consumers aren't available to purchase for the library then that's just a bummer I suppose. I still think that it's odd that we have a volume 1 of batgirl (which isn't even a true volume one) but don't have two or three considering how well it circs.
Tess BotkinI could see that being an issue. Maybe then we need to update our review policy. There are comic book reviews out there and whole magazines dedicated to this purpose even when it comes to previews. I know some of the books are hard to come by as far as not being in print so that really can't be helped at this point. I've done some recommendations, we'll see how those go. I did notice we got in a new 52 Supergirl comic so that was pretty nice. My main concern has to do with the timeliness of comic events and having to read one to understand another. We're just now getting issues from DC's new 52 that launched four years ago and now DC rebirth has started. I think this just leads people to go elsewhere because they can't use our services to keep up. I certainly understand if its a vendor problem there isn't much to be done. Maybe its time to look to the review policy. If we can get all of these Harlequin romance novels in, I think we should be able to find a way to get in comic books.
Tess BotkinMy old library had a daily limit of 180 minutes per card per day. We also used Envisionware and staff could override the limit if a member needed more time to complete a job application, FAFSA, etc. This worked well and helped us make internet access available for an increased number of users. (We also had multiple 15 minute Express Terminals. Very nice.)
David NewyearI had a member yesterday mention how hard it is to actually find our graphic novels as well. We have them scattered in genres and some by character, Batman and Superman if they are collected editions with multiple authors, and then by author. Which kinda runs into a problem when the writing team changes.
I am all for more female and mainstream characters. Given the accessibility of the titles though. I do know that some books that would be awesome for our collection are hard to come by due to printing. And it seems DC and Image are a lot easier for us to get rather than Marvel.
Sarah MakoAs far as comic books/graphic novels/etc. go, I see this less of something to be implemented in the policy and more of something to discuss with selectors. If you have recommendations, PLEASE talk with the librarian in charge of that collection at your library, get in contact with one of the selectors, or even just submit some requests! I know there's been some intensive work on developing both our physical and digital comic/graphic novel collections lately, but some of these materials don't have professional reviews, aren't available from our vendors, or get missed just because they're not mentioned in review media. I will, however, promise that the Materials Selection department considers every single recommendation (and is very strongly pro-girl power) so I advise you to reach out!
Lauren ReynoldsAs far as comic books/graphic novels/etc. go, I see this less of something to be implemented in the policy and more of something to discuss with selectors. If you have recommendations, PLEASE talk with the librarian in charge of that collection at your library, get in contact with one of the selectors, or even just submit some requests! I know there's been some intensive work on developing both our physical and digital comic/graphic novel collections lately, but some of these materials don't have professional reviews, aren't available from our vendors, or get missed just because they're not mentioned in review media. I will, however, promise that the Materials Selection department considers every single recommendation (and is very strongly pro-girl power) so I advise you to reach out!
Lauren ReynoldsI've noticed the increase in image titles as well, which is great for already established readers, but just our standard superhero books are pretty lacking. We don't have any Black Panther even though the movie is set to come out and honestly our books revolving around female characters are pretty lacking as well. There are no supergirl titles for adults, 1 batgirl and slightly more wonder woman. We have Ms. Marvel but no Captain Marvel and the list continues. We are just missing very prominent characters. We have several JP and readers about the characters, even the occasional children's comic (supergirl and teen titans go) but are just severely lacking for multiple characters. It's especially hard because it seems like we have several comics that are oriented around male characters in the superhero department but far less for women character.
Tess BotkinI've noticed the increase in image titles as well, which is great for already established readers, but just our standard superhero books are pretty lacking. We don't have any Black Panther even though the movie is set to come out and honestly our books revolving around female characters are pretty lacking as well. There are no supergirl titles for adults, 1 batgirl and slightly more wonder woman. We have Ms. Marvel but no Captain Marvel and the list continues. We are just missing very prominent characters. We have several JP and readers about the characters, even the occasional children's comic (supergirl and teen titans go) but are just severely lacking for multiple characters. It's especially hard because it seems like we have several comics that are oriented around male characters in the superhero department but far less for women character.
Tess BotkinI do notice that we are starting to get a lot more "indy" titles in, IE Image books, but I have also ran across that sometimes we get a copy of one volume of the series and then a completely different version of the collected volumes for the rest. For example, Y: The Last Man Vol 1 and then getting Y: The Last Man Ultimate Collection Vol 2. As a member of the comic reading community, I know the frustration and the confusion that comes when even missing a single issue.
I completely agree that we are doing a disservice to our members for having one or two volumes of a book and then not having the rest of the series, something that I have come across in the system back in the 2000s when our graphic novel selection was very low.
Plus, I know it is more of a cataloging issue to address, but sometimes the way a series is cataloged makes it hard for us employees and members to try and locate.
Sarah MakoI do notice that we are starting to get a lot more "indy" titles in, IE Image books, but I have also ran across that sometimes we get a copy of one volume of the series and then a completely different version of the collected volumes for the rest. For example, Y: The Last Man Vol 1 and then getting Y: The Last Man Ultimate Collection Vol 2. As a member of the comic reading community, I know the frustration and the confusion that comes when even missing a single issue.
I completely agree that we are doing a disservice to our members for having one or two volumes of a book and then not having the rest of the series, something that I have come across in the system back in the 2000s when our graphic novel selection was very low.
Plus, I know it is more of a cataloging issue to address, but sometimes the way a series is cataloged makes it hard for us employees and members to try and locate.
Sarah MakoI don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
Tess BotkinI don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
Tess BotkinI don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
Tess BotkinI don't really understand the purpose of our movie restrictions. If we truly want to reach more households updating our movie selection would really help us. I also think we don't even follow our own movie guidelines. For example we carry several comic book movies which fit none of this criteria as they aren't even specifically based on one comic book, more loosely based on a series of a works or a particular character, I'm not saying we shouldn't carry them but don't understand why an obvious exception is being made in this case. Right now my only option for people is to have them ILL which could take weeks to get here, or to have them get a reciprocal card with Pioneer whose movie selection is far better. I just think it's sad that we have huge gaps for our customers (especially teens and young adults where things like Anime are really big right now) for no apparent reason. To me there isn't a justification for this limitation.
I would also like to point out we are very behind in comic books and manga as well. I was trying to recommend to a customer several popular manga series and we had none of them. As far as comic books it seems like we get the first volume of several series or a random volume in the middle but never the complete collection. It seems like we are losing opportunities to get people reading these comic books (a gateway for many teens and younger readers) because we only have a middle volume or a first volume so they don't really see the point in starting a series they either can't finish or can't start at the beginning. I think part of this could be solved with adding digital comic books in our collection which sell for very little if you invest in older titles.
To me it seems like if we want to increase market penetration we need to compete with both streaming services (like Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll) and reading services (like Marvel Unlimited and Comixology Unlimited). Currently our collection doesn't even come close.
Tess BotkinAgreed. In fact, I think we should completely do away with fees for children's materials (OR get rid of fees for items checked out on a child's card [since a child should be the only one using his/her card], whichever avenue removes financial penalties for kids).
Tim Spindle"Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet."
This is exactly the opposite of what we were told to do this tax season. We even printed them for free (but not the whole instruction booklet. They could check that out from the Info desk).
Kassy NicholsonWith our current system, it is time consuming and cumbersome to calculate available leave for each PTO request from both the employee side and the supervisor side. I realize this might be a policy and Paycom issue, but I’d like to eliminate the need for calculations and make the process much more straight forward.
I can see how allowing staff to only use available leave, but carry over more, would solve this problem. This would work well for staff who accrue a lot, but might be difficult for staff who accrue the minimum and would be unlikely to carry much over. Another potential solution would be to award staff all leave at the start of the year. The leave awarded could be based on the past- what you worked the year before- or the future- what we anticipate you to accrue based on the hours you are hired for. If based on the future, when someone left Metro before “earning” the leave they were awarded/used it could be deducted from their final check.
Ashley WelkeIt can, but this isn't a great option for staff who have only been here for a few years.
Ashley WelkeDo you think this would exacerbate the situation of everyone trying to get leave in in December? It already makes scheduling and coverage a hassle. Yes, more carry over means you aren't forced into taking the majority at the end, but people will still do it.
Kevin SendallThis is the first place I've worked that allows employees to use leave they haven't yet earned. It would make approving leave much easier if only earned leave could be used. A companion piece to that would be that employees can carry over more than 25% of their leave to the next year.
Melody Kellogg:)
Joey SheltonThe previous policy was working pretty well. Just keep it simple and affordable: $10-20 hourly rate across locations, reservations up to 3 months in advance, no more than X number of reservations a month, a system-wide exempt/discounted list and another at each location’s discretion, etc.
Explaining the new rate was a difficult sell. It went from $10 per hour to $50-$60: instant sticker-shock. Some customers accepted, "The rate hasn't changed in 40 years while the cost of everything else has increased greatly." While our explanation made sense, the rate forced many to meet elsewhere.
Making it easy for non-profits, neighborhood associations, community organizations and the like to meet here was beneficial to the library. It encouraged people who might not have frequented the library to come in and brought us closer to the individuals and groups who were already working in the area. It reminds me of today's webinar about the "Voices of Race" program organized by the Skokie Library. They initiated a huge, 10-week program across the city with the help of over 30 community organizations. The planners said those partnerships developed over time through mutual support and reciprocity. Reciprocity is huge. Offering the rooms at a discounted rate (or free), allowing room reservations beyond 3 months, and maybe even inviting key groups to start using our rooms, etc. are the kinds of gestures that show those organizations devoted to empowering communities that the library is on their side, that we’re in this together. Networking with like-minded groups pushes forward our 20-year goal because they become vocal library advocates. While most of those organizations love the library already, when we extend support they often become zealots.
We should make the rate uniform across the system. Keep it simple. Cut out some of the, "if this, then that" complexity. The only exception might be for businesses that are selling something or charging a fee and perhaps even social events. If anyone is charged a higher rate, these groups are some we should consider. The folks who welcome everyone to their community, cultural, or educational event and are focused on something beneficial to the community should get first dibs (after library programs) and/or a lower rate.
Joey SheltonWe have had multiple comments from library members about why we charge full price for lost/damaged materials when they can order the item for $5.00 on Amazon. Several want to order the book and give it to us rather than paying $25 or whatever. While, of course, it's more complicated than that, maybe we should think about having something in the policy to account for depreciation. For example, if a book has circulated XX number of times or if an item has been in the system for XX number of years, we reduce it by some percentage. Like Tim Spindle said above this also has been at the manager's discretion in the past, but having something in the policy would empower staff to serve customers in the moment. I noticed a couple of policies that spelled out the fact that they don't do exchanges. For example, "The Seattle Public Library does not accept in-kind personally purchased replacements for items lost or damaged while in circulation." Santa Clara County Library District sometimes allows exchanges if approved in advance but charges a processing free: "The library does not accept the replacement of lost items unless a librarian has agreed to the exchange in advance. A lost processing fee is charged for the replacement."
Meghan AttallaWe should consider reducing fines for overdue children's books, as well as penalties for lost/damaged children's books. They tend to be checked out in larger quantities, and, if you have more than one child, even being a couple days late can cause fines to increase exponentially. This can be a huge barrier to access, especially in low-income communities. Too often, I've heard parents tell their kids they can only check out 1 or 2 books (if any at all). They are worried about having late/lost/damaged materials. Some libraries have done away with fines for children's books altogether or have "read down" options for kids. Another possibility would be to set the maximum fine per children's book at, for example, 50 cents instead of $3. Removing or reducing this cost barrier will also help libraries in at risk communities meet their strategic goal of increasing their circulation of children's materials, and more importantly providing better access to the children who need it the most.
Meghan AttallaFor example, check out this article "In San Jose, Poor Find Doors to Library Closed" -- http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/31/us/in-san-jose-poor-find-doors-to-libr...
Paternity leave involves a parent who isn't sick or temporarily disabled but often has to take care of someone who is temporarily disabled and\or needs time to bond with a new child. There are current pools, paid and unpaid, from which we must draw for family leave but I don't believe these pools are specifically designated as paid family leave.
Tim SpindleI think Debbie gives a good answer, and since the arrival of the new system, it has been surprising that there doesn't seem to be a way to give input, some type of "suggestion box." I have friends who work for other library systems who do call their vendor and offer suggestions. To me if we're the customer, wouldn't ideas, tips, and questions be expected and encouraged, even it didn't happen right away? (It didn't happen right away with Jimmy either, by the way). It seems if there was some type of group within the library, not all IT people, but a those with a variety of tech skills, who could pass these ideas along, that would be helpful.
Ann MeeksComing from a non-library field into my Associate Librarian position almost two years ago, this was suggested by my supervisor. I have watched for the opportunity to come up- and then when it finally did a few months ago, it was cancelled due to lack of adequate enrollment.
Amy UpchurchI would love more training in this area !
Technically, this is a training comment, but the Reference Interview is in this policy. When I first started working at MLS, we had required training on the reference interview so new librarians to the system would learn how to conduct these. It is so important to have these skills to help the customer and librarian discover what the customer really needs. From talking to library students, this isn't something taught in library school either. I believe Reference Interview training should be required of all our new librarians and associate librarians (and for those who are already working here who may not have had this training already).
Melissa WeathersTechnically, this is a training comment, but the Reference Interview is in this policy. When I first started working at MLS, we had required training on the reference interview so new librarians to the system would learn how to conduct these. It is so important to have these skills to help the customer and librarian discover what the customer really needs. From talking to library students, this isn't something taught in library school either. I believe Reference Interview training should be required of all our new librarians and associate librarians (and for those who are already working here who may not have had this training already).
Melissa WeathersSick Leave could be used for Maternity/paternity leave.
Chris KennedySome of the language here is...antiquated. Perhaps simply leave off the examples of A/V?
Kevin CookA little background/history might be helpful. At one time, before Carl X, we had a committee of staff from all areas that addressed tech concerns on a monthly or quarterly basis. and yes, it was to assist Jimmy in tweaking CyberMARS, as staff came up with suggestions. that's the history of this, short and sweet - someone else might be able to give a better more concise answer than me.
Debbie RobertusIn response to Todd's comment that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors - we still can give input to the vendor, thru IT (Anne.)
While I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
Mark SchusterWhile I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
Mark SchusterWhile I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
Mark SchusterWhile I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
Mark SchusterWhile I realize that many artists create music knowing that there will be a "clean" version released to radio, and often likely take that into account, reworking certain words and phrases to fit the differing format, I believe that "clean" versions of albums created without artist input and consent (albums that merely mask words digitally or "bleep" them) are clearly censored albums. It could be argued that different versions of albums created BY the artist do not represent censorship, as the artist was technically in control of the situation. But I do believe, at the very least, they are compromised versions. The MLS supports pretty clear anti-censorship guidelines in our philosophical documents, and I believe we fairly support them in every way but this one.
I don't feel that censorship is the same thing as restricting access - I think it's acceptable to limit juvenile access to materials that have been assigned ratings from accepted outside sources (such as the MPAA), but parents should always have the final say on their children's access to those materials. We shouldn't limit this access unless the parent requests we do so. We do not act in loco parentis. But, in a way, purchasing only the clean versions of albums is us acting in loco parentis for ALL of our members. We are not giving our members the right to choose what they will be exposed to.
That having been said, I believe MLS, in the interest of not supporting censorship, should only purchase "stickered" versions of any albums. I believe these versions represent the original artistic intent of an album. Even if an artist creates a radio-friendly version of a song, this is always done as a commercial compromise - I say this because I think it stands to reason that if the radio-friendly version WAS the preferred artistic vision, an artist wouldn't also create an explicit version of the same album. It wouldn't make commercial sense. Like Adele revamping "25" to add dozens of swear words simply to cater to the market of music fans who, what, NEVER listen to music unless it contains swear words? That market doesn't exist.
The argument for the artistic purity of explicit albums is also represented by the principled stand of bands like Green Day, creators of some of the most critically acclaimed and popular music of the 21st Century, against releasing censored versions of their own albums. This stand AGAINST censorship means that MLS does not stock any of this band's landmark musical works, because it conflicts with our (seemingly) PRO-censorship stance in this one area.
As a procedural compromise, I think, since MLS has a designation of "RDVD" for adult DVDs, perhaps we should also have a designation or "RCD" for any albums designated explicit. This would limit the checkout to adult cards or non-restricted juvenile cards. This would allow adults personal access to the most artistically pure versions of albums they desire to listen to, as well as allow parents the right to choose to grant their kids access, AND show MLS stand against censorship in the only way we are currently not "practicing what we preach" on the topic. We currently don't even allow people a choice when it comes to music, and if that's not censorship, I don't know what is.
Mark SchusterI'd like to suggest we add a line that if a material is stolen from a customer, the customer can present a police report to a staff member and we will waive the replacement cost. It's my understanding that currently, waiving this replacement cost is at management's discretion and while I do trust management to give good customer service when this occurs, I think adding this text to this policy will guide & empower library staff to give similarly good customer service "in the moment" instead of "waiting to find someone who can help."
Tim SpindleI'd like to suggest we add a line that if a material is stolen from a customer, the customer can present a police report to a staff member and we will waive the replacement cost. It's my understanding that currently, waiving this replacement cost is at management's discretion and while I do trust management to give good customer service when this occurs, I think adding this text to this policy will guide & empower library staff to give similarly good customer service "in the moment" instead of "waiting to find someone who can help."
Tim SpindleSo this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals?
Kevin Cookhttp://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
So this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals?
Kevin Cookhttp://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
So this isn't in this P&P, but as far as I can tell the "circulation renewal policy" is still in force, prohibiting circulation from checking an item out to a customer once it has been renewed twice. I think this needs to formally disappear--customers have found numerous workarounds to avoid this (such as having a spouse put the desired item on hold, dropping it through the sorter, then having us retrieve the item for them). Can the P&P formally abolish this frustrating policy, and allow circulation to check out an item if it is physically present, regardless of renewals?
Kevin Cookhttp://my.metrolibrary.info/drupal/sites/default/files/meeting_minutes/l...
When it comes to reserving paperbacks, I think we should either do it efficiently or not do it at all.
Amy UpchurchWhen it comes to reserving paperbacks, I think we should either do it efficiently or not do it at all.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchI would like to see a sick leave bank of some sort. I don't use my sick leave much, and I would rather share it with a coworker in need than allow it to pile up.
Amy UpchurchAm I incorrect that it only covers sabbatical leave for the purposes of attending library school?
Amy UpchurchI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI think we should consider expanding bereavement to include pregnancy loss. It isn't just a physical loss-- it's a psychological one that requires grieving.
Kate Brooks EtzkornI am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
Todd PodzemnyI am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
Todd PodzemnyI am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
Todd PodzemnyI am also a little confused by this policy. Based on the fact that it was last revised in 1994, I read it as "Jimmy is inventing CyberMARS as fast as he can, and he can't work with everyone calling him about features he needs to add."
Does anyone else have an alternate reading? Given that we no longer create automation solutions from scratch, but deal with vendors, should this policy be scrapped, or at least rewritten to reflect the current state of the system's relationship with our software?
Todd PodzemnyI'm not sure I understand what this Policy is for. This seems to say "If you have ideas, tell your boss", specifically about automation of services. Telling your supervisor about good ideas is excellent (and hopefully, obvious) advice, but why is it a policy?
Edit: re-reading it, it doesn't actually suggest that you tell ideas to your supervisor. It says to bring them directly to an Ad team member, which, at the time of writing, referred to Deputy Executive Directors and above, I think. That seems an odd chain of communication to me.
Benjamin Mead-HarveyWhat if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
Tim SpindleWhat if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
Tim SpindleWhat if a committee/team composed of tech-savvy staff from across the system (including someone from IT and Leadership Team) is created to field & research these requests before they make it to the LT? The team could meet, physically or virtually, as needed & present their results to LT.
Tim SpindleInternet coaches were volunteers, back before we hired Public computer specialists.
Debbie RobertusI fully agree with that statement! I think Maternity/paternity leave would be excellent!
Natasha EarleI fully agree with that statement! I think Maternity/paternity leave would be excellent!
Natasha EarleI fully agree with that statement! I think Maternity/paternity leave would be excellent!
Natasha EarleI fully agree with that statement! I think Maternity/paternity leave would be excellent!
Natasha EarleI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI don't see anything in this policy about music CDs (maybe I'm overlooking it), but I understand that we don't purchase any CDs with a parental advisory for explicit lyrics. I would like to see us end this practice. We have movies with explicit language and books with explicit language in our collections, why not music? If necessary, we could restrict checkout of explicit content to adult cards only (although I don't really see the necessity of this, since we don't do it for books).
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy NicholsonI think it would be great if the library system offered some paid maternity/paternity leave for its employees.
Kassy Nicholson•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie Combs•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie Combs•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie Combs•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie Combs•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie Combs•Monopolizing library space, equipment, materials, or facilities preventing others from using them, including prolonged or chronic sleeping or lying down.
I am interested in this policy for many reasons. While I agree with it in principle, it is somewhat difficult for me to agree with in practice. If there are other spaces in the library available, should we still enforce this policy? Part of our core values are to serve everyone in our community, even those who are using our facilities for reasons other than checking out our resources. If we prevent this use, then I feel we are not serving them, therefore not fulfilling this value. Instead of turning them away with a copy of our policies and how they broke them, is there a way we could partner with a community shelter or center and give out their information instead? I feel this could potentially be a more positive interaction rather than a negative one. Or we could ask if they need help with job placement, maybe getting a GED, or simply a place to get some food. This may be too idealistic, but I wanted to point it out. It would also be helpful to know if we always have to enforce this policy even if there are spaces free, or if only there are no spaces free.
Kylie CombsI think I understand the desire to 'reward' employees who do not use their sick time by providing AVL days for those who do not use sick time; however, unless I misunderstand, it almost works in the employee's favor of more days off to just use the sick time. If this is to be revised in a current system and not a full PTO bank system, you may want to re-evaluate that. If I were to look at this from the outside, I would wonder if this is too complicated and not efficient or cost effective to manage. As an employee, I think it's pretty generous and I value it.
Heather ZeoliI think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
Kelly DalrympleI think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
Kelly DalrympleI think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
Kelly DalrympleI think that this area probably should have several changes.
Many of the terms used are outdated and several statements are not even true anymore.
Examples of a few areas:
•Make only collect calls for long-distance callbacks.
Census microfilm may be ordered by the customers for use at Belle Isle, Downtown, Ralph Ellison and Southern Oaks and must be used within the library.
Tax forms: The library does not provide tax forms. Customers should be referred to the appropriate state or federal agencies. They may use the Internet to do their own searches. Staff will not print tax forms from the Internet
Kelly DalrympleNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin CookNow that paperbacks are searchable (and partially catalogued), I'd like to see them also be holdable (and so would our customers!).
Kevin Cookd.If a customer has forgotten his/her card and does not know the number, staff should check circulation records to verify that the customer is a registered borrower without a block against his/her account. The customer must then show acceptable identification equal to that required for obtaining a library account.
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Currently a member is to show proof of address any time they forget their library card and need access to their account.
It is difficult to explain, when a member has a valid picture ID, why it is not strong enough proof for them to access their account.
Kevin Sendalld.If a customer has forgotten his/her card and does not know the number, staff should check circulation records to verify that the customer is a registered borrower without a block against his/her account. The customer must then show acceptable identification equal to that required for obtaining a library account.
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Currently a member is to show proof of address any time they forget their library card and need access to their account.
It is difficult to explain, when a member has a valid picture ID, why it is not strong enough proof for them to access their account.
Kevin SendallWe have several content creators on staff. What about offering sabbatical leave for the purpose of writing a book or working on a film?
Margo EllisIt might be a good recruiting tool for prospective employees who already hold a MLIS.
mellis - see line 8 of the policy, it covers sabbatical leave.
Debbie RobertusI have heard murmurings about going to a PTO (Personal Time Off) format, where you get so much PTO each year and can use it for whatever you need to take off for. Would it be a graduated system, rewarded more PTO the longer you have in the system?
Debbie RobertusFor some who have been here more than 20 years, they get a very generous amount of time between AVL and SL, would PTO equal that?
Also, how about accumulating time, like our SL can be saved up to 960 hours?
I don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo EllisI don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo EllisI don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo EllisI don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo EllisI don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo EllisI don't see sexual orientation here. Seems like that should be on the list.
Core value: Respect for Members and Each Other
Margo Ellis