Public Services Managers Minutes - July 14, 2022

Welcome & Introductions

“Happy Notes” – Angel Suhrstedt was introduced to the group as the new Director of Communications. Rondia announced that the Story Walk at BE will begin installation July 19^th, with an anticipated ribbon cutting on August 22^nd. Nicole shared that having therapy dogs at a recent NW Staff Meeting went well.

“Breaking News” (last-minute updates)

Situational Awareness – Both while conducting walkthroughs at locations and in general, staff should be on the lookout for missing objects, damage, suspicious people, as well as anyone attempting to enter unauthorized spaces.

Monthly Tracking Documents – The following documents should be completed and either uploaded or sent by the 3^rd of each month: Safe Space interactions (handouts taken or passed out should be noted as well; meetings featuring Pivot staff should also be included), the number of notarizations per location, Groundskeeping logs, Weeding/Inventory spreadsheets, Monthly Safety Reminder logs. The group was also reminded to ensure that their locations’ programs are entered into Library Market by the 20^th of each month.

Abortion Inquiries – After the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, Legal reviewed MLS’s role regarding giving information on abortions and concluded that due to state law libraries have no role. Discussion followed.

Normal meeting business

• Service Animal Reminders – Concerning Service Animals, a reminder was given that library staff could only ask two questions according to the ADA: “Is it a Service Animal?”, and “What service does the animal provide?” Service Animals usually do not transfer between people, and the animal’s owners are responsible for anything that the animal may do while on property. Emotional Support animals are still not permitted. According to ADA guidelines, A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual's disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of tasks.
• Membership Reimbursements – Membership reimbursements will be a little different starting this year. The steps are as follows: Employee builds cart for membership online and provides to Library, Library Manager enters RTO in 5137 and location 34-Public Services Admin. Attach a printout of the expected cost for membership Manager, Regional Director approves the RTO, Employee purchases the membership and sends receipt to Library Manager. Signatures are not required, and Library Manager converts the RTO and attaches the receipt for the membership. Authorized memberships are approved for ALA, OLA, PLA, YALSA, TLA, and MPLA. Amounts for reimbursements are up to $100.00 for OLA memberships and up to $50.00 for the rest.
• Diatomaceous earth – Diatomaceous Earth should no longer be used at locations, nor will it be ordered in the future. Any remaining DE at locations should be disposed of immediately. If there is an issue with infestations for which DE was previously used to treat, please contact MTC to have an exterminator scheduled.
• Agreeing to be a notary – Any staff member considering to be a notary should consider any potential scenario before agreeing. If a notary on staff is uncomfortable with notarizing a document, then it is okay to say no, and refer them to someone that can.
• Definitions of weapons not permitted – Within our own Rules of Conduct, it states the prohibition of “Carrying firearms and/or dangerous weapons of any type, except armed law enforcement officers or Metropolitan Library System authorized security officers.” Oklahoma statute Title 21 - Crimes and Punishment, Section 1272 - Unlawful Carry, which governs what may me allowed on local or state government property also states that other “offensive weapons” such as blackjacks, loaded canes, hand chains, and metal knuckles are also prohibited. This statute also includes knives and pepper spray. These rules also apply to staff.
• Rules of Conduct Revisions Workgroup re: Guest Experiences – Risa will soon head up a group of 5 staff to review and revise the Rules of Conduct and is seeking recommendations and LM volunteers. Admin is looking for a quick turnaround, with a deadline of revisions by the end of August.

Pivot tour: Service Center:

We were joined by representatives from Pivot who described their services and provided a tour of the facility.

We toured all parts of the Service Center and talked with representatives from each department.

Meeting Adjourned at 4:37 p.m.