Hello All! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Here is a long overdue Molly’s JPL Heads Up!
Library Director Search Update:
The library director search committee has had their first meeting. From what I hear, everyone is very excited to be working with the recruiting firm, Bradbury Miller, and they are impressed with their level of preparation and professionalism.
The search committee will be sending a link to all staff sometime during the first two weeks of December to gather input from staff. I will let you know when that link goes out, but just a heads up that a link is coming soon. Department heads will meet with Bradbury Miller via Zoom to provide additional feedback.
The goal is to have the position posted in January and February. The final interviews will be conduced in the middle of April. So if everything stays on track, we are looking to welcome our next director to JPL around May or June.
I will keep you posted as we move through the process.
Library Website and Online Catalog:
We are making great progress on the new website and online catalog. We have just seen the first draft of the new website (today!), and I am very encouraged with how it is looking. The new website will go live on December 22nd. During the last two weeks of December, library staff will have ample opportunities to view the draft of the website and get comfortable. We have have some trainings available.
The online catalog (Power PAC) is coming along very well. As a reminder the online catalog is available to use now. It is live, and fully functional if you would like to practice using it. The link is on the Intranet under Patron Resources. Or the link is here
I have had heard a few questions about the future of the Intranet and some of the processes we do through the intranet. I do anticipate that some of our processes will be changing slightly as we roll out the website, and I assure you that we will train staff on those changes. Now that we have access to a draft the website (today!), we are going to be working long and hard to get forms set up and procedures documented and shared with staff. Some of our processes will remain on the intranet and not be impacted immediately by the website.
Finally, my message is that this rollout will be a learning curve for us all. We are doing our best to get things ready, but there will be quirks that come up after December 22nd when the website goes live. I look at December 22nd as the beginning of our adventure with the new website and Power PAC, not the final destination. As staff and library users live in the website and Power PAC, we will work to adjust and improve the experience for everyone.
Building Maintenance
Twelve windows on the north wall were replaced last week.
In December, Peterson Painting will be doing extensive drywall and painting work at the library. We will keep you posted on Slack so you know what to expect, but there may be small areas closed off to staff and patrons as they work.
Final Notes
I couldn’t be more lucky to work here at JPL with you all. Thank you for all you do. If you ever have questions or would like more information about the why behind something, I love, love, love to talk library and my door is always open. Please come visit with me.
Molly