Author: Holly Sealine

UPDATES TO YESTERDAY’S UPDATES (there is A LOT of information here, please read throughly):

1. Polaris OPAC – The online catalog should be up and running again today. If you notice any missing links or issues, please send me an email or slack message.
2. Library Specialist Position –This will be posted today (8/20/24), please share the information with anyone that you may think is interested. I am still targeting a mid-October start date for this position.
3. Intranet – There are component to the Intranet that seems to not always function correctly.  We are looking at potential options to securing this resource. I will communicate more, once I know it. As you identify issues, concerns, or even just comments about what you like/don’t like, use/don’t use on the Intranet – feel free to share them with me.  I cannot promise that all aspects will be achieved with whatever way we go – but I am open to hearing ideas.

Thank you!

-HS

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Hi All,

There are a lot of important updates below, so please take time to read them and reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.

1. Polaris OPAC – For those that were at the library on Monday August 19th, you will know that we had issues with our PAC not working. A solution is still in the works,  but in the meantime please apologize to patrons and offer assistance from our end. If you do not know how to use the staff-side of Polaris to search for materials, please let Holly or Lori F. know and we will assist you.  I do not have a current timeline as to when it will be fixed.
2. Out of Office – Dreama will be out of the office for the next few weeks, as previously mentioned she broke her humerus bone last Friday and needs time to heal. Lori French and I will be primary contacts for TS/IT.
3. Organizational Structure – A new organizational structure was approved by the library board last Thursday, August 15th. The main changes that occurred is that we moved to a 3-manager model. Dreama will continue be manage the Tech Services / IT departments, which includes check-in tasks.  Megan will continue to manage the Youth Services department, but is also adding the management of  customer services responsibilities (i.e. public facing desks).  This includes being a primary contact for desk schedules. Megan will be moving into Molly’s old office to help her be more accessible to those at a service desk. Beth will manage Adult (aka Public) Services, which means adult programs, tech lab, help desk appointments, etc. and will continue to manage library communications (website, newsletters, social media, etc.).  The assistant director position has been moved to a Library Specialist.  This is a new title/name and combined job description for several positions including Jessica, Sheila, and Lori F., in their various responsibilities. This will continue to be a slow process as we clarify roles and responsibilities throughout the library, and majority of you will not see any immediate changes at this time.
   
4.   Library Specialist (Adult Services) –  Sometime this week (hopefully) we will be posting the newly created library specialist for adult services.  Applications will be accepted through September 8th. I am hopeful that we will have someone in place by mid-October.
5. Scheduling / W2W – Due to a few scheduling gaps, Megan may have reassigned desk assignments over the next few weeks. Please check W2W regularly for updates. Please note: In/Out schedules remain unchanged, unless someone has spoken with Megan or Holly about needing a change.
6. Kate T.’s Last Day / Library Clerk Opening – Kate’s last day with JPL will be Wednesday September 4th. We are excited about her new adventure and will miss her as part of our team. We will be posting for this position, plus some additional open hours with Peg’s retirement, in the coming week.

Again, thank you for your continued patience as we work through reorganizational changes. We see you. We hear you.  As details are confirmed, we will continue to communicate them to you.  Do not hesitate to reach to reach out to Beth, Megan, Dreama or Holly with any and all questions or concerns you have.

You are all important to the library and we appreciate the stability you have provided to our customers/patrons during this transition time. 

–Holly

8/19/2024

Hi All,

Please keep Dreama in your thoughts and well-wishes; she fell and broke her humerus bone, (not wrist, which is what I originally stated). She will be out of the office for a bit and Lori French will be the primary contact for Tech Services/IT.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lori or myself. Thank you for your patience!

-Holly

8/5/2024

Hi All,

Please find your weekly updates below. I have included the best contact for each issue, but feel free to see your direct supervisor if you need additional clarification. Thanks!

Staff Meeting Recap – Thank you everyone that was able to attend the Sunday July 28th’s staff meeting. I was really happy with how well it went and felt like there was a great vibe in the room. For those that were not able to attend, I wanted to include a brief update (please feel free to reach out if you have questions). Contact: Holly or a Department Manager

Hi All,

Below are the weekly updates for library information. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

1. Staff Meeting – Reminder that we have our all staff meeting to coming Sunday July 28th.  Social time and meeting are 11AM – 12:45 PM.  This first staff meeting will be loosely structured as follows: Contact: Holly
   1. Social Time (30 minutes)
   2. Welcome/Staff recognitions (10 minutes)
   3. Department Updates (15 minutes)
   4. Roundtable Q&A; Staff Sharing (30 minutes)
   5. Training/Activity (20 minutes) – this may vary depending on how long the roundtable goes
2. Emergency Cooling Shelter – Due to the expected high temperatures again this weekend, the National Weather Service has implemented the extreme weather plan for July 29th.  The only thing this means is that we are a cooling shelter, may see increased traffic.  But my expectation is that we will serve customers as we always do, and there really isn’t any actual changes. Contact: Librarians-in-charge; Holly
3. When 2 Work – Remember to check W2W on a regular basis for any schedule adjustments, messages, etc.  There is an app that can be put on your phone but is not required. I prefer to use W2W to send work-related messages, rather than sending information to personal emails. Contact: For assistance setting up W2W please check Confluence or contact your supervisor.
4. Credit Card Error – I am aware that the credit card machine is printing a “call help desk” error daily.  I have reached out to the company and to the City for a potential device update/upgrade.  The error is harmless and can be ignored. Contact: Holly
5. Cash Register closing for Sundays – Reminder to run the Z2 report on Sundays at close and put that into the cash register drawer with the other Z1 reports. Contact: Holly

As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out. Thanks!

Hi All,

I received a message this afternoon that Service Master’s will be here tonight (Tuesday July 23rd), after close, for their bi-monthly carpet cleaning. This should not affect any of our library service/hours.

Thanks for all you do, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

-HS

Hi All,

I hope everyone is having a great week! As part of my routine in Ankeny, I would post weekly updates on non-time sensitive information (generally on Fridays, but not always) rather than posting multiple smaller messages all week long. I would like to bring that routine for JPL to help keep everyone informed of what is going on. Please read through the information below and let me know know if you have questions. I have tried to indicate a good contact for each item to direct questions to. Thanks for your time!

1. Cooling Center: As the weather heats up this weekend, reminder that the library is a cooling center and we may see increased usage as  patrons seek refuge from these high temperatures. This is just a heads up and shouldn’t change anything we are doing — just that there might be a bit more traffic than normal. Contact: Librarians-in-charge; supervisors, Holly
2. Book Donations: We put out a call on social media (in case you didn’t see it) for some gently used children’s books for the book bike.  I do not fully know the process of donations (yet), but if you start to get some in the next couple of days — please process/store as normal.  Contact: Beth, Megan or Holly
3. Transition:  I will be assuming all of Molly’s responsibilities in the interim of her leaving and us hiring a new team member. It is going to take a little time to breathe and re-group, and I want to reassure everyone that you are doing great.  We are not changing anything at this time, so if you would have taken a situation, including scheduling questions, to Molly please bring it to me. Contact: Holly
4. Staff Meeting:  Reminder that there is a staff meeting on Sunday July 28 from 11 AM- 12:45 PM.  We will plan to have social time the first 30 minutes, and then our business meeting will be from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM.  To ensure we are planning appropriately, please respond to this form to let us know if you will be attending the social time and staff meeting. You may also use the form to submit specific questions for the meeting or you may email Holly directly. The agenda will be posted with next week’s update.   Contact: Holly
5. Celebration: Please make sure to stop by next Wednesday July 17th to say goodbye to Molly as she moves onto her next great adventure.  Contact: Lori Elrick and Dreama
6. 1:1 Meetings: One of the goals I set for myself in coming to this job was to meet with all library staff members in my first 6 months in a get-to-know everyone setting. I have slowly been setting up times to meet with people via email, but if you have a specific time — please feel free to reach out. I am fairly flexible in my schedule if you are only available certain days or times.  Thank you for everyone’s patience as I learn JPL. Contact: Holly

Again, I hope you all have a wonderful week/weekend and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.

~Holly

Hi All,
There are a few unassigned shifts (i.e. sub shifts) on the schedule especially for this upcoming Friday July 12th. If you are able to work, please let me know (via W2W or email is best) and I will update the schedule. I will take a “first come first serve” approach to these shift hours.

This may be different approach to scheduling than you are used to, and I appreciate your flexibility as I feel my way around JPL and what will work best for all of us. I have posted this message to both W2W and to the intranet.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions. In case you need, my email is sealine@johnstonlibrary.com.

Thanks!
–Holly

7/5/2024

Hi All,

I know there are some questions and concerns about what is going on and happening with Molly’s role as she moves onto new professional opportunities. I want to reassure everyone that you are doing great and things will continue as they are. No immediate changes are going to take place, and for now Holly will assume Molly’s duties. Dreama will continue to purchase items for the within the adult collection (physical and e-materials). Please feel free to let your supervisor or myself know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.   

Thank you for your time and for all you do to help the community! 

~ Holly

6/29/2024

Hi All,

I hope everyone’s weekend/day is going well. This morning I placed the wage notifications letters for all part-time team members in your brown mailboxes/inboxes. If I somehow missed someone or you have questions, please let me know as soon as possible.

Thanks!

-Holly

Hi All,

I noticed that our website and TixKeeper for Adventure Pass was indicating that we had 4 Blank Park Zoo passes, however we have only paid for 2 passes. I also contacted TixKeeper to update things on their end. Passes that were reserved prior to discovering this issue will be honored but moving forward only 2 people will be able to reserve passes at a time. Science Center of Iowa has also been updated, as it only showed 1 pass on TixKeeper but we pay for 2.

Finally, I updated the Adventure Pass information on the Intranet to link to Confluence help rather than giving a error message from a dead link. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Thanks! -Holly

Hi All,

Thank you for your patience with me as I learn all things Johnston Library. Molly shared with me that in the past Eric has provided an employee letter/update at the beginning of the fiscal year with your new hourly wage increase. I am working with the City of Johnston as they figure out a new classification and compensation policy/procedure and how that affects all city staff members (including part-time). Once I receive direction from Library Trustees and from City Leadership, I will get each of you an updated wage notification for the new fiscal year. The hope is to have something available by the first or second week in July. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions for me.

Thanks again!

–Holly