Author: Megan Sockness

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, September 22 from 11am-12:45pm.

11:00-11:30am Social Time

11:30-12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

Kids 14 and older can use the PCs near the Public Services Desk and many of our kiddos are now eligible to use those computers.

If noise or crowding becomes an issue, here are some things you can suggest or implement:

• One person per computer
• Remind users that the PS computers are primarily used for tasks like work or filling out applications.
• Remind patrons of their noise levels
• Encourage them to use the Youth Computer Lounge if they want to use the PCs in a more collaborative way

Behavior reminders: Patrons receive two warnings for disruptive behavior (e.g., noise). On the third reminder, they will be asked to leave the library for the day.

Guest Passes and Computer Extensions
Patrons 18 years and older can receive guest passes and time extensions, so long as the computers are not full.

Patrons under 18 can log in using a library card, provisional card, or a computer-only card.

Exception: If a child is with a grown-up and they do not want to get their child a library card; I will sign them in with a guest pass and then recycle the guest pass at the desk.

If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please let me know.

Megan

Summer Discovery Update
We will discontinue handing out reading logs to kids.

We are running low on prizes. I have ordered more materials but may run out before they arrive. If we run out of a prize, please mark their reading log with an “IOU” and they can return later this week to pick up their prize.

First Prize for Kids Update
Instead of giving kids a scratch-off, please let the child pick one item from the tray. Items still include a pencil, bookmark, or sticker.

Please let me know if you have questions.

After receiving valuable feedback concerning the role of the Librarian in Charge (LIC), we want to clarify expectations and foster an environment where all staff feel empowered to seek guidance and make informed decisions.

Our goal is to ensure that there is always someone available to promptly address any escalated situations involving the building, patrons, and staff.

LICs are there to act as a support and provide assistance when necessary, but we want to encourage staff to continue to feel empowered to make decisions.

Responsibilities of the LIC:

• Responding to Building Emergencies:
  • Be proactive in assessing and swiftly responding to any building emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of staff and patrons.
  • Maintain open communication with library staff and patrons, providing clear guidance and updates throughout the duration of the emergency.
• Resolving Patron Complaints:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for addressing and resolving patron complaints that have escalated beyond frontline staff members.
  • Approach each complaint with empathy and professionalism, striving to find satisfactory resolutions and maintain positive relationships with patrons while following library policies.
• Troubleshooting Technology Issues:
  • Take the lead in troubleshooting escalated technology issues, such as internet outages, utilizing available resources to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Resources Available to the LIC:

• Confluence, the Central Knowledge Base:
  • Access policies, procedures, and relevant information through Confluence, our central knowledge base, to support decision making and follow procedures
• Support from Department Heads and Staff Members:
  • Utilize the expertise and support of department heads and fellow staff members when faced with challenging situations. Collaborative problem-solving and sharing knowledge can be invaluable in finding solutions.
• Assistant Librarian & Department Head Meetings:
  • Engage with your supervisor during Assistant Librarian & Department Head meetings to identify areas where additional training or documentation may be beneficial. Your feedback is helpful when building more support systems and resources.

When should I go to the LIC?

• Examples:
  • Example #1: You put something into the register incorrectly and need to void the transaction. After reading the instructions on Confluence, you are still not exactly sure how to do it. Grab the LIC and have them walk through the process with you. It may be a learning experience for the LIC too!
  • Example #2: On a Friday afternoon, you notice that the Foundation money drawer and the register are low on small bills and change. You let the LIC know so they can run and get change from Kum & Go or the bank.
  • Example #3: A patron notices broken glass by the front door, you are not available at to sweep it up. Notify the LIC and they will coordinate the clean-up.

Thank you for all of your hard work!
Megan, Beth, & Molly

UPDATE: The Youth Computer Lounge doors are installed. The workers have moved on to the Teen Space Doors; but they cannot guarantee the doors will be done by the time the Teen Space is open.

**We have posted to social media and have placed signs on the whiteboard to notify patrons it may be louder than normal.**

The Youth Computer Lounge and Teen Space doors are being replacements with non-sliding doors. The team will be here at 6am Monday, Tuesday, and possibly Wednesday morning and will wrap up by 2pm. During this time the Youth Computer Lounge may not be available to use. I have sent an email to ChildServe as they typically visit us on Tuesdays and use the computer lounge. I will also have the yellow barricades up and signs notifying the public.

We understand this isn’t the most convenient time, but we wanted to have this project wrapped up before the fiscal year ends on June 30.

Thank you for your patience! Please let us know if you have any questions.

Megan & Molly

Starting Monday, June 10th, a SRP Prize & Log table will be stationed in front of the Archive Room. Volunteers will be on hand to assist from Monday to Friday, between 10 am and 2 pm. The aim is to ease some of the traffic and crowding at the YS desk.

At this table, prizes for Kids & Teens will be accessible, along with logs for all age groups.

Megan

Hi All:

Summer Reading is right around the corner! A copy of each log is available at each service desk if you would like to familiarize yourself with them J As always, if you have any questions, please let me know. 

Important Dates:
1^st day to pick up logs is Tuesday, May 28^th
1^st day to redeem prizes is Saturday, June 6^th
Last day to redeem prizes in Sunday, July 28^th

•  Kids Summer Library Program Birth-Kids going into 5th Grade
  Kids ages birth-going into 5^thgrade are invited to participate in this program. Starting May 28^th, kids can come to the library to pick up all that they need for this year’s summer reading program.
• Kids can pick up their activity log at any of the service desks or the teen volunteer summer reading table.
• Kids are asked to fill in a star for EACH DAY they meet their reading goal or EACH DAY they complete an activity. **This is new. Please emphasize this change when handing out logs**
• When a level is complete (10 stars), kids can come in to pick up the prize for the completed levels. Please stamp the child’s log when a prize is redeemed.

Prizes:
Purple:  Lanyard, Purple Button, Scratch-off Ticket
Kids will scratch off the silver sticker on their ticket. Their prize will be revealed. The prizes are in a 3 drawer container and labeled.

Orange:  Goodie Bag & Orange Button
The goodie bag is filled with a variety of coupons: Iowa Cubs ticket, Taco Johns Coupon, Blank Park Zoo pass, & more.

Blue: Activity Kit & Blue Button
This year’s activity kit includes crayons, a velvet poster, sticker face sheet and a scratch art bookmark.

Green: Prize Book & Green Button
Each child will receive a book and a green when they finish their log. They are free to choose from picture books, beginning reader, early chapter books, and chapter books. All of the titles are located on the shelving behind the YS desk.

Dates that kids are eligible to begin picking up their prizes, due to restructuring:
Purple: June 6^th
Orange: June 16^th
Blue: June 26^th
Green: July 6^th

 Teen Summer Reading is for kids going into 6^th grade-12^th grade.
Teens will be pick up their reading log and can earn points doing the following things:
Reading (points per page OR points per minute)
Reading aloud to someone (5 points per minute)
Listen to an audiobook (1 point per minute)
Watch a movie based on a book (20 pts each, 300 points max)
Attend a Library Program (100 pts each)
Write a book review (20pts each, review forms are available at the YS Desk)
Watch a TV series based on a book (10 pts/episode, 300 points max)
Donate pop tabs to Ronald McDonald House (20 points/10 pop tabs) – A can is located at the YS Desk and Volunteer Table

When a teen comes in, have them add up their total points and write the total points they have on their sheet.  After giving them the prizes they’ve earned, date & initial where the total points are and check off the prizes they’ve received. All prizes will be organized by point level and are located behind the YS desk and at the teen volunteer table.

Prize Levels:
300 points: Two (2) Iowa Cubs Tickets
500 Points: Ticket to the Laser Tag Super Reward Party on Friday, July 26^th**
If they make it a point to mention they will not be able to attend the party, feel free to offer them a coupon, book, or candy bar.
700 Points: Taco John’s OR Spare Time Coupon
900 Points: Free Book
1000 Points: Choice of Candy Bar & Entered into Grand Prize Drawing (located on the back of their log)
1200+ Points: For every extra 200 pints earned, teens get an additional entry into the grand prize drawing.
 **When teens reach 500 points they receive a ticket to the Laser Tag Super Reward Party. There is a 3-ring binder containing the tickets. Please fill out the ticket stub with the teen’s first and last name and their phone number. Then remove the ticket from the ticket stub and give it to the teen. Remind the teen that they must register and have the ticket in hand to attend the final party!

 Thank you for your help and hard work in preparing for summer reading!

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, May 19 from 10:45 am-12:45 pm.

10:45 -11:30 am Social Time

11:30 -12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

**We want to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. If you have received awards, certifications, or have any personal news you would like to share, please let us know. Feel free to send information and or pictures to sockness@johnstonlibrary.com **

Kites on the Green is tomorrow! I have printed and placed a copy of the schedule at each desk. If patrons have more questions, an information booth will be set up near the sidewalk leading to the park/barn.

Feel free to take a look at the KOTG website as well that has more details about the day:
https://www.cityofjohnston.com/606/Kites-on-the-Green—May-4

Some things to note:

• Please park in the last row, closest to the road.  Emergency vehicles will need the spaces near the dumpsters.
• If you get a break, I encourage you to bring a lunch or get food from one of the food trucks that will be at the event
• We may need to use the large meeting room for the performers, if that happens, someone from the KOTG Committee will be assisting with set-up, teardown, and crowd management.

Thanks!

Megan

We have a new Incident/Conduct in the Library Tracker!

Incident-Tracker is a secure and user-friendly platform that allows us to track Incident Reports and Conduct in the Library reports in one location.

The Incident Tracker can be viewed by clicking on the “Submit a Report” tab on the Intranet. The username and password are also listed in this tab for easy access.
Username: library
Password: 123Johnston

I have placed a copy of the instructions at each desk. These instructions include How to Submit a Report and How to View Reports within the new platform.  Instructions will also be uploaded to Confluence over the next week or so.

I have transferred all incidents and Conduct Reports from the last month and a half to the new tracker.

When you have some time, take a look at the Incident Tracker.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I will be providing training at our All Staff Meeting in May.
Megan

Spring is here and this is a great time for us to review our behavior policies. 

Here are the basics:
If any patron displays disruptive behavior such as excessive noise, running or play fighting, they will receive two warnings/reminders. In case a person is reminded for a third time, they will be asked to leave the library for the rest of the day.

Reminders:

1. Use the #behaviorinthelibrary channel to communicate with your coworkers. You can update them about warnings, behaviors you are seeing, or if there is something they should be looking out for.
2. When someone is asked to leave, please submit a Conduct in the Library report through the intranet. This helps staff track suspensions and identify trends. Please note that we are in the process of replacing the current Conduct in the Library form, but more information will be available when it is ready to go live.
3. If you are trying to figure out what to do in a specific situation, don’t hesitate to ask for help. LICs (Librarian in Charge) are available and willing to assist you.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. 

We have new tall chairs in the Youth Computer Lounge along with a repurposed tall table!!!

The tables and craft storage container were delivered today (Friday), but I didn’t finish putting the tables together. Hoping to have the tables finished on Monday and the window area where the tablets used to live up and running sometime next week.

Thank you for your patience.

Megan

Launchpads are here! We have received the fourth launchpad!

A few things to note:
-Launchpads are barcoded and visible in Polaris.
-These Launchpads are only available for in-house use.
-Please check out the Launchpad on the patron’s account. Launchpads can be checked out to any card in good standing, including computer-only cards.
-Each tablet has a recommended age, a different theme, and different games. Please let the child/grown-up choose which Launchpad they would like to use
-Keep the hardcover cases at the YS desk as they are not barcoded
–At open, please remove the Launchpads from the charger and place them in their hard case.
-At close, please remove the Launchpads from their hard case, check them in in Polaris, and place them on the charger. Double-check that the USB power strip located under the YS desk is plugged into the extension cord. 

Additional information about Launchpads is located in the black document holder at the YS Desk.

Please let Megan know if you have any questions.

Patrons will now hear the following message before being connected to library staff:

“Thank you for calling the Johnston Public Library. If you know the extension of the person you are trying to reach, please enter it now. Otherwise, stay on the line and you will be connected with library library staff.”

Previously all incoming circulation calls would ring on all phones and Youth Services and Reference calls were routed to those specific desks.  Now, ALL incoming calls will ring on ALL phones.

Our goal is to provide a better patron experience and to continue to expand the All Desk model.

“All-Desks” is now displayed when there are incoming calls!

Please let Molly or Megan know if you have any questions.

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, March 24 from 10:45am-12:45pm.

10:45 -11:30am Social Time

11:30 -12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

**We want to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. If you have received awards, certifications, or have any personal news you would like to share, please let us know. Feel free to send information and or pictures to sockness@johnstonlibrary.com **

After researching options to display On-Order items in PowerPac, we have found a solution.

We have added an On-Order Dashboard or Menu to the main PowerPac Dashboard. This dashboard contains a list of the 50 most recently ordered titles and is updated every night. Patrons can click on the title of the item to view the bib record, where they can place the item on hold or add it to a list.

Some things to note:

We have closed the dashboards, but patrons can click on the arrow to expand the dashboard to see all of the options within that dashboard.

Since selectors are not purchasing everyday, the list may be the same over a few days. It is only updated when new items have been purchased and imported.

Some days the list will only be Kid, Teen, or Adult items due to the nature of how this list is created, so feel free to encourage patrons to check back often to catch a new list of on-order titles.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification on the changes.

The Johnston Public Library Foundation provided funding for JPL to purchase an annual subscription to Comics Plus. Comics Plus offers readers unlimited access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga including adult, teen, and children materials.  Comics Plus includes digital access for every patron on desktop, mobile, or tablet. Every title is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for offline reading, with unlimited, simultaneous checkout.

Comics Plus is available to all JPL cardholders, regardless of residency. Patrons can log in on a desktop using their Library Card Number and Pin. Or download the Library Pass App, Search for Johnston Public Library, and then enter their Library Card Number and Pin.

There are no checkout limits or holds.

Check it out for yourself here: https://www.johnstonlibrary.com/1429/Comics-Plus

We will be working on promoting it through social media over the next couple of weeks!

Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled on Sunday, January 28th from 10:45am-12:45pm.

10:45 -11:30am Social time with trivia, party games, & food!

11:30 -12:45 Staff Meeting

If the first session doesn’t sound like your thing – you are not required to attend, but we would love to have you there! Both sessions will be paid.

Please email Molly or Peg to let them know if you will be able to attend on January 28 so they can get When to Work updated.

Hope to see everyone there!