July 2009 Archives

The East Asian library will now close at 4pm on Fridays. Monday through Friday starting Monday, July 20th through the end of the Summer, the Ames library, and the East Asian library should be opened, and closed at the same time as the Annex.

Hello Everyone,
The Libraries is joining the University in generating ideas for going green.

An interesting website to visit to learn more about it is:

http://www1.umn.edu/italladdsup

Let me know if you have any questions. If you have any ideas on what the Unit can do to help the Libraries go green, please share!

Thanks!
Jackie

Protocols

Timecards

• Sign each new timecard the first time you use it to prevent delays in payment for time worked; unsigned timecards cannot be processed.
  
• Should you forget to punch in or out, tell a supervisor immediately.
  
• Do not write or make corrections on yours or anyone else's timecard.

Schedule

• Assignments are given on an hourly basis. Check the schedule hourly for changes and reassignments. Always ask for clarification or added direction if needed.
  
• Begin work assignments promptly on the hour. At 5 minutes to the hour, if not working at a desk, return to the Annex to check your schedule.
• Refresh the schedule by pushing F5, to see if any changes have been made to the schedule.
  

Ongoing Training and Unit Meetings

• Occasionally, students will be asked to attend training sessions or unit meetings that occur outside of scheduled work hours. Students are expected to attend all training sessions and meetings when posted as mandatory.
  
• During training sessions and meetings, treat the trainers and fellow attendees in a respectful manner, and participate in activities and discussions.

Attendance

• If you become ill, call the Stacks supervisor within an appropriate amount of time before the start of your shift to report your absence.
  
• Three consecutive unexcused absences are grounds for dismissal.

Breaks

• Break times are 5 minutes for each hour worked when working a block of four hours or greater.

Food and Drink

• Food and drink are not permitted in public areas of the library. Food and drink, including water, should be consumed in the Annex office or staff break room.

Attire

• Wear safe and comfortable footwear, no flip-flops.
  
• You are expected to have a clean appearance.
  
• Offensive language or sayings are not allowed.

Headphones

• Headphones may be worn only be worn in the open stacks. Keep sound at a level that will not disturb patrons or co-workers.
  
• Take headphones off when addressing others.

Cell phones and pagers

• Cell phones and pagers are not allowed in the stacks. Their use is not permitted unless you are on break.

Personal Belongings

• Keep personal belongings in the Annex office. Other areas in the library are not secure.

Customer Service

• If you are approached by a patron who needs assistance, be courteous and give accurate information to the best of your ability.
  
• If the patron is asking for information you don't know, refer them to the Reference desk on the first floor.
  
• Wear your "Library Staff" nametag during your entire shift.
  
• Attend the Customer Service Training within the first semester of starting work.

Safety Concerns

• In case of fire alarm, leave the building immediately. Do not use elevators, and do not return to the Annex office.
  
• If someone in the stacks is making you feel uncomfortable while you are working notify a supervisor immediately. Your duties will be reassigned.
  
• If you are injured, stop work and report to a supervisor immediately.

Standards and Expectations

Scheduling and Attendance

• You are expected to be reliable and dependable in your attendance.
  
• You are expected to arrive on time, ready to work. Adjust your schedule with a supervisor if you routinely cannot get to work on time.
  
• You are expected to work the shifts agreed upon by you and your supervisor; appointments and meetings should be scheduled outside of your work hours.
  
• You are expected to make any changes to your work schedule in advance; calling in absent the day of your shift because of an exam, etc. is not acceptable.
  
• You are expected to find a replacement for shifts you need off, except for illness or emergency circumstances.
  
• Changes to your schedule should be kept to a minimum; excessive changes may result in a loss of hours.

Quality of Work

• Your work is accurate and thorough; you apply yourself to the scheduled task; you ask for assistance and information when needed.
  
• You take initiative and are resourceful; you communicate ideas about any problems with the collection or tasks to a supervisor; you answer questions from and provide assistance to co-workers, supervisors, and library patrons when needed.
  
• You stay focused on your work and keep conversations to a minimum.

Evaluations

Students must pass a 260 hour probationary period to continue their employment, and will be evaluated at that time. After the probationary period, students are evaluated once a semester.

Twin Cities Campus Student Employment Rules
Every student employee must be aware and familiar with the Twin Cities Campus Student Employment Rules. This document is only available online.

Student Position Descriptions
The job title for students working in CRSS is Student Library Assistant. Every student hired assumes the basic responsibilities of shelving materials, stack maintenance, searches, and other duties as assigned. Students are also trained to work the circulation desks and assist in special projects, once they are familiar with the basics.

Student Eligibility
Students must be registered for a minimum amount of credits to be eligible for student employment. Dropping below the minimum credit load will result in loss of job and negate payment for hours worked. Check with a supervisor for minimum credit level.

Students employed at one or more campus jobs cannot exceed 40 work hours per week. Notify a supervisor if you have more than one campus job, or change the number of credits you are registered for.

Work Study Students
In addition to the rules governing student employment, there are rules and conditions that apply to work-study students. Students receiving work-study may have limited earnings eligibility. The work-study amount is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Earnings are monitored to ensure they do not exceed the work-study award.

Work Study Status
When students are no longer eligible for work-study, staff will try to transfer them into a non-work-study position. This is dependent upon available funds and is not guaranteed. When this occurs, the number of hours a student works may decrease.

University Closings
University closings are announced on WCCO 830AM. Closing information is also available by calling the University Librarian's office (612) 624-4520.

Here are some general guidelines for specific situations. Do not hesitate to remove yourself from any situation you feel is unsafe. Never be afraid to call 911. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Harassment

• Harassment includes directed verbal, sexual, and physical behaviors that make someone feel threatened or uncomfortable.
  
• If you feel that someone is harassing you, leave the situation immediately.
  
• Immediately notify a supervisor of the situation.
  
• Call 911 if the situation warrants.

Aberrant Behavior

• If a patron appears intoxicated, or is acting aggressively or offensively, do not confront them. Do not intervene in heated arguments or fights.
  
• Notify others working in the area and leave the area immediately.
  
• If the patron is threatening another person, call 911 immediately.
  
• Report the situation to a supervisor.

In all cases, be sure to fill out an Incident Report.

Fire

• If the fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. Exit the building and proceed to the front of the building, near the sundial. A supervisor will meet you there.
  
• DO NOT use the tunnel on the basement level as an exit.
  
• The service desk offices will be locked when the building is evacuated. DO NOT attempt to return for your possessions.

Severe Weather

• If a severe weather warning is issued for the university area, supervisors will notify student employees.

University Closings

• University closings are announced on WCCO 830 AM. Closing information will also available through calling the University Librarian's Office (612) 624-4520 or checking the university homepage.

Water Leaks in the Stacks

• If you see water, wet ceiling tiles, damp books, or other signs of leaks, notify a supervisor immediately. If no supervisor is available, notify the Library Office (612) 624-4520. Notify Facilities Management at (612) 625-0011 when the Library Office is closed.
  
• Check for, and remove, any damp or wet books from the shelves. Place them on a nearby table. Stand them up and fan the pages open.
  
• Cover the affected stack ranges with plastic sheeting. The plastic is kept in the Book Return Room in Circulation on the 1st floor and in the Annex. Cut the plastic long enough to cover the affected area and unfold it. Keep in mind that leaks can spread and cause splashes.
  
• Once the plastic sheeting is in place, move a trash can into the affected aisle. Place the ends of the sheeting in the trash can. This will direct the flow into the trash can and prevent further damage.