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In case of emergencies--including water leaks and library closings--a copy of the Wilson Library Emergency Procedures in PDF format is saved on the desktop of both reserve desk computers. Take a look! It couldn't hurt to look it over too. A print copy is pinned to the wall near the Courtesy Gopher Gold Cards.
Below are some changes taking place in IADS (Information Access & Delivery Services - the division of the Libraries we all work for). This is from a message by Sue Hallgren, IADS Director.
I have created a position which combines the management of the circulation units with the Wilson stacks and periodical reserve units with the possibility of including Wilson borrowing privileges and fines in the future. This combination brings all of the IADS circulation, stacks and reserve units together in a way that they have not been before.
Jerrie Bayer has agreed to step into this position. Jerrie is uniquely qualified to take on a position such as this and her skill set fits this position very well. Jerrie has taken on these responsibilities beginning March 1. As we move forward with this new structure we will be looking at how best to organize the units within this broad area of responsibility. You will be hearing more in the future regarding that.
This change was precipitated by vacancies/changes in management positions in Circulation, Wilson Stacks and Borrowing Privileges & Fines. Joan Mouchet will be retiring from the U Libraries on April 30, 2007. At the same time IADS has a vacancy in the stacks coordinator/Wilson stack manager position as well as a shift in the position of borrowing privileges and fines (BPF) coordinator/Wilson BPF manager with Matt Bowers move to being the Libraries security coordinator 50% time. These changes gave us a unique opportunity to review the IADS department structure and to look at how we are organized.
Please join me in congratulating Jerrie on this new position. I am sure she would appreciate all of our support and encouragement as she takes on this new challenge.
--Sue Hallgren, Director - Information Access and Delivery Services
I'd like to take a moment to clarify why we ask those scheduled at the Desk to do Periodicals work. It's been brought to my attention that there is some confusion and concern about this.
Since Fall 2006, we have scheduled less "Periodicals" hours for student workers. We make up this difference by asking one of the two students at the Desk to do Periodicals tasks when needed - particularly during slow periods in the afternoon and evening. This mostly affects students scheduled at the Desk between 1-3 PM and 5-9 PM.
The expectation we hold for all student employees is to come to work with the willingness and readiness to complete whatever tasks are needed, regardless of whether one is technically scheduled as "Periodicals" or "Desk." We expect that these tasks will be attended to immediately, without distractions of personal work (email, homework, etc) at the desk getting in the way.
My hope is that this provides a useful framework and understanding about why we are asking Desk workers to do necessary Periodicals tasks more often than in the past. If you have any questions or further concerns, ask away! Use the Blog, or I'm more than available to chat as always.
I've changed the publically posted schedule to include a reminder stating "Students scheduled for "desk" hours will be asked to do Periodicals tasks as needed."
All students please comment that you have reviewed this post. Thanks!
Horray, horray! Shelfreading of the Art Exhibition Catalog has been completed. This is the first time this collection has been shelfread in over 20 years (we think).
BIG THANKS to Brandon, Kyle, Marge and Adam who helped chip away at this project since October 2006.
In all, 146 items were found to be misshelved -- that's 3.5% of the Art Exhibition materials. 32 items were so seriously misshelved that we probably would not have found them in a typical search. Patrons in need of these items will now have a better chance of getting what they need, when they need it.
Congratulations on a job well done, and thank you for your hard work.
Web 2.0 is a term often applied to a perceived ongoing transition of the World Wide Web from a collection of isolated Web sites to a full-fledged computing platform serving Web applications to end users, i.e., the next "enhanced" version of the Web. It is also used to describe the social phenomenon that is seen online--open communication (blogs, etc.), social networking, online gaming, and so on. Web 2.0 is also sometimes applied to enhanced organization and categorization of content, emphasizing deep linking (hyperlinks that dynamically link to a specific document, page, or image elsewhere on the Web).
Library 2.0 takes the ideas behind Web 2.0 and applies them to the library environment. "The heart of Library 2.0 is user-centered change. It is a model for library service that encourages constant and purposeful change, inviting user participation in the creation of both the physical and the virtual services they want, supported by consistently evaluating services. It also attempts to reach new users and better serve current ones through improved customer-driven offerings. Each component by itself is a step toward better serving our users; however, it is through the combined implementation of all of these that we can reach Library 2.0. While not required, technology can help libraries create a customer-driven, 2.0 environment. Web 2.0 technologies have played a significant role in our ability to keep up with the changing needs of library users. Technological advances in the past several years have enabled libraries to create new services that before were not possible, such as virtual reference, personalized OPAC interfaces, or downloadable media that library customers can use in the comfort of their own homes. This increase in available technologies gives libraries the ability to offer improved, customer-driven service opportunities." (quoted from "Library 2.0: Service for the Next Generation Library," by By Michael E. Casey and Laura C. Savastinuk (September 1, 2006); http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html
--Peggy Johnson, Associate University Librarian
There were no incident reports filed this week.
There were two police calls to Wilson Library. On 3/22, UMPD was called concerning a stolen cell phone and that case is still being investigated. On 3/25, UMPD reunited a missing billfold with its owner.
--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator
On 3/10, in Walter, a patron was viewing a DVD (which some considered offensive) with the audio on. When asked to turn off the audio, the patron complied.
On 3/14, in Walter, the same patron asked for assistance with a computer. A staff person determined that the monitor had been disconnected -- and noticed that the patron appeared to be going to view a potentially offensive video. Another patron complained about the content. When the first patron was unable to move to an open computer with a privacy screen, he began talking loudly to himself and then left. This patron has a history of disruptive behavior--staff called 911 previously about his loud talking.
On 3/18, in Diehl Hall, staff at the Wangensteen Library reported a water leak coming down from the sixth floor. Staff covered books with plastic and placed buckets near the leak. Facilities was notified immediately. Facilties staff are investigating all potential causes of the leak and working on a long-term solution.
Also, just wanted to remind you that on 3/13 UMPD Police Chief Greg Hestness sent out a public safety alert to the Twin Cities campus about a theft of an IPod in front of the Rarig Center. The theft involved violence to the victim, who suffered some bruises but is okay. This is a reminder to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. To quote the alert: "The UMPD would like to remind those on campus that the Security Monitor escort service is available and free of charge by calling 612-624-WALK (9255). We discourage the use of in-ear listening devices while walking or jogging in public areas, and encourage pedestrians to remain alert to their surroundings instead."
--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator
I lost my flash drive, and I am re-tracing my steps. Has anyone seen it? It has a green rubber outer covering, and the brand is Lexar. I know I have used it with the Emilio computer before. If found, please e-mail me at heinz062@umn.edu or call me at 612-237-6824. Thanks!
Remember that most uses of a flash drive (working on papers, powerpoints, etc) are not allowed at the desk. If found in the department, I probably used it for some small task. My flash drive has many functions; it is like an external lobe of my brain! :)
Perhaps out of boredom, I made a spreadsheet called "MANUAL CHECKOUT" (on the desktop) where we can tabulate our loans and returns. It is password protected with the ALEPH password we use with opening.
Note that you can use the ID scanner and the barcode scanner when entering information into an Excel spreadsheet.
I came on the desk here at 5pm. MNCat is working while ALEPH remains down. Where have students been recording manual checkouts?
Hi,
ALEPH circulation and the MNCAT was not be up by 2:00 p.m. as hoped. The system's staff are trying to
determine what is causing the problem and it is unknown when the system will be up and running. Continue to follow the procedures outlined in the earlier blog post.
Please comment after reading this note.
Jerrie
The circulation system and public catalogs will be down for extended maintenance this Sunday, March 18, beginning at 5:00am. OIT anticipates that these systems will be up and running again no later than 2:00pm, perhaps earlier.
For Sunday, until the system is up and running:
1) MNCAT will not be available during this time.
2) For Reserve loans – check out materials manually. Record the person’s Ucard number and the call number of the item (s) being checked out on a piece of paper. For these materials only – be sure to manually check them back in when returned.
3) For reserve returns of materials signed out prior to Sunday – these items cannot be checked in until the system comes up. Be sure to backdate to Thursday, March 15 at 4:30pm.
4) Periodical loans – refer user to the first floor circulation desk
5) Periodical returns – these items cannot be checked in until the system comes up.
Sunday staff need to post a comment that this message was read.
Jerrie
Just before 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 12, 2007, a female was walking outside of the Rarig center on the University of Minnesota's West Bank. She was approached from behind by a male who demanded that she
give him her iPod. He attempted to grab it from her, and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect punched the victim, retained the iPod, and fled towards 19th Avenue South.
The suspect was described by the victim as a male, between the ages of 16 and 25. He had a medium build and was between 5' 02" and 5' 06" tall. He had a darker complexion, and was possibly of East African descent. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. He had short hair and was clean shaven.
The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) is investigating the incident, and is seeking assistance from the public in identifying and locating the suspect. If you have information, please call 612-624-COPS (2677).
The UMPD would like to remind those on campus that the Security Monitor escort service is available and free of charge by calling 612-624-WALK (9255). We discourage the use of in-ear listening devices while walking or jogging in public areas, and encourage pedestrians to remain alert to their surroundings instead.
--Greg Hestness, Assistant Vice President of Public Safety and University Police Chief
On 3/7, in Walter, assistance was needed by a staff member who locked his keys in his office. The security monitor confirmed the staff member's identity and found a Facilities staffer who had keys and the office was opened. The staff member was grateful for the assistance.
On 3/7, in Wilson, visitors to the library reported a gentleman writing his strongly-worded objections concerning the coffee shop on the paper tents that were placed on tables around the Wilson Reference room to promote the new coffee shop. Staff removed the tents and reported the incident to the security coordinator. No other action was taken.
On 3/9, in Walter, a UMPD officer responded to a 911 call. There had been a group in the area where the call had originated, but they were gone by the time the officer arrived. After consulting with the IT Dean's Office and Walter facilities staff, it was determined that there was no emergency or incident and the officer left the building.
--Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator
Both the Academic Blend Café and the exhibit "The Birth of Celebrity Culture in the City of Lights," currently on display in Wilson Library, are featured in an article in the University student publication The Wake.
Read the article here:
http://www.wakemag.org/content/2007/02/28/stories/1328
Please review the following, the Libraries policy in case of an emergency closing like happened last week:
http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/groups/ppd/documents/policy/Emergency_Closing.cfm
All students please comment that you have reviewed this post. Thanks!
Financial aid applications should be submitted prior to the April 1 deadline in order for returning students to be given priority as awards are made. Information on submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available at: http://www.onestop.umn.edu/onestop/financialaid.html
Anyone who prepares the newspapers in the morning knows that they are delivered to us with a post-it on top, declaring how many newspapers have been delivered. I have counted the stack of newspapers before, and I always find it off by one. So lately I have been taking that number and adding one for the MN Daily before I enter it into the statistics binder. I think that the MN Daily isn't delivered to us, but rather somebody brings it into the office earlier in the morning, so it isn't accounted for on that post-it. Am I right to do this? Does anyone know how the MN Daily gets in here?
You may have noticed that we (finally!) have a plethora of new nametags. Now that we have enough, please get back in the habit of wearing them during all shifts -- desk, periodicals, special projects, whatever.
You'll notice that we have a nametag for every employee, to help keep the nametags from "walking off." We've gone through over 15 nametags since the start of the year, so I need everyone to try harder at remembering to leave their nametag here at the end of their shift.
All students please comment that you have reviewed this post. Thanks!
There was only one incident report last week. It involved a water leak in Wilson Library. The leak was reported to Facilities.
In the month of February, security monitors in Wilson Library reported 191 incidents, up from 158 incidents in January. Most of the incidents involved the unauthorized use of log-in terminals.
-- Matt Bowers, Libraries Safety & Security Coordinator
Since mid-February, the University community's been gathering at the Academic Blend Café in Wilson Library--the newest go-to spot not only for lattés and sandwiches, but for lively conversation and a spirited exchange of ideas. The Academic Blend Café is definitely something to celebrate, so don't miss its grand opening on Wednesday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m.
The morning’s events include coffee samples, cake, a ribbon cutting, a prize drawing, and the kickoff of a special exhibition of items from the Libraries' collections highlighting café culture throughout history. Please join us for some coffee…and some culture!
-- Communications Office
Our very own employee, Joe, was featured with a letter to the editor in today's Minnesota Daily. Check it out at:
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2007/03/02/71006
Yesterday, the Libraries had to shut down quickly, and so many people helped to make this work. Thank you!
Thanks to Maggie who faithfully attended to the Reserve desk til the end yesterday and Brandon who valiantly scoured teh basement to make sure each and every patron knew about the closing. Thanks to Charlie and Darin V. who were here bright and early on this blustery morning to greet patrons. I am so proud of how everyone has contributed to providing great service over this past week of severe weather.
The following is a note from Jerrie Bayer, conveying all our appreciation:
I wanted to thank our student workers for the assistance you provided yesterday in notifying staff and students of the official closing and in clearing the buildings. While some of us anticipated that an announcement would be made, in reality we had only a short period of time between the official announcement and the time the buildings needed to be cleared and staff notified to leave or not come into work.
Thank you for staying until the end to help out. We pulled together and got everything shut down and the buildings cleared. I appreciate all you did.
Thanks. And, thank you to all of you who made it into work this morning to ensure our services opened and available to our users.
-- Jerrie
Here are two good reasons not to use flash drives at the desk:
1) It could be damaged by improper removal (loss of $20-50)
2) Its use might be against department policy
As for the first reason, our computers are not set up to allow us to safely remove hardware from the computer, and the department staff have made a decision not to change the computers. So plug those flash drives in at your own risk!
Improperly removing flash drives is not a sure way of corrupting it; the danger only comes when the computer is currently using your flash drive (whether you know it or not). Most sources will recommend using safe removal techniques to protect your hardware. If you have all ready plugged your flash drive in, the safest way is to unplug it when the computer is off, but this should not become common practice.
As for the second reason, our primary concern at work should be work. While we are on the desk, personal tasks (e.g. reading) are generally permitted when they are light in nature, but as soon as they interfere with our ability to serve the library patron in the best way or our activities give our patrons the impression that we are not approachable, we should set these tasks aside. Tasks involving a flash drive will usually fall under the "too involved for work" category.
In my opinion, there can be uses of a flash drive that involve light tasks (e.g. reading from pdf files saved on your flash drive.) Nevertheless, each supervisor will judge for herself whether your task or use of a flash drive is appropriate.