Cell Phones
Just a Reminder:
Cell Phones must be turned off or put on vibrate while at work. Also remember that using your cell phone while at the desk is not allowed. This includes sending and receiving text messages.
April 17, 2008
March 24, 2008
It's the Season of Blue Surveys!
It's Spring time and so we're doing the usual housecleaning, which includes taking time for self-assessment. To this end, there is a box at the desk with blue survey forms. Please ask patrons if they would like to fill one out. You can roll this into your regular duties:
"Here's your book, it's due back at 4:15, and would you like to fill out a library survey today?"
See? Easy as pie!
Please post to acknowledge that you have read and understand this entry.
February 27, 2008
Guest Log-in
There have been questions of late about using the guest log in.
You have the right not to log in people at the computers. If you feel that they aren't legitimate users , you can refuse to do it. If they give you a hard time tell them to go up to the reference desk to get logged in or use the the public access computers in the library. There are six open access computers on this floor: 2 five minute computers by the Uniprint station, and 4 20 minute limit computers in Government Publications/Business Reference. There are cards for Matt Bowers, Security Coordinator for the library, at the front desk. Give them to the people who have issues with the policy.
I would also like to remind everybody to fill out an incident report so we can keep track of this type of activity in the library. There is a bookmark for incident reports on the reserve desk computers.
February 07, 2008
Newspaper Check-in
Wilson Tech Services will no longer check in newspapers online (except for the Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Wall StreetJournal, and New York Times), beginning Feb.1.
Because of this change in policy, we've been seeing a greater than usual number things that look like newspapers, but are either somebody else's newspapers, or are periodicals.
Please be extra careful about checking the list to before cornering a newspaper, and please put any problem newspapers on the 'Problem Newspaper' shelf in the student work area. I'd like to be able to keep track of how many problems this change in policy causes. Thanks!
February 05, 2008
Reserve Desk Reminder
When your working at the desk please remember to:
Direct all patrons, if they have used reserves before, to look up what they need and write down a call number. Point out the reserve terminals as a resource. Please show the patrons who have never used reserves how to search and let me know that in the future when they come to the desk all they need is the call number.
November 27, 2007
Beverages at the Desk
Recently there have been occasions of empty beverage containers being thrown in the trash and not in the recycling containers (located by the sink or right outside the office door). If this trend continues there will be no beverages allowed at the desk.
Everybody please comment to this post.
November 09, 2007
Required U of M Data Security Training
Make sure you complete the required U of M Data Security Training. The third (and final) section should now be available. Go to MyU portal (www.myu.umn.edu) and upon authentication go to your "ACADEMICS & CAREER" tab.
There, you will see the Training sessions that you still need to complete.
Please complete this training as soon as possible to avoid potential problems with your ongoing work appointment.
Thank you!
Comment when you have completed all of the required training
November 01, 2007
Thanksgiving Weekend shifts
The hours for Thanksgiving Weekend are as followed:
Wednesday Nov. 21 8am-6pm
Thursday and Friday (22 & 23) closed
Saturday 12-5pm
Sunday 12-9pm
If you are scheduled for any of these days and know that you are going to be out of town during the holiday weekend, you may want to start looking for a substitute to work for you.
Everyone, please comment that you have read this post.
October 11, 2007
Important Online Training Program
Some of you should have received in your UMN email a notice about:
This program has been developed to help workforce members and volunteers on all campuses of the University of Minnesota learn about securing University data. Since you all work with ALEPH and have access to sensitive patron personal information, you are required to complete this training as part of the criteria for maintaining your job standing.
The training consists of three primary courses (Data Security in Your Job, Securing Your Computer Workstation, and Using University Data).
Please follow the instructions for completing this important training (you have a particular window of opportunity to do so, but I encourage you to complete it in a timely manner. Don't put it off ~ each section will only take about 15 minutes of your time.
If you have any questions, please badger the full-time staff (who may or may not have answers). Some of you may have already completed this training during the course of the year. If you think you have already done so, check your training history at the Human Resources Self Service web page.
Everyone, please respond to this post to indicate that you have read it. Thank you!
October 10, 2007
No Facebook at the Desk
It has come to our attention that the block on facebook has not entirely taken effect. While we work to get a full block on facebook, i would just like to remind all of you that facebook is not allowed at the desk.
Everyone must comment that they have read this post.
October 08, 2007
Desensitize
There have been too many instances up stairs with items checked out from Reserves setting off the gate alarms. Please remember to desensitize the materials before giving them to the patron.
Everybody must comment that they have read this post
September 11, 2007
Copier Service Numbers and Contacts
Here is some information of who to contact when there are problems with the Public Copiers/Uniprint and Cash to Card Equipment and staff isn't around:
Cash to Card
For all Cash to Card problems contact the UCard office at 6-9900 and ask for Mary or Sarah
Service is available from 8 am – 4:30 pm M-F
For a list of other location of Cash to Card machines:
http://www1.umn.edu/ucard/umtc/tcg4g.html
Public Copiers
Library staff should try to clear paper jams and add paper for all other problems or continual jams please contact Metro Sales at: http://www.metrosales.com/service.php
Service is available from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm M-F
You will need to provide them with an equipment ID number which is located on a label on the front of the copier, contact number and any information you have regarding the problem.
Uniprint
For connectivity problems please contact autosys@umn.edu or 4-4094
For Card Reader issues or Printer issues (other than paper) contact Metro Sales
http://www.metrosales.com/service.php
Please comment that you have read this post
July 25, 2007
Computer Policy Change
Starting August 6th, we will have new guidelines for student use of computers at the front desk. Since this is a shift from what has been our normal policy down here, we want to explain our reasons for doing this, which are twofold:
First, our location (behind the walls of the reserve area) makes accessibility difficult for patrons. Patrons are much more comfortable approaching an open desk where they can see a friendly, welcoming staff person. Already working at the disadvantaged position of being hard to see, your focus on the computer screen (while intently surfing or typing) becomes even more of a barrier as patrons are not likely to “bother” staff workers who exhibit “closed” behavior (such as looking busy at a terminal).
While university-related and other resource and research sites are okay for the casual browse, answering email, participating in chats, or engaging in discussion groups online ( FaceBook, MySpace-type blogging community), take attention away from your principal role at the desk: which is as a customer service representative for the library. Your primary goal is to appear welcoming and to make eye contact with each passing patron. This is an important role and you don’t want anything to distract you from it.
Secondly, this is simply a library wide-policy which has not, until now, been enforced properly. It’s our responsibility to bring ourselves in line with the rest of the library departments.
Students please comment that you have read this post.
July 13, 2007
Microwave Popcorn Ban
This is a reminder sent out in response to the Wednesday night evacuation of the building.
Guide for use of microwaves:
Microwaves housed in the Libraries cannot not be used to make popcorn. (Approved by Libraries Leadership Council, December 12, 2002.)
Background:
In the past, one of our libraries had a building evacuation situation due to burned microwave popcorn. Smoke from the burned popcorn activated the alarms, staff and patrons had to evacuate the building, and the fire department arrived in full force. In another instance of burned popcorn, the alarms did not go off, but the disagreeable odor of burned popcorn lingered for a long time. Fortunately, the sprinklers were not activated in any of these instances, and the fire department did not back charge the libraries for the truck runs (which they normally do).
All students please comment that you have read this post
March 06, 2007
A special nametag just for you
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!
February 15, 2007
Food and Drink in the Library
The Libraries' Food and Drink Policy http://www.lib.umn.edu/site/fooddrink.phtml has not changed with the opening of the Wilson coffee shop this week. Covered beverages are permitted in most areas (unless prohibited), but food is not. Food is limited to the basement between the doors to the Periodicals Room, the doors to Bus Ref/Gov Pub, and the doors to the stairs and elevators. The Libraries policies will be reviewed after we have experience with the impact of the cafe.
-- Peggy Johnson, Associate University Librarian
This means that no food or uncovered drinks are allowed within the Periodicals room.
All students please comment that you have reviewed this policy. Thanks!
February 14, 2007
Breaks protocols - important reminder
This is a reminder of our policy about breaks at work, from the "Protocols & Expectations" that each student employee has reviewed and signed.
Breaks:
• Students receive one paid 20 minute break when working a block of four hours.
• Students must take an unpaid 30 minute lunch break when working a shift of eight hours or more.
This means that if you work a block of less than 4 hours, there is no break, unless absolutely necessary.
When working the desk, take your break
1) only when there is coverage
2) NOT when ther is an upcoming shift change between desk students
3) after you have checked with full-time staff & the other student at the desk
All students must comment that you've gotten this info. Thanks!
January 31, 2007
Kindly teach someone to fish
I had a patron complain to me this morning about how he was "read the riot act" (which means to reprimand severely) about looking up call numbers the last time he was at the desk. In another case, I instructed a patron to look up the call # on the course reserve catalog computers, but the reserve catalog was not all ready up, so he got lost looking through the All Campuses MNCat catalog and ultimately gave me the wrong call number.
I think there are obvious benefits to our policy of requiring patrons to look up call numbers, as Margaret outlined in the Jan-24 post "Teach someone to fish." http://blog.lib.umn.edu/wilsper/informationcentral/2007/01/teach_someone_to_fish.html#comments
We should not forget, however, our commitment to providing fast, friendly, and accurate service to our patrons. There is no warrant for having an 'attitude' about patrons who come up to the desk and ask for a book without a call number. Many of them do not know our policy. If this is the patron's first time using the reserve catalog, they might be better off with personal, step-by-step instruction. We can do this when it's not busy. Whatever the solution may be, my main point is that our policy should not be construed as license to do the bare minimum in providing access to reserve materials or to treat patrons callously.
January 19, 2007
History Day
Each Spring, Wilson Library is host to many students from junior high through high school who come to do research for their History Day projects. The Periodicals area is especially busy, because many students are interested in journal articles and primary sources found in our F.C. Film collection and newspapers.
It is everyone's job to offer special attention and services for these students, especially because many are new to academic research and most are new to Wilson Library.
One-on-one help for their research questions can turn frustrations into revelations.
Please "go the extra mile" for these students:
1) free yourself from the desk to help them find their sources,
2) spend extra time explaining the microfilm machines,
3) ask broad questions to gather the information that will help you help them,
4) get staff to help with the tougher questions,
5) remember that we can log them into computers as guests, since they are doing scholarly research.
Below is a note from Susan Gangl, Wilson Reference Librarian and coordinator of University Libraries History Day activities. Please check out these links!
The University Libraries has a great History Day research page. You can now find the link on the Wilson page and the Visitors menu off the main libraries home page.
History Day Research at the University of Minnesota Libraries
http://www.lib.umn.edu/help/orientation/Pages/historyday/index.html
Wilson Library
http://wilson.lib.umn.edu/ (look under Do Your Research -- More Help)
Visitors
http://www.lib.umn.edu/site/visitors.phtml (look under Resources for Visitors)
All students please comment that you have read this post. Thanks!
December 04, 2006
Important schedule reminder!!!
Reminder: The fall semester schedule will continue during finals week through Dec. 20.
If you can't work a regularly scheduled shift during finals week, start looking for a sub and notify Margaret asap.
This is especially relevant if you are leaving campus before Dec. 20.
All students must comment that you have read this post. Thanks!
November 27, 2006
Research beyond google: 119 authoritative resources
Click here for a great article on deep web research
Try searching for the same term in a couple of the "Deep Web Search Engines" plus google and compare your results.
Tell us what you found. All students must comment. Thanks!
November 21, 2006
Finals week -- same schedule
We will have the same student schedule over finals week as the rest of the semester.
If you can't make a shift because of exam schedules, inform Margaret SOON. She can help with finding a substitute for finals week time, if needed.
All students must comment that they have read this post. Thanks!
November 16, 2006
References for scholarships, jobs, internships...
If you would like to use us as a reference, you must complete an authorized release form. This allows us to talk to outside employers or entities about your work performance. The release is good for one year from the date it is signed.
See Margaret if you may need to use the Library as a reference in the next year. I will get a copy of the form for you.
It's especially important to do this if you are graduating, applying for scholarships or looking for an internship or job. Having the form signed in advance can be a definite advantage when you're in the midst of a job/scholarship/internship search -- so do it now if you'll need a reference in the near future.
All students must comment that they have read this post. Thanks!
November 15, 2006
Find archives information & help patrons do it too
After considerable planning and implementation efforts, Archives and Special Collections (ASC) and the Digital Library Development Lab are pleased to announce the release of the Online Finding Aids system at: http://discover.lib.umn.edu/findaid/ .
This system unifies for searching and browsing over 3,300 Encoded Archival Descriptions (EAD). This makes it among the largest collections of finding aids by a single institution in the country, and will significantly enhance the potential for researchers to discover specific materials held deep in our archival collections.
More about the "EAD Implementation" project, as well as about EAD itself, can be found at: http://wiki.lib.umn.edu/Staff/FindingAidsInEAD.
Search for a topic that interests you and make a brief comment about what you found. All students must comment and include a tidbit about their search results. Thanks!
November 08, 2006
Reserve check-out - another problem
IMPORTANT:
OK, now Aleph is having another problem.
After 4 pm, it checks 2-hr loan reserve books out for just 2 hours, not overnight.
So, you must change the date manually using the "CHange Date" button after 4 pm.
Before 4 pm, things are fine. The 2-hr reserve books are loaned for 2 hours; hence, no problem.
All students comment to indicate you have read this post.
Change date for 2-hr loan Reserve Checkouts
VERY IMPORTANT:
Aleph is having a problem.
As a result, all 2-hour loan reserve items are being checked out for an extra DAY. This is a big problem.
Here is the fix: When you check out a 2-hour item, change the due date using the "Change Date" time to be the correct date.
-- 2 hours later same day if before 4 pm
-- 9 am next day if after 4 pm
You should only have to change the date, not the time.
We will alert you when this problem has been fixed and manually changing the date is no longer necessary.
All students please comment that you have read this.
November 01, 2006
In the Periodicals Room, there is only light!
What's the last thing to do before closing the reserve desk? Flip all of the light switches off, right? Nope! Make sure that you only flip the switch with orange tape on the far left; the other light switches control the lights in the whole periodical room, and that stays open as long as Wilson Library is open. On sleepless nights, I have seen the Library after close, and I think the lights stay on through the night. So, as I said, in the Periodicals Room, there is only light!
October 30, 2006
Microfilm shelving
OK, here's the deal: over the past couple of weeks, quite a few microfilm reels in the newspaper room have not been shelved in order. The reels are put at the back of the box instead of in its rightful place.
Imagine the humiliation, the indignity, that the poor defenseless microfilm reel feels by being so carelessly shoved to the back of the box. Do your part to make the microfilm happy and make sure it's shelved in order.
Also, we know that this is an issue with our shelving, not patrons, because these cases have been microfilms that were recently checked in at the Reserve desk and then, of course, shelved by us.
All students please comment. Thanks!
October 19, 2006
Lost? Missing? Here's What to Do:
If you are helping a patron who reports that an item just isn't on the shelf, do the following:
1) Get full-time staff, if available. We'll do an on-the-spot in-depth search to try to help locate the item.
2) If full-time staff are not availbale, fill out a blue search card. Ask the patron to fill in their email and/or phone under the 'please mail' line. Also put the date somewhere on the form, and your name. We will contact them within 1 business day about the item they need.
Never ever turn away a patron because an item is missing. There are important options to give the user:
-- Staff will search for the item (as mentioned above)
-- If we don't find the item within a day, INTERLIBRARY LOAN can get the item for them from another Library outside the University. In this case, it's important for the patron to write in the "notes" section of their ILL request that the item is missing from the shelf and they have talked to Wilson Periodicals staff about it. ILL requests for journal articles have an average turnaround time of just 3 days!!
Please comment to indicate you've read this post. Thanks!
October 17, 2006
Attention A.M. Workers!!
When checking in any material that has been returned in an overnight drop box, set the Override date and time function.
See directions here on p.3: http://staff.lib.umn.edu/iads/procedures/circ_returns_returning-items.pdf
1. Go to the Return tab in Aleph
2. In the lower pane click the Override Date button.
3. Change the date to the last day the Library was open and adjust the time to 16:30.
4. Click OK
This should be done in the morning, for any items returned overnight in the Periodicals or the Reserve drop-boxes.
This back-dating process ensures that users are not charged fines who return their items just a little late or in the event that we mess up and don't check in their item by closing time.
All students, please respond that you have read this. Implemetation of this procedure begins immediately.
October 12, 2006
Reserve look-up
When working at the Reserve desk, it's important to encourage Library users to utilize the Reserve Computersthemselves to look up Reserve item call numbers. This helps cut down on lines so we can get them on their way quickly and efficiently.
Please consistently follow these guidelines:
1) Whenever there is a line, please direct people to the computers to look up what they need and write down a call number.
(Note: remember that when lines form, another good strategy is to call for backup - another student or staff)
2) When there is no line, look up the item for the person, showing them how to use the Reserve catalog. Then explain that there are two computers they can use to look up what they need and write down call numbers. Pleasantly ask them to please use this resource in the future.
Remember Good Customer Service. When directing people to the computers, do so with ultimate customer service finesse. You can say something like "Thank you! This will really help us get what you need even faster." Most of all, avoid communicating in a way that sounds like you are ordering the patron to do something. Instead, pleasantly ask, for example, "Would you like to use one of the computers we have especially set up to look up course reserve items? Then, just write down the call number -- this will really help us...Thanks!".
Lastly, if a patron really wants/needs you to look up an item, do so, even if there is a line (yup, that old saying applies here: 'the customer is always right'). There could be many reasons for this: Their arms are full and can' t use the computer, they are frazzled, in a hurry, frustrated, don't know how to use the Reserve catalog etc. -- all great reasons to look up the item for the person.
This is different from how things have been done for a while, and may even be different from the training you received. However, from now forward, we would like to consistently adopt this way of serving Reserve patrons.
Let me know if you have any questions.
All students please comment that you have read this post.
October 05, 2006
Orange stripes trump all
Ya know how sometimes a box pops up after checking in that tells you to do something with that book? (Such as "Return to Wilson Annex").
Usually, putting these items on the "Return to Circulation" shelf is the way to go. This gets the books on their merry way to the Annex, Law Library, Bio-Med or wherever they actually belong.
But wait!! What if a book has orange tape on it but the computer tells you to send the book somewhere else? In this case, the book still belongs in reserve. This is the one time you should ignore the pop-up message.
I want to mention this because this semester, we have many art books from the Annex that have been placed on reserve. A "Return to Wilson Annex" window will appear, but these books still belong on our reserve shelves.
Just keep this as your mantra=trust the orange stripes. Always shelve these books in our reserve area.
To double check where something belongs, you have two other options:
1) asking full-time staff (always a good idea, especially if you're new to working at the Library)
2) Scan the item into Aleph -- use the "Item" tab -- and see "Sublibrary" for the location of the item. See Margaret for more info on how to do this.
All students please comment to indicate you've read this post. Thanks!
September 20, 2006
A common question asked by law students
On the Info Desk, I have had two law students who work on law journals come in and ask about checking out journals from our library and "racking" them at the Law Library.
What to do: If you get this question, tell the student that only certain Law Library materials can be "racked" in this way, and they should talk to the Reference Librarian at the Law Library about getting materials that are outside the Law Library. Most importantly, if they decide to check the sources out anyway, remind them that they are still personally responsible for the materials, and they must bring the materials back by our due dates.
The all-important Why: If you're curious, these law students are gathering source texts that have been cited in articles that are soon to be published in law journals. The Law Library has set up a special arrangement with their own collection so that these students can have materials on a special reserve shelf, to be used by journal editors. Once the editors are finished with these materials, they get sent back to the regular shelves. For materials that the Law Library does not own, Reference Librarians guide them in using other means such as Interlibrary Loan.
September 18, 2006
Training for New Students
For all students who have started new this semester, please register for the following training:
Unravel 1: Orientation to the Libraries & Tour of Wilson Library
This training is on paid time. Register for the training outside of your normal shifts, if possible. If not, you can attend the training when you are already scheduled to work.
The training covers: There are almost 2 dozen libraries at the University. How do you know which one to use? What services do the libraries offer to make a patron's research easier? Get the inside scoop from library staff themselves. This session includes an orientation to services and resources available through the Libraries, an overview of the Libaries website and MNCAT, the library catalog, and a tour of Wilson Library.
Go to http://www.lib.umn.edu/registration/ to register and follow the Unravel 1 link.
All new students, please comment with what date/time you have registered for. Thanks!
August 24, 2006
New computers coming to town
Make way for new computers in Wilson Library!!
Timeline. The first new public computers in Wilson's reference room are installed and are functioning. Like before, there are 6 login and 4 open access computers. Installations for the sub-basement, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of Wilson should be done by the end of the day today. We hope to finish the basement by the end of the day Friday. We will also be visiting Filmscanner by the end of the day Tuesday or Wednesday.
-- OPEN ACCESS will still run Public Browser with the block list (e.g. no popular email sites like yahoo, etc.). There is a link to a USB stick from the toolbar in public browser. Security is tight and should mimic what you are all used to with a few exceptions. Patrons should be able to save directly to their USB stick from the Save As menu. They can verify their downloads through the link provided to USB in the toolbar. There is also a "safely eject usb" button which patrons can use to properly eject the hardware from the machine. If you simply unplug USB you do run the risk of corrupting data on the stick.
-- LOGIN - GRAND REFERENCE TABLE (1st Fl). The login computers on the grand reference table are almost identical to the Smart Learning Commons computers. Once logged in a patron can have access to the start menu and a variety of programs. Patrons can save to the hard drive (My Documents is a good location) and then email, burn a data cd or dvd, secure ftp, or transfer data to a USB flash drive. The University provides all student, staff, & faculty with server space in which to hold files. Info can be found here http://www1.umn.edu/adcs/guides/accounts/filetransfer.html . Computers on the grand reference table also have Microsoft Office installed on them. Other than the Smart Learning Commons these will be the ONLY computers in Wilson that have Office installed.
-- LOGIN - GENERAL (includes Periodicals room). The login computers in the rest of Wilson will only have Microsoft Viewers on them, not the full Office suite, other than that the image should be identical.
****Please note ALL these computers have a security program on them called "Deep Freeze" which will destroy any changes made to the computer after it is rebooted. If you are working with a patron encourage them to save to a removable media (CD/DVD/USB) or off site location (email, UMN Server space, etc...) frequently to prevent any data loss.
***For LOGIN computers, there is a 10 minute time out for inactivity. We have a screensaver enabled that will automatically logoff the user (and lose any data) if the computer is inactive for 10 minutes.
*** Please note, No new public computers have floppy drives.
*** All computers will have three printers installed. Smart Learning Commons Black & White ($0.10/page). Smart Learning Commons Color ($1/page). And Wilson Uniprint ($0.10/page). All support duplexing.
All students please comment that you have read this new, exciting news.
August 14, 2006
Copy Center's New Location
The Copy Center has now completed their move. When referring patrons to the Copy Center, direct them to the service desk next to the basement exit, where they will find both:
-- Circulation Services AND
-- Copy Center Services
This desk is staffed entirely be Copy Center staff, who can do both circulation and Copy Center services for library users. There will no longer be a separate desk staffed by Circulation staff.
Copy Center offices are located nearby in Room 2 (go into Business Reference/Government Documents area, and the room is immediately to your left). Room 2 will eventually have a service window as well.
Please go over and see this new space so that you can refer patrons accurately.
A cafe will be located where the Copy Center used to be. This coffee shop is expected to open Spring Semester.
All students please comment that you've read this post and checked out the new Copy Center arrangement.
August 09, 2006
Aleph Version 18 Conversion
The conversion to Aleph version 18 begins this Friday, August 11. (Aleph powers the software used to check in/out items and the online MNCat.)
With Aleph version 18, library users will see a few changes in MNCat:
-- Browse with no match. When doing a browse search where there is no match, text "would have appeared here" will appear in list of items
-- Renewals. When a user tries to renew and cannot do so, more explanatory text will appear to tell them why (such as the item has been renewed already in the past 24 hours)
-- Basket Fix. When doing a search that they want to save, users will no longer have to redo their search after logging in. They still have to log in, but their last MnCat search will still be available. They can then select items and add to their "basket" as desired.
Starting Monday, go into MNCat, and try each of these three new features yourself. This will best help you assist patrons who might have questions about changes.
Aleph 17 (our current version) will work as usual until 4:30 p.m. Friday; however, there may be periods when response time is somewhat slow.
NOTE: Over the weekend, several things will happen, including the "My Account" feature will be disabled and circulation will occur "off-line". Aleph will also be down for 1/2 hour beginning at 4:30 Friday and for 10 minutes late Sunday. These things do not affect us because Reserve is not be open Sat. or Sun.
Late Sunday, conversion to version 18 will be complete.
--MNCat users will be accessing version 18 automatically.
--Staff users must use the version 18 to access Aleph.
--Aleph ILL will be available.
Beginning Monday, August 14:
--Online (regular) circulation will resume
--Access to Your Account will be restored.
All students please comment that you have read this post
August 02, 2006
Salary Reports : Updated Procedure
New information just out on helping unaffiliated patrons and students access U of MN Salary reports (remember, these are the folks who can't access the information online).
Refer unaffiliated patrons & students who want salary reports beyond 2003-04 to the “Ask Me” links (email, chat, phone) on the Library home page. http://infopoint.lib.umn.edu/
There, they can connect with “InfoPoint” librarians who can look up salary data for up to three individuals at a time. These librarians also have information on where the person can get information if they need more than three.
We are also keeping a copy of the last Salary Report available in print in course reserve. This procedure will be included in the binder for handy reference.
Click here for previous post with information about accessing the online version of the reports.
All students please comment to indicate you have read this post.
July 24, 2006
More on Newspaper Statistics
In response to recent posting about shelving statistics for newspapers, I need to clarify where and how to record newspaper statistics:
1) The "Newspapers" sheet in the shelving statistics notebook (the one near front desk) should only be used to record print newspapers shelved that are out in the room or in the Periodicals reshelving area. In other words, only record newspapers shelved that have been used by patrons.
2) Do not record anywhere print newspapers shelved directly from the "Today's Papers" and "High Use" shelving in the newspaper room.
Sorry for the confusion on this folks. Please let me know if you have any questions.
All students please comment to indicate you have read this post. Thanks!
Express yourself...about safety in the library
You are invited to attend any of the following open meetings with the Libraries Security and Safety Committee. As student workers, you have valuable insights that are much different than full-time staff. During the academic year, you are here during late hours and have a viewpoint on security issues that is very important. While attending a forum is not mandatory, it is certainly encouraged.
The Security and Safety Committee would like to hear your comments, concerns, and suggestions! All staff are invited to attend one of these open meetings:
* 10-11 am, Monday, July 31, Magrath Library 2
* 1:30-2:30 pm, Wednesday, August 2, Andersen Library 120
* 1-2 pm, Monday, August 7, Walter Library 101
Your time at the forum would be paid. You may attend even if it's not during your scheduled shift.
At the forums, there will be discussion about issues and proposed solutions considered thus far by the committee and will ask you all to share your thoughts. What else should the committee consider, what's the most important issue, what new ideas do you have? The committee is considering how to address issues surrounding a safe environment in the libraries; our charge includes articulating the purpose(s) of library facilities, assessing data about problem incidents, reviewing existing policy, and recommending additional steps that could be taken to improve our environments. If you can't attend an open meeting, please share your ideas and input with a full-time staff person who will pass them onto the safety and security committee.
Please comment here if you plan to attend and indicate which training you'll be at. Also tell us if this means you will be missing a portion of a scheduled shift.
July 20, 2006
Printing from Reserve Service Desk
You may have noticed that the old dot-matrix printers at the reserve desk have disappeared. How to print a return receipt or book list for a patron, you might ask? The answer is simple: printing from both "Charlie" and "Emilio" - the front desk computers - now go to UniPrint. You will be prompted to name print job, and it can be retrieved at the UniPrint station using a card. Cost is $.10/page.
How to pay for copies from the desk? Use courtesy cards for patrons when printing return receipts or book lists from Aleph. If you print other items for a patron (i.e. helping someone with research and print a full-text article you find; print a list of potential items from MNCat), the patron must pay for these items themselves.
This new way of printing offers a great opportunity for above and beyond customer service: direct printing from the desk computers instead of telling the patron to find their own computer and duplicate a search already done together at the desk.
Remember: Use courtesy card only when printing things like a return receipt or circulation summary.
All student employees, please comment to indicate you have read this post. Also, tell me if you're familiar with how to print a "return receipt" or "circulation summary" (book list). If needed, I'll post directions on how to do this.
U Salary Survey - online access only
For years, the U of MN's salary report has been available in reserve reading. Now, all reports after 2003-04 will only be available online through the "UM Report" system. This report will no longer be printed by the University.
The online salary reports can only be accessed by members of the University community (faculty, staff) who have an x500 login that allows access to UM Reports. Most student x500's do NOT allow access to this information.
To direct a patron who has appropriate access to the online reports:
1) Title search MNCat for "University of Minnesota Total Salary Report".
2) Record links to website that can be accessed with an x500.
3) If first time in this site (UM Reports), person will need to check boxes that apply to their position at the U.
4) Click "Search reports"
5) Search "all categories" with keyword "salary".
6) A handful of reports will appear. "Quarterly Salary Distribution" will most likely be what they are looking for.
We do not have "guest" x500 log-ins. Never use your own x500 to allow patrons to access information. This obviously means that unaffiliated patrons and most students can't access this information online.
Options for access to salary report information for nonaffiliated and most students are:
- InfoPoint (the "Ask Us") link on Library web site where they can write an email or chat with a librarian. This librarian can look up current salary information for the patron. This is the primary way to deal with people who need access to the salary info and don't have online access.
- Offer to get the most recent print salary report available (2003-04), which will remain available in Reserve reading call number LB2334.3.M56 U55 2003-04.
- Let them know that you will inform your supervisor of their complaint if they are still upset about the situation
July 14, 2006
Poll - We want to hear from you
1) Do you use email for work-related activities?
2) Have you ever followed up with a library patron via email?
3) Are there other reasons you have used email to get work related things done?
4) What email account have you used (U account, hotmail, etc.)?
[This questions do not apply to your emailing staff about scheduling.]
All students please respond with a comment answering the questions above. Thanks!
June 30, 2006
Shelving Statistics and You
Just like recording newspaper statistics, please initial the shelving statistics that you record in the blue binder.
When there are multiple statistics to be recorded in one box, still add them up but do not cross out previous numbers, like this:
35 MD
124 BH
159
83 KG
242
All students please comment to indicate you have read this post.
June 05, 2006
New York Times IMPORTANT Reminder
When checking in the New York Times, please please please remember to look for:
-- New York Times Magazine
-- New York Times Book Review
These two items MUST be taken out of the paper and placed on the "problem newspaper" shelf. We don't have the NY Times Magazine for any of May, which means it was probably thrown out when ads were removed.
TIP: Sort through newspaper ads to make sure to never toss items like TV Guide, Want Ads, Classifieds, NY Times Magazine & Book Review, or other special sections that may be mixed in with ads.
All students please comment on this post.
May 25, 2006
Record Name with # of Newspapers
Please continue to record the number of newspapers checked in each day in the blue notebook in the newspaper area. From now on, also jot down your name next to the paper count.
All student, please comment on this post.
May 24, 2006
Links to Make Life Easier
Please check out all links listed on the right-hand side of the blog. Pay special attention to the:
- Technical Assistance Form: fill out and submit when library users are having problems accessing databases or indexes (but not general problems like a mouse not working)
- Incident Report Form (Security): fill out and submit if any security issues arise, including disruptive behavior that doesn't quite rise to the level of being aggressive or threatening.
Please respond to indicate you have viewed all sites and understand their content. Also, recommend links you'd like to see on the Blog!
May 18, 2006
Anyone Can Potentially See This Blog
This is an open blog and can be viewed by anyone using the Internet. Please observe the following rules:
1. Never use the names of Library users even if discussing a particular situation you encountered at work.
2. Do not use the last names of your co-workers (other students and full time staff) to protect everyone's privacy.
3. Be sensitive about the content you post. If it's not something you're OK with broadcasting, choose to communicate it in another way.
The chances of people outside of our work unit viewing this blog are remote; however, the possibility is there and we need to prevent publishing information that is sensitive or private in nature. This especially includes our interactions with specific Library users.
All student workers please comment to indicate you've read this.
May 17, 2006
Welcome to the Blog
Welcome to our exciting new two-way communication tool at Reserve & Periodicals. Anyone can post anything*, and we hope to see many of your bright ideas on this blog. Full time staff are the moderators.
Students are required as a part of their job to check for new postings and read them every day that they work. They will be responsible for knowing policy and procedures posted to this blog. Failure to keep up to date with the blog can result in action by full time staff.
Sometimes, students will be required to comment to indicate that they have read and understand the information. Unless you have other questions/input, simply post a comment containing your first name and last initial.
* Please assign your posts to relevant categories. Your posts are subject to editing if rules are broken, there is mistaken information or it is in the wrong category. All student workers are expected to abide by all University and Libraries Policies. Profanity, spam, flaming, and bad behavior are not allowed.
No one will be censored for your opinions or questions or posting, as long as they do not violate above policies.
All student workers must comment to indicate they have read this post.