Post from Google Docs

CIRCULATION STAFF MEETING MINUTES

April 4, 2008

5:30 p.m. Library Meeting Room

Notes (paper and on patron records): include as much detail as possible, even if it means putting more than one comment on the patron’s record. The notes should be clear to anyone on staff who is reading the note.

Registrations:

• When searching for a patron’s name in the database, if the person has multiple last names, use the keyword search. Type in each last name separately. This search will help ensure we are not issuing multiple cards.

• When entering the home phone number, please always use “home” unless it is a college student’s registration.

Fines: It is VERY important to record paid fines on patron’s records.

Renewing: Patrons may renew without their cards. Yes, it is easier if they have their card but please do renew for them. The same is true if a patron calls in to renew. I always ask for their card number and if they don’t have it, I then ask if they have an item so they can read me the barcode. If they have neither, I will ask them to spell their last name for me and then ask for their first name. I also do mention (nicely) that it is best if we have their card number to access accounts.

DVDs in Drawer: please make sure you are putting the DVD in the drawer that are labeled as such. There seems to be several discs in the cases on the shelves, that are supposed to be in the drawer.

Over-ride screens: when checking out a patron, it is VERY important to read any over-ride screens that come up. A couple of weeks ago, two Reference books were returned in the bookdrop. When I checked them in I looked to see if there were any fines, and the patron was charged $5 per book. I waived the fines, because the patron should not have been allowed to check out these books unless someone from reference or Lynne gives them permission. If that happens, then we can adjust the due date. If a reference book gets checked-out to a patron it only goes out for 1 day and the fines are a $1 a day.

Check-In: Remember to watch the screen as you check-in to make sure the items are actually checking-in. Also, please check-in all MNLink items.

Discuss: Charge for replacement item barcodes?

Down-time? put books on carts, write names on hold slips and put books on cart in order, put videos, DVDs, BCD, Books on Tape away.

Circulation Staff Concerns

Next Circulation Staff Meeting: July

Collaboration- Google Docs & Zoho Writer

Google Docs or Zoho Writer

Which of these tools is easier for you to use?
I felt that both were easy to navigate and had great instructions. I have currently posted a document on each site and invited two staff members to view and edit the document.

How do the features of each compare?
Again I think both are equally well done. I do like the sidebar on Zoho Writer: it includes the information on who is collaborating, lists your documents, and what templates are available. Google has something similar but it does show up in the edit screen.

Does one have features that would make you choose it over the other?
I could see myself using either of these. I would use which ever would be easiest to teach to someone else on staff.

What would the Founding Fathers think?
I Think they would be "blown away" by all the technology available to everyone.

Big Huge Labs.com

The cool Warhol inspired picture was created on the website: Big Huge Labs.com- again- very cool site and soooo easy to do.

Picture Trail

I love this site. I had a great time creating the cube with my dogs photos. It was so easy to understand, upload photos, and post to my blog.

Web conferencing

I have not had an opportunity to participate in an interactive webinar, but have watched several. I was very impressed with the College of DuPage Press: Soaring to Excellence webinars, that I have seen. I watched a couple of Minnitex webinars and also thought they were well done. It is so great to have instant access to the archived webinars on Minnitex, College of DuPage Press, and other sites.

When I prepared to watch my first webinar two years ago, I thought it would be hard to sit through but I was pleasantly surprised. It was interesting and it was easy to pause and restart the program.

Text Messaging

I think the library automation systems that incorparate the use of SMS (short messaging service) are thinking ahead. This is the way to go. At my library we offer our patrons a service called Library Elf, which once they sign up, they are notified of holds and items coming due. These notices can be via email or text message.

I am still getting aquinted with text messaging. I do text my family and few friends but I don't think I will be able to text as fast as my son or be able to text without looking at my phone.

Email & Instant Messaging

I just finished installing Yahoo Messenger and plan to try it out with my daughter. I have been aware of IM but have never used it, so I thought I should try it out. I have also sent an email to a staff memeber to install Yahoo Messenger so we can try IMing together.

I found the information on email templates quite helpful. I will be looking into setting up a couple of templates for emails that I send out regularly.