HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

From the Scenic Woods Staff

   

 Kim, Michelle, Santa, Chrishelle, Derrick, Mrs. Yvonne

Not Present: Debra, Jacquina

MY Link Card

Hello Customers, come on in to your nearest Houston Public Library location

We have the power to link people to the world just by filling out an application

Just present a current Texas Driver’s License or even a valid photo ID

And once we have verified your address, then HPL will more than happily

Issue you one of our new HEB MY Link Cards to get you started real quick

It’s made in wallet-size with a key chain attachment size; convenience at your fingertips

And with it you can check out items and readily have access to our many online databases

That can open you up to a world of knowledge and opportunity that truly amazes

You can research your genealogy, job search, learn a new language and even access Brainfuse

You can download e-books, audio books, Freegal Music and videos

through Hoopla, you choose

And let’s not forget about Comics Plus for you graphic novel readers

also available, in the HPL app!

Wow! Can you believe all of the possibilities you have with just one library card? You can’t beat that!

So come on by and get linked up because HPL wants to support you in making your future totally awesome!

And none of this would be possible without our sponsor HEB and the Director of HPL, Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson.

The MY Link card is your vehicle to broaden your horizon as you explore

I have MY Link……….Do YOU have yours?

By: Debra S. Davis

Scenic Woods Regional Library

Checking in Floats and New Items

Please share these reminders with everyone it your unit who may not be on this email distribution list -

1) Every unit should be checking in all received Float items *daily* along with your other Delivery items so that the items' locations get updated in Sirsi.

This is important so that, in the event that those items have holds, they don't end up on the sending locations' paging lists getting marked missing when they do holds paging lists, causing the customers to wait longer to get their requests.

2) We’ve been noticing a spate of recently received new books still being 'shipped' status long after other system copies have been received and are circulating.  When we call units for shelfchecks to verify the items' arrival, they are being found on the shelf.  Please be careful to check in all new books as they arrive.  

 This is a particular issue as more and more items are being ordered as FLT copies - if they aren't checked in at the receiving units upon arrival there is NO WAY to tell what building they may be in.  They will also never show up on holds paging lists.

Thanks,

~Sara Karow on behalf of the whole Collection Development Team

Good news! The deadline for ordering CMC tote bags and T-shirts has been extended!

If you would like to place an order, please let Sara Pope know what size you would like, and how many. See attached form for prices. Money is now due to Sara Pope at Acres Homes by Thursday, September 18^th.

The t-shirts are white with the rocket logo on them

Scenic Woods' Staff in Red 

Promoting 

 My Link Card Sign -up 

Another opportunity to "just say yes!"

Good afternoon everyone.  I have another exciting opportunity for HPL frontline and support staff to get involved with the Library Card Campaign! 

During the road show I heard the following message loud and clear – we need to do more advertising and really get the word out about all the great things the Library has to offer the community for free.  We should be on TV!

Well, we agree, and on Friday morning (9/12) Dr. Lawson will be a guest on “Great Day Houston” to talk about the new MY LINK Library Card Campaign!

OPPORTUNITY –> We need 30-40 staff members (still waiting to hear back exactly how many tickets we’ll have) decked out in their HPL red shirts to help fill the audience. You’d need to be in the studio from 8-10 am, and the goal is to have all staff back at work by 10:30/10:45 at the latest.  You can do this on work time, but only if you are already scheduled to work during that time.  Unfortunately we cannot offer overtime pay for this. So if you’re scheduled to work on Friday morning from 8-10 am and you want to be a part of this opportunity, you need to first get permission from your supervisor. Once you have secured permission please send me a reply to this email ASAP letting me know you’re ready, willing and able to be an enthusiastic audience member on Friday morning.  We are attempting to secure some vans from Fleet so we can do a few carpools, but you’ll need to be willing to use your own car if necessary.

Please note that I need to hear from you via email by the end of business today if you are interested!  If we have more than 30-40 staff who are interested we’ll do a random drawing and pick names.

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you no later than the end of business today.

Michele

Michele Gorman

Deputy Director of Customer Experience

New Cards and Amnesty Information

Hello all.

Beginning tomorrow (September 10^th) and running through September 26^th , accounts not in collection are eligible to have up to $24.99 in overdue fines forgiven when the customer exchanges his/her current library card for the new My Link – Powered by HEB library card.  Additionally, from tomorrow through September 26^th, overdue fines will be automatically forgiven on all overdue items returned and checked in on the HPL Symphony system. 

To find out more about the amnesty, check out the Overdue Fines Tutorial Video (https://sites.google.com/site/hplstafftraining/amnesty) on the HPL Staff Training Portal.  The video will not only explain which fines/fees are eligible to be forgiven, it will also provide instruction regarding how to remove eligible charges from accounts when customers get the new My Link – Powered by HEB library card.  Additionally, an Amnesty Program FAQ is available on HPLnet at https://hplnet.hpl.lib.tx.us/images/staff-amnesty-faq.pdf.  The FAQ provides answers and direction for anticipated questions regarding eligible fines, fees and accounts.

Finally, remember that you will need to use the User Lost Card wizard under the Special wizard groups in Symphony Circulation to issue new cards, then assign a new expiration date (most easily done with the Renew Privilege wizard).  Only the User Lost Card wizard can accurately update the account with the new card number and block the previous card number from further use.  Refer to the tutorial video for replacing a lost card to review how to use the wizard (https://sites.google.com/site/hplstafftraining/learningresources/libraryfunctions/replace-a-card).

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns regarding how to apply the amnesty or replace a customer’s card, don’t hesitate to contact Circulation Administration at 832-393-2222 (choose option 3) or at circinfo@hpl.lib.tx.us.  We will be delighted to help you in any way we are able.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Fred Schumacher

Circulation Administration Manager

New Displays Advertising HPL Services 

at Scenic Woods

Completed by Kim Gibson

completed by Yvonne Hitchens & Chrishelle Gilford

Great job!

Central/Security Issues

Team –

Due to some security issues, we will limit access to the staff column elevator at the Central library.  The change will limit access to the 6^th floor to only those who specifically work in IT. All employees that need to access the 6^th floor will need to use the public elevators. Also, as an important reminder, please make sure not to swipe people up or give access to anyone that should not be on the 6^th floor or in the IT area. 

This 6^th floor access change will become effective starting on Monday, August 11.  If you have any issues or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or by phone. Thank you for your understanding.

Regards

Roosevelt Weeks

Deputy Director of Library Administration

Dear HPL Team,

As a reminder, the Houston Employee Assessment and Review (HEAR) season is upon us. I want to thank everyone for their efforts and contributions in FY14. We had a successful year!

Looking ahead to FY15 I want to remind all of you that the HEAR Plans we prepare now are critically important to our future success. I want to share with you some reminders about establishing HEAR Plans.

·       HEAR Plans must set clear expectations for employees

·       HEAR Plans must be prepared and discussed with employees for clear understanding

·       HEAR Plans must establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based (SMART)goals and objectives

·       HEAR Plan goals must align with HPL priorities

Most importantly, we need to understand the definitions of our HEAR rating system:

Exceptional (5):  The employee consistently achieves performance objectives above-and-beyond the standard. Their work performance is exemplary and provides major contributions to the work unit. The individual is seen as a role model or expert.

Meets Expectations (4):  The employee consistently exceeds performance expectations. Work performance surpasses standard expectations for others in the job.

Meets Expectations (3):  The employee meets and achieves performance expectations in a satisfactory manner. Overall performance reflects ongoing achievements and improvements.

Below Expectations (2):  The employee does not fully meet performance expectations. They show a need for improvement in training and additional effort.

Needs Improvement (1):  The employee does not meet performance expectations. Overall performance is unacceptable.

**In addition to these definitions I’m asking all managers to provide specific examples related to your area for each of the definitions above, so your team members will have a better understanding of their meaning.

I have asked the ELT member responsible for your areas to ensure all HPL Team members have a clear understanding of the HEAR process, the meanings of ratings 1-5 and expectations for performance.    

Please let me know if you have questions. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to another great year!

Sincerely,

Rhea Brown Lawson

Rhea Brown Lawson, PhD, Director
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney| Houston, Texas  77002

832-393-1300  

Hello, HPL!

Mayor Annise Parker announced today that smoking and the use of other tobacco products will be banned at all Houston Public Library and Houston Parks and Recreation Department properties.  This new policy will build upon existing City regulations banning smoking indoors, and is an expansion of action taken previously by the Houston Department of Health and Human Services.

For HPL, this is a move that continues our efforts to provide library spaces that are safe, healthy, family-friendly and welcoming environments in all communities and for all customers.

Currently, smoking is not permitted inside Library facilities and within 25 feet of any Library entrance. The establishment of No Smoking Zones extends the existing rule to include all HPL premises and mobile units including any plaza, walkway or green space around a Library building. Today’s announcement designates all HPL locations and mobile units as No Smoking Zones.

For HPL, the No Smoking Zone rule goes into effect on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at our downtown properties -  the Central Library and the Julia Ideson Building.  Signs will go up on the downtown properties tomorrow. All other HPL properties will become smoke and tobacco-free by Tuesday, September 2, 2014 (the day after Labor Day).  Signage announcing the change to our customers will be posted as required by City ordinance, during the month of August.

Customers and staff who wish to smoke should move to areas off of library premises, which in most cases is the sidewalk portion of the property.

HPL staff are asked to enforce this smoking ban in the same manner as any other rule – upon seeing someone smoking, the customer should be asked to extinguish the product or leave the property. If the customer refuses, he or she will be subject to suspension from HPL premises, following existing policies and procedures.  

Please note that I do not expect you to go outside the building and confront a customer or staff member who is in violation of this rule.  Instead, I would encourage you to mention the rule to the customer or staff member when they return to the building, so that they can abide by the rule in future visits. 

Additionally, the posting of signage on our properties will allow HPD to issue a citation if they see someone violating the no smoking ban. Your supervisors will be speaking with you about this new rule and will be available to answer questions you may have about this important change. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to help make our libraries safe, healthy, family friendly spaces. And thank you for providing services to our customers  with a smile,  respect, and professionalism. 

Best Regards,

Rhea Brown Lawson

Rhea Brown Lawson, PhD, Director
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney| Houston, Texas  77002

832-393-1300  

Rhea.Lawson@houstontx.gov 

The Houston Public Library is a vital member of a dynamic and diverse local, national, and global commun

Greetings,

Please note that the “Login To Your Account” link on the library’s website now links to a new page that allows customers to directly login to their library accounts:

This change is a direct result of staff and customer feedback. Please continue to send your suggestions to the Virtual Library team.

Sincerely,

Saima

Saima Kadir

Manager, Virtual Library Services

Information Technology

Houston Public Library

500 McKinney | Houston TX 7700

832.393.1698 

Scenic Woods is enjoying Record Breaking  SRP Attendance

We have had over three hundred children, teachers and parents attend our Magic Show and over 100 or more at most of our storytimes and other programs. 

You guys Rock!!!

Keep Up the Outstanding Work!

The Scenic Woods' Team 

 is  

Full-STREAM ahead this Summer!

(Decorations by Ms. Debra Davis)

Children in the Workplace

 

Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson sent a memo on June 12, 2007, in regard to children in the workplace.  ALL staff must comply with the memo.

 

“Please note that children may not be brought to the workplace in lieu of day care.  They may participate in the Summer Reading Program and other library activities.  However, children will not be allowed in the parent’s or care giver’s work area, staff lounges, or left alone for long periods of time in the library.

Thanks for your cooperation.”

 

Failure to comply will result in a Performance Discussion with the employee. A Manager, Acting Manager; or staff member designated in charge of the building must require compliance.  Our customers deserve 100% of staff’s attention at all times.

 

“Guests/friends/spouses” are not allowed in work areas.  If a “guest” were injured, he or she could sue the library.  “Guests” are not covered by Workmen’s Compensation.  All library staff is responsible for maintaining a professional work environment.   

 

Thanks!

Library Worker's Day Celebration at Scenic Woods

  

 



Important Financial Procedures information from Theodora

Good Day Team,

I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the following from the Financial Services Department:

·       Fines and booksale should be sent in two separate envelops

·       The reason why you have to send them in two separate envelops is because the money goes into two separate banks

·       Each envelop should be labelled accordingly

·       The fines envelop should contain money from fines, bags, copies, passport fees and  library cards

·       The booksale envelope should contain money collected from selling books and other donated materials, flash drives and ear buds.

·       If the fines and booksale money cannot be separated due to lack of change, you can send everything in the same envelop with an explanation of why you had to do so.

·       Two copies of the report should be printed and sent even if you are only sending one envelop.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

Take care and have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Theodora.

The Summer Reading Program is approaching quickly so training is needed.

Maurina Powers and Michelle King will be training all SCE staff on how to complete a Program Evaluation Form for SRP paid programs. Each staff member will be responsible for completing this form after their SRP event/program.

And

Sandy Farmer, Manager of Central Youth Services, will be here next month for Summer Reader training as well.

Let's get ready Summer is almost here!!!!

 

Everyone is Happy at Scenic Woods!!!!

 

 

 

Safety Photo of the Scenic Woods' Staff

 

 



More Creations by Debra Davis

Don't Miss the fun at Scenic Woods this Spring!!

 

 

It's Easter Time!

Get your books and your Treats at Scenic Woods

 

 

 Baby Mouse & Squish are hanging out with the Scenic Woods Staff

 

 

It's Storytime at Scenic Woods

with Michelle King!

(Let's congratulate Ms. King on her first storytime)

 

 

 

 

 

Way to Go, Michelle!!

 

Congratulations

 

To

 

Ms. Michelle King

 

Scenic Woods Regional Library's 

 New Youth Services Person!!!

 

 

 



Everybody is celebrating

Valentine's Day

at Scenic Woods

 

 

 



Black History Quilting Display

Presented by



Aldine Area Quilt Guild