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