New Registration Policy Training

Greetings all,

Here are the new dates for the New Registration Policy Training for SWX Staff.

Justine - Thursday, December 9 - 9-1030 - Kashmere
Aaron - Tuesday, December 21 - 9-1030 - Central 4th Floor
James - Tuesday, December 21 - 9-1030 - Central 4th Floor

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Justine

Laptop Incorrect Times

Greetings all,

Here is some information regarding incorrect due times for laptops.

Greetings all.

You may have noticed that the due times for the laptops you are checking out are off by about an hour, and as a result, there may be the need to waive some fines that accrue inaccurately. You can mark the correct out and due time on the agreement and the due receipt when you issue the laptop, and you should waive whatever fines accrue inaccurately. Remember to record the note explaining any waives in the customer records. We will let you know when the III server time is corrected.

Regards.

Fred Schumacher

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Justine

December Programming at SWX

Greetings all,

Here is a list of the December programming here at Southwest Express. Please refer to this list if patrons call regarding programming.

Monday - Wednesday - Computer Classes 12-2
Monday & Thursday - Citizenship Classes - 530-7
Mondays - Craft Time for Children - 3-4
Fridays - Teen Wii Gaming - 4-5

Monday - December 6 - Para Los Ninos - Free Storytime - Parents can get a child's ticket to the Children's Museum of Houston - 1030

If you have any questions, please feel to ask.

Thanks,
Justine

Reference Interview How To

Greetings all,

Here is some information about how to conduct a reference interview (probe the patrons for information on how to assist them).

Reference Interview How To

Greet

• Look welcoming and animated.

• Appear interested in the person and what he or she needs.

• Greet people warmly and directly.

• Remember that you can't see a learning disability and that it might be in one area of perception or expression or a combination of areas. Here and throughout the entire process, speak clearly and not too quickly, and make eye contact. Because self-esteem is an accompanying problem, be sure to treat both the person and the question seriously and respectfully.

Probe

• Restate request. or ask customer to be more specific.

• Ask open questions to get more information.

• Speak clearly and not too quickly. Be prepared to restate questions often and in different ways. Refer to something written when possible or write key points in bulleted form if there seems to be a problem. Engage as many senses as possible.

Verify

• Restate specific question by paraphrasing

• Ask if some sources have been checked and what was found

• If you haven't moved out to the materials, now is a good time to do it. Include a variety of formats. Try to choose at least one item that has a high proportion of pictures and diagrams and relatively little text. Include some items with sound and/or motion. Check discreetly for preferences in format, paying attention to non-verbal clues as well as actual statements. Ask if the person wants a quick, simple overview or something more in depth, if that's appropriate.

• If there's a pathfinder or other written material relating to the verified question, offer it. Offer an audio version in addition to print, if there is one.

Locate information

• Check appropriateness of level, depth of coverage.

• Ask about format preferences.

• Offer help with using the tool(s).

• If printers are available for OPACs or reference tools, be sure to point this out. If there are computers for word processing and other applications, mention this too, including any assistive hardware or software. Continue to be an active listener and observer of non-verbal cues.

• Don't overdo or hover, but make the person feel comfortable and able to ask for help as needed.

Close

• Check if the question has been or can be answered with the material at hand.

• Check to see if the person is satisfied at the moment.

• Expressly offer additional help as needed.

• Withdraw cordially.

Follow up (a little later or if the person is looking in need of help)

• Ascertain if the question has been completely answered.

• Check to see if anything else is needed, or if there's another question.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Justine

**Problems with Desktops & Laptops**

Greetings all,

This is just a quick reminder regarding problems with desktops and laptops.

If there are problems with desktops and laptops, contact the IT Helpdesk at 31570 and inform them of the issues.

If you are reporting issues with a laptop, please put a note stating the following information:

• The problem
• Contacted IT
• Date
• Initials

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please let me know.

Thanks,
Justine

**SWX Updates**

Greetings all,

Here are a few updates for the ever changing staff here at SWX.

Staff Changes
James - Will work at SWX on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays - effective Monday, November 15, 2010

Since our team is shrinking programming & shelving duties have been reassigned as follows:

Shelving Duties
Justine - YA, Juvenile FIC, Juvenile Beginning Readers, Juvenile Paperbacks, & board books
Eric - Juvenile NonFIC & Juvenile Picture Books (Spanish & English)
Aaron - Adult NonFIC & Fic (Spanish & English)
James - Assists with shelving & sorting


Programming
Justine - Youth Programming & 50+ Senior Program
Eric - Computer Classes & Burnett Bayland Park
Aaron - Computer Classes, Burnett Bayland Park, & HCC ESL
James - Citizenship Classes

Additional staff duties will be updated and posted to the blog within a few days.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks,
Justine