DPL Staff Notes

New Museum Pass

2016-07-19T16:22:00.002-04:00

Hello Ladies,

We now have a new museum pass in our collection, Cape Cod Children's Museum. There is 1 pass for each day. It is 50% off admission per person up to 4 people.

Thanks,
Lisa

DPL Book Club

2016-06-15T15:35:00.002-04:00

Hello,

Here is the listing of books for the DPL Book Club for the next 6 months:

July - At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
August - How it All Began by Penelope Lively
September - Isaac's Storm by Eric Larson
October - Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
November - The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
December - Suggestions welcome

Cindy

Items not checked in

2016-05-19T09:28:00.000-04:00

Good Morning!

I checked out 3 items yesterday that were "checked out to another patron." I looked up the previous patron for each and took the charges off.

It can be easy to rush when we are busy - or lose track of what we already think we've checked in - or get distracted when patrons are engaging in conversation with us.

Remember - hearing the beep does not mean the computer accepted the transaction. Please look at your screen while checking items in or out.

Thank you!

Public Service Meeting 5/5/2016

2016-05-10T12:14:00.004-04:00

Listed are some highlights from Thursday's Public Service Meeting.

Regarding Lost or Damaged materials:

Accept payment for the item, charging the replacement cost found in the CLAMS record. If the item belongs to another library & the cost of the item seems unusually high or out-of-the-ordinary, please call the owning library and see if they are willing to adjust the price. Checks should be made payable to the owning library. (NOTE - Some libraries require checks be made out to the Town, i.e. Brooks is "Town of Harwich", Dennis Public is "Town of Dennis"). For correct library names & addresses, go to "Library Information" on the CLAMS staff pages or click "All CLAMS Libraries at the top of OPAC.

Mark the item as lost/damaged in the system, and clear the charge from the patron's record. If damaged, add a message to the item 'at checkout/in'. The message can only be removed by the owning library

Print a receipt of the transaction for the patron and make a copy for the owning library. Make sure the owning library has the name, barcode, and contact information for the patron, as well as the name and barcode of the item in case they need to follow up with the patron or want to replace the item.

Mail the payment to the owning library. Do not put any checks or cash in delivery. Mail it to the attention of the Circulation Department.

Replacement items are generally not accepted for lost or damaged materials. This should be made known to the patron immediately at the time the loss or damage is brought to a staff member's attention. If a patron has already purchased a replacement item, you must contact the owning library to see if they will accept it in lieu of monetary reparation, but this is totally at their discretion.

Regarding Pop-up Messages on Patron Accounts:

All pop-up messages should be dated and initialed as per stated policy. For example: dp/cl 5/6/16.
When adding messages please BE SPECIFIC. Add the message to the item (or patron account) at checkout.
Messages can be removed if they are not initialed and dated, but can only be removed by the owning library.

Regarding Vendor Support Contacts:

Here is a list of Vendor Support contacts - https://sites.google.com/a/clamsnet.org/staff/systems/support-contact-list-information?pli=1. For Tech Support in NoveList, Commonwealth Catalog, Patron Internet issues, and Overdrive, please contact the vendor directly. For issues with Sierra, Opac, Encore, Staff email & Staff internet please contact CLAMS support.

REMINDERS:

About Missing Items Reports - A handout is provided in your mailbox.
DO NOT place 'Item-Level Holds' on items unless it is for a book club or has volume information.

Thanks much!

Chrissie

Public Service Meeting Highlights 3/3/2016

2016-03-03T15:05:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone:

The public service meeting took place today, March 3, 2016. Several reminders were discussed as follows:

If an item coming through transit is in poor condition (coffee stains, water damage, etc) a note should be placed on the item itself (ex: a sticky note). Notes cannot be placed on the item record if it belongs to another library.
When changing a patron's PIN over the phone, make sure to request identifying info before doing so. For example, ask the patron to confirm phone number, address, etc. PIN should be changed to the last 4 of the library card. After this is completed, the patron has the option of changing the PIN in OPAC. If a patron has never set up a PIN, they can also do this through OPAC using an email address.
Regarding items on the "problem shelf" (ex: returns missing a dvd, etc). If the item belongs to another library - do not check the item in - Follow the procedures for returns with missing or damaged items - calling the patron, renewing the item, notifying the owning library. Material from other libraries should only be kept on the 'problem shelf' for 1 week, or not, depending on what the owning library decides. A note should also be placed on the patron record concerning the item and removed once the item status has been resolved.
For 'Claims Returned' - This should only be applied if a patron states they returned the item to a CLAMS library. A note should be placed on the patron record. If the item belongs to another library, the patron or us, can contact the owning library. We cannot place another library's item on 'claims returned' unless you have permission from the owning library.
Report any issues with ComCat to the ComCat Help Desk right away.
Reminder to update all the record information each year for Teacher/Institutional cards.

Thanks!

~Chrissie

Ezra Baker Library Card Drive - to do

2016-02-17T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hi, Everyone!

I attended a meeting of the Dennis library directors yesterday and found out that the library system is coordinating a library card drive with the Ezra Baker Elementary School in Dennis (Grades K through 4.) This drive will take place on February 23rd. This matters to us because Nancy Symmington (Director of Dennis Memorial Library) will be dropping off completed library registration cards on February 24th, 25th, and 26th. The data on these cards (Dennis Port residents) needs to be entered by Monday, February 29th, before the Dennis Read Around Town Program. If we have any extra time on these days, I would like us to enter this data into Sierra. I was told that if the parents have a card, we are able to do a copy function that will create a duplicate record, and we can change the patron's name, but leave the rest of the relevant information.

Once the card information is in the system, the new library card (Nancy will be dropping off special ones with stickers) will be place in an envelope with the child's name and grade. Nancy will then be picking these cards up for the school to distribute.

After the children get their new cards, they are able to come into the library and present them in order to get a frisbee. Children who attend the Ezra Baker School and already have cards are also entitled to a frisbee.

MBLC Survey and ALA Notes

2016-01-25T14:52:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone,

I attended the bimonthly Reference meeting last week. A representative from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners urged library staff to take a survey entitled "Massachusetts Statewide Database Evaluation: Now and the Future" at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/StatewideDBSurvey

The survey is available until 1/30/16.

You may not personally work with the databases that we offer at this website: http://galesites.com/menu/mlin_s_dentown

but you might want to try them out and see what you think. The more survey results they get, the better; our input helps prove the worth of libraries and their resources and helps justify the money spent on databases.

Also, if anyone is interested, I attended the mid-winter ALA (American Library Association) meeting in Boston a couple of weeks ago and would be happy to share my notes.

Cindy

"IN REPAIR"

2016-01-25T13:29:00.001-05:00

MATERIALS THAT NEED REPAIR:

When coming across materials that are in need of repair, please do the following:

1. In Sierra - place the status of the item to "IN REPAIR"
(see me if you don't know how to do this)

2. Take the physical material and ....

BOOKS (PLEASE DO NOT PUT IN THE DRAWER):

Mystery, Fiction, Large Print, Cape Cod - give to Cindy

Non Fiction or Juvenile (children's) - give to Julie

YA (Young Adult) - give to Jessica

MEDIA:

  Music Cds:    Scratched? Not working? - clean it
Damaged case? Please put in new case
  Damaged DISK? - give to Jessica.

   Spoken Cds and DVDs: Same as above - except if Damaged DISK - give to Lisa

Thanks for your help with this! Please see me with any questions.
Julie

Oops! for Friends Book Sale count

2016-01-14T15:50:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since we've done this, I forgot how. Please actually record the dollar/cent amount of each book sale, rather than an item count, on the correct date. Thank you!

Pub Service Meeting Highlights

2016-01-14T13:16:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone:

The Public Service meeting took place this past Thursday, January 7. A couple of reminders were discussed:

- Magazines should be placed in envelopes before being sent to delivery.
- Item level holds are NOT to be placed on items that are widely available and have no volume information.
- Address 1 and Address 2 fields have to be differentiated in patrons' records so that the local and permanent addresses are in the correct place. *For details see Patron Registration Guidelines located at the Circulation desk*
-When registering patrons, remember to use the proper two-letter home library code in patron records, not a shelf-location code which is three or more letters.
- Do not use commas after towns in address fields in patron records. Per UPS guidelines.
- When creating a patron record, if the name has a prefix and/or suffix, it should be typed in the following manner: Smith Jr, John J - Porter, Dr Virginia S - Ryans Sr, Dr Stephen J. Any questions please see Patron Registration Guidelines.
- Only use rubber bands on A/V materials, anything with loose parts, or on a case that could pop open. Do not place rubber bands on books unless a slip has to be put in and you feel the slip will fall out. Transit slips should only be used on items that do not have a visible barcode on the front of the item.

Other news:

- Sierra will upgrade on January 20th and will finish 3 a.m. our time.
- Most DVD covers will now appear in OPAC.
- Bourne library has new hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Wed 9-5, Fri & Sat 9-5:30. Closed on Tuesdays after a Monday holiday

~Chrissie

Friends count for Book Sale

2016-01-14T13:11:00.003-05:00

We had stopped recording the number of books that we sold in the Friends' Book Sale, but Christi Kemprecos (new treasurer) would like us to resume. I have put out the sheets on a clip board at the Circulation Desk. Please put the total money you collect for a sale ($2.00, .50, etc.) under the correct date.

Thank you!
Cindy

Mass tax forms

2016-01-14T13:09:00.005-05:00

Are in. Currently I have put them over on the display shelves after Cape Cod Mystery books. You can point patrons in that direction. We have no Federal forms yet. Once they come in, I may relocate all of them onto the other side of the display area (for more room.)

Cindy

Staff Manual Forms binder and Signs

2016-01-04T13:27:00.001-05:00

Since we have some new staff members, I thought it would be a good opportunity to just review that our Staff Manual Forms three ring binder is (usually) kept at the Circulation Desk on the bottom right shelf of the holds area. In it you can find forms, such as donation forms, repair slips, Southeast routing slips, computer sign in sheets, computer wait list sheet, etc. The goal is to get all forms online, but for now, feel free to use the binder to make copies when you need to replenish a stack.

Also, we do have ready-made laminated signs for various situations, such as "out of order" signs, "maximum check out" signs, etc. over on top of the file cabinet where the cash box is kept.

AARP Tax Group - KEY to Cabinet

2015-12-31T16:09:00.000-05:00

FYI:

AARP will be starting their tax aid program - held in our meeting room - beginning in February.
It is an 8 week program, 9-4, Wed and Thursdays.

We are holding their file cabinet key in at our front desk (Middle, Top drawer) in a DVD case - Marked:

AARP TAX FILE CABINET KEY

The head of the program is Marty Leiber and his contact info is enclosed with the key.

Just wanted everyone to be aware it was there should the AARP agents be looking for it.

More later...

Happy New Year!

Booklist, Library Journal, School Library Journal, oh my!

2015-12-11T15:58:00.001-05:00

Hi All!

The journals have been moved to INBOXES above our mailboxes (near the keys).

If you are looking for the most recent publications - OR if you have any that you are done with, please seek there to grab or unload.

See me if you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, or just want to deliver an "Atta Girl!"

Have a great weekend!

Jules

New Axis app for 2015 Kindles

2015-12-09T15:54:00.003-05:00

Hi, Everyone!

I have purchased my own Kindle 2015 version. It does work with the new 360 app for getting library books, but the following steps must be taken:

1.) Under settings, Go to Security and select "allow the installation of apps from Unknown Sources"

2.) Directly download the Axis 360 app because it isn't available on the Amazon App Store. The website you want to go to on the Kindle Fire Silk Browser is: apps.axis360.org/axis360 This will start a download of the Axis 360 app that the patron will be able to install once it's finished. It will show up on the notification bar which the patron can get to by placing his or her finger at the top of the screen then swiping down.

Cindy

A personal and strange request

2015-12-03T12:09:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!
I realize that this is going to sound a little odd but I am going to ask anyway.
I have been having a respiratory reaction to a cold for the last few weeks that has made breathing a little harder than usual. I also react badly to anything with a strong scent. Could we please stop using the Lysol spray in the bathroom? It has a "Fresh Scent" that sends me into fits of coughing when I breath it in and in the confined space of the bathroom it can be especially hard to breathe.
My lungs and I thank you for your consideration.
cheers,
Zoe

Library Registration Forms

2015-12-02T14:53:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone:

I created a hard folder for completed Library registration forms.

This folder is labeled and located underneath the blank registration forms. If there are any forms (filled out) that are not placed in the folder I will assume that these are pending for some reason.

All completed forms within the folder will be double checked for accuracy. This helps to ensure that our patrons records are up-to-date and provides reliable record keeping for the use of our materials.

Thanks for your help!

Chrissie

Interlibrary loans through Comcat

2015-11-25T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

As per CLAMS, please do not order Comcat ILLs for patrons. Eileen does not want library staff responsible for patron PIN #s. Also, if I am unaware of the loan and the den_mail address is given (for patrons without computer access), I lose track of the loan. The Comcat system concentrates on patron participation. If the patron does not use Comcat, or is not computer savvy, please provide me with the patron and loan information, and I will order the item through MLS/CLIO.

Thank you!
Cindy

Axis 360 app

2015-11-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone,

I have put an Axis 360 app help sheet in everyone's mailbox. It is a Baker and Taylor product that is similar to Overdrive and is now available to our patrons. They passed these sheets out at the Reference Meeting yesterday. Feel free to refer to them for your personal use or for patron help.

Cindy

ACCEPTING PERSONAL CHECKS

2015-11-18T16:19:00.001-05:00

Hi All,

We recently had a charge back from a patron check and were unable to locate the patron by the information on the check. The check was also NOT written out to the Town of Dennis.
To be sure everyone is reminded and new employees are aware: I am re-posting our Cash Control Policies.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Cash Control Policies

The Town Treasurer/Collector's office has issued a Cash Control Policies and Procedures manual, and it is required that all town employees read the policy and sign-off. The policy will be circulated (look on the circ desk for it), and the sign-off sheet is in your box. Please check off your name on the policy itself after you have read it, and pass the policy to someone who has NOT read it. Put your signed sign-off sheet in my mailbox.

Most of this pertains mostly to department heads and departments that handle a lot more cash than we do, but please note the section on accepting checks:

CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE TOWN OF DENNIS - LIBRARY, and NOT Dennis Public Library. I know this is going to take getting used to. It's not the end of the world if someone makes a check out to DPL, but we need to get in the habit of doing it this way.
It is helpful if a note is made in the memo field (fine, book replacement, donation, etc.)
Starter checks ARE NOT ACCEPTED without my sign-off
Checks must have address and phone number on them
Checks must be presented with driver's license or other ID
Person accepting the check should initial the front of the check

If you have any questions, please see me. Thanks!

ESL class

2015-11-18T10:15:00.001-05:00

Bill will be away for a couple of weeks so there will be no ESL class until December 9th.

Food for Fines ~ Nov 1st to Dec 31st

2015-11-03T11:20:00.000-05:00

It's that giving time of year again. Our library is offering patrons a chance to give to their community while clearing their library fines.

Patrons can donate non-perishable items (canned goods, boxed items, etc) that are in good condition, sealed & unexpired. Each item will count as $1 towards fines. Up to $10 in fines can be forgiven.

The 'Food for Fines' will run from November 1st to December 31st.

Thanks much!

Chrissie

Museum Pass

2015-10-23T08:48:00.001-04:00

Hello,

I have taken the Heritage Museum passes out of the drawer and marked them Temp Unavailable. Heritage closed for the regular season on Thursday October 15 the and will reopen for the 2016 season on Saturday April 16, 2016.
Gardens Aglow - their annual holiday event of festive lights and decorations will run on weekends between Thanksgiving and New Year's - is a special event and not part of their regular season therefore library passes are not valid.

Thank You,
Lisa

Survey Week - this week - Oct 18, 2015

2015-10-20T15:18:00.001-04:00

This week is 'Survey Week' for delivery. We will be keeping count of library material as it is being sent out through delivery. Any items that have been checked in and are being delivered to another library must be counted and added to the Survey sheet with tally marks.

The sheet is located on top of the outgoing delivery bins.

Thanks,

Chrissie