Wednesday Hint 1/28/09

Hint suggested by Joann Jacobson. Thanks, Joann!

When you check in an item that is not on file, you put it in Pat B's area so that she can add it to a database of not on file items. The reason we do this is that later on the patron will come in and argue with us about having returned that item. And we can't tell if he did or not, because it was not on file and didn't check in off his card. So, we rely on Pat's database.

So, here's the hint: if there is anything in the item, leave it there.

The mail and old checkout slips that are left in the item might have clues for Pat B to track down who the patron was so that she can get the item off his card.

Wednesday Hint 12/17/08

Double date-due slips

Sometimes we give a patron two or more date-due slips after they check out.

We’ll do this any time they ask, of course, but we should offer this to our Walking Books volunteers, someone using an institution card, or anyone who mentions they are checking things out for someone else.

Instead of pressing F12 to close and print a slip, press F11 twice or as many times as the number of slips you want to print.

Wednesday Hint 12/10/08

The hint for today is a suggestion for what to do when a patron is asking for his hold.

Tell him that you will go get it, and that he should remain at the desk and keep on eye on where you get the hold.

When you return, tell him that patrons pick up their own holds, his holds will be in the same vicinity as you found it now, and then show him the hold receipt when you explain the code we use for shelving them.

1. It's nice to give them an idea of where they should go to find their holds.
2. It's better if they stay at the desk so that they don't lose their place in line.
3. It's good to explain the code with the slip in front of them, because otherwise that explanation gets past their attention span.

Wednesday Morning Hint 12/3/08

Items Going to and Coming from other Libraries

Please be sure to check things thoroughly, if they are going to other libraries to go back home or fill a hold. Normally, we simply check to make sure an item has all the right parts, when we check it in or out. But if the item is going to another library for any reason, make sure it has all the right parts and make sure that none of the parts is damaged.

Also, please check items thoroughly when they are coming from other libraries to come back home. If an APL item is coming back here and is not filling a hold, and it is missing parts or clearly damaged, please DO NOT check it in. And please DO NOT put it in Brian’s problem basket. Put a yellow routing slip on it, and put it back on Sally’s shelves to go back to the library that sent it here. [You can tell who sent it here by using the Search/Holds screen to search by barcode, scanning the item, and reading the Message field that begins with “intransit from “.] Write a quick note on the yellow slip to explain why you’re routing it back. If you’re really busy, batch this task with other tasks that need a little extra time, i.e. setting things to repair status, etc.

If you accidentally checked the APL item in and then noticed it was missing parts or damaged, or if such an item is coming here to fill a hold, give it to Melody. Explain things to Melody. If she’s not around, leave her a note. She’s got a procedure to follow to get the item back to the library that sent it here and to re-open the hold for our patron.

Wednesday Hint 11/26/08

Germ warfare

This Wednesday’s hint is about taking care of yourself amid all of those patrons who are coughing and sniffling and telling you about how sick they are.

If a patron takes a card out of his mouth, or the baby’s mouth, and hands it to you, it is OK to ask him to lay it down on the counter, barcode up. If they are insulted, smile and say that you’re just trying to stay healthy.

It’s OK to point out to a mother that her child is licking the countertop. After that, it’s out of your hands.☺

There are antiseptic wipes on the back counter close to the cash register. Use them every now and then to wipe down your checkout area, your keyboard, the phone, etc.

There is a dispenser of antiseptic gel next to the lost and found area. Put some of that on your hands periodically while out on desk. And then wash your hands when you get off desk.

Take the time to do these things. You’re worth it.

Wednesday Hint 11/19/08

What is Recall?

At times it is necessary for library staff to place holds on items, rather than titles, in order to replace parts or sort out mixed up pieces, not often but it does happen.

When you place an item hold, Millennium may ask you if you wish to RECALL the item. The answer to this question should always be no.

The RECALL function in Millennium was meant for academic libraries that may need to retrieve items for professors or staff working on projects. In our system nobody should get preference over the next person, so the recall is not needed and, because it is not part of out normal procedures, using it creates confusion in other system libraries that have no idea what the intentions were.

While we are talking about equal access for all patrons and staff, it should also be mentioned that we should never be altering the hold queue for items except in very limited circumstances. The main circumstance would be if you need to get the item back in order to make it usable to the next patron.

Wednesday Hint 11/5/2008

When someone tells you they are someone's guardian, that is enough. We do not need to see documentation. We believe them.

Please be sure to get the guardian's name, address, and phone number, as well as the patron's.