Manager's Meeting @ JOH 09/07/16

In attendance: Djuina, LeRoy (Host), Dena, Maggie, Nathan, Shirley, Virginia, and Kitty

LeRoy led the group in a very interesting ice-breaker game utilizing coins. The object of the game was for each person look at the year on the coin and tell the group what they were the doing during that year. Years ranged from the late 70s to current year.

After the game, LeRoy then opened up the floor for article discussion. The group talked about the importance of libraries in the community both Houston and in general. It was stated that we provide things for our communities, such as technology and the internet, which a lot of people may not have access to at home or anywhere else. Nathan mentioned a story about a young boy who saved his sister’s life with CPR that he learned at a free class hosted at his local library. Kitty mentioned how libraries are a way for people to “try out” a book or item first, prior to purchase. This discussion led Djuina to ask us to start thinking about resources that would be helpful to have on hand for both Veterans and the Homeless.

For the Team Building exercise, Leroy had brought up a situation that has happened in the past, at other various locations; and asked us to talk about how we would handle the situation. The situation suggested was the reservation issues. What would you do if two customers had been double booked for the same computer, especially when the computer will only let one of them sign on? Suggestions that came up were: Offering the customer a laptop in place of a computer. You can point out that it gives them 2 hours instead of 1 and they can sit anywhere in the library, if they want. Another suggestion was to find out if they could get their work completed in 15 minutes or less and offer them the Express Computer. Call IT… make sure the issue is logged; for a paper trail, email IT directly and CC Djuina.

Another situation was when you as a manager are trying to get your staff to think of other solutions to problems or issues. Shirley suggested that is important to let staff know at your meetings that sometimes the judgement call is necessary for the moment. LeRoy suggested that talking with the staff member (if it is just one), and reminding them to think about the big picture. Djuina stated the importance of defending their own decisions.

Djuina wanted to talk about desk schedules; it is great if you choose to do your own scheduling for your location(s). Consider delegating this task unless you don’t have someone else you can trust with it. If you already delegate it or choose to do so later on, be sure to communicate with the scheduler.

Also, as a reminder, it is okay to tell people no, for time-off requests. Think about what amount is needed for you branch before approving and plan for a possible “out sick” moment. If you are shorthanded, call around to your sister libraries and ask if they can spare someone before calling Djuina.

Meet with your assistant manager at least once a month; allow them to drive the meeting partially.

Djuina wanted to let everyone know that if we get an email about comments/complaints and it was requested to contact the customer, please do so same day. 

Not mentioned at the meeting: The next meeting will take place at Montrose on October 5.