Title pretty much says it all. I found a camera that hadn’t been checked in when it was returned. So please be sure to double check. If you scan an item in twice it doesn’t hurt anything at all, so there is nothing to worry about there.
Technology
Calculators Batteries, Cash drawer key
A couple more things…
- Replacement batteries for graphing calculators. For OSU students (yellow graphing calculators): Send them to the math lab, AKA Conard Learning Center, down the hall from us. For NCSC students (dark blue graphing calculators): We will still replace the batteries here, recording the calculator number and date like usual.
- Don’t leave the cash drawer key in the lock or leave the cash drawer unlocked. The auditor will be be visiting us soon–and in general, we should always should be careful with the drawer (this goes for me too!)
- When pulling paging slips, always check the item’s barcode to make sure it matches. Sometimes items have similar call numbers to one another. Be sure the item’s barcode matches the number listed on the paging slip (hint: check the last four digits). If the correct item isn’t pulled, the request can’t be filled–it’s item number specific.
9/1/2016
Hi all…just a couple things to be aware of…
- Program 60 Patron. If a Mary Sue Edmiston (a Program 60 patron) comes in, I have a library card for her. It’s in the file cabinet that also has the cash drawer, except it’s in the middle drawer (not the cash drawer). It has her name on it. All she needs to do is sign it, and it’s ready to use. P.S. Program 60 is an OSU program that allows people 60 and over to take classes here for free. As a Program 60 participant, she has can check out up to 10 books (5 of which can be borrower through OhioLINK). The ID number she would use when requesting the books is the barcode number on the back of her library card).
- Calculators. As of right now, we are out of graphing calculators for both OSU and NCSC. However, the OSU math lab (AKA Conard Learning Center) might be providing us with more graphing calculators (for OSU students only) — but I don’t know when or how many we’ll be getting. More details to come! We do have some remaining scientific calculators, but these need to be limited to OSU STUDENTS ONLY since there are so few left.
Finals week, photo IDs, a Mouse etc
Hi all, just a couple updates as we close out the semester!
By the way, great job with the game of shelves–it’s getting really tough to pick the best section!!
Make sure to look at photo ID when checking out
I had a student admit to me that she used her friend’s student ID to check materials out from the library. Personally, I’m not always great at scrutinizing ID photos. But we should watch for this sort of thing. Lately instead of swiping a student’s ID card, I’ve been manually typing in his or her information (e.g. student ID number or name)–this way when I’m typing I can take a good look at the photo without being super-obvious.
In other words: 1) Always look at the photo on the ID 2) Use my technique if you need a little help in this area.
Close the check out screen when you’re finished checking out
I recently had two different people report to me that there were books on their records that they didn’t remember checking out. I found the books filed in the back, but the patrons had no recollection about checking the books out in the first place. So here’s what I think happened. I think the patron’s record was left up in check out mode, AND I think the tag reader picked up on a book that was nearby by mistake.
Always make sure to close out of the check out screen when you’re finished with a transaction — check out screen shown below (feel free to ignore the fines on my record)
A mouse!
If a student would like a traditional mouse to go along with the wireless keyboard (occasionally people ask), we now have one in the equipment drawer along with the headphones and markers. It’s not barcoded, so the student is on the honor system.
Manual Checkout
In case Sierra ever goes down and you have someone who would like to check out, we have a manual checkout sheet you can use. It’s now located in the top drawer of the silver filing cabinet with the group study room sign up sheet on top. It’s in a manila envelope labelled “Manual Checkout” — pretty easy right? Just fill out the form and leave it on the circulation desk. When Sierra comes back up, we can enter theinformation. Also, when the computers are down, we need to see a University ID with current fees paid sticker (instead of just a driver’s license or student ID without sticker).
A Couple Things
Hello all,
Just a couple things this week:
1) The stylus for the DLA is missing, so keep your eyes open. It disappeared sometime between the end of last week and the first of this week.
2) Remember to record technology and reference questions (it’s important!)
3) A few tips on keeping the stacks looking nice:
- Mind the gaps: When you pull books make sure to push the book ends in to close any gaps
Shelf gap
- Straighten up: If you see any funky looking shelves, please take the time to straighten them
Bad shelf (gappy and messy)
- Be up front: The books look best when they’re shelved even (flush) with the edge of the shelf
Bad Shelf (uneven)
Good Shelf (nice n’ even)
That is all…have a nice day!
Reference & Technology Questions
Hello everyone,
As you may know, we’ve recently come up with a new system for keeping track of the questions/transactions we handle when working at the public service desks. It involves recording questions electronically via SurveyMonkey. This allows us to more easily track and analyze how the library is being used. So remembering to record your questions is very important!
Here’s a brief guide with examples as to how to record different types of questions. The two “surveys” we’re using are Reference and Technology (shortcuts to the surveys are kept on both the desktop and on the internet browser’s toolbar). As library staff, we will be using the Reference survey for most of our questions.
REFERENCE
1) Directional: Directional questions are pretty self-explanatory–they almost always involve “where” questions
- Where’s the bathroom? Where’s the Math Lab?
2) Basic Reference: Most questions you are asked will be categorized as basic reference. They are short library-related questions that can easily be answered (less than 5 minutes) and can be on a wide variety of topics.
- Do you have a stapler I can use? Did the book I request come in? Do you own a copy of Death of a Salesman? Can I have a job application? What are your hours? Do you have a copy of my English 1100 textbook?
3) Advanced Reference: Advanced questions involve more in-depth assistance (more than 5 minutes) and generally involve more traditional library “reference” questions.
- Can you help me find some books on poverty in America? Can you help me locate 3 research articles on cerebral palsy? How do I find journal articles from my home computer?
TECHNOLOGY
If a student tech worker is at the Tech Help Desk, refer technology related questions to him or her. However if the tech desk happens to be busy, please take the question if you can answer it (e.g. Can you show me how to print?). Also, take the question if it’s easily answered (e.g. Is the printer working?).
- Customer service tip: When you refer someone to the tech desk, actually walk that person over to the tech desk and introduce them to the attendant.
One of the most common questions that student library workers get is How do I print? If you answer this question, under the survey section “Cause of Problem,” select “No Problem – General Request.”
A COUPLE OTHER POINTERS…
- REMEMBER TO LOG YOUR QUESTIONS (this is the big one!)
- How did you answer the question? For both Reference and Technology questions, also remember to log how you answered the question
- When NOT to record a question: If you refer a question to someone else, don’t worry about recording it. For example, if a student asks you to help them find research articles, and you refer the student to Vanessa, you won’t need to record the question. Or if you refer someone to the tech desk, don’t record the question.
- OSU or NCSC? When it comes to collecting information on whether someone is OSU or NCSC, do so ONLY if it comes up naturally during the transaction. For example, if someone asks for a stapler, DON’T ask. However, if someone needs help logging in off-campus, you have to find out whether they are OSU or NCSC to help them. In that instance, please record whether they are OSU or NCSC.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me!!