Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Important Electronic Resource Issues and Reporting Procedures from LMS

Hello:

When you are forwarding an electronic resource issue to either the IT Helpdesk or I, please be sure to indicate if the patron expects a response and what the patron’s preferred contact information is. While we might have a patron’s library card number there is a good chance the contact information on their account isn’t up to date. Additionally patrons have a bad habit of borrowing other peoples’ library card numbers (i.e. child or spouse) to use when accessing and checking out an electronic resource. If which case the contact information will not be for the patron having the issue.

Sincerely,

Marianne Lorio
Multimedia Specialist
Houston Public Library

832-393-1514

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Procedure Reminder - Subscription Plan books

Important Message from LMS 

Regarding books with the Yellow Spine


SUBSCRIPTION PLAN Items – Return to LMS
Subscription Plan (S-Plan) books are easily identified by their bright yellow spine labels.

NOTE: **NEVER stamp Subscription Plan books and DO NOT check them out to CEN or an NL unit’s “xxx-Discard” account in Symphony Workflows (wet/moldy/bugs exception: see pg. 3).

  • Send all surplus and damaged S-Plan books directly to the LMS Float Team.
    • Attach a brief note to individual copies regarding any damage (wet/moldy/bugs exception: see pg. 3).
  • When pulling surplus copies of titles that HPL has both as regular HPL copies (white spine labels) and S-Plan copies for possible withdrawal, it is preferable to send in S-Plan copies first rather than regular HPL copies if condition is comparable. The Float Team may redistribute surplus S-Plan items rather than withdrawing and returning them to the supplier, depending on system-wide needs.

LMS Division staff will handle ALL S-Plan withdrawal tasks for damaged items and surplus copies being returned to the supplier (wet/moldy/bugs exception: see pg. 3).


Thanks in advance,


~Sara

Monday, April 3, 2017

Important Information about OverDrive

Hello:

Recently patrons have had a couple of issues with OverDrive so I just wanted to provide some “insider” information. Frankly most issues with OverDrive aren’t really “fixable” either the cause is unknown or it is due to operator error. However, let the patron know that we will look into the matter. If the patron is willing to provide their library card number, e-mail address, and the title and format of item involved we will make sure the next available copy goes to their account. Please e-mail this information, as well as a description of the issue, to the IT Helpdesk and me.

Sincerely,


Marianne Lorio
Multimedia Specialist
Houston Public Library
832-393-1514

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Staff Birthday Celebration




The Staff had a great time celebrating one another on Friday.

The luncheon for the staff was from Olive Garden 
Everyone had more than enough to eat with mini desserts and 
Special Cakes for all of the birthday people. 

We also said farewell to Gloria. 

We will truly miss her smile and presence around 
ACR and OAK.



Special Thanks to everyone for sharing in this event!! 

Monday, March 27, 2017

Online Card Registration Information for Customers

Hello again,

Firstly, thank you for the feedback we received from your staff! We have already made some changes based on their questions.

Secondly, while we prepare staff training, an FAQ document has been added to the Training Portal (hover over Learning Resources tab then select Library Functions):

We are using two locations to pilot the project: Central and Jungman. Because our locations vary so much, we need to figure out a designated workstation (desktop or tablet) that will function as a library card registration spot. In most cases, it will be the catalog/database computer. Once we have gathered enough data and tweaked the form, we will have a better idea about a roll out plan. In the meantime, please continue to use the paper application form (except Central and Jungman). Of course, you are welcome to direct your customers to the online form. Already about 44 customers in Texas have registered online and the form’s been live less than 2 days!

A few reminders that are necessary for staff to know:

·         There is a built-in address verification however this may not always work so you may have to use the traditional method to verify address;
·         Form will recognize a duplicate;
·         Youth registrations will take place on-site (HPL location) only;
·         Check if customer is already using Overdrive; if yes, then proceed to submit the Overdrive merge account request;
·         This is what staff will need to do to update the user record in Workflows:
o   From the Circulation tab, under the Users group, use the Modify User wizard to update the user record:
§  User ID - replace it with the 77422… barcode number;
§  Library - change it from HOU-ONLINE to your location or customer’s preferred location;
§  Profile Name - change it from PUBLIC to one that applies to the customer;
§  Change History Rule: ask the customer if they want to keep a checkout history; then change it from circrule to allcharges; remind them to opt in when they log into the library account at home. Not changing it will NOT prevent the customer from checking out items or placing them on hold;
§  If customer agrees with device checkout policy, then change user cat2 to laptop-yes under the Demographics tab.
Please continue to send your questions and suggestions to Virtual Library Services (hplvirtuallibrary@houstontx.gov).

Please share this information with your staff.

Sincerely,

Saima

Friday, March 3, 2017

Slice of Life: Shepard Acres Homes


Gwen set up a creative display at Shepard- Acres Homes.  Customers are encouraged to write what they like about using our library and take a picture, so that they can be displayed on our board for the remainder of the month!  There are some more "Slice of Life" posts coming but if you have an idea, you're more than welcome to pass it by!

-Jesus Villegas






Thursday, February 9, 2017

SPACES NOTICE
JHJ: Office Moves
9 February 2017
  
The Spaces and Communications Division will be moving to their new offices beginning Thursday, February 9 and anticipate being back up and operational by the end of the day on Monday, February 13. During this time our connectivity to phones and emails will be greatly limited.

During this time, if there are any emergencies, please contact the following:
  • Spaces Division: Karrington Burnett - 713-837-6473
  • Communications Division: Marjorie Gonzalez – 281-936-9760
  • Administrative Offices for Community Engagement, Outreach and Cultural Initiatives: Sharon Fletcher - 832-654-6415
Please communicate this information as usual and as necessary. 


John Middleton

Houston Public Library | SPACES