NEW Device Lending!

Digital Strategies is launching a new device lending program on Monday, November 18^th!Customers will be able to check-out laptops from the library! 

This is an exciting new initiative for HPL and our customers. 

Customers

·         Use the HPL catalog to place holds on a laptop (Houston Public Library Laptop)

·         Check-out laptop for 3 weeks and return to lending location

·         Library accounts must be in good standing: active library card and owe less than $10

Circulation

·         30 laptops will show active on November 18^th

·         Blue bins with large pieces of foam are used for transport – do not remove or throw away any pieces from bin

·         Frontline staff receive circulating laptop in a blue bin through FIDS and process as an item hold

·         Blue bin stays at location until laptop is returned

·         Upon laptop return, staff checks out laptop to location XXX-REFURB account

·         Laptop will be placed in blue bin & exterior labels updated for return to LMS

·         FIDS will pick up blue bin as part of delivery service

Digital Strategies:

·         Bins are delivered to LMS

·         LMS will transfer laptops to DS

·         DS will virtually clean the laptop and remove any customer data

·         DS will check-in the laptop and send it out to the next customer’s pick-up location

Fines/Fees

·         Late fee $25/day (max $150)

·         Damaged/Lost fee: $300 plus $30 processing fee

·         Damaged Lost case/charging cables: $10 each

Being Aware

PLEASE ROAM AND PAY ATTENTION TO CUSTOMERS 

WHEN YOU'RE ASSIGNED TO THE PUBLIC FLOOR!

There have been multiple empty DVD cases found in the last week.

Only use the triage computer when necessary to assist a customer, otherwise, EXP/GT should be roaming, straightening shelves, checking on customers and monitoring the collection. 

Please work together when assigned to EXP/GT and CSD 

so that we can assist customers who walk in, as well as those already in the library.

We Work in the Details

Please make sure you are following procedures and 

utilizing processes that are in place to ensure accuracy! 

Slow down and check your work.

Minimize distractions.

Assist your teammates whenever possible.

Pay attention to the schedule.

Utilize time effectively.

Let's all work together to ensure our customer service is the best we can offer!

Election Season

Voting season is upon us!

Voter Deputy Registrar Training

-        “Getting Deputized” = Getting trained to be a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar. In order to encourage voter registration, Texas election law provides for County Voter Registrars to designate individuals to assist in the registration of eligible persons to vote. These individuals are appointed as Volunteer Deputy Registrars and operate under State rules and the supervision of the County Voter Registrar.

-        All persons who are eligible to vote in Texas can also take a training which qualifies them to conduct on-site voter registration.

-        The trainings are being held from now through end-September: One at Heights Thursday, September 5th at 6:00pm!

-        A training can also be requested for the organization.

Reminder: Everyone who applies for a library card should be offered a voter registration!

Unaccompanied Adults

No kids with you? Please vacate the children's area.

As we begin the 2019-2020 school year, 

please enforce HPL's official "no unaccompanied adults in the Children's Area" policy!

IF ALL ADULT COMPUTERS ARE IN USE, PLEASE UTILIZE A STAFF COMPUTER TO MAKE A RESERVATION IN THE ADULT AREA.

We consistently have children and families in the Children's Area 
and should be enforcing this policy during all open hours.

It is on our website: http://houstonlibrary.org/library-rules-policies

There is also signage for public computers 8-11 for customer reference.

This policy is in place for the safety and comfort of all patrons. 

If customers have questions and/or feedback, 

please refer them to the website and offer a comment form.

Processing Procedures

Please implement new processing procedures, effective immediately!

1. No cell phone usage while processing. If you're scanning items, DO NOT have your cell phone out.

2. CSD requires a cart. ALL ITEMS should be re-scanned immediately following a desk shift.

3. When processing Book Drop, use another cart and once you've scanned an item, move from BD cart to the secondary cart to avoid mix-ups and/or un-scanned items.

Please support your fellow staff and allow 3-5 minutes, whenever possible, 

for additional processing following CSD shifts.

Our goal is always to work as a team to provide excellent customer service! 

Tech Update!

FYI!

Digital Strategies has launched an updated password for the Branch Account! 

The password cannot be written down, but must be memorized by staff.

This password will change every 90 days, so be prepared with a method to keep track!

Proactive Teamwork

Our limited staffing means we all need to work together to accomplish daily tasks.

In addition to providing excellent customer service, 

please make every effort to be aware of tasks that need to be completed 

and take action whenever possible!

Slow hour of Book Drop? 

Sort a cart for Shelving! 

Help shelve Delivery! 

Find some items on the Paging list! 

Straighten and Shelf Read!

Assist customers on the public floor!

Focus on the many opportunities we all have to assist one another 

and continue to make the Heights Library the best it can be!