Messages

Since we need to become more consistent with the messages we leave on materials (problems, damage, missing parts, etc etc etc), I have left a pink message pad in everyone's mailbox, and one at each circ station as well.

Please get into the habit of using these pads. While they are not "custom" and we may at some point want to create custom notes, there was a bunch of these in the supply closet (and I hate to waste stuff like this). I do think the forms will help people write more complete notes for problems with items.

Please be sure to date, and sign (or initial) all notes! One of the biggest problems is that people come across items with notes, and it's impossible to tell who wrote the note or how long the problem has existed. Please concisely detail the problem, and what, if any, action has been taken. Also, it is helpful to address the note TO someone.

ALSO>>>>>>>

I would like everyone to use these notes to take phone messages for me. I spend more time on the phone with vendors than I need or want to, and often I answer a call when I am in the middle of something else only to get trapped in a long conversation. So, please always ask who is calling if someone is looking for me. You can take a regular message or send them to my voicemail (x17) - whichever you prefer.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Patrons and Personal Staff Information

First, an email from the Police Chief:

Just a heads up on our friend Josephine Atavilla.  I understand a number of town departments are receiving calls from her.  We deal with her on a regular basis and Deborah Thompson has spoken with mental health.  They can assist us but there are criteria needed to meet any type of Section 12 or placement.  If you have incidences where she has threatened staff you should document the call and let us know.  There is a difference between nuisance calls and threatening calls – the line for any type of intervention is usually a showing that the person is a danger to themselves or others.  One of the issues that has her going is an investigation by the ACO regarding a neighbor’s complaint of noise from her chickens.  Lori has advised her that she needs to make application to the Health Dept. pursuant to the Animal Rules and Regs passed by the Health Dept in October.  The contact has set her off.  

This is an unbalanced person who we have had contact with and complaints from, here at the library. This is also a person that lives near Kathy, and that Kathy has had issues with. Recently, she asked questions about Kathy's whereabouts...

Bottom line is that we should NOT be sharing personal information about staff with ANY patrons. It very easy to make offhand remarks about our co-workers to patrons because we have so many regulars, and many patrons are also personal friends, but we need to keep in mind that we also have our fair share of mentally ill and problematic patrons, so we need to be more mindful about safeguarding staff personal info.

Also seems that we have been having an increase in "problem" behavior from some of our patrons. PLEASE do not hesitate to have me deal with a patron who is being problematic! If I am not here, please get as much info from the patron as possible so that I can deal with them in the future. And if you EVER feel threatened by a patron and I am not here, CALL 911.

Please see me if you have questions.