Please take a moment to vote for next year's topics for ASRT!  Thanks!  Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVKCNJB


9/15/16
Adult Services Roundtable Meeting Minutes
Location:  Bessemer Library
Topic:  Unique spaces/collections

Attendees:
Madalyn, Hoover
Shannon, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Kelly, Springville Road
Maura, Trussville
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Christina, East Lake
Megan, Bessemer
Lori, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Leigh, North Birmingham

Thank you to Deidre Sims and the staff at Bessemer for hosting us!

We talked informally about several things that are being circulated throughout the county.  Specifically, Madalyn from Hoover talked about the newest edition: adult designer board games.  These have been a HUGE hit at Hoover.  (I will include a link to the borrowing/processing details for other libraries to see.) When I posted a photo of the display of adult games on ALA Think Tank, we got nationwide attention and responses.  (If you haven't joined the ALA Think Tank group on Facebook, I highly encourage you do so.  There is also a "Programming Librarian" and "Libraries & Social Media" groups that are also invaluable.)  This unique collection is appealing to a younger demographic that might not be very active in public library usage.  Here are some documents detailing the program:

Board Game Collection Guidelines.docx

Board Game Lending Procedures.docx

Board Game Patron Lending Agreement 2016.docx

Board Game Descriptions (with images).xlsx

In addition to board games, Hoover circulates Samsung tablets (taking the place of Nooks), Roku sticks (preloaded with all those "free" digital copies that now come with all our DVD/Blu-Ray copies), and WIFI hotspots.  Several other libraries now circulate WIFI hotspots and are beginning to look into other technological devices to circulate.  Currently, Hoover has 5 Roku sticks that are being circulated.  The goal is to have them loaded with like movies to create "movie bundles/binge packages" on one device.

At Avondale, Ms. Eve has developed a Ukelele Lending program.  According to Carla Perkins, "We began this program after Mrs. Eve read about similar programs in Portland, Maine, Gretna, Nebraska, Athens, Georgia, and more.  After doing much research, Mrs. Eve wrote a proposal, including all the relevant circulation and cost information provided by the above mentioned libraries, as well as studies linking the study of music to improved academic performance and reduced stress levels.  A small local music store, (Fretted Instruments in Homewood, Alabama) donated 5 ukuleles to get us started.  When they saw the great demand they brought 8 more over for a total of 13.   They all came with a very thin vinyl case which we are hoping will be enough to protect them. No damage so far!  In addition to circulating the ukuleles, Mrs. Eve is teaching a once per month Saturday morning Ukulele 101 beginner’s course. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly favorable.

Specifics:
The check out period for the ukulele is the same as for a book -⁠3 weeks.
The instrument checks out with a book, 21 songs in 6 days, by Jenny Peters and Rebecca Bogart
The Ukulele must be picked up and returned to the Avondale Library Youth Department, Birmingham Public Library System
The fee for lost or damaged instruments is $50.00
They are catalogued as ukuleles 3D
To help with maintenance, Fretted Instruments also donated extra strings"

So far, so good!!  This type of thing will appeal to kids, teens and adults.  And the addition of a "101" class is genius!

Another thing that was discussed were Playaway's "LaunchPads" that are circulating in children's departments.  These are preloaded with games & material such as brain games, math games, STEM games, etc.  For now, most are aimed at children but some libraries will be adding adult learning materials too loaded with things like crosswords, quizzes and brain games.

Lastly, we opened up the floor to discussion of a variety of things we've heard are circulating around the country such as cake pans, neckties, knitting & craft tools and household tools. BPL downtown has for many years circulated art objects --  painting and sculptures -- to anyone for longer loan periods.  These unique collections can make us a wonderful testing ground for adults who like to try before they buy.  One cutting-edge item discussed were Virtual Reality Goggles.  

It was discussed that perhaps ASRT could create a spreadsheet that includes what libraries have what type of collection and their respective lending requirements.  Also, possibly creating a checklist for unique collections  -- a one-stop-shop for anyone considering investing in a unique/unusual collection.  What is your opinion?

Next Meeting:  Thursday, November 17, 2016 @ 10 am

Location:  Springville Road Library

Topic:  Library Public Relations/Promotions

Vote for 2017 topics for Adult Services Roundtable to discuss.  Here is a link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RVKCNJB

Thanks!

Clear your calendars!  Save the date!

Next week on September 15th at the Bessemer Library, we will meet at 10 am to discuss "Makerspaces & Unique Collections".  If you have any questions about a special collection whether it be adult board games, videogames, or ukeleles -- along with the most current trend on the horizon, Makerspaces -- come to this meeting to find out more.  We need both sides, those with the collections and those interested in adding them.  What troubles or benefits have you come across?  How are you dealing with processing & checkouts?  Do you wonder if it is all worth it?  Come with questions (and answers if you have them!)

We will also be voting on 2017 topics/moderator/locations for meetings.  Make your voice heard.

There will be coffee and pastries!

Thank you!!

Shannon Haddock

ASRT Meeting Minutes, Topic: Employment Search Support

July 21, 2016
Adult Services Roundtable

Topic:  Employee Search Support

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Kelly, Springville Road
Leslie, BPL
Debbie, Leeds
Terri, Vestavia Hills
Pam, Southside
Susan, Trussville
Deidre Sims, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Laura, BPL
Special Guest:  Bill Carlson, InfoGroup, ReferenceUSA

NEXT MEETING:  September 15, 2016 at Bessemer Library TOPIC:  Maker spaces, Unique places/collections

How do we keep our patrons from going on Internet Explorer and googling "resumes"?  We talked about ways to intervene with patrons so that we can direct them to proper tools in searching for jobs online and in building resumes more efficiently and effectively.  Too many patrons are finding resume builders online, spending too much time building something, then finding out the service charges for the template.  It was suggested that we investigate the possibility of posting a link on the library desktop.

Microsoft Resume Template is one of the basic tools we have to offer patrons.  

Other things we can do is direct them to Learning Express (we are very much in the mode of "use-it-or-lose-it" with many of our database tools).  Learning Express provides high-school equivalency information, software tutorials, adult learning, and a career center.  There is also a great number of testing practices within this resource.

For example, did you know that ALL basic food service entry-level applicants have to pass a Food Safety Certification through Jefferson County? These certification tests are available online through the JeffCo Health Department:(http://www.statefoodsafety.com/food-handler/alabama/jefferson-county)

Some library employees encourage patrons to visit the Alabama Career Centers.  There, people are trained and paid to attend to employment needs such as basic resume building, certification help and completion, and many other aspects of prospective employment. https://joblink.alabama.gov/ada/r/resources

Another example of libraries in action is Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest.  Their Tech Department leads classes on resume building.  One noted thing they mention to prospective applicants is the importance of including "keywords" in your resume.  By that it means that now, computer programs are reading resumes and those computers are programmed to look for specific terms in a resume -- called Optical Character Recognition.  OCR means if your wonderful resume doesn't mention specific things, it will never even reach a human for further consideration.  VH works to help patrons include vital terminology so that their resumes can get past the computers and into the hands of humans.  (Learn something new/frightening everyday!)

Another resource for our libraries to use is Homework Alabama.  Surprisingly, they provide support/help 10 am - 10 pm job search assistance.  Once you've arrived at the Homework Alabama website, you can visit the "Adult Education and Career Center" to learn more.  

I brought up the question of whether patrons are asking for the use of computers for online interviews through webcams, Skype, or Google Hangouts, etc.  No one said that they had had too much of this but there was concern brought up about patrons needing quiet spaces to conduct interviews using the library's WIFI (bringing their own equipment). It was noted that librarians would benefit from a community listing of available quiet/conference rooms available to the public in spaces other than the library.  For example, Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Irondale provides a free quiet conference room to the public.  This might be a valuable resource to market to Chamber of Commerce offices too.

Please post here or on our Facebook page if you have other employment search support tools not mentioned here.  The more ideas, the better!!

Next, InfoGroup's ReferenceUSA database presented by Bill Carlson.

Bill's business card (if anyone wants to contact him for more information.)



Bill highlighted tools on ReferenceUSA that could be used by prospective job hunters.  For instance, on the front page of RefUSA, you see a selection for US Jobs/Internships. Evidently, InfoGroup generates content for this section *everyday*.  By using the site Indeed.com, which is a job search aggregate, they can merge job openings with their own research into companies and provide a depth of information to the job seeker that can help them in the search.  


For several screenshots of links on ReferenceUSA that are key for patron job searches, please go to this document in Google docs.

We will be having a very special guest on Thursday, July 21st at the Adult Service Roundtable meeting.  The meeting starts at 10 am with a discussion on Employee Search Support, then Bill Carlson from Reference USA will be showing us expert tips on his database.  Bill is traveling quite a distance to meet with us, so please consider making it over if you possibly can.  Please bring your ideas, tips, resources for helping our patrons find their dream jobs, then stay for some advanced tips that may be new to you.  

Where:  Hoover Library's Children's Programming Room
When:  10 am to noon (?)
Who:  EVERYONE!!!

JCPLA Staff Day Awards





Librarian of the Year


The Librarian of the Year award will be presented to a professional librarian for outstanding achievement and accomplishments in librarianship within Jefferson County.


Eligibility Any working librarian serving in a professional capacity in a Jefferson County public library who holds a Master’s degree in library information studies.





Paralibrarian of the Year


The Paralibrarian Award shall be presented to an exceptional library employee who has contributed to the advancement of library service in Jefferson County.


Eligibility


Open to any library support staff working in a Jefferson County public library. This individual may not have obtained a professional library degree.


Nomination Process Nominating letters should name the candidate, nominator, and describe in 250 words or less why the nominee is deserving of recognition. Additional letters of support are welcome but not required.






Anyone working in a Jefferson County Public Library may submit a nomination for Librarian of the Year and Paralibrarian of the Year. Nominations are due July 5, 2016. Submit nominations to April Wallace, JCPLA Parliamentarian at adeaton@bham.lib.al.us.

Topic:  Using Social Media to Your Advantage

Thursday, May 19, Hoover Public Library

Next Meeting:  Thursday, July 21, 10 am in the Children's Programming Room of the Hoover Library.  Topic:  Employment Search Support, also:  Demonstration of advanced search tips on ReferenceUSA.  (Representative coming in special from out-of-town.  Please try to attend!!!!)

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Joel, Hoover
Teresa, Southside
Ginny, Leeds
Kelly, Springville Road
Jon, Avondale
Maura, Trussville
Deidre, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest, GoodReads.com, NextDoor.com, Meetup.com - what are your favorites?  Which does your libraries utilize?

Joel talked about a session at ALA in San Francisco presented by NYPL about their usage of all things social media.  Fortunately, they have dedicated staff.  One of their main tips was to avoid simply using social media as an events calendar.  People will quickly learn not to pay attention if that is all you have to offer.  They suggested fostering intellectual curiosity.  For example, Hoover posted something about NASA's astronaut applications and their efforts to find qualified applicants.  Response was amazing.  Another example is that if your book group is reading a particular author's work and they are actually on social media, it behooves you to tag them.  When Joel posted that Hoover would be discussing Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, she responded that she would love to Skype with us if that was possible.  You never know about the response.  Another post about Cornell's Bird Call Library was re-posted and shared widely.  Sources for book-related posts abound through publishers, news agents, etc.  Being re-posted and shared is vital to getting your name brand out there as someone worthy of a person's screen time.

Other success stories come from other branches such as Pinson, whose very own "Socks the Library Cat" has a wonderful following.  Another library posted pics of their pet lizard "holding" a library card.  Photo ops make for great, quick posts.  Joel spoke of responses from around the world at all hours of the night and day.  Although he usually tries to respond in a timely fashion, responding to questions from social media is important and hopefully can be done during the workday.  He spoke on the use of both Facebook and Twitter.

He emphasized that if you are going to undertake anything other than Facebook, it is important to research and learn what is unique about each social media vehicle -- not just repost Facebook content to Snapchat, etc.  Unique audiences choose their platform for specific reasons and do not want to just see the same content over multiple platforms.  For example, Twitter is for short messages and posts under 140 characters.  SnapChat is for images, video, etc.

An up and coming app that Joel recommends is the List App created and promoted by actor/writer BJ Novak.  Evidently it is for lists of all kinds -- perfect for a library to use to promote materials.  As of now, they do not have a desktop application, but it is expected down the line.  (Pinterest is also useful for a visual display of books or pictures from programs.)

Jon spoke of posting Cornell Lab's annual backyard bird count.  Things like this are intellectually stimulating and create wide interest throughout the community.  Another networking opportunity came along for Joel when he posted his musical acts performing at the library and a new whole network of musicians became aware of the library's performing space and have contacted or come to the library in regards to future performances.  For those more popular focused groups, such as Hoover's "Game Night" followers, it was beneficial to create a separate FB group in order to channel talk about new games, schedule changes, etc.

Of course, all of this not only takes up staff time, but also takes time to grow an audience/following.  However, it can reach new audiences and that is critical for public libraries.  Kelly pointed out that she became aware of scheduling your FB posts ahead of time to help in time management.  Joel spoke on having to sometimes be hyper-vigilant of "inappropriate" posts or followers to the library's many outlets.  Self-policing is necessary in order to moderate your social media.  "You can't totally be in control of your social media narrative," stated Joel.  There may be inappropriate language and/or photos that may cause harm.

Michelle brought up that you can also purchase FB advertising that can target a specific message.  It is relatively cheap and effective.  You can create a niche for specific types of activities or performances and with FB advertising, you can look at the analytics in real-time.  You can choose up to 10 factors such as geography, age, sex, zip code, etc. with a minimum cost of $1/day.

Shannon spoke on other social media venues such as Ravelry.com for knitters and crocheters.  This network is perfect for those craft groups and/or reaching a specified audience.  Also, NextDoor.com can be useful in targeting just your neighborhood for social gathering or new services you wish to get to a targeted audience.  GoodReads.com was mentioned but it was also stated that since Amazon.com had bought the site, it was much less useful.

Please feel free to post your own experiences and uses of social media so that we can have an ongoing conversation on this topic.