Online Library Card Registration

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 and look for MyLink Online Library Card): http://training.houstonlibrary.org/library-function

   

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

Information from CE Managers Meeting 3/27/15

Here are some links that were mentioned in the CE Managers Meeting today:

• Staff Development Day FAQs
• Guidelines for Friends and Discards
• Friends and Discards Label
• Reconsideration Form (Used when a customer feels an item should be removed from the collection.)
• Training Request/Approval Form (approval form for courses requiring a fee)
• Formal Course Approval Form  (approval form for a new course offering)
• Talent Management System (TMS)  Access Cape Center content, approve team members registration, etc  (Log in with your Outlook password)
• In House Tutorial Videos (via Training Portal)
• Tell Your Story: MY Link Card Campaign--During April, help us to collect as many stories as you can from customers or staff members on how HPL has made a difference in their lives.  Bring at least one story to our next managers meeting where we will start the meeting with a breakfast celebration about how HPL makes a difference in the lives of Houstonians.  You will be asked to share one of the stories that you gather.
• Discover 15 Minutes--Encourage parents to find 15 minutes each day to read aloud to their child to help brain development, build vocabulary, and prepare them for future success in school and life.  Visit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation for more information.  Discover 15 in Spanish
• Service Animals-  Dogs and Miniature horses are recognized as service animals currently.  Follow the link for more information.  You can ask "Is this animal required because of a disability?" and "What work or task has this animal been trained to perform?" if there is a question about an animal.  ADA Revised requirements
• AP 3-7 Positive Corrective Action Program
•  Open Enrollment:  This is an active enrollment that all eligible staff need to enroll through ESS.  There are videos and handouts to help.
• National Center for Families Learning Webcast "Powerful Collaborations:  Library-School-Community Partnerships"

Thanks!

Laurie

MY Link / H-E-B Reusable Bags

Good Morning-

I hope that your effort to collect customer stories for the MY Link Library Card Campaign is off to a good start.  Please remember to call or email me if you have any questions about that process.

As part of our promotional push, the Central Library and all Neighborhood Library locations will receive at least one box (400) of reusable tote bags.  These thick, polyurethane bags were provided by our campaign sponsor, H-E-B, and help us promote our mission and the MY Link card. 

We ask that your provide a bag to each customer at checkout, along with a  “Tell Your Story” bookmark.  And please remember to encourage participation by all customers, but especially those whom you know have an interesting story to tell.

Please contact the Print Shop at hplprintgraphics@houstontx.gov if you do not receive your bags by Monday, 3/16/15.

Again, thank you for supporting the MY Link campaign!

Sincerely,

Greg

Greg Simpson