Policy and Procedures

Hello,

While the Intranet transition is still ongoing, we have posted the Security Policy and Procedures and the Notice to All Users (Rules) on the CE Blog Resources page under HPL Forms (on the right side).

They can also be found here.

Library Security Policy
Library Security Procedures
Notice to All Users (Library Rules)

I have also located some electronic versions of some other policies.
Notification of Tardiness or Absence Policy and Procedure
Hours:  Time and Attendance Reporting Policy and Procedure 

Thanks,

Laurie

HPD Mental Health Division Resource Information Guide

Hello,

Here is a list of phone numbers to help us assist homeless and mentally ill customers courtesy of HPD's Mental Health Division.

https://app.luminpdf.com/viewer/hm9vS8KzuvdbgoMwq/share?sk=6d30fae4-5f67-47ec-88f1-e031d7b057ef

Thanks,
Laurie

New Phone Number for GSD On Call

Hello,

Effective immediately, the GSD Security On Call Phone number for emergencies and intrusion alarm responses is now 832-393-8478.  The old number (832-316-1944) is now retired.  Please adjust the number in your phones so you are calling the correct number.

Thanks,

Laurie

New Library Rules

This is to let you know that HPL’s Rules of Conduct have been updated and made available for staff and the public on the HPL webpage.  You can find the updated rules here:  http://houstonlibrary.org/library-rules-policies. 

Updated signage is currently being prepared and will be distributed to locations by the end of the month.  Please take this time to remove signage from your location that includes the old rules, and refer to the rules on the internet in discussions with customers.

The updated rules are the result of work by the Executive Leadership Team, representatives from Customer Experience and the City’s Legal Department.  The rules needed to be revised to incorporate the recent change in definition of Library “premises” to include the “building and any city-owned property, plaza, green space, or walkway around the building.”  (City of Houston Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24, Sec. 24-5).

Significant changes include:

* A ban on smoking of any type on library premises, as described above.

* An addition to the rule on customer clothing, to include a prohibition on clothing that “exposes underwear or private body parts.”

* A change to the rule pertaining to the size of bags, etc., allowed, which is now no more than three feet in length.

There are several other changes to wording in the new rules.  Please become familiar with the entire list at your earliest convenience.

John Middleton is scheduled to attend the March Customer Experience Managers Meeting to discuss these changes.  In the meantime, Customer Experience staff should contact Laurie Covington (832-293-1367) if you have questions.

All other staff can contact John at 832-393-1681.

Thank you.

Regards

Roosevelt Weeks

Incident Reports Reminders

I thought I would post some reminders about Incident Reports.

• When do I write an incident report? Incident reports should be written any time something causes a disturbance to library property, staff or customers, Library rules are broken, or any illegal activities occur. You should do an incident report any time you suspend any customer, whether adult or juvenile, from the building or when children are left unattended after hours.


• Who should write an incident report? Any staff member who witnesses or deals with an issue or disturbance should write an incident report. If several staff members witness something, then all staff members involved should write an account. All incident reports should be written as soon as possible after an incident, within 24 hours. If it is a major emergency, please call your Team Leader and/or NL Office (32707).


• Where can I find the incident report form? Incident Report Forms are found on the Intranet under Forms and Facilities


• What information should I include? Incident Reports are legal documents and should include all the facts about the incident. Who is involved, what happened, any witnesses (staff and customers), contact information, and what you did. The Action Taken space on the form is where you put how you responded to the situation. Please include any information about police or ambulance being called. If you have updates to the report later, please add them and resend with “Revised” as part of the file name.


• What do I name it? Incident reports should all be named with the date, location, initials of staff, brief description of the incident, and name of person involved. EXAMPLE: 073011_COL_JD_Theft_Smith.doc


• Where do I send it? Send incident reports to HPL – NL Incidents and copy your supervisor. Incident reports are also saved on the G Drive.


• What is a Trespass Warning and where do I find it? Trespass Warnings and Suspension Notices are also found on the Intranet under Forms and Facilities. These are documents that assist us to fully identify customers that have been suspended from the building for any period of time. They should be kept on file so that the Police can use them if the customer returns before the suspension is over. Fax trespass warnings and suspension notices to GSD Security at 713-837-7602.

For more information about Security and Emergencies check out the How to Guide on the Resources page of the NL Blog and the Policies and Procedures about Security on the Intranet.

Thanks,

Laurie