Internet Slowness

Mary sent this message today about Internet slowness:

Our HPL and City network teams are constantly engaged in finding a solution to our internet slowness. City IT keeps pointing to our SmartFilter as the culprit. Late yesterday afternoon, HPL went live on a 30 day test of WebSense Internet Filter. This 30 day test should help to confirm their suspicions; or cause them to look elsewhere for the problem. If it does prove their theory, then HPL’s IT department will recommend switching our filtering subscription to WebSense.




Please keep IT informed if our customers complain of sites blocked; or slowness in connectivity.
IT Helpdesk: • Telephone: 832-393-1570 • Email: HPL IT Helpdesk (HPL.HelpDesk@houstontx.gov).
Elva Alvarez Telephone: 832-393-2704 Email: elva.alvarez@houstontx.gov
Please share the following information in your email or phone call: (Helpdesk should ask you these questions)

1. Your Branch
2. Your name
3. Date of occurrence
4. Time it started
5. Time it stopped (Most recent problem would last 10 or 15 minutes and then go away for a while)
6. Connection type ( Staff computer, Public Computer and if Wifi or not.)
7. Notes: Anything you can tell us about what you or the customer was doing at the time.
8. Please keep a log and note trends if it is occurring the same time of day and share with IT and Team Leader.

Keep up the good job of trying to make every customer experience a positive one!

Pop Quiz--Do You Know the New Mission and Vision Statement?

Hello,

Dr. Lawson announced our new Vision and Mission statements last week.  This week there was a Pop Quiz during ELT. 
Please make sure staff are aware of these new HPL messages and be ready to answer the questions at a meeting soon!

HPL’s New Vision Statement

HPL is a vital member of a dynamic and diverse local, national and global community.

HPL’s New Mission Statement

We link people to the world.

As Dr. Lawson said in her message to staff, "Please begin using our new statements in place of our previous statements and wherever else it is appropriate – in print, in conversation with customers, etc. Please learn them right away – yes there will be a test!"  

Thanks,   Laurie

New Hires

NL Administration is very excited about HPL welcoming new staff this week!  HPL wants all employees to receive the best training  so everyone is comfortable in their new roles.

Suzy Benton has sent a training checklist to all Managers.  The checklist is a general guideline.  As you think of areas that need covering, please post your suggestion to the blog.  For example, reviewing the policy and procedures for using gaming equipment is not on the checklist, but gaming may be an important part of your daily programming.  We are looking forward to your posts.

Thank you so much for making HPL a great place to work!

Mary Wagoner
832-393-2711

Kronos Log On for New Hires

Managers and Supervisors,


Here are the instruction to train new hires on how to clock in using the web site.
Here is the Kronos URL and steps you need to begin the process: https://coh.kronoshosting.com/wfc/logon.

Login Info:

Username: Exxxxxx (E followed by the employee ID)

Password: password

You will be prompted to change the password; re-enter the old one (password) and then enter your new one twice. Next, a few security questions will need to be selected.

If you receive a message that the Java version needs to be updated, please right click on the message and select “run add-on” and that will take care of the message. You should be able to proceed with the log on.

Reminder: Please add the new hire pattern scheduler to the kronos timecard system.

Thanks!

Gloria Edmond
Administrative Assistant
Payroll Services
611 Walker, 3rd Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Ph: (832) 393 - 8856
fax:(713) 837 - 0138
EM; gloria.edmond@houstontx.gov

Literacy

The Houston Center for Literacy (HCL) is now directing callers to the United Way of Greater Houston’s 2-1-1 Helpline for literacy provider referrals. The helpline is accessible 24 hours a day and is very user friendly. HCL is very excited for this opportunity, as the 2-1-1 helpline will better assist us in ensuring that our fellow Houstonians are provided with the literacy services they need.


You may find links to the 2-1-1 helpline and website on HCL’s website at http://houliteracy.org/resources/find-a-class-near-you/. Similar to HCL’s previously used zip code finder, the 2-1-1 website allows you to input your zip code and type of class you are looking for to find the closest providers near you.

Thanks. Mary Wagoner

Spring Ahead! - Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Saving Time goes into effect at 2 a.m. Sunday, so we are skipping ahead to 3 a.m. Our computer clocks should automatically reset, but my old clock radio will not.

Mary

HEAR Day at the Library

Don't forget to sign up for a HEAR training at one of our library locations.  To prepare for the class, you need to bring a complete work plan for one of your staff members and a copy of the HEAR Interim Applicaton User Guide.

The User Guide can be found on the LMS when you sign up for the class.  Work Plans can be found on the NL Blog under Resources.

LMS System Login

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Laurie