Website Update

Web server needs to be restarted for a necessary update at 1:30 PM today. This will take 2-3 minutes. During this time, access to HPL website (houstonlibrary.org) may be slow.
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Online Resources | Outstanding Issues

Digital Strategies staff is working towards resolving issues with Press Display accessibility and Overdrive and Lynda.com slowness. We appreciate your patience and assistance with library customers while we find a solution for these issues.
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Change in IT Help Desk Hours

Hello, Digital Strategies is adjusting help desk hours to assist with providing coverage during peak hours.

Starting Monday, February 20th the Help Desk hours (832-393-1570) will be:
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-7:00pm (after 7pm, call 713-742-3978)
Friday-Saturday, 8:00am-6:00pm
Sunday, 1pm-5pm

Thanks,

Laurie

JOB SEARCH SEMINARS

To book a seminar for your location(s), please email Celeste Diaz and copy Mary Wagoner.

• CREATING A RESUME/COMPLETING THE APPLICATION: You may have the skills the employer is looking for and never get to the interview if your résumé does not highlight those skills. Develop a professional résumé that will match your skills and experience to the job and employer you are looking for. Most employers will ask you to complete an employment application, even if you have a great résumé. Learn how to complete an application for employment thoroughly, accurately, and neatly.
• CREATING REFERENCES, COVER AND THANK YOU LETTERS: Learn how to create a job reference page, a professional cover letter to accompany your résumé, and to write a thank you letter to employers with whom you’ve interviewed. 
• INTERVIEWING: Get advice on effective interviewing techniques, respond appropriately to common interview questions, and negotiate salary and benefits for your new job. The interview is where jobs are won or lost. Ensure that your chances of getting the job offer are high! 
• EVALUATE YOUR SKILLS and DEVELOP A PLAN: Over 80% of job applicants can’t describe their skills! Can you? This seminar will help you determine your marketable skills, learn to effectively communicate your skills and identify your employment priorities. What is your plan to find your next job? Are you getting the results you want? This seminar will help you identify effective ways to look for a job, create a daily job search schedule, and develop goals for your job search. 
• NETWORKING: Networking is not limited to who you know, it’s learning how to find out about jobs that are not advertised and how to get your foot in the door. Learn to develop a list of contacts that can help you and create a marketing profile to promote your skills and abilities. 
• USING THE INTERNET: Many job seekers spend time on the Internet. Is there really an employer on the other side of the screen? Learn how to use the Internet effectively in your job search and research labor market information to identify occupations that are growing and have openings.
• LANDING THAT FIRST JOB: Many youth will find a first job this year and some will also find their future careers. This workshop is designed to help youth find a first job and learn how to build experience that will launch their careers. 
• REBRANDING YOUR SKILLS: Expand your job search prospects by rebranding your skills. This workshop will teach you to identify the skills you have gained in the past and present them in a way that catches the attention of employers that can move you to a new job or even a new industry. 

Best regards, Mary Wagoner x32711  

On Call Investigator/GSD Security Number: 832-393-8478

Hi, If an employee forgets his or her alarm code; or re-enters the building after setting the alarm, please call the On Call Investigator immediately at 832-393-8478. The employee may be unaware that a false alarm has been activated. Please share this number with staff. Thanks. Mary x32711

iPads for Kids Crayola Kiosk

Standard Operating Procedures:

6.28.16

 

Opening Procedures

1.     Unplug the Kiosk and stow the extension cord. Extension cords are not to be used on the public floor while the library is open since it poses a safety hazard (tripping)

2.     Check to make sure all iPads are on and that the screw at the base of each bracket is in place and stable.

3.     Check against inventory list – GTAG numbers

Closing Procedures

1.     Retrieve extension cord for the iPads for Kids Crayola Kiosk and plug the station in.

2.     Ensure that all iPads are charging properly. The battery life of an iPad Air 2 in constant use is 10 hours.

3.     Check for open apps by pressing the home button twice; close open apps by swiping upwards across the screen.

4.     Wipe iPads with soft microfiber cloth.

5.     Check against inventory list – GTAG numbers

 

When to call the IT Helpdesk

1.     If an iPad is loose in the bracket, please remove it and place it in secured storage. Contact the Helpdesk.

2.     Notifications or updates pop up on the screen.

3.     Customer resets a password.

4.     If an iPad is missing or stolen, please provide the GTAG number.  Immediately, call the police and report the loss/theft.  Provide a description of the iPad and GTAG number.  Call the IT Helpdesk immediately and provide the GTAG number so the tracking device gets triggered. File an incident report.

 

Priority Age Range: As replacements for the Early Literacy Stations, iPads for Kids are intended for Youth users from ages 2 - 8. Priority should be given to customers within this age range. However, if an iPad is not in use, others may use it and should be allowed to do so.

 

Please note: We are encouraging parents/caregivers to remain with their child(ren) and share an iPad.

 If a customer is not a child is between ages 2 and 8 and a child within the age range wishes to use the device, please do the following:

Explain to the youth, teen or adult customer that the intended audience for these devices is between ages 2 - 8.

Please ask the customer to allow the child to play.

Please ask the parent or caregiver to share an iPad with their child(ren) so that other children may play.

 Multiple Users: Please follow the same guidelines that are in place for public computer usage which is the following:

            Explain safety and ADA compliance guidelines.

Explain that two customers may share an iPad and ask the rest of the group to voluntarily step away and redirect them to another iPad, if available.

You may also suggest that they take turns in teams of two.

If no other iPad is available and no one voluntarily steps away, reinforce what was just stated.

If no one will step away, inform the group that they will lose their privilege to play on the iPad for the remainder of the day.

 

Please note: The Notice to All Users already states damaging/ destroying/stealing library property is prohibited.

 

Update MY Link Account | Website Form

A new Update MY Link Account form has been added to the Get a MY Link Card and Library Card FAQ pages: http://houstonlibrary.org/update-my-link-account

Please direct customers to use this form if they wish to change their email, phone, address, name or renew their card. Circ Admin will check, update and contact the customer. A comment will pop up if they update customer's address. Please remove the comment once you have verified it.

Customers who move from a 22477 barcode to 77422 may also use this form to merge their Overdrive accounts.

Questions? Email Virtual Library Services at hplvirtuallibrary@houstontx.gov.
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