Ah end of the week. The time for something inevitably to go wrong for the weekend. As I write I am running a verify/fix programme to sort out a bug that claims a student has 32 items out on loan, when they have 4. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will sort it out...
This morning I met with a member of IT to discuss a change I want to make in swapping our OPACs for cut down web terminals, that only allow access to the online catalogue. We've got an ongoing problem of the OPACs crashing which best efforts haven't resolved. So, switching to the much more stable (tough wood) web search seems the best option. I'm told it shouldn't be too hard to do, but I will await the results!
I've also checked the security tapes today and have employed the porters on a mini manhunt for a student I cannot identify. I probably only need to send an email to them, but at present they are a mystery to me.
I spent time working on an asset list, which has items we are retaining or discarding as part of the renovation. It is now rainbow colour-coded based on who I think needs to take any action. I can't wait to show it to those involved and possibly scramble their minds. I also feel slightly bad that one department has ended up a colour I can only describe as sludge :(
I spent some time this afternoon revising a list of children's authors. It is divided into two sections: the first lists current authors that we should be on the look out for new releases from. The second section lists popular authors (dead or alive) who I think we are missing portions of that we should have. For example, when Enid Blyton lost popularity for not being PC (about which I would happily have a separate conversation) pretty much all her books were removed from the Library. At least, that's what I assume happened, as otherwise the lack of Blyton seems unaccountable. So, slowly I am reinstating her because she is part of the literary canon, whatever.
**Maintenance update, the verify/fix has worked! Hurrah!**
Now to pack up for the weekend, lock the sample chairs in the workroom and email the weekend student helpers with any information or instructions they need. Libday8 done.
Friday 3 February 2012
Libday8 - Thursday
Oh dear, the inevitable problem of trying to remember what I did yesterday... Luckily my outlook calendar can fill me in on the main interesting things.
The day started with emails as usual, though this doesn't often take too much of my time. I think I am lucky in being relatively new in post still, that not every company has my address to spam. We also have the generic library account which takes care of most communication with students.
Then we had a staff meeting to discuss the chair samples we've currently got in, and the suggested fabric colours for them. I'd been a bit worried about the reception one chair was getting, but more data has evened it out nicely.
Next we ventured on the bus to town for a meeting with other Librarians using Heritage in the local area. This is a great annual occasion, meeting up with lovely people to eat and discuss our likes/dislikes/plans and problems. It is always enlightening to hear how the same system is being used in similar libraries and to hear about innovations or solutions that otherwise I'd be unaware of.
The afternoon involved lots of bits of admin and discussing the proposed tables for the refurbishment with IT.
The day started with emails as usual, though this doesn't often take too much of my time. I think I am lucky in being relatively new in post still, that not every company has my address to spam. We also have the generic library account which takes care of most communication with students.
Then we had a staff meeting to discuss the chair samples we've currently got in, and the suggested fabric colours for them. I'd been a bit worried about the reception one chair was getting, but more data has evened it out nicely.
Next we ventured on the bus to town for a meeting with other Librarians using Heritage in the local area. This is a great annual occasion, meeting up with lovely people to eat and discuss our likes/dislikes/plans and problems. It is always enlightening to hear how the same system is being used in similar libraries and to hear about innovations or solutions that otherwise I'd be unaware of.
The afternoon involved lots of bits of admin and discussing the proposed tables for the refurbishment with IT.
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Libday8 - Wednesday
Yesterday had a slight addendum after I'd left the Library. The porters asked for my help with identifying a postcard where the name of the recipient was in Cyrllic!
An interesting day today, but not actually one I can blog much about.
Most of my morning was spent in a meeting relating to the refurbishment. I don't feel I can say anything much at all about it since we're still discussing lots of things. It's not for the blogosphere at this stage. So, that was my entire morning taken up pretty much, in a single paragraph.
What I can say is that such meetings are exciting, challenging, stressful and enjoyable all in one go. And not something that every librarian gets to do all the time. I feel really fortunate to be trusted with the refurbishment of a space for the next 10 years at least. It's a big responsibility but a great one.
Lunchtime included some unscheduled car maintenance after my windscreen wipers packed up on the way to work. One fuse change later (plus a broken nail and freezing hands) and I am fully functional to get home.
The afternoon was spent setting up a number of sample chairs for students and staff to try, setting up a feedback system and then encouraging people to start commenting. Plus kicking off a few things on the to do list after the meeting this morning.
Last thing today I set some reminders in my calendar for things to do on Friday. Tomorrow is quite booked up already, so a couple of things that will take some time and thought won't get done until Friday.
An interesting day today, but not actually one I can blog much about.
Most of my morning was spent in a meeting relating to the refurbishment. I don't feel I can say anything much at all about it since we're still discussing lots of things. It's not for the blogosphere at this stage. So, that was my entire morning taken up pretty much, in a single paragraph.
What I can say is that such meetings are exciting, challenging, stressful and enjoyable all in one go. And not something that every librarian gets to do all the time. I feel really fortunate to be trusted with the refurbishment of a space for the next 10 years at least. It's a big responsibility but a great one.
Lunchtime included some unscheduled car maintenance after my windscreen wipers packed up on the way to work. One fuse change later (plus a broken nail and freezing hands) and I am fully functional to get home.
The afternoon was spent setting up a number of sample chairs for students and staff to try, setting up a feedback system and then encouraging people to start commenting. Plus kicking off a few things on the to do list after the meeting this morning.
Last thing today I set some reminders in my calendar for things to do on Friday. Tomorrow is quite booked up already, so a couple of things that will take some time and thought won't get done until Friday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)