Best wishes!

May all your finals be easy, and your holidays be bright. As we part ways at the end of this semester, do not become a stranger. Please stay in touch!

THANK YOU for all! It's a privilege to have you on the BUSP staff.

Warning!

No, there aren't any bears at BUSP, but we do have a bear of a job ahead of us! We just learned that we will begin moving our book collection to the Wells Library during finals week. Your help will be needed for this project. Please do not count on studying during your shifts next week.

Employment During the Closing

It's now certain: BUSP's door will close to the public on December 23, so your position here can only extend through the end of finals week. If you're still wanting alternative employment during our closure, a good place to look for current campus-wide listings is the Career Development Center's site (www.indiana.edu/~career). Go to the student log-in at the upper right-hand side of screen, then click on "job search." Terry will keep you posted of available library positions by e-mail as they become known to her.

Whatever you end up doing for spring semester, it is your supervisors' hopes that you will return to the new and improved BUSP to work with us again next fall semester. (Unless you're graduating, of course.) So please get a job you enjoy, but don't enjoy it too much!

Gentle policy reminders...

We're rounding the bend toward the end of the semester, so a few reminders are in order:

Do remember that in order to remain an employee in good standing and be eligible for employment next semester (in this case, that would be next fall), you must have completed your shelving and shelf reading requirements by the end of the last day of finals.

Also remember that headphones are not to be worn at the circulation desk. I know it's tempting on days when we're slow, but we can't because it makes us look unapproachable. We want to invite patrons to come to us with their needs, and not deter them in any way. You can wear your headphones in the stacks, so if you're behind in stack maintenance chores, put them on, and head on out to the bookshelves.

Thanksgiving break

The Thanksgiving holiday is rapidly approaching, so this is just a reminder that BUSP will be closed from 6:00 on Tuesday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 28. BUSP will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 29. Anyone subbing on the 29th will receive one full hour of timebank credit for each hour worked.

You're probably wondering...

...about the status of BUSP's renovation. Your supervisors are too. We should all know something concrete in about a week. According to Steven, if funding and plans aren't in place by November 1, nothing will happen during spring semester. Time will tell us all.

So you're sick...

Most all of us get sick from time to time. If illness keeps you from making it in to work your shift at BUSP, call 855-1957 and ask to speak to the supervisor on duty. Your call alerts us to your absence, and allows us to plan around it. Do not send your supervisor an e-mail. He/she may not be reading e-mail because he's sick too, or she's taking a vacation day, attending a training session somewhere, etc. Call each time you'll miss a shift. For example, if you're scheduled to work Mondays and Wednesdays, call us both days. The exception to this is if a doctor has told you that you cannot come back to work until a certain day. In that case, you only need to call once and let us know that date. Do remember that if you do not call in, time and a half comes out of your time bank. And do talk to Terry if an illness causes you to miss a lot of hours. She can make exceptions to the time bank rule for serious illnesses.

After you've called us, hop back in bed and get your rest. Better still, call us from your bed. We'll miss you, and want you well so you can be back with us as soon as possible. Take care!

Can you tell me what this fine is about? I don't owe this. This bill is wrong. I returned that recall on time. Etc., etc., etc.

How do you reply to a patron's questions (or demands!) regarding bills and fines?

a) Tell them you don't know.
b) Look up their patron record and report your findings to them.
c) Get your supervisor.
d) Pretend like you don't see the patron.

Answer: C, get your supervisor. Although you like being helpful, do not try to look up the patron's bill & fine record yourself. The bills and fines screens on Workflows are not easily interpreted. Believe it or not, your supervisors had to go through TRAINING to understand them. PLEASE do not give out bill and fine information to patrons, because what you plainly see on the screen is probably not accurate. The screen may say the patron has no fines when he does. Or it may say the patron has paid fines when she hasn't. And you know how some people are...they can get pretty snarly when they're given incorrect information. Especially when it concerns their money. Can't really blame them for that, can you?

Don't be shy!

When checking out a study room key, look that patron square in the eye, smile sweetly (Can you smile any other way?), and tell him/her that the key is due in two hours. This is valuable information for patrons to have, since they will be billed $10.00 when the key is just one minute overdue, and an additional $10.00 for each hour overdue after that. If you smile and tell them when the key is due, they just may smile right back at you. If you don't tell them when the key is due and they unknowingly return it late, they won't be smiling when they get their Bursar bill. What do you want in this world, more smiles, or more scowls? It's all up to you, you know. You're just that powerful.

An Exception to Every Rule

Well, not every rule, but some rules. For instance, we have a policy that groups using our study rooms must consist of at least five people. But if a professor comes to the desk and wants to use a room for office hours, check out a room to him/her if one is available, even if the group only consists of the professor and one student.

Sometimes breaking rules just makes good sense. Breaking this one makes sense because the Business Communication professors are housed in a galaxy far far away this year. They are fairly desperate for a place in the building to meet with students. If we have an empty room, then we can offer them that space. Note that we will NOT take reservations for these rooms. Professors using the rooms for office hours are on the same first-come, first-served basis as everyone else.

By the way, anytime you have a patron who asks you to go against policy for them, get your supervisor. Only supervisors can make the decision to go against the rules. Our salaries are bigger than yours, and that's one of the ways we earn them.

A bit of advice...

You know that your job duties include shelving and shelf reading, right? If you're unsure what one or both of these things are, or if you're not sure how to do shelving or shelf reading, see your supervisor. When you're ready to head to the stacks to do your work, be sure to let your supervisor know, so he/she can keep an eye on the circulation desk while you're away. Tally sheets are now posted on the staff bulletin board just inside the reserve room. After completing a shelving or shelf reading unit, have your supervisor initial the sheets so you get credit for what you've done.

Now here's the bit of advice: Don't wait until the end of the semester to complete the bulk of your shelving and shelf reading assignments. Be nice to yourself by doing some each week. It'll make your life much easier when finals time comes around. It'll also make it easier for our patrons to find what they want. After all, our #1 priority at BUSP is to serve our patrons, right? These people need us!

Uh oh, you've done it now...

...you forgot to clock in or out. Or both! No harm done. Just send Terry an e-mail (treynold@indiana.edu) or drop a note in her mailbox in the Reserve Room. Make sure you list your name, the date you worked, the time you came in, and the time you left. She'll see to it that your hours are added to your TIME record.

Shhhh!

The BUSP I.C. is divided up into areas for quiet study, quiet talk, and group study. Do you know where these areas are? If not, check with your supervisor or check the drawings on the I.C. courtyard entrance doors.

Have a patron who is complaining that people are too loud near him/her? Tell him/her you're sorry to hear that, then get your supervisor to help them.

Remember this!

So how many times have YOU been asked the location of room 150J? Remember to log each time on the Reference Portal. Log ALL questions not pertaining to checkouts there. The Head Honchos check our Reference Portal statistics, and use them as a tool to determine our hourly budget. (That's the budget line that pays YOU!) Low Reference Portal statistics tell the H.H.'s that we don't really need many student employees at BUSP. And that's just not true! BUSP NEEDS YOU! So, please remember to log each question on the Reference Portal.

Do you have any questions about this procedure? If so, don't log them on the Reference Portal -- check with your supervisor instead.

Where did the current journals go?

First thing first...WELCOME to all new Public Service Assistants at BUSP! And WELCOME to all of you who are returning to BUSP! We hope you had a great summer.

Now about the current periodicals...You'll find them out in the stacks, filed by call number. When you're shelving, you'll take out the current periodicals on your book truck and put them in their proper place among the books. If you have questions, you know what to do, right? ASK your supervisor!

Dealing with Unusual Requests

This week BUSP has been used by a patron in a wheelchair. Naturally, she needs some extra assistance, which we are happy to give. BUSP prides itself on good customer service, and those of us on the circulation staff are kind, caring, and very willing to help those who come to us with special needs. But some of this patron's requests have been out of line, such as asking to use a student assistant's personal cell phone. Anytime any patron has an unusual request, asks you to leave the circulation desk, or makes you feel uneasy in any way, go get your supervisor. Advise him/her of the situation, and let him/her deal with it.

Alan Thompson

Alan Thompson, from Fountaintown, IN, is graduating with a major in Finance and Economic Consulting (BEPP). Alan began working at BUSP as a Public Service Assistant in the fall of 2007. He left his position at the circulation desk this year to become one of BUSP's first Peer Research Tutors through the Hutton Honors College. He says he enjoyed working at BUSP because he was with a lot of smart people. (That's YOU!)

His plans after graduation are not set in stone at this point, but he intends to continue checking things off his life goal list. As he prepares to leave us, Alan wants you to know that there are 1000 strategies or ways to enjoy college/life. He advises you to give them all a try.

Working with you has been a great pleasure, Alan. Our best wishes go with you as you continue to work on that life goal list of yours. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! You will be missed.

Colleen McCracken

At the end of this semester, we'll be bidding farewell to Colleen McCracken, from Frankfort, IN. Colleen has been a valued member of the BUSP student staff for the past two years, and was nominated by her supervisors for the 2008-2009 IU Libraries Student Employee Award. She says she loves the "laid back atmosphere and the wonderful supervisors" at BUSP. (Ah, Colleen, you make us blush!) She considers her Public Service Assistant position "one of the best jobs ever." She's leaving us nevertheless, and rightfully so.

On May 8, Colleen will be donning her cap and gown, having earned a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. She has been accepted into graduate school at IUPUI, where she'll soon begin working toward her DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree. As she leaves, she advises her underclassmen to be sure to do something you'll enjoy.

CONGRATULATIONS, COLLEEN! Our very best wishes will go with you as you end this chapter in your life and begin the next.

Sarah Garner

CONGRATULATIONS are due to SARAH GARNER, from Westlake, OH, who is graduating this semester with a degree in Business Management and Marketing. It's been very fortunate for BUSP that she secured her position here at the beginning of her freshman year at I.U., as that allowed her to be a much valued member of the staff for four years. She considers the people she has met and worked with to be the best aspect of her job as a Public Service Assistant.

Sarah advises underclassmen to "enjoy and embrace being in college while you can," because her time here has gone by much too quickly. She reports, "Something I wish I would have done was make a list of everything that I wanted to do before I left...and actually do it." With her days at I.U. so limited, she sometimes thinks about all the things she wanted to do, but never got the chance. Because of that, she hopes that if you have a year or two left, that you'll take the time to do all the things you want to do in Bloomington before it's time for you to leave.

After graduation, she'll be packing her bags and moving to Chicago, where she'll be working for A.C. Nielsen doing marketing research and consulting as an Associate Analyst on the Kraft Client Service Team. It will be hard to tell her good-by, but Sarah, we congratulate you on a job so very well done. Our very best wishes go with you as you enter the Real World. It will be a better place because you're in it.

Jessica Anderson

Next week, BUSP will be saying good-by to senior, Jessica Anderson, from Timonium (Baltimore), Maryland.



Jessica joined the BUSP staff as a freshman in the fall of 2005. She stayed because of the flexible hours and the low-stress environment, but mainly because of the staff. She says, "It's nice to have employers that are so understanding that you are a student. It's also nice to have a supportive family. I know that on multiple occasions I asked for advice about job searching, finding housing, trying to get my car fixed and many others things." She feels the staff at BUSP were able to give her a perspective that she couldn't get from her friends or her family some 600 miles away.

Jessica majored in Journalism and History, and hopes to work as a reporter after graduation. She has some advice for the undergraduates on the BUSP staff: "Take advantage of all the opportunities. There are numerous opportunities in school to travel and meet interesting people. (And it's usually cheaper!) There are also a number of things on campus like concerts and other activities, and also off-campus. Bloomington is a wonderful place, and I think sometimes people get wrapped up in school work, other obligations, or partying, so that they sometimes miss some of the other opportunities only available in college." She says she doesn't encourage slacking off, but thinks it's wise to remember that "it's only a grade." She advises you to not worry too much, and to have some fun.

It has been a privilege to have Jessica on the BUSP staff these past four years, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her the very best life has to offer, because she deserves it. CONGRATULATIONS, JESSICA!

Fall Semester Scheduling

Terry will begin scheduling hours for fall semester on Monday, April 27. Be sure to see her or phone her (855-8552) on or shortly after that day. No e-mails, please. The sooner you contact her to schedule your hours, the greater your chances of getting the hours that are ideal for you. If you're not sure of your class schedule, you can schedule your work hours around the class schedule you hope to have. Adjustments can be made later, if necessary.

Remember that in order to be employed at BUSP in the fall (or this summer, if you are staying), you must end this semester with a zero or above balance in your attendance time bank. If you're not sure about your balance, contact Matt (mtmcgee@indiana.edu). If it's low, you can add hours to your time bank by subbing for others. Check the bulletin board inside the reserve room for sub notices. You must also have completed all required shelving and shelf reading by the last day of finals week.

I-Core

I-Core starts today, which means many of our patrons will look tired. It also means study rooms will be in greater demand than ever. Please be sure to make sure there are five people in a group before checking out a key. And remember that rooms cannot be renewed unless at least one room is empty.

A good time to sub...

If you need to add a few hours to your attendance time bank, Easter Sunday is a good time to sub. For each hour you sub on April 12, you will receive one full hour for your time bank, instead of the usual half hour. Check the bulletin board for co-workers needing subs on that date. (As a bonus, the Easter bunny often stops by.)

Edible books

Think you'll need a fun break from your studies on Wednesday? Stop by the Wells Library lobby around 1:00 on April 1, and check out the edible book displays. No, this is not an April fool's joke. Look for BUSP's entry in the display. (It involves a monster and beer.)

Ears and Circulation

Can you believe the ears on this thing? You can now uncover your auditory orifices because the gate alarms shouldn't be going off all the time.



Our new SENSITIZER/DESENSITIZER has arrived! We'll use the single new unit for both sensitizing and desensitizing functions. This means you'll need to change the setting according to whether you are checking books in or out. Yes, this is an extra chore we'll need to do, but it is a very easy one. When checking books in, make sure the light is on the bookshelf symbol. When checking books out, make sure the light is on the door symbol. Need help, or want a demonstration? Just ask your supervisor.

What to watch for...

Tan or no tan, your supervisors hope you had a great spring break. Now that it's over, we're heading into the final stretch of this academic year. Watch your e-mail for information on registering for summer and fall semester hours. And if you're graduating this semester, Terry will be requesting information from you regarding the end of your employment at BUSP.

Please watch your time bank balance. If you plan to work with us over the summer or next year, your attendance balance must be zero or above at the end of finals week. If you're unsure of your attendance time bank balance, contact Matt(mtmcgee@indiana.edu). Also remember you must complete your shelving and shelf reading requirements to be eligible for rehire.

And lastly, do watch the time you spend visiting with friends at the circulation desk. While friends are welcome to stop by and say "hi" while you work, it's just not good customer service to carry on long and involved conversations with non-employees. Some patrons are shy and will walk away, rather than interrupt your discussion with your friend. And we have to take good care of all our patrons, even the shy ones, right?

Questions about any of this? Do ask.

Thanks for all. Hope the rest of the semester goes easily for you.

Exception to the rule...

A vision impaired student will be using BUSP frequently this semester and next year. His name is Parkhat Yussup Janov. Because he uses a laptop that “speaks” to him and would disturb others, please allow him to use a study room anytime one is available. He knows to come to the desk and check out a key.

Thanks for all you do to make BUSP a welcoming place for our patrons.

Spring break & the fridge

Yippee, Spring Break is almost here! Chances are, you are busy finishing up projects and papers before it arrives, making plans, and dreaming about those plans. If you have food or drinks in the reserve room fridge, there is one more thing to do before the break: Eat/drink what's yours, or dispose of it in some way. While you're relaxing somewhere near or far, Terry will be defrosting the fridge. (Let's hope your spring break plans are more exciting than hers.)

Task Sharing

Do you find shelving an O.K. chore, but really dread the time you must spend shelf reading? Or vice versa? If so, consider task sharing with another employee. See Terry, Jeri, or Matt for details.

Reference Portal

Are you remembering to log all patron questions on the Reference Portal? Please do. It's important. To BUSP. To YOU. Honest to goodness, it is!

Book Bon Voyage

Beginning either this week or next, you'll notice some people in our stacks removing books from our shelves and placing them in big gray tubs. Books over five years old that haven't been checked out several times recently will be leaving BUSP permanently for a home in the ALF. Our collection is being drastically reduced in order to prepare space for the upcoming renovation. Don't let the large number of books leaving scare you; your job will remain much the same. Since we're keeping all the books patrons actually use, you'll be checking out about the same number of books and shelving them when they return. Shelf reading should become a little easier. If you have any questions about the upcoming changes at BUSP, check with Terry or your supervisor.

Advantage of Stack Maintenance Work

Yes, there is an advantage to shelving and shelf reading. While working in the stacks, it's perfectly fine to wear your headphones and listen to what pleases you. Just pay close attention to the work you're doing as you listen, O.K.? Remember that BUSP policy states headphones may NOT be worn while you work at the circulation desk. When behind the desk, we need to have our ears ready and waiting to listen to our patrons' requests.

Give yourself a break.

Remember that if you're working a shift four hours long or longer, you deserve and are definitely entitled to a 15 minute break. Just let your supervisor know when you'd like to take your break, so he/she can help cover the desk in your absence. Breaks are not cumulative and cannot be used to arrive late or leave early.

Be prepared for tax time.

Gosh, what kind of a welcome back is that? But it's that time of year.

So that the information you need to file your taxes gets to you in a timely manner, please verify the home address information displayed on your paystub in OneStart's self-service. The address you see listed there is where your W2 forms will be mailed. If the address is wrong, let Terry know.

Indiana local tax withholding is determined by where an employee lives and/or works on January 1 of each year. Verify the county listed on your paystub information in the tax section, especially if you moved to a different county during 2008. If the county listed is not correct, let Terry know.

If you claim exemption from federal tax withholding or take Earned Income Credit, those forms must be filed each year. If you need to fill out a new form, guess what you need to do...That's right, let Terry know.

And...WELCOME BACK!