Noah and Clayton Caught in the Act

Clayton

The I.C. was packed last Friday, thanks to I-Core. So when the evacuation alarm went off, we had our work cut out for us getting everyone out of the I.C. in a safe and timely manner. While notifying people in our group rooms that they had to leave, it was discovered that Clayton was one of those hard at work here that day. Rather than leave the premises and head for safety along with our other guests, he asked if he could help with the evacuation.  So grateful for the offer, I naturally replied in the affirmative.  Thank you, Clayton for helping out in our time of need.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Noah

But Clayton wasn't the only one coming to the rescue last week. Suzy reports that Noah did too. She was temporarily working the desk alone. She had a flood of study room keys coming in and anxious people standing around the desk, all of whom had their names on the 13-person long waitlist. Noah was one of those people on the waitlist, so he was among those standing in front of our desk. When a guest came and asked Suzy to help her find a book, Suzy had no choice but to politely inform her that it would be a few minutes before she could help her. Noah overheard this conversation, and quickly stepped in to help the guest find the books she wanted from our stacks. Afterwards, when his name was then called to come get a key for his group, he saw that Suzy was still swamped, so he took it upon himself to fill out his own checkout form. Suzy was very glad for his help during a very stressful shift, and we are so grateful for his initiative that busy day.  Thank you, Noah. You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Values:  Service - positive, friendly, and respectful interactions; and Teamwork - having fun and working together for the good of the library and the community.

After I Leave...

As you know from Matt’s e-mail, next Thursday will be my last day at the Business/SPEA Information Commons.  I leave you in very capable hands. Starting December 9 and until my replacement is hired, please go to Jeri (jesander@indiana.edu) with any matters relating to your Time record (missed punches, etc.).  Go to Matt (mtmgee@indiana.edu) with all other questions or needs that would have previously brought you to my door. 

It would be wonderful to see you at my reception on Thursday (Dec. 8, 3:00-4:30). Matt mentioned that there will be tears that day, and I’m pretty certain a great many of them will come from my eyes!  While I look very forward to beginning this exciting new chapter in my life, I’ve gotten pretty attached to the staff and to this place over the last 33 years. I’ve already told a few of you that my plans for retirement include crying on Thursday, smiling ear-to-ear on Friday, resting my face over the weekend, then doing whatever I want starting on Monday. 

The time seems right to tell you how very grateful I am that my path crossed with yours at the Business/SPEA IC.  Working with you and the hundreds of student employees before you has definitely been the highlight of my career.  You’ve kept me young and on my toes.  (Now that responsibility will fall to my grandchildren!)  It’s been my pleasure to work with such an outstanding group of young adults.  May your future include the very best that Life has to offer. You deserve nothing less than that.

Congratulations to Brooke!

Our heartfelt congratulations go to Brooke, who is graduating this semester with a telecommunications major and a music minor. She joined us at the BSIC three and a half years ago and has been a much valued and appreciated member of our staff since her first shift. She reports she has greatly enjoyed her time here because of the wonderful people she has had the opportunity to work with and get to know. (That’s YOU!)

In January, Brooke will be moving to northeast Pennsylvania to work in the digital production team for Highlights for Children magazine. She anticipates missing the city of Bloomington because its rich and diverse culture is hard to find in so many other places.  It goes without saying that she will miss all the friends she’s made here.  She knows she will also miss all the great restaurants.

Brooke is looking forward to being independent and living completely on her own. (No roommates in her immediate future!) She is understandably a little nervous about moving so far from home and not knowing anyone in her new locale, but she’s also excited to explore, meet new people, and pick up some new hobbies.

As she leaves us, she advises us to use the resources available here at IU.  She firmly believes that our connections can be our most valuable asset. She welcomes this opportunity to say “thank you” to all the good people at the BSIC for always making her feel welcome and allowing her to be herself.

Brooke, we want to say thank you to you! We’re so very glad we had the pleasure of working with you and getting to know you. Do be aware that you won’t be totally alone when you arrive in Pennsylvania because our best wishes are traveling there right along beside you. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments and foresee nothing but a bright and beautiful future ahead of you. Shine on!

Thein Caught in the Act

Rooms were in high demand yesterday, so we were working full speed ahead at the desk. Thein was in the IC, but since her shift wasn't set to begin for some time, she wasn't even clocked in when she noticed a guest waiting at our service desk. Rather than attend to her own affairs, she took it upon herself to step up to our side of the desk and help the waiting guest.

Thank you, Thein, for being so observant and acting upon what you saw. Your attention to our guests' needs and your willingness to help out fellow staff members has been noted.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Value:  People Focused - dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs

Our Guests' Personal Belongings

We're decent people and we want to make our guests happy, right? But sometimes "no" is the answer that serves the greater good, and when that is the case we have to say it.

Yesterday a guest who was returning to campus from the airport wanted to leave his suitcase with us behind the service desk while he went to class. We couldn't honor that request. Nor should we ever accept any personal item any guest wants to give us for safekeeping. We just can't be responsible for their stuff. It's too risky for them and for us. With all our shift changes, it's so easy for personal belongings to get lost. And in the case of the luggage...well, it posed a security risk to everyone in the I.C.

So here is what you do if someone wants to leave their notebook, backpack, business suit, or first-born son with you at the desk:  Say NO.  In a firm but still gentle way, of course. Especially if they want to leave their first-born son.  We don't want to scare the baby.

Room Reservations

Can't find the red Room Reservation notebook?  No worries.  It's missing from the desk because we will no longer be taking reservations from now until the end of the semester.  All rooms are currently on a first-come, first-served basis.  We halt reservations for the last three weeks of each semester because of the high use of the rooms during I-Core and finals times.

Space for Phone Interview

Ever have a desperate looking guest standing in front of you who was trying to find a quiet space for a phone interview?  It definitely happens!  If we have open group rooms, get your supervisor to get his/her take on checking out a room to the individual.  We may be able to make an exception to our "2 or more" rule for group room use.

If all our rooms are full or if an exception can't be made, do tell the person about this space in the Wells Library.  It's set up just for people participating in phone or video interviews. It will be ready for use later on this week.

Semester/Holiday Break

Welcome back!  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving break. With its end, we've now entered this semester's final stretch.  Know that you are responsible for your shifts through the last day of finals week (Dec. 16).  Please post sub notices several days ahead of time for any shifts you need to miss.

During the break, the IC will be open the weeks of Dec. 19-23 and Jan. 3-6.  If you plan to be around and would like to work some during the break, please let me know (treynold@indiana.edu).

Natalie Caught in the Act

When the instructions detailing how to use our scanner disappeared, Natalie volunteered to make new ones.  Thank you, Natalie!  Your expertise with our scanner and your initiative in taking steps to make sure our guests can comfortably use it are gratefully appreciated.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Values: People Focused (dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs); and Knowledge (committed to learning more and being better

Jessica's Duties

Please know that effective this Friday (Nov. 18), Christina will be assuming Jessica's assigned duties until her replacement can be hired.  If you receive inquiries or questions for Jessica from guests, please direct them to Christina.

Good-by and Best Wishes, Jessica

We are both happy and sad to report that Jessica Huffman has accepted a position with the American Transportation Research Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, her home town. Her final day will be Thursday, the 17^th, and while she is excited to be moving home, she knows she will deeply miss everyone at the BSIC. She reports that it has been a privilege to work with such dedicated, funny, spirited, and professional students and staff, and that she intends to take everything she’s learned with her into the next stage of her career. She is reachable via LinkedIn and is more than happy to connect via email. Ask Terry for contact info.

The Business/SPEA IC has been very fortunate to have Jessica on its staff. It's been our pleasure and privilege to work with her. Jessica, we will miss you like crazy!  Know that our best wishes travel with you to St. Paul.

Spring Scheduling

I've placed spring scheduling forms on the table in our break space.  Please pick one up and fill it out once you have your class schedule determined.  Then either give it to me or stick it in my mailbox. I'll do my very best to give you the hours you most want and to stay away from the hours you really don't want. I won't begin assigning hours until we get into December and everyone has had a chance to register for classes.

May 2017 bring you the class and work schedules of your dreams!

The Line

Thank goodness the lines at our service desk are not this long. I've noticed that we sometimes have lines when we shouldn't. People are funny...like sheep, they are often followers.  Here at the I.C. they have a tendency to form a line at our Captain's chair when our First Mate is sitting in plain sight and is also perfectly capable of helping. First Mates, pay attention and please keep an eye out for sheep-people forming a line at our Captain's chair. When they do, let them know that you can help them. That's good customer service (and good shepherding). And it's good teamwork. If you are a First Mate, don't let the Captain shoulder all the weight when a line forms. Get out your staff and help move those sheep along. Your attention and effort will be much appreciated by the bovine wannabes and by your co-worker.

UITS Printer: Out of Order

When a student lets us know that the UITS printer on the other side of our glass is not working, we call UITS (5-3802) to report it. Before the repairman arrives, many other students may also come to you to let you know it's down. Do you find this a bit bothersome? If you're human, probably so. And since the students trying to use that printer are human too, it is also bothersome to them when it doesn't work.

If you would like only one person to report the printer down, feel free to grab a marker and a piece of paper, make an OUT of ORDER sign, and place it on the printer. That way, subsequent people who walk up to it will know right away that it's not working. When the UITS representative comes to fix it, he/she can remove your sign. (Please do not put our ready-made laminated Out of Order signs on the UITS printer, because chances are, they will walk off and we will be left with none for our own equipment.)

With your personal sign on the printer, students will be forewarned that the printer is not working and you should have less people telling you something you already know but can do nothing more about. Sound like a good thing to you?

Room 188 and the Importance of Seeing Green

Room 188 is a bit different than our other group rooms because it is reserved primarily for Kelley & SPEA teaching assistants. Because it is used for this special purpose, we keep the key on the reference desk near the listing sheet for TA reservations. Several times lately, the key to Room 188 has been found in the basket with our other keys. Because of this, once this week it was checked out to a group during the hours of a TA's reservation. 1 student group + 1 TA = more than Room 188 can handle at a time. Luckily we had an open room that we could move the group into so the TA could hold office hours, but this was understandably an inconvenience and a bother to the group.  It was also an embarrassment to us.  (I wasn't there when this happened, but I envision the word "sorry" repeated over and over again.)

When all of our other rooms are full, it is quite alright to check out the key to Room 188 to student groups. Just be sure to do these three things:  1) Check the TA reservation sheet to make sure the checkout won't interfere with TA office hours. 2) Let the group know that there is no workstation or monitor in that room. 3) When the key is returned to the desk, make sure it is placed at the reference desk and not in the key basket.  It's too easy for us to check out the key to another group at a time that interferes with TA hours if we put it in the basket with our other keys.

To make the 188 key more noticeable to us all, I've marked it with green tape and put it on the soft key ring that was previously being used for 160.  When you see green,  that's your reminder to put the key on the reference desk, and not in the basket with the other keys. As long as we're diligent, we won't have to worry about bothering our guests and embarrassing ourselves again.

Have questions or concerns?  Do let me know.  And THANKS for all!

Alberto and Carlos Caught in the Act

It's the week to recognize the Lopez brothers for their good customer service!

Alberto

On Monday, Alberto was Caught in the Act of going the extra mile to help a guest. She wanted to check out a textbook overnight for one of her classes, but the copy we had on reserve wasn't eligible for an overnight checkout because it was her professor's personal copy. In his calm and easy-going manner, Alberto gave her the bad news, and she left the desk without the book she needed. Not content with disappointing her, Alberto found another copy of the book that could be checked out overnight. He tracked the guest down in the I.C. and told her how she could have it for the evening. Needless to say, she was very pleased. And so are we. Way to go, Alberto!

Core Value:  Service - positive, friendly, and respectful interactions

Carlos

On Friday, Carlos was also Caught in the Act. When it was reported that the monitor in one of our group rooms wasn't working, Carlos wasn't content to wait until someone from IT could get here to fix it. Instead he went into the room and worked with the equipment himself until he was able to get it up and running again. Thank you, Carlos!

Core Value:  People Focused - dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs

No doubt about it, the Business/SPEA Information Commons is fortunate to have Alberto and Carlos on its staff.  Thanks, guys! You're awesome!

VOTE!

Tuesday, November 8 is election day, and your vote does indeed count! So please, pretty please, make sure you make your way to the polls. If voting interferes with your work schedule, just let me (treynold@indiana.edu) know. Do you need a ride to your polling spot? If so, contact Jessica (huffman4@indiana.edu). She is bringing her car on campus that day just so she can ensure you have transportation and can vote. Not sure where you need to go? Let us know, and we'll help you figure it out.

VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE  VOTE!

Your Help Is Needed

We've had a guest voice a complaint that students often congregate to talk or use their cell phones in the area between the quiet study space and the first row of bookshelves.  Since the quiet study area glass does not go all the way to the ceiling, talking in this area carries into the quiet study space and turns it into a not quiet study space.

We've told our gentle complainer that we will try to monitor that area more closely.  That's where you come in.  Since it's easy to see that space from the desk, would you please keep an eye on it for us?  If you see someone there talking either to another person or on a phone, report it to your supervisor.  We'll be the bad guys and ask the person(s) to move. Similarly, if a person comes to the desk and complains about noise in the quiet study area or its vicinity, please report that to your supervisor.

Thanks for your help!  We wanna keep 'em happy, right?

Rebecca Caught in the Act

Rebecca noticed that we're occasionally short one person at our service desk during one of her Monday shifts.  (She has three Monday shifts at our reference desk.)  Willing to help out, she asked if she could be trained to assist with circulation transactions.  We answered YES, of course!  She has now mastered the ins and outs of circulating books, reserves, and room keys, and is ready to help out when needed.

Thank you, Rebecca, for noticing a weak spot in our service to our guests and stepping up to strengthen it.  Your initiative is greatly appreciated and has gotten you Caught in the Act!

Core Value:  Knowledge - Committed to learning more and being better

Hayden Caught in the Act

Hayden was Caught in the Act of being diligent in putting returned books in call number order and placing them on a cart for shelving.  He takes the duties of the 1st Mate's chair seriously, and that benefits our guests.

Thank you, Hayden!

Core Value:  Integrity - honest and conscientious in what we do

October Birthdays

Happy October birthday to the following good people:

Suzy (Oct. 3)
Jessica (Oct. 15)
Marsha (Oct. 19)
Yu-Chen (Oct 28)

We'll be celebrating with goodies for everyone on the last Wednesday of this month (Oct. 26). Come enjoy!

Thanksgiving Break

Thinking about your Thanksgiving plans? As you do so, please consider your obligations to BUSP and post sub notices for any shifts you will need to miss.You are responsible for your shifts up until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18. Your responsibility picks back up again at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27. If you sub for someone on Sunday, the 27th, you will receive one hour of credit in your time bank for each hour you sub.

The I.C. will be open 8:00-5:00 on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 21 and 22.  If your Thanksgiving plans will not be taking you out of town, and working a bit and earning some money sounds good to you, please let me know (treynold@indiana.edu).

There is so much to be grateful for.  We are grateful for YOU!  Thanks so much for all you do. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Housekeeping

Are you leaving your dishes on the counter near our sink?  The janitors are leaving dishes there too when they find them as they're doing their chores at BUSP.  I'll soon be packing up our overflow of cups, bowls, etc. to send to the University's main lost & found in Ballantine Hall.  So I don't pack up your personal kitchen belongings, please write your name or your initials on the bottom of your dishes with a permanent marker.  That should keep me from sending way your dishes by mistake.

Andi Caught in the Act

Remember how Sara and Ethan were sited shelving returned books?  Well, Andi has been doing the same thing!

Thank you, Andi, for your work in getting our popular materials back out on the shelves for our guests.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Value:  Teamwork - Having fun and working together for the good of the library and the community

Ace Your Interviews

Are you at the place in your time at IU where you are interviewing for internships or for jobs after graduation?  If so, are you familiar with our Hire Ed service?  You just happen to be working with business experts who can help you research companies and industries in preparation for upcoming interviews.  The knowledge you gain in a ten minute consultation with Christina, Jessica, or Matt could easily give you the edge over others applying for the same position.  Let me (treynold@indiana.edu) know if a Hire Ed appointment is of interest to you, and I'll get one scheduled.

Don't forget to be AWESOME!

--Have a fantastic day.

--You have a beautiful smile.

--Don't forget to be awesome.

Someone is putting these friendly and positive reminders on slips of paper and inserting them into our books on our shelves. It's been a  joy finding them while I've been working out in our book stacks. Have you found any? If so, please post them on the wall to the right of our lost & found file cabinet. All items posted there have been found inside returned books.

BUSP Photo Directory

Our staff photo directory is here! You'll find it hanging on the wall above the staff mail boxes in our common space. Can't remember the name of the person who replaces you at the desk? Check the photo directory. Curious as to what the kindhearted person who agreed to sub for you looks like? Check the photo directory.


To the left of the photo directory, you'll find our Core Values statement containing all our signatures.

Group Room Use

Ah yes, it's the time of the year when the UCSO uses most of our group rooms for interview purposes. This makes our job at the desk a little easier, but it also means we see a lot of sad faces when we tell our guests that group space is not available.  Here's some information you can give them that might cheer them up a bit:  https://libraries.indiana.edu/rooms-groups-study-or-collaboration

If you're one of the people having interviews in our group space or anywhere else, best of luck to you!

Ethan and Sara Caught in the Act

Ethan

You know all those returned books you check in and put on our routing shelves?  Do you know what happens to them after that?  This semester, they have all been shelved by Ethan and Sara. They work together during a quiet time on Friday mornings and have been rotating turns taking a book truck out into our stacks and shelving the books.  Ethan and Sara, you have been Caught in the Act!  Thank you for the teamwork you are exhibiting.

Core Value:  Teamwork - having fun and working together for the good of the library and the community

Sara

BUSP & Fall Break

Fall Break is coming.  It's short, but it's sweet, right?  Here are our hours over the break:

October 6 (Thurs.): 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
October 7 & 8 (Fri. & Sat.): Closed
October 9 (Sun.) 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 midnight

You are responsible for your shifts during our open hours.  As always, post a sub notice notice for any shift you need to miss.

Thanks for all.  And enjoy the break!

HDMI Cords

The next time a guest asks you if we have an HDMI cord, instead of saying "no," say "YES!" They have been asking for them, so we purchased five of them for our guests' use. You'll find them on the shelf underneath our hold shelves. They are available for a four hour checkout. Just scan the attached barcode like you do for our books and keys.

Suzy Caught in the Act

Today we experienced our first group room wait list of the semester. And wouldn't you know it, Suzy was in the Captain's chair without a First Mate for two very busy hours.While the situation was stressful, she was Caught in the Act of greeting guests with a smile as soon as they approached the desk. She handled their requests calmly, kindly, and efficiently.  Way to go, Suzy!  You are appreciated.

Core Value:  Service - positive, friendly, and respectful interactions

London Caught in the Act

Have you noticed the artwork on the whiteboard next to the service desk? London was Caught in the Act of using her gifts to welcome our guests to our facility in such a delightful way. Thank you, London!

Core Value:  Teamwork - having fun and working together for the good of the library and the community

Here's What You Do When...

When a guest is giving you a hard time about our policies, or procedures, or anything else, kindly and calmly tell them you would like them to speak to your supervisor.  Then go get your supervisor.

If a guest is asking for something that goes against our policies, kindly and calmly tell them you would like them to speak to your supervisor.  Then go get your supervisor.

It's simple really.  There is no need for you to deal with anyone who is upset or demanding.  It doesn't happen that often around here, but now if it happens to you, you'll know exactly what to do.

Don't worry...be happy!  And get your supervisor to help you.

Rae Caught in the Act

Rae was Caught in the Act of using her voice and her position to help us evacuate BUSP durng last week's tornado warning. The situation called for someone to step up and take action, and Rae rose to the occasion. It's not always easy to get people to leave the IC, even when staying here puts them in danger. Thank you, Rae, for helping us clear the space quickly and efficiently.

Honorable mention for helping with this task goes to Yu-Chen and Jacob L.

For those of you new to BUSP, being Caught in the Act is a good thing! Here is the scoop:

Caught in the Act serves as the Business/SPEA Information Commons' formal means of recognizing excellent public service.  This award is given to two hourly assistants at the end of fall semester and at the end of spring semester.  Currently, recipients receive a $25.00 Target gift certificate.

To be eligible for an award, employees must be nominated by a supervisor or a co-worker during the course of the semester.  All nominees are featured in a blog post describing the reason for the nomination.  Nominations are linked to the Business/SPEA IC’s Core Values of Service, Integrity, People focused, Teamwork, and Knowledge.

Rising Star

There are a lot of bright stars at BUSP. Here is an example of how bright Sara can shine:

https://youtu.be/58b6CYflD2w

Check it out.  Way to go, Sara!

Printer Alternatives

If you've been at the desk for very long, you've no doubt had a guest complain about our printers. Unfortunately, our printers just aren't working for some people. We're working on the problem, and hope it will be resolved soon. In the meantime, you can help out our guests with printer woes, by directing them to other printers in our building:

PV199 - Area right outside the IC
P199 - Glassed area outside the UCSO (sits between UCSO and the SPEA construction)
HH 1st floor - A printer is located in Hodge Hall just past the elevators near the lobby area
HH4055 - Hodge Hall computer lab on the 4th floor

This information is on the second page of the Directional Information section of the red PSA Handbook.

Why is it so cold in here?

Good question!  We don't have an exact answer for you, but we can tell you our cool temperature has to do with the construction. It won't be this way forever, but it will be this way for a while.  Think of it as an extension of the plastic and buckets we have dotted around the IC. And do be kind to yourself by tossing a sweater into your backpack on days when you work.

This is a test post.  E-mail me (treynold@indiana.edu) to let me know that you are reading the blog.

Professionalism

Guess what? When you're clocked in at the Business/SPEA Information Commons, you are a professional! Our guests count on you to provide them with the services and resources they need.

You are learning, or already possess, the skills and knowledge to do a professional job. Behavior counts too, and that means a professional appearance is necessary on our side of the service desk. That doesn't mean you need to wear a suit to work, but it does mean no food at the desk. (How can you greet a guest properly with your mouth full?) It also means no phones or laptops. (How can you see a guest and give them your undivided attention when you're looking down or are so engrossed in your own device?) We also need to make sure we have room on our service desk for our guests' needs. We just don't have extra space for laptops. Likewise for drinks. Since it is easy for drinks to be spilled, please keep your covered drinks under the counter where they are safe.

From one professional to another, I thank you for the good work you do at BUSP. We've got this semester off to a fantastic start!

Labor Day Holiday

BUSP will be closed on Monday, September 5, for the Labor Day Holiday.  No classes, no work, Happy Labor Day to you!

Do note that we will be open the Saturday and Sunday before the holiday, so if you are scheduled to work those days but can't, send out a notice to the listserv.

Reference Portal

Are you using the Reference Interaction Reporting Form, commonly known as the Reference Portal? I sure hope so, because the money BUSP receives to pay you is determined by the amount of work we're doing here. Answering questions is work! This makes the Reference Portal your ticket to job security.

A notation should be made on the Portal each time a question is asked that does not result in a check-out. This means that if someone asks for the V450 textbook and you check it out to them, you do not need to record the question in the Portal.Why? Because the interaction you just had with the guest was automatically noted in our statistics when you checked the item out.

All questions that do not result in a checkout should be noted. If five people ask you where the restroom is, you should note the question in the Portal five times. You don't need to be elaborate...just noting "Restroom?" as the question will do. And please don't get all hung up on the categories (directional, tech services/equipment, reference). The most important thing is that the question be logged in the Portal. A question such as, "Where are your printers?" could be logged as a directional question or a tech services/equipment question. Record it either way; just be sure to record it!

Do you have questions about the Portal? Not sure where to find it or how to use it? Let your supervisor know. We'll be glad to show you. We want you to know how to use the Portal because we want to keep you here with us!

Birthday Celebration!

Here at BUSP we have a habit of celebrating birthdays on the last Wednesday of the month for everyone on staff who has a birthday within that month.  We'll be celebrating Gary's birthday (August 17) next Wednesday with cupcakes and hopefully Matt's famous chocolate chip cookies.  BUSP's doors are open until midnight on Wednesdays, so stop by anytime that day and get your goody...or two...or three...

Happy birthday, Gary!

Our Core Values

Some time ago at one of our All-Staff Meetings, the BUSP staff generated and agreed on five core values.  These values are still in place, and serve as our guide in our work and interactions at the IC.  At our All-Staff Meeting on Sept. 9, you will be asked to place your signature on our Core Values statement.

These are our Core Values:

Service:  Positive, friendly, and respectful interactions

Integrity:  Honest and conscientious in what we do

People Focused:  Dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs

Teamwork:  Having fun and working together for the good of the library and the community

Knowledge:  Committed to learning more and being better

Where is...?

This time of year, you're going to get a LOT of "where is...?" questions.  Thanks to Jeri, the Directional Information section of the PSA Handbook (red notebook) will give you the answers, so you can pass them on to the guests asking the questions.  She has written up not only where things are, but how to get to them.  It's all very helpful information, especially during this time of construction.  Take a look at it so you'll have all the answers!

Getting Started

WELCOME to the 2016-2017 school year and welcome or welcome back to BUSP!  The staff is so glad you're here with us.  Most of the plastic covering the IC this summer has been removed, so the place isn't as scary looking as it was.  And your presence definitely dresses the place up!  With your help, we're ready for the challenge of the new year.  Here are a few things to know/remember:

--29 Hour Rule:  You cannot work more than 29 hours each week without getting into serious trouble with the Mighty University Powers.  So don't do it, OK?  If you work two (or more) jobs on campus, your total hours worked at all positions added together cannot be more than 29 per week.

--Curious about when you will be paid?  Pick up one of the little purple cards in the wooden box on our break tables.

--Our All Staff Meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 9.  We'll begin at 6:00 after we shoo all of our guests out of here and lock our doors behind them.  We won't keep you past 7:30.  If you eat pizza fast, you can probably be out of here before 7:30.  This is a mandatory meeting for everyone on our staff.  If you cannot be at this meeting because of another job commitment, a serious illness, etc., you must clear this with me (treynold@indiana.edu) prior to the beginning of the meeting.

--Do you have questions?  See your supervisor.  Do guests have questions you can't answer? See your supervisor. Helpful correct answers are what we want to pass out here.  How else can we see everybody smile?

OK, get on your mark...get set...GO!

Fall Schedules

Wondering when you might receive your fall work schedule?  I hope to have them to you by the middle of next week.

Vivianne and Thein Caught in the Act

Vivianne

Vivianne and Thein were Caught in the Act of doing a fantastic job getting our guests to leave the IC for the tornado warning earlier this week.  It's not easy to uproot some of our patrons, but they were quite successful.  They may both be small in size, but they are mighty in accomplishments!





Thank you, Thein and Vivianne, for such good help during a stressful time.

Thein

Our Graduates: Vivianne Dang

We congratulate Vivianne, from Westfield, on her graduation with a major in Exercise Science and minors in Chemistry and Folklore.  After donning her cap and gown, Vivianne will be heading west to Salt Lake City, where she has accepted a position in corporate sales with Qualtrics. 

Vivianne has been a valued member of our staff for three years. She expects to miss our end of the month birthday cupcakes, but not nearly as much as she will miss her fun and energetic coworkers. She hopes those she leaves behind will always stay positive and have fun. 

We've certainly had fun with you on the staff, Vivianne!  We know we will miss your outgoing nature and your energy and enthusiasm.  May all the very best be yours in Salt Lake City!

A Gift for You

Here's a valuable gift to all who will be leaving BUSP behind (and for those who are staying).  With this recipe you can make your own and avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

(Matt's) World Famous Vanilla Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In one bowl mix:
   2 1/4 c. flour
   1 tsp. baking soda

In another bowl mix:
   3/4 c. dark brown sugar
   1/4 c. regular white granulated sugar
   2 sticks (1 cup) butter
   2 eggs
   1 tsp. vanilla extract
   1 approx. 3.4 oz. package vanilla instant pudding mix

Mix the contents of the second bowl thoroughly, then gradually combine contents of first bowl (flour & baking soda) into second bowl.  When thoroughly mixed, then add:

   2 c. dark chocolate chips

Matt usually uses a tablespoon to measure out the cookie dough onto the (greased) cookie sheet, but of course if you make them smaller you will get more of them!

He has done quite a bit of experimenting with baking times, and for his oven 14 minutes and 20 seconds seems just about right.  But ovens and individual tastes vary greatly, so maybe start with about 13 minutes and keep checking.

Our thanks to Matt for sharing!  Of course, we're still hoping he'll supply us with these once a month for our birthday celebrations.

Our Spring Caught in the Act Award Winners Are...

We are happy to announce that Clayton and Hayden are this semester's Caught in the Act Award recipients.  We recognize them for their outstanding service to BUSP and its guests.

With the construction, shelving returned books has been slow, meaning more of them wait behind the desk for their proper placement in our stacks. Hayden made a remarkable effort to keep our returned books in order, making it easier for us to find those requested by guests.  We commend Hayden for his initiative. He is a freshman, completing his first year on the BUSP staff.

Clayton's careful attention to our guests is noteworthy.  No matter how busy we are, he takes the time to greet each guest approaching the desk in a friendly manner.  He is always pleasant, listens carefully to our guests' needs, and explains our policies and procedures in a way they can understand.  Clayton is a junior, completing his third year at BUSP.


We are fortunate to have these two remarkable individuals as colleagues.  Each will receive a $25.00 gift card from Target as a token of our appreciation.