Good News and Possible Bad News

The good news is that IU has plans to lift its minimum wage to $10.00 per hour.  When that happens, you'll be getting a nice raise!  Unfortunately, it sounds like our budget may very well not get a raise to cover your raise.  This means that if you are an undergraduate, having workstudy funding for next year may be more important than ever for employment at BUSP.  Please apply for workstudy funding when you fill out your FAFSA.

Got questions about any of this?  Let me know.  --Terry

Walt Caught in the Act

Have you noticed how many returned books are waiting to be shelved?  Walt did.  The overflowing carts and routing shelves made him uncomfortable, so he got busy.  He put a cart of books in call number order as is expected of 1st mates, but then he went further.  After securing his supervisor's approval, he took a cart of books out into the stacks and shelved them.  Having books in their proper places on our bookshelves makes them easier for our guests to find.  Thank you, Walt!  You have been Caught in the Act of going above and beyond. 

February Birthday Day!

Just one of us was born in February.  Our goodies this Wednesday will be to celebrate and honor Brooke.  Happy birthday, Brooke!

About Spring Break...

It's warm outside, and that turns my mind to Spring Break.  It will be here in just a few weeks!  Please know that you are responsible for your shifts through our closing at 5:00 on Friday, March 11.  Your responsibility picks up when we reopen at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20.  Post sub notices early for any shifts you will need to miss.  Anyone subbing for another on Sunday, March 20, will receive one hour of time bank credit for each hour worked. 

BUSP's doors will be open 8:00-5:00, Monday-Friday, during the break.  If your plans include staying in our Fair City of Bloomington and you'd like to make some money over the break, let me (treynold@Indiana.edu) know.  The staff could use some company and some help.

Sara Caught in the Act

A misunderstanding meant there was no one here with a key when it came time to open BUSP's doors last Saturday.  Sara had agreed to sub for a shift beginning at 11:00 and was here on time to work, but she couldn't get in.  BUSP was locked up tight.  She could have waited a while, then simply walked away, but she didn't.  Instead she did her best to reach a staff member so someone could come unlock the door. She began a series of phone tag messages that got an SCA here to open up for us.  Without Sara's patience, diligence, and concern, we would have failed guests depending on BUSP last Saturday. Thank you, Sara!  You truly saved the day, and you are so very much appreciated!

Rae Caught in the Act

The guest returning the book had someone with her who wanted to check it out.  Easy peasy, right?  Just check the book in, then check it out to the new person.  The problem was, the book wasn't ours.  It belonged to the Wells Library.  So when Rae checked it in, the screen flashed "in transit" and she couldn't check it out to the person who was hoping to walk away with it.  But did that deter her from making a guest happy?  No.  She checked with her supervisor, and between the two of them, a way was determined around the "in transit" status. 

Thank you, Rae!  You have been Caught in the Act of providing excellent customer service and it is much appreciated.

Privacy Scenario

Guest:  Hey, I need the textbook for E431.

You:  (After checking the shelf and IUCAT, you know that it is checked out.)  I'm sorry, but that book is checked out right now.

Guest:  Oh yeah, I think my roommate checked it out this morning.  Can you tell me who has it?

You:  No, I'm sorry.  Federal privacy laws will not allow me to give you that information.

Guest:  Well, can you at least tell me when it's due?

You:   I can tell you when the book is due, but that doesn't mean it will be returned then.  It could be returned at any time.

Guest:  Well, OK thanks.

You:  You're welcome. 

Moral of the story:  What books and library items a person has checked out is private information that, by federal law, cannot be shared. 

Clayton Caught in the Act

We all explain policies and procedures to guests repeatedly.  Sometimes our responses become so routine that our words almost resemble an automated response.  Not so for Clayton.  Clayton  has been Caught in the Act of very carefully explaining procedures to a guest. He kept eye contact, was pleasant and empathetic, made sure he understood the guest's question, and then made sure the guest understood his answer.  Thank you, Clayton, for showing our guests outstanding service!