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!

End of Semester Stuff...

Remember that you are responsible for your BUSP shifts until the end of finals week. That's 6:00 on Friday, Dec. 19. Please post sub notices for any shifts you can't cover. If you are scheduled to work on Thursday, but you're leaving town on Tuesday, you'll need a sub. Post a notice. If you need to take a final during a shift, post a sub notice for this also. Time away to take a final will not be deducted from your time bank, even if no one signs up to sub for you. Please write the word "final" on your posted sub notice.

A couple of you have agreed to work some hours during the break. Your supervisors are grateful for this because we get lonely around here when everyone is gone! If anyone else would like to work over the break, your help could be used at the Wells Library. They are looking for current employees (that's you!) to shelve Google project books. Please note that your payrate for this special project will be minimum wage, and not the wage you currently earn at BUSP. If you are interested in this, contact Terry.

Finally, good luck with your finals. If you are traveling over the break, do so safely. Happy trails to you, happy holidays to all, and to all a good night.