Hi,
We have a main library and one branch library, Music. Our Tech Services staff and a few others had to move a block south of the library during the current major renovation. Tech Services will eventually come back into the fold, but we also now have a storage facility (quarter mile off in an almost opposite direction) where the folks there are even more isolated. Previously all the main library folks were in one building. We are one big family and the separation was hard for us socially as well as in terms of workflows.
One thing they’re doing at the tech services outpost is having different people bring the materials back and forth to the main library in a golf cart twice a day, on a schedule where one person does Mondays, one person does Tuesdays, etc. For the storage facility, the staff work at different times but all have to come over in a van to the main library, to pick up and drop off materials on a schedule. The admin assistant and acting director are based at the outpost but come over to the main library frequently. We have meetings at the main library and the outpost. So we do get to interact with each other, even if it might be somewhat haphazard. It helps that our “main library” is squished into a 1980s addition during the renovation. Being in a small building, it doesn’t take much to run out and say hi to people.
We also have weekly “Morale Monday” coffee at the library outpost, and an all-library staff meeting once a month. These started long before the renovation. People bring in donuts and other treats randomly and that’s always nice.
As an aside, the Music Librarian works the main reference desk sometimes and we get to see all 3 Music Library folks at various meetings, but not often enough!
Diane Westerfield, Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian
Tutt Library, Colorado College
diane.westerfield_at_coloradocollege.edu<mailto:diane.westerfield_at_coloradocollege.edu>
(719) 389-6661
From: acqnet-request_at_lists.ala.org [mailto:acqnet-request_at_lists.ala.org] On Behalf Of Varley, Holly
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 7:40 AM
To: acqnet_at_lists.ala.org
Subject: RE: [ALCTS-acqnet] Fwd: Building a work culture
We anticipate a similar move, but it may be years away. My concern would be keeping lines of communication open with the Library and staff you are leaving behind. You don’t want to be out of sight/out of mind. I would want an active Tech Services presence on a work-related social media platform or intranet to let Library staff know what you are doing for them—still buying and processing books/e-resources, still listening to their customer needs, still just an email/text/comment away, and still providing great support service.
Good luck!
-Holly
Holly Varley
Materials Selection and Acquisition Manager
Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
holly.varley_at_cincinnatilibrary.org<mailto:holly.varley_at_cincinnatilibrary.org>
From: acqnet-request_at_lists.ala.org<mailto:acqnet-request_at_lists.ala.org> [mailto:acqnet-request_at_lists.ala.org] On Behalf Of Stacey Marien
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 3:53 PM
To: acqnet_at_lists.ala.org<mailto:acqnet_at_lists.ala.org>
Subject: [ALCTS-acqnet] Fwd: Building a work culture
Colleagues
Our Technical Services unit (Acquisitions, Cataloging and ERM) are moving off-site next month. We will be about 1/2 mile from the main campus and 20 people are moving. The managers would like to set the tone for a new work culture, amidst the unhappiness of being moved out of the library. What do all of you do to foster a good work culture? I'm not really talking about how to work together, we do that very well - more of team building, nice atmosphere, actiities together, etc. We have to balance the fact that many of the staff are introverts and don't necessarily want to have parties all the time - although we do celebrate birthdays, have a holiday potluck and do an occasional fun thing (like celebrating Waffle Day, a Swedish holiday on March 23 - waffles for everyone).
Ideas?
Stacey
Stacey Marien
Acquisitions Librarian
American University Library
smarien_at_american.edu<mailto:smarien_at_american.edu>
202-885-3842<tel:202-885-3842>
orcid.org/0000-0003-2608-4559<http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2608-4559>
Received on Wed Oct 19 2016 - 11:45:10 EDT