I have updated the Competency Level Assessment form, as discussed in the open meetings. To access the form, along with info on the competency increase process, go to http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/admin/classification/reclassification.htm.

–Leo Agnew

Hello to Derek Frankhouser and Paula Donoho, part-time LIS I’s in Access Services, Circulation/Reserve. Derek has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from MU. Previous work experience includes student teaching and working as a volunteer to the Dard Hunter historical collection project with MU’s Fine Art Department. Paula has a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation with emphasis on Therapeutic Recreation, also from MU. She also received a Teaching Credential in English/English as a Second Language. Her work experience includes teaching English in high school and junior high.

* Library Information Assistant – 100% FTE, M-F 8-5; $9.05/hr. Interlibrary Loan Unit – Lending, Access Services Department, Access, Collections and Technical Services Division, Ellis Library

Duties: Process interlibrary lending requests received from other libraries, including obtaining call numbers using MERLIN (the library’s online catalog system). Retrieve books from the stacks utilizing alphanumeric call numbers. Update interlibrary loan requests on the OCLC Interlibrary Loan Subsystem and the RAPID System, using computer workstation. Check out books in MERLIN. Prepare books for sending including packaging. Assist in other interlibrary lending processes as needed. Work as a member of an efficient team and meet speed and accuracy goals as determined by department. The full job description is available at http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/admin/positiondesc/Posdesc/Access%20Services/c20975.htm.

This position requires some physical stamina and involves moving materials and related physical actions part of the workday. Must be able to move fully loaded book trucks (at least 200 lbs.). Must be able to read call numbers on books located on shelves at ground level and up to nine feet in height and where lighting is diminished; ladders and footstools are available.

Min. Quals.: A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary. Six months of responsible office experience is necessary. Directly related education or training may be substituted for experience. The ability to type may be necessary depending upon the position available.

Preferred Quals.: Demonstrated aptitude with clerical skills, attention to detail and ability to work closely with others. Knowledge of library classification systems, prior library work experience and experience with computers helpful. No typing test required.

Congratulations to Caroline James on her promotion to the LIS I position in HSL-ILL. Caroline began her current position in Access Services ILL in 2005. She starts her new duties on Feb. 20.

The Vice Provost has authorized recruitment for the position of Assistant Head of Access Services. This position will be filled at the Librarian I or II level, depending upon the qualifications of the final candidate. The full job ad is listed http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/admin/jobopps.htm.

Ann Riley will chair the search committee. Other committee members are being finalized at this time.

Three info sessions will take place to review the LIA/LIS competency process. The sessions are voluntary and open to anyone in a LIA or LIS title or who supervises individuals in those titles. RSVP’s are not required.

Online info on the process is available at http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/admin/classification/reclassification.htm.

Feb. 7, 9:00-9:30 a.m., 4F51-A Ellis Library;
Feb. 8, 3:00-3:30 p.m., 330 HSL;
Feb. 9, 11:00-11:30 a.m., 4F51-A Ellis.

Goodbye to Allison Gordon, part-time LIS I, Access Services-Circulation. Allison has accepted a position at Daniel Boone Regional Library while she continues her MLS studies.

*Library Information Specialist I, 100% FTE, M-F, 8-5, $10.92/hr; Health Sciences Library, Interlibrary Loan –Borrowing

Duties:  Process requests for documents requested by faculty, staff and students. Processing includes receiving, verifying, and placing requests in both DOCLINE and OCLC interlibrary loan systems when necessary, using ILLiad. Respond to patron questions regarding requests. Email patrons regarding the status of locally owned materials. Monitor and follow up on unfilled borrowing requests. This position is fast-pace, and involves the daily use of Outlook and Windows 2010. Must be able to work with minimal direct supervision and meet speed and accuracy goals as determined by the department. Must be able to move individual books of varying weight. Other duties as assigned. The full job description can be accessed at http://mulibraries.missouri.edu/staff/admin/positiondesc/Posdesc/HSL/c0011547_LISI_ILL.htm.

Min. Quals: A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary. Two years responsible office experience or related education or training beyond high school. No typing test required.

Pref. Quals. Library experience. Bachelor’s degree. Computer experience, specifically Microsoft Access or Excel; working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word on Windows 7.  Ability to successfully perform detailed work, accuracy in typing, effective organization, time management, and prioritizing skills.

Within our collection is a wealth of books on organizations, e.g., management, performance, leadership. I’d like to point out two books that I just ran across. Both books are designed to help employees and supervisors develop statements about performance, achievements, development goals, and more.

2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews: Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases that Really Get Results. Falcone, Paul. American Management Association; New York. 2005. Call number: HF5549.5 .R3 F35 20005.

The book’s key purpose is to provide words and phrases supervisors and employees can readily use to communicate in a concise and meaningful way with each other about job performance, job goals, etc. What is particularly helpful is each topic is organized into three sections: Meets/Exceeds Expectations; Need Improvements; and Goals statements. See the attachment for an example.

The book is divided into two parts:

Part I – Performance Appraisal Phrases for Core Competencies and Commonly Rated Performance Factors. Topics include Change Management Skills, Leadership, Managerial Style, Organization, Problem-Solving Skills, and many more.

Part II – Performance Appraisal Phrases for Particular Titles and Roles. Phrases are provided for positions involved with IT, HR, Operations, Production, and more.

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Perfect Phrases for Performance Reviews: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases for Describing Employee Performance, 2^nd edition. Max, Douglas and Robert Bacal.

Part III is particularly interesting as the authors provide examples for distinguishing among levels of performance, i.e., Meets Expectations, Exceeds Expectations, Outstanding, Needs Improvement, and Unacceptable. In addition, the authors include questions designed to help an employee and supervisor talk about a performance issue. See the attachment for an example.

Call number: HF5549.5 .R3 M258 2011.

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NOTE: Both of these books are accessible via SkillSoft, meaning you can read the info while developing a performance-related document.

Leo

Library Information Specialist I, two part-time positions at 50% FTE each; $10.92/hr. Access, Collections and Technical Services, Access Services Department, Circulation Reserve Unit.

Schedule: Work 20 hours per week, including at least two evenings and probably one or more weekend slots during the regular semester. Hours will be determined by the Unit Head and the successful candidate along with others working nights and weekends in the Access Services Department. Generally the evening hours are from 4PM to midnight but may upon occasion need to be 6 PM to 2 AM to cover absence of the person working those hours regularly.  A two week notice will be given before any change in schedule will be implemented on a permanent basis.

Duties: These positions will function, generally, as night supervisor at least two nights per week and possibly at least one weekend shift at the Ellis Circulation Reserve Desk with the rest of the schedule being regular daytime hours. Flexibility in scheduling will be an asset. Will be the only full time staff person on duty some of the time, supervising several student employees. Works as a team member with any other supervisor with whom schedules overlap. Serves as a resource to both patrons and other staff in other departments regarding circulation and reserve policies. During times of overlap in schedule, this person will search in the Ellis Library stacks for books which patrons and other library staff have been unable to locate during their searching. Will be responsible for the operation of the MERLIN Circulation System and reporting all problems to the appropriate departments in a timely manner. Will issue borrower cards and handle all questions relating to borrowing materials. Reports to Head of Circulation Unit.

Some physical stamina required, involving moving materials on book trucks weighing up to 100 pounds for short distances. Must be able to stand and move about several hours per day and stand on ladders and footstools as needed. Must be able to read call numbers on books located on ground level and up to nine feet in height with the use of ladders and step stools. Lighting may be diminished in some places.

Minimum Qualifications: A high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired is necessary.  Two years responsible office experience or related education or training beyond high school.  The ability to type may be necessary depending upon the position available.

Preferred Qualifications: Because this person works evening hours, outstanding communication skills will be required since written referrals will be made for supervisors the following workday to follow up. Must be able to remain composed and make appropriate decisions during times of stress.  Excellent telephone and in person interpersonal skills. Good listening skills and the ability to explain issues clearly and work to satisfactory resolution of problems. Prior library experience required.  Supervisory experience is desired.