Last day at Branch 1

Today was my last day at the first branch.  It was also like the start of a new branch because the people who I had worked with were either on RDO or lates (meaning they don't start until 1pm).  The new people will be at the branch I go to next week...and were also people I met at the Home Library Service meeting I attended. 

This was quite good as they gave me some new tasks.  This involved looking through an unallocated and available list -- cancelling reserves that couldn't be met or suggesting requests for purchases (after searching Books in print) to see if the items were available.

I also collected items from the stack location that had been reserved.  The stack location is 2 sides of a compactus.  Many of these items are old and in a MUSTIE condition. 

I also was one of the staff members on ref desk for the morning.  I only had a few questions which included helping with photocoping, searching for some new titles and also placing some requests for purchase.

After lunch, I continuted on ref desk (allowing a staff member to have some precious time at their desk).  Then I caught up with the Library Co-ordinator who explained her role.  In a way, position title are different down here.  My role at home as Branch Manager could be called Team Leader here (I think) however a team leader is not responsible for rosters, timesheets etc. 

Each branch has a team leader and an admin officer.  My plan next week is to try and crack these roles and compare them to the roles we have.

Among many other things, the Library co-ordinator is responible for

• Human resources (with support from Council's HR team)
• Staffing at each branch
• Attending team meetings
• Ensuring the library is operational

I also received a copy of the library's strategic plan.  One admin officer also gave me copies of the daily, weekly and monthly checklists that I think are great.  These help ensure that each branch is up to date and current.

I received my plan for the next two weeks.  So far, there is more Collection Management and Perfect Ordering which will keep me busy.  I'm looking forward to next week at a new branch.