Is posting videos of staff not wearing masks while in the library sending a mixed message to the public about the importance of wearing masks at the branches? Could we incorporate messaging at the beginning or end of the program that promotes wearing a mask in the library?
Because we want to model recommended protocols, FCPL has procedures in place to protect the safety of staff when they are recording virtual programs that require them to wear masks and social distance if more than one person is in the camera shot. Presenters are not wearing masks if they are in the shot alone because it is important that viewers can see their faces and hear their voices clearly. We will look in to the idea of adding messaging to promote library safety protocols.
Do our social media posts inviting patrons to visit the library to view the women’s suffrage display draw more visitors at a time when we are asking people to limit their time?
This display has a very small footprint, not like the large panel installations we have had in the past. The design really only allows for one person to view it at a time and takes just a couple of minutes to see the whole thing. That said, we will not seek or offer exhibits that would have a huge public appeal and draw crowds at this time.
How has Outreach adapted their service to reach the community?
We have come up with some exciting ways to reach the public outside of our libraries. Thanks to the generosity of our Youth Services staff, we received a ton of leftover Grab and Go bags that we are distributing to Head Start, the Mobile Food Pantry, and City Laundromat. Joanie is creating bilingual handouts highlighting student cards and eResources for distribution at these locations as well.
Mailbox Books continues to keep us busy with regular (sometimes lengthy) phone conversations, patron requests, and mailings. Lorraine has continued Marta Peppin’s legacy of caring and compassion by sending birthday cards, get well cards, researching poetry, and even the occasional window visit at an assisted living facility. We sign up new patrons weekly and currently serve 79 patrons in 6 senior living communities and 46 patrons in Mailbox Books, for a total of 125 Outreach patrons, up from 54 in February of 2019.
Have we considered some kind of anonymous survey for staff to get a better feel for how everyone is doing/feeling?
We were just discussing that yesterday and will look into it.
How many staff members have left FCPL specifically because of COVID and safety/health concerns? Is that a concern to the Board? Are they aware of staff leaving due to these concerns?
FCPL has had 10 resignations or separations since March. It is not our practice to disclose the reasons why employees leave their positions. The Board receives regular financial reports that keep them informed of staff vacancies, but Board members are not typically informed of the reasons staff leave employment. Anna has spoken with the Board Chair about general staff concerns and Ms. McGruder understands that some staff members have determined that they do not wish to be in public-facing positions during this time.
Deciding whether to leave a job is a very personal decision. We have a terrific library staff and don’t want anyone to leave, but Library employment has different circumstances and expectations now than it did prior to the pandemic. It has become clear that this pandemic is not a short-term problem; everyone has to decide whether their job continues to be a fit for them in the long-term.
Has FCPL considered hazard pay for employees who have regular, direct contact with the public?
FCPL does not offer hazard pay and does not have the funding to do so. The County has implemented hazard pay for some County employees who are required to have direct and extended contact with the public, such as first responders. The standards they used did not apply to library employees.
Has there been any feedback from patrons yet now that our RBdigital content has transferred over to OverDrive?
We have not heard anything yet, but Sarah gave a shout-out to Jen Bell for assisting a visually impaired Mailbox Books patron who needed Libby set up on his device. Lorraine had just gotten him set up in RBdigital and enjoyed it so much he wanted to be sure he was ready for the switch.
Are Board members are invited to these Q&A’s? Could the Board Chair attend to hear staff questions and concerns, and to interact with staff?
No, Board members are not invited to these internal staff meetings. The Director is the only staff member who reports to the Board and the Board delegates all other personnel activities to the Director. Anna will relay that request to Ms. McGruder.
General Discussion:
Paula has been doing a great job with social media and the public is really engaged with our posts. Anna noted that the Facebook post of Kim Ottesen with the leaf blower got more attention than the photo with the $2 million check from the state!
There will be a Construction Kick-off meeting for the Fowler Road location on Friday. Design should begin mid-year 2021 with the goal of opening in 2023. There is also money for additional work at Cumming, but it should not impact service like the last construction project.
We have been very fortunate in regards to our budget with no funding reductions. The County appears to be on board with our budget request and is considering a 2% raise for staff. This is less than the usual 4% but is excellent news in a recession.
Many candidates have been recruited and more announcements will be shared soon, leaving just 2 open positions –one in Facilities and one in Public Services. Elise, Steve, and Nikki have worked incredibly hard to get these positions filled.
Jeff shared that Materials is receiving a steady stream of shipments as ordering has geared up for the new fiscal year. COVID has affected some vendors, particularly the distributor for our world language titles. Steve gave a shout-out to Tanya for her work with ILL. It's hard getting materials nowadays but she does a great job.
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