IMPORTANT: Voter Registration Video Tutorial

From Deputy Director of Library Administration Roosevelt Weeks:

Team -

The National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31, May 20, 1993) requires that the library must offer the opportunity to register to vote to any individual of voting age who applies for a library card or renews a library card, effective January 1, 1995. In essence, all customers who desire to register or renew a library card must be offered a voter registration form.

To this end, we have developed a video tutorial to assist front line team members with helping customers complete a voter registration form. This video can be accessed via the Training Portal at http://training.houstonlibrary.org/voter-application and is entitled, How to Fill out the Texas Voter Registration Application.

To access the complete HPL Policy regarding voter registration, please click on this link: https://hplnet.houstonlibrary.org/polandpro/pol-6_2.pdf and scroll down to Section N.

Thanks in advance for your assistance with upholding this federal and state mandate. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your manager or supervisor.

MR

HITS NOTICE: New ways to reset your password AND register for OPM

From HITS:

In an effort to make it as simple as possible for you to register for One Password Manager (OPM) and to reset your password, we are happy to announce that we have launched Secure Password Extension(SPE), which allows you to reset your password from your login screen.  SPE will also send you a notification to register for OPM if you have not done so.  The notifications will stop once you have registered. 

• As SPE is rolled out, you will notice that your login screen will now have an option that says “Forgot My Password”.  Click on that if you ever need to reset your password.

• IF you have not registered for OPM yet, you will receive a reminder from your computer to do so.  The reminders look like this: 

Click on “Register Now”  and it will take you to the OPM site where you will be able to register by setting up your questions and answers. 

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the HITS Customer Service Center.

• Phone: 832-393-9800
• E-mail: HITSCustomerServiceCenter@houstontx.gov

Thanks,

MR

New Holds Processing and Labels Procedures

Hello,

I've uploaded and added the following instructional documents to the Workflow Processing section of the group blog under "Holds Processing":

New Holds Title Page List

New Holds Processing with Print Wizard

New Holds Label Placement

Please, if necessary, review these documents prior to and during the process so that you are aware of the steps necessary to effectively complete this task. Please refer to them during downtime throughout the day so that you can become familiar with the process.

A few things to remember:

1. Do not change the print settings in Sirsi (Workflows)! The software automatically toggles between the printers; it is not necessary that staff do so. Changing the setting would require IT to resolve the issue, and we do not want to be creating unnecessary work for the staff.

2. Be sure to follow the label placement procedures. Refer to the attached documents on the blog.

3. Any holds that come across the desk need to be processed at the terminal at which the holds printer and software are installed. Both terminals are located in the workroom so that staff do not have to worry about trying to process holds at the desk. For that reason, all holds that come across the desk need to be placed in a bin and carried to the workroom at the end of the day. The processing of holds (if there are any) will be scheduled as part of opening procedures the following day.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

MR

Heat Safety Reminders

Hello,

Due to the ongoing heat wave, it is a good idea for us to be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses. This is not only so that we can aid each other, but also so that we can aid customers who might be entering our buildings in order to cool off or escape the heat. There have been several heat advisories these last few days, so please be on the lookout for staff and customers that might be displaying the following symptoms:

Symptoms of heat stroke:

• confusion
• fainting
• seizures
• very high body temperature;
• hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• headache
• nausea
• dizziness
• weakness
• thirst
• heavy sweating

Heat fatigue and heat rash are less serious, but they are still signs of too much heat exposure.

If you, a coworker, or a customer displays symptoms of heat-related illnesses, please let a supervisor know. If you can, move the person to a shaded area, loosen his/her clothing, give him/her water (a little at a time), and cool him/her down with ice packs or cool water.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

MR

Request for power usage reduction in all library locations

From Deputy Director of Customer Experience Michele Gorman:

Hi guys. Today we received notice that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reported a record-breaking 69K MW peak demand for the first time ever yesterday. Due to the power demand associated with the heat wave, ERCOT has warned Houston and other cities around the state of potential brownouts and/or blackouts over the next few days. In order to help reduce this possibility, GSD requests all departments implement the following power usage reduction measures:

1. Close blinds and all curtains to help insulate against radiant heat.

2. Turn off lights in offices with windows and no blinds or curtains. However, keep in mind that for safety reasons, lighting must meet minimum foot candle standards in interior areas.

3. Turn off all nonessential equipment and systems that draw power. (Ex: Escalators, televisions, Break rooms, restrict microwave and toaster oven use; turn off environmental controls to offices that are uninhabited).

Although we do not know if this request for power usage reduction will remain in place longer than today, to be safe please do your best to do the three things above for the next three days, or as long as this heat wave lasts.

Thanks,

Michele

(In case you were wondering what a foot candle standard is, a link has been added to the post. - MR)

Lights at Library Locations

Hello,

Effective tonight at closing, please begin turning off all lights at Kashmere NL and Lakewood NL at closing.

Thank you,

MR

SRP Prizes Continue!

From Sandy Farmer:

Hi all,

Summer Reading Club officially ends August 1st. Please remember that you should continue to hand out prizes during the month of August. The customers will no longer be able to log books but you can log for them.

Thanks for a great summer!