Daily Archives: September 12, 2016

Reminder: Join Library Pride

Are you proud of the top-ten rated library that you are a part of? Have you always wanted to help show it off, but weren’t quite sure where to start? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you might want to consider joining Library Pride — and today‘s the deadline to sign up for the 2016-2017 Library Pride cohort!

Library Pride is a newly formed group of Libraries faculty and staff devoted to offering tours of Pattee and Paterno for various groups, including students, alumni, faculty, and other Penn State visitors. When you join Library Pride, you commit to participating in a 2-hour training session with Megan Gilpin, being available (according to your schedule, of course) to give tours of the library through the end of the 2016-17 academic year, and to lead at least 2-3 tours during this time period.

Training sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Monday, Sept. 19, 3-5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-noon
Monday, Sept. 26, 1-3 p.m.

Your first opportunity to offer a tour as part of Library Pride will be during our Parents & Families Weekend events during the morning and early afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 16.

If you are interested in participating in Library Pride, please check with your supervisor or department head, and then indicate your interest via this brief form by today, Monday, Sept. 12, 2016: http://tinyurl.com/librarypride.

– submitted by Rebecca Miller, Library Learning Services

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award winner Engle to speak Sept. 20

promotional graphic for September 20 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award presentation

Margarita Engle, 2016 winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, will receive the national children’s poetry honor at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park. Following the award presentation, Engle will speak about her writing, specifically the use of historical works to communicate with children, and show photos from Cuba to illustrate scenes from her winning verse memoir, “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings.” The event also includes a book sale and author signing.

A Cuban-American author, Engle wrote “Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings” about growing up as a child of two cultures during the Cold War. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing, her book was released the same week the U.S. Embassy in Havana reopened after more than a half-century of hostile relations between the two nations.

The complete article about this upcoming event may be viewed on Penn State News.

Inside Access: Faculty/staff office delivery update

by Carolyn Muse, Interlibrary Loan

This year begins the fourth year of Interlibrary Loan’s Faculty/Staff Delivery Service. Since Trends in Faculty/Staff Office Delivery Service was published in the February 8 Library News, the statistics for the 2015-2016 academic/fiscal year have been completed and compiled.

  • From 2013-2014 to 2014-2015, there was a 52% patron number increase and a 31% increase in all materials sent (32% increase in “I Want Its,” 17% increase in E-Z Borrow, and 26% increase in ILL Borrowing materials).
  • From 2014-2015 to 2015-2016, there was a 22% patron number increase and a 15% increase in all materials sent (15% increase in “I Want Its,” 28% increase in E-Z Borrow, and 2% increase in ILL Borrowing materials).
  • As of June 30, 2016, there are more than 620 patrons actively using the service. An average of 125 items are checked out and mailed each week.

The continued success of this service is attributed to Interlibrary Loan’s steadfast commitment to supplying materials in a timely manner, overwhelmingly positive feedback from our current patrons, sustained word-of-mouth between departments and periodic,strategic advertising. Interlibrary Loan will begin another round of advertising at the beginning of Fall Semester by placing bookmarks detailing our service to patrons who have not yet signed up.

If you know of any faculty or staff members who wish to sign up for
this service, here are some helpful links:

Office delivery services for UP faculty & staff: https://libraries.psu.edu/services/interlibrary-loan/interlibrary-loan-borrowing-privileges#officedelivery

Returning material: https://libraries.psu.edu/services/interlibrary-loan/interlibrary-loan-borrowing-privileges#returning

LHR News: Benefits you may have overlooked

As an employee of the University Libraries, you have access to many benefits and privileges of which you may not even be aware. Here is a list of some of the many “perks” of working for the Libraries. Some are limited to full-time employees, and some are available only at University Park, so not all may apply, but check them out and see if there is something here that may benefit you!

DISCOUNTS                                                                

Penn State Discounts Program
The program is dedicated to providing information for Penn State students, employees, retirees, and alumni regarding the “extra” benefits that come with a Penn State affiliation.  Discounts include featured cell phone providers, vehicle purchases, car and life insurance, theme park tickets, and many others.

Fitness Memberships to Facilities on Campus
Fitness memberships can be purchased on a semester basis that will provide you access to the multiple fitness facilities on the University Park campus. Daily admission to pools on campus are also available. Many campuses have excellent fitness facilities. Local policies apply for staff and faculty use.

Lion Cash
Lion Cash can be used around campus and at some participating businesses with some offering additional savings! Set up an automatic payroll deduction or add money to your Lion Cash account as needed using a Visa/MasterCard.

University Health Services, Pharmacy
Maintenance prescriptions delivered right to your office! New prescriptions and refills can also be picked up at the UHS Pharmacy.

Educational Privileges
You, your spouse and dependents can take classes at Penn State with a 75% discount!

RIDEpass
Eligible University Park faculty and staff can purchase a bus pass for only $15 a month.

RideShare and Vanpools
Commute in the company of others while sharing the drive to work. Use the RideShare matching service or join a Vanpool.

Motorcycle Permits
If you have a PSU parking permit, you are eligible for a free motorcycle permit with some restrictions. Call LHR for more information.

ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

EAP—Employee Assistance Program
A free confidential service to help you with personal or work-related concerns for yourself or your family. Assistance is also available for navigating healthcare and insurance systems. Call 866-799-2728.

Career Counseling
Career counselors in the Bank of America Career Center are available to assist employees.  Contact LHR for a referral.

Flexible Spending
Penn State offers both healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts which offer pretax deductions to reimburse you for eligible expenses.

Employee Assistance Fund
This fund provides financial support to help employees through temporary circumstances, including family tragedies, house fires and other disasters, and catastrophic or unusual medical expenses. Contact LHR for more information.

WORK SCHEDULES AND TIME OFF

Phased Retirement
Intended to assist employees in the transition into full retirement. Policy HR29 allows for the reduction in work commitment over a defined period of time at a reduced compensation level.

Unpaid Leave of Absence
Employees can request to take a personal leave of up to 12 months. Some restrictions apply.

Release Time for Academic Courses
Penn State policy provides for the possibility of release time to take academic courses from Penn State. Keep in mind that service to your unit is first priority. First speak with your supervisor, and then contact LHR for more information.

FMLA
Provides employees 12 weeks of FMLA protected time in a calendar year for absences related to the birth/adoption of a child, caring for yourself or an immediate family member with a serious health condition.

Alternate Work Schedules
HRG-02 provides a variety of alternate work schedule possibilities for employees whose responsibilities can be accomplished outside of a University office and/or traditional work schedule for part or all of the workweek. Such arrangements are encouraged when, in the opinion of the supervisor, the University’s work needs can be efficiently and effectively met. The purpose of flexible work schedules is to provide a greater capability for each employee to establish her/his own program of working hours within the workweek without changing the number of hours to be worked.

SERVICES

http://ohr.psu.edu/health-matters
Search Penn State’s emPOWER (employee Personalized Online Wellness Enrollment and Rewards) site for classes available at University Park and most campus locations.

Technology Support
For University Park employees, the IT Service Desk in the Knowledge Commons can help with your personal electronic devices. Assistance with Wi-Fi connectivity, downloading software, web-based applications, and virus detection/removal are examples of the kind of help available. Consultants may be able to help with damaged device, or can refer you to appropriate repair services. Campus employees may want to check with their local IT support unit to find out what services may be available. Note: for equipment purchased and owned by the Libraries, please contact I-Tech.

Childcare Resources
Looking for childcare or want more information on resources available?

Total Compensation Statement
Log into ESSIC and take a look at your total compensation statement.  It will provides you with an idea of just how much your Penn State benefits are worth!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Learning Resource Network
Penn State’s LRN offers a variety of professional development opportunities from on-line to instructor-led classes, with content that includes core business skills, project management, business acumen, technology, professional growth, compliance and much more. Use the network to browse or search for training, then register and track your learning opportunities.

lynda.com
lynda.com is an online education company offering thousands of video courses in software, creative, and business skills.  The company produces video tutorials taught by industry experts. Members have unlimited access to watch the videos, which are primarily educational. As a Penn State employee you are automatically a member.

Job Enrichment
The Libraries’ Job Enrichment Program provides full-time faculty and staff with opportunities to learn new skills and gain job knowledge through work experiences in other Libraries’ units. Consult Libraries Guideline HRG02 for more information.

– submitted by Rob Harris, Human Resources

USTEAC Library Professional Development Series – Week 8

This week’s Lynda.com training video from the User Services Training Employee Advisory Council (USTEAC) focuses on the three crucial skill sets needed to deliver outstanding customer service in building winning relationships, providing the right assistance at the right times, and effectively handling angry customers.

Week 8
Customer Service Fundamentals
There is much to be said about customer service and this class says it well. Refresh your perspective with: Defining Outstanding Customer Service. As you have time, view the remainder of this course and learn how to make your customers feel valued.

The USTEAC recommended list of videos and modules is available for viewing at any time.

Tech Tip: Using Mediasite to view live and archived recordings

by Ryan Johnson, I-Tech

Most of us have probably used Mediasite to watch a live presentation by selecting a link provided for the specific session. But, did you know you can view past recordings you may have missed?

To access Mediasite Live recordings go to http://live.libraries.psu.edu.

Select the link dropdown menu next to Welcome Guest (upper right-hand corner) and select Login.

screenshot of the login menu for mediasite

Then login with your PSU ID and Password. After logging in you will be presented with a Mediasite catalog, including a Libraries Section:

screenshot of menu of mediasite categories

 

LHR News: Sept. 12

Please join us in welcoming the following new hires:

Part-time:
Kyle Brogan – Penn State Wilkes-Barre
Mariah Boccardi – Penn State Mont Alto
Brianna D’Itri – Penn State Beaver
Michael Fleming – Penn State Schuylkill
Jonathan Spross – Penn State Brandywine
Kathryn Mayberry – Earth and Mineral Sciences Library
Neil Riley – Earth and Mineral Sciences Library
James Boseman – I-Tech
Joshua Byrd – Commons Services
Emma Kauffman – Commons Services
Brittany Boardley – Commons Services
Wing Sze Wong – Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
Shidika Goode – Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library
Tatjana Neuberger – Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library

Events: Sept. 12

Fall 2016

Through Friday, Dec. 16: “Expanding Horizons: Penn Staters in the Olympics” exhibit, Special Collections Library, 104 Paterno Library, University Park.

Through Friday, Dec. 16: “Japanimation: Exploring Anime” exhibit, Sidewater Commons and central entrance, Pattee Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 14: Getting to know maps: map literacy, 3:30-5 p.m., Donald W. Hamer Maps Library, W13 Pattee Library, University Park, and on Adobe Connect.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Coffee with Carmen and pastry decorating, presented by Ann Thompson and Linda Struble, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Physical and Mathematical Sciences Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Greater Allegheny Open House, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., J. Clarence Kelly Library, McKeesport.

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Margarita Engle accepts the Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Children’s Poetry, 4-5 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Space planning brown bag session, noon-1 p.m., Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Building evacuation training for University Park, 3-4 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Thursdsay, Sept. 22: Recognition of University Libraries colleagues with 25 years of service, 2-3 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: Discovery Day Webinar Series: Office Yoga, 10-11 a.m., presented by Rebecca Peterson, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Sept. 27: LHR Forum, 2-3:30 p.m., presented by Rob Harris and members of LHR, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Thursday, Sept. 29: Occupant safety, a panel discussion , 3-4:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Friday, Sept. 30: University Libraries Donor Reception and Celebration, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Paterno Family Reading Room, 201 Pattee Library, University Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 4: Disability Awareness Month Event: Working with patrons with disabilities, Carmen Gass, Libraries’ User Services Training Coordinator, 10 a.m.-noon, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Thursday, Oct. 6: Nick Sousanis will give a talk after accepting the Lynd Ward Prize for his graphic novel “Unflattening,” 4-5 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library.

Wednesday, Oct. 12: Getting to know GIS: GIS literacy, 3:30-5 p.m., Donald W. Hamer Maps Library, W13 Pattee Library, University Park, and on Adobe Connect.

Thursday, Oct. 13: Disability Awareness Month Event: Disability in the workplace, 6-7:30 p.m., presentation by Taryn Williams, Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of
Labor, Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Sunday, Oct.16: Penn State Parents Weekend events, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pattee and Paterno Libraries Open House featuring a gallery talk, book discussion and tours, University Park.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Discovery Day Webinar Series: What the Library Can Do for You, presented by Liz Long and Megan Gilpin, 1-2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: Tech Update, by Libraries I-Tech staff, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Oct. 18: David DeNotaris speaks about employment opportunities for people with disabilities, 6:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Oct. 19: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Wednesday, Oct. 19: Promotion and tenure recognition event, 4-6:30 p.m., Paterno Reading Room, University Park.

Wednesday, Oct. 26: Penn State Beaver Library Open House, noon-1:30 p.m., Beaver campus library.

Friday, Oct. 28: Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Morrison Gallery, Penn State Harrisburg Library.

Wednesday, Nov. 2: Supervisor: Helping new librarians find success and satisfaction in the academic library, 2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Wednesday, Nov. 2: Archaeological Institute of America Public Lecture, 5:30-7 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park.

Thursday, Nov. 3: Librarians: Helping new librarians find success and satisfaction in the academic library, 2 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Tuesday, Nov. 8: Library Learning Services: Exhibition information literacy class, 10 a.m., 140 Pattee Library, University Park.

Thursday, Nov. 10: Beating Burnout, 10 a.m.,Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, University Park, and MediaSite Live.

Friday, Nov. 11: Coffee with Carmen, with special guests Dean Barbara Dewey and Associate Dean Anne Langley, noon-1 p.m., Mann Assembly Room, University Park.

Wednesday, Nov. 16: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Sunday-Saturday, Nov. 20-26: Thanksgiving holiday, no classes.

Friday, Dec. 9: Last day of fall classes.

Sunday-Tuesday, Dec. 11-13: DeStress Fest, 3-8 p.m., University Park library locations.

Monday-Friday, Dec. 12-16: Final exams.

Wednesday, Dec. 14: Tech Update, by Libraries I-Tech staff, 1-2:30 p.m., Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, and MediaSite Live.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Fall Commencement, University Park and several Commonwealth Campus locations.

Wednesday, Dec. 21: Space planning brown bag session, Libraries’ Space Steering Committee open discussion and Q & A, noon-1 p.m., 510A Paterno Library, University Park.

Please submit event information to Public Relations and Marketing via the Library News submission form.