Tag Archives: Oregon Library Passport Program

Bryan’s OLA-SSD Conference 2016 Report

Hello.

Just wanted to share a brief summary of this year’s OLA-SSD Conference “Coming to a Crossroads: Intersecting Roles in Library Service and Community” in Wilsonville.

First off, the food was excellent and everyone was stuffed by the end of the day. A nice venue.

Also met one of our former student employees from the early 90’s, Tallie McWilliams. Her husband, Jeremy, also worked for us during that time and is now the Digital Services Coordinator at Lewis & Clark College. Tallie also works at the L&C library.

Keynote – Oregon Library Passport Program – Eva Calcagno, Chair of the OLA Resource Sharing Committee and Director Washington County Cooperative Library Services.

Gave an historical background of the Library Passport Program – she spearheaded the development and implementation in 2013 – which opened up free, direct patron borrowing at libraries across the state. She also shared experiences being involved in resource sharing during her career and the Passport Program has been a positive resource for some metropolitan libraries and rural ones as well throughout Oregon. The program has not been that influential at Oregon State University Libraries as our Oregon Resident Card already provides access for all Oregon residents.

Session #1 – One of These Things is Not Like the Other: The Joy of a Diverse Environment. – Sandra Valenti, Emporia State University

Discussed individual approaches to topics of diversity. Many examples from the presenter and audience of how the best-intentioned comments or statements can be perceived as offensive to some. How you say something does matter and we all need to be aware of sensitive topics including gender, sexual orientation, race, religion and disabilities among others. Welcoming diversity and being respectful is the goal. Think before you speak. Explaining yourself afterwards is a very awkward and uncomfortable situation and can be easily avoided.

Session #2 – Responding to and Assisting People with Unique Needs – Elise Thompson, Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division

Because most libraries are open to the general public, “we see the entire unique and wonderful range of humanity at the library, and that can present some interesting challenges to staff concerning how to keep that shared space as comfortable and welcoming as possible for all who use it.” The presentation gave some tips on how to engage effectively, professionally – and compassionately – with all of your patrons and their unique needs.

Elise discussed different situations and shared a handout for a guide. She stressed that if a situation appeared dangerous to always call security or the police for help.

The handout Responding To and Assisting People with Unique Needs covered topics like Behavior vs. Cause? Behavior is the primary area of concern for staff, not the cause of that behavior. Be cautious about assuming that you know the reason for someone’s unusual behavior – it can be caused by any one or a combination of factors. For your purposes, it is probably not relevant what the cause is. Instead, your concern is about the client’s ability to interact with you and get their needs met in a way that:
• Maintains safety for all involved
• Is satisfying to the client
• Causes a minimum disruption to your work
• Causes a minimum disruption to other clients

It also covers observational skills, communication skills and other general guidelines. Very useful.

Session #3 – Tips of the Trade: Training Guides and Techniques for Libraries. – Suzy Coleman (Tualatin Public Library), Shanel Parette (Willamette University), and Michael Farris (Pacific University)

The panel shared their student training materials and techniques. Software used included Google Docs and Libguides. The training materials were by topic and questions were answered about navigation, ease of use, and some training styles. Another question that came up was how best to communicate with students/volunteers that come and go and are not stationed at a desk. Everyone has tried notes, bulletin or whiteboards, etc. Several libraries also use gift boxes, candy and other rewards for their students. Also gained some ideas for interview questions based on a student’s personality and goals.

Amila and I mentioned that we base our training not on topics, but on the level of overall training using modules. We also use a wiki to manage the materials. Initial training is focused on allowing students to begin working at the desk quickly doing basic tasks and their level of overall skills and knowledge progresses as the training progresses. All staff participate and contribute to the training as we are open 24/5. We also discussed the use of training level badges – both digital and physical. There was much interest in our techniques and Suzy sat down with us afterwards for a discussion.

Overall an informational and pleasant day. Did I mention the great food?

– Bryan