Do you read the Staff News Feed
2 ( 3%) more than once/day
47 (71%) every day
9 (14%) weekly
5 ( 8%) occasionally
1 ( 2%) rarely
2 ( 3%) no answer
Never (If "never" please tell us why not):
I try to view it every friday.
I check it every other day.
Occasionally when I have time.
Rarely to Never because we receive messages on an almost daily basis with little or no content except uninformative abstracts and summaries with little or no substance. The headlines feature could be handy if slightly more content were to be included. Yet somehow I feel like I'm probably missing a lot of info by not forcing myself to make time every day to read the Staff News Feed. Where I used to take time to read the Staff News Letter in the old e-mail format, I find that I am unwilling to take the time out of my day to take a closer look every time we receive an "update" with little or no content. I find the steady barrage of these e-mails more of an annoyance than anything.
Once or twice a week if I have the time
How do you access the Staff News Feed? (check all that apply)
46 (55%) I read only the articles that interest me from the email digest.
23 (28%) I use the link at the bottom of the email to read the full news page.
8 (10%) I use the link on the Staffweb.
2 ( 2%) I have set up an RSS reader.
4 ( 5%) other:
(other)
I have set up an RSS reader. I also have it bookmarked.
I scan the summaries and occasionally read selective articles
Now that links to monthly reports are being distributed through the Staff News Feed, do you find that you read monthly reports
10 (15%) more frequently than when they were distributed as separate emails
11 (17%) less frequently than when they were distributed as separate emails
43 (65%) about the same
2 ( 3%) no answer
Do you find the committee agendas and meeting summaries to be useful?
Occasionally
Sometimes
don't have time to read them
it varies according to the cmmt
If they were more standardized in the way they create agendas and post minutes, yes. But have an agenda with 3 items and a total of 8 words doesn't really tell me what the agenda is.
The summaries are more useful than the agendas, but sometimes are too brief.
some of the agendas could be more descriptive; I do read them but one can only click on one option here.
only as a reminder to check interesting items on the wiki
occasionally
Sometimes they are too brief to convey any sense of what is going on.
What can we do to improve the Staff News Feed?
A. Editing and Formatting
Better editing - there are often typos and other mistakes that should have been caught before release. More use of direct links within the feed, rather than just typing the url.
Sometimes the layout in e-mail makes it hard to read. I just click on the link to get to the main page.
I hesitate to suggest improvements, as I am probably still getting use to this method, but it tends to get overlooked in my morning mail. I get other feeds, such as "Today's Headlines" from the NYTs, so it all blends together and does not always get read. I read the newsletter faithfully in the old format, but it arrived in the afternoon, so I noticed when it arrived and read it then.
I've already filled out the survey earlier, but reading through the News Feed this morning reminded me of another improvement that could be made - each article is filled with acronyms and references to new technologies ("clickers", for example). Spelling out the acronym the first time (for less well know acronyms, like "ICPSR"?), and a brief description of new technologies (or perhaps a link to an explanation), would make the News Feed not only more readable, but more educational for all staff.
I think it might be a layout issue, but if the titles of the articles were displayed on the side (for example) it might make it easier to navigate, instead of continuously scrolling down.
B. Highlight Important Information
The News Feed has created information overload. It's good that the information is there so that those with a particular interest can access it, but it would be better if there were some way to emphasize items that may be important to large numbers of staff. Many of us find that we are overlooking such items when they are buried in an avalanche of reports.
Highlight items that require some action on our part. Or make sure emails also go about action items.
Make extra-curricular information shorter: speakers that have nothing to do with library information, they have to do with entertainment
I tend to read only the articles that I'm interested in by linking to them through the daily e-mail. It seems, however, that I do miss some things. I'm not sure if it's because not everything is included in the daily e-mail or if I'm missing them because of the layout or some other reason.
More than once I've missed an important staff event or meeting, and I don't know whether I've overlooked it in the daily email or if it was buried somewhere that required me to go to the full newsletter on the web (and I didn't realize it). I've heard the same concern from other staff. Is it something to do with the way the calendar or articles are being posted? Should the entire newsfeed be presented in the daily email since that is pushed out to staff? But, that means more scrolling and searching for the newest stuff. Could time-sensitive stuff be sent out separately from the newsfeed? Especially staff event announcements or important personnel info ? I don't see the newsfeed as the answer to all necessary communication. What is the policy for what is appropriate content for the newsletter?
C. Too Much Information
Make it less frequent unless there are truly time-sensitive items
Please allow staff who have RSS readers to unsubscribe from the email list. The daily email clogs up my inbox and I'd much prefer to go read it from an RSS reader when I have time.
Consolidate e-mailings to maybe one per week in order to make it seem like something substantial and worthwhile. The current frequency of e-mails definitely has the effect of lessening the overall attraction or appeal to read it. Unless you read it every day, which I cannot, it seems like one might miss some announcements that get cycled out of the feed by the time you do get around to reading it.
Fewer items per email, if possible. I find that I am more likely to miss items when they come through as part of a bunch.
It comes too frequently and has low information content ... I consider it library spam.
D. Content Is Lacking
Put a little thought into what's actually happening in the library, and include that news.
It would be nice if some people actually put some substantial things in the agenda instead of a few words. I wouldn't mind seeing the newsfeed once or twice a week, but I think that there would be almost too much info in a weekly feed and that things would get overlooked more easily. Also, it's still hard to tell when looking at the email feed whehter or not there is more information when you click on the sitemason link. I do like having the Calendar of Events at the top. That certainly helps. And I love pictures! It would also be nice to publicly acknowledge people's accomplishments on projects more often.
E. Other
Add WaterCooler.
Nothing.
Do you use the Heard Staffweb as your home page?
33 (50%) yes
31 (47%) no
2 ( 3%) no answer
If no, do you access the Heard Staffweb
12 (18%) once a day or more
17 (25%) about once a week
1 ( 1%) about once a month
2 ( 3%) rarely
0 ( 0%) never 2 ( 3%) other:
34 (50%) no answer
Other
somewhere between once a day and once a week, i.e., not every day, but more than once a week
more than once a week, less than once a day
What is your homepage?
2 ( 3%) Vanderbilt University
3 ( 4%) Heard Library
29 (37%) Heard Staffweb
12 (15%) My library's staffweb (please specify):
32 (41%) no answer
Other homepage
School/Department Page
My School page
my library's webpage
Library Technical Services
http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/central/
http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/science/
my library's homepage
technical services
Search Engine
Google is my homepage.
Other
INFORM database
CNN.com
I have a personal set of links
Do you access the Watercooler? The watercooler was designed to be a place for library staff to submit want ads and other less formal communications (free kittens, for example, or pet sitting services). It is housed on the Staffweb.
0 ( 0%) every day
0 ( 0%) every week
0 ( 0%) weekly
14 (21%) occasionally
24 (36%) rarely
27 (41%) never
1 ( 2%) no answer
Is the Watercooler a useful idea? If so, how could we improve it? Would you use it if it was added to the Staff News Feed?
Yes (27)
Yes, it could be added to the Staff News.
I think it is useful. I check it when I access the staffweb page. Perhaps if it was in the SNF I would be prompted to look at it more.
Yes, it is a useful idea, and it's disappointing it is not used more often. I liked that it was an idea that came from staff members wanting an informal informational-type communication with other staff members. I think it would be viewed/used more if staff had the StaffWeb as their homepage.
I think so. I think it might be worth a try, if most agree.
I checked it a few times when it was new and it never seemed to have much of interest. If it were added to the News Feed I might check it occasionally.
Yes, I would use it more if it were added to the Staff News Feed.
I used to visit it, but now don't think of it. If a note was added to the news feed that something was posted, I might get in the habit again.
Yes, it would certainly be useful to have it linked via the Staff News Feed. Otherwise it is easy to forget about it.
Yes. I have no thoughts on improvement at this time. Yes.
Yes, it is useful to have it, if you need it.
It would be better if more people used it. I have tried posting things in there, but no one ever responds. I think combining it in some way to the News Feed is a great idea! You could have a classified section, or an activites or programs section, a misc. section, etc. There is so much you could do to improve it and keep the Watercooler in the forefront of people's minds!
Maybe if the Staff News Feed included the summary of postings.
I think it's a great idea but I usually only access it when I see that someone has posted something. Unfortunately, sometimes the latest post date listed on the Staffweb is not accurate.
It seemed to be a good idea, but it isn't being used.
It's useful, but if no one's ever going to use it, then why have it? The very few items that appear on the watercooler could be inserted into the Staff News Feed instead.
The concept of a virtual bulletin board for informal postings is definitely a good one. The version we currently have is clunky and not user friendly. Requires yet another login and has lots of teeny icons that aren't explained. At least it did when I last looked at the board months ago. It doesn't seem to have attracted much business, so it's not worth the effort. Maybe because it's separate? I'd like to see it more integrated, so maybe the newsfeed is a good place to try. Are there other software options that improve its usability? What about a simple listserv?
Useful if used. SHould be more accessible
I think it could be useful but I never remember it
I don't use it because I can't figure out how to do so since I look at it only rarely. I think it would be better utilized if added to the news feed.
I would probably check it out more frequently if I remembered to; a link from the email staff news feed would be a good idea.
I like the idea of a staff bulletin board, but hate the fact that you have to log in. I'd find it more useful in the newsfeed.
I think more would use it if it was attached to the Staff News Feed.
I forget about it, so if it were added to the Staff News Feed, I would be more aware and access it more often (it would jog my memory.)
It would be a much more effective idea to incorporate it into the Staff News Feed instead of having it as a separate website. It would be more for convenience purposes.
I think its a great idea, but it doesn't seem to see much use.
In theory, it seems like a good idea, but it just rarely seems to be used. I know I rarely ever check it, because the "last updated" notification always says that something was posted several months ago.
I would only recommend adding it to the Staff News Feed if the items in the email digest can be grouped and prioritized (Watercooler should be last item; more important items first)
No (6)
I don't think I really want to see messages about free kittens in the news feed.
Maybe useful for some but not for me.
I suppose if I needed to get rid of something it might be useful. Otherwise I don't look at it except maybe once in a blue moon if I happen to think about it. Otherwise, I do not consider it to be a very useful source of info.
It's useful, but I don't recommend adding it to the Staff News Feed.
Please do not further clutter up the staff news feed
I would probably not use it if it were added to the newsfeed
Too Many Steps to Access
The 'must agree' information was scarry, so I did not 'sign on'
I don't take the time to go to websites to find out what is new there. Perhaps if the RSS feed would remind us when something new was added and the nature of that news, I might take the time to visit, especially if a link were provided.
It's very useful, but it's extremely frustrating that we have to create a username and password to access it. We have to have separate passwords for everything (Windows, Mulberry, Acorn, PeopleSoft). Since the Watercooler isn't work-related it's easy to forget about it and forget your password.
Have you attended an open discussion (Donuts and Coffee or Popcorn and Cokes)?
38 (61%) yes
24 (39%) no
18 (29%) If no, why not?
If no, why not?
Scheduling (10)
yes, had a conflict for that day all last semester
Schedule doesn't work
scheduling conflicts
schedule conflicts
They are usually scheduled in the morning, when I am on the desk.
they are usually held on a day I am not working on campus(Thurs.)
Times have coincided with either desk or teaching
haven't been at a good time
I work a middle shift away from the Cent. Lib. ; inconvenient
inconvenient times for my work...no positive feedback on previous sessions...no explanation of benefit...
Not Interested
N/A
"Donuts and Coffee or Popcorn and Cokes" ... as they say, Content Is King.
Too Busy (8)
I just have not taken the time to do so.
I am busy doing something and forget about them
time constraints
too busy. We still serve the public and have to have coverage at service points.
Been too busy
too busy at work
work priorities
Too busy
Did you find the session informative?
32 (82%) yes
7 (18%) no
How could we improve the open discussions?
Scheduling
I would like to see the strategic groups have an open discussion for all staff when issues become a priority. Reading the minutes is helpful but a face to face would make them seem as if the entire staff is involved.
I think having them on a regular basis will create a comfortable environment for staff to ask more questions. When staff feel it's a safe, non-threatening environment--this leads to trust and a more open communication between Library Administration and staff. Every session has more open dialogue and this is good to see.
I know that getting everybody together at one time is difficult, but maybe you could break up the schedule. Offer some sessions in the morning and some in the afternoon.
vary days of the week of donuts session-some of us are on T Th cycle and some on MWF (classes, other schedule conflicts)
I like the fact that the last "donuts and coffee" was a popcorn and coke and was held in the afternoon. We can't all be here in the morning and attend an early morning meeting.
Running the Meeting
Most questions seem to be answered with vague generalities or statements that we're still in the process of figuring out such-and-such.
Have something sort of like an agenda. When I go, I have no clue what is going to be said, or know what direction these discussions are going to go in. It would be nice to know a little in advance a hint at what the topic will be.
Have all staff members introduce themselves. This can take quite a bit of time, but the open discussions are well-attended and they're a great opportunity for people to meet each other (or to put faces with names).
Speakers need to remember that they are addressing a large crowd in a large room (not just the person 5 ft. away) where there are noisy appliances constantly running and concrete support pillars often block some audience members from being able to see/hear the person speaking. Therefore, they really need to speak up.
1)By knowing ahead of time what the topics will likely be covered. It would help OUL and staff to plan Q & A
It seems that the "open" discussions mainly stick to one topic. If there were a section where anything regarding the library could be discussed, that might be more beneficial.
It might be useful to encourage staff to submit questions in advance about the proposed topic (possibly anonymously to encourage candid queries). It would also be useful to solicit topics of interest to staff--i.e. What do YOU want to hear about at the next coffee & doughnuts meeting?
The ones I have attended have been informative, but not good for morale.
Build trust and comraderie among staff so they feel comfortable in voicing their thoughts, opinions and questions in front of their peers and their administration. We are currently in a very top down management mode and this does not help with the trust issue.
session seems to be a place where the administration became defensive and rathe than being open minded and prepared, tried to justify positions that were flawed
Location
I'm in Central so they are convenient for me. Some staff might prefer rotating locations.
Make them traveling.
Also, why do these things always have to take place in the Central Library? There are other libraries and meeting places too.
2) By holding it in a place where everyone can see/hear who's talking. The GLB lounge is awkwardly designed for a meeting like this, and the furniture old and worn out.
I think this is a great start and the open discussions should continue. Perhaps if they could be held at different locations, Baker, Science, Management....
Documentation
3) By consistently writing up summaries like the last meeting.
I also saw that notes were taken and posted to the RSS feed. This is a great idea! So many people aren't able to go to these things, so this should help.
I would also like to see the minutes from those meetings posted to the staffweb for those who can't attend.
Participants
Invite University administration for better, more direct communication.
Food Could you also offer water, fruit, and veggies in addition to or instead of sugary snacks and sugary drinks? I would prefer that; besides, I think HealthPlus would prefer it, too. Thanks.
Other
I have only been to one, so can't really say.
Nothing.
other suggestions for improving communications in the library:
More Opportunities for Staff Interaction
More frequent informal gatherings - like library sponsored luncheons, morning breaks, etc., without an agenda - just an opportunity to meet informally with our colleagues. Maybe even a party or two.
Multi-departmental gatherings would be nice. It would also be helpful to have staff orientations at the different libraries. For instance I work in Technical Services and recently went to Law to look up something. I didn't know whether I, as a staff member, could check out a book. The circulation people were very friendly and helpful, but it would have been nice to know in advance.
Develop opportunities for library staff to see what other people are doing in other libraries, or shadow someone for a day to better understand various job functions.
Find ways to help staff interact from library to library. Also, if staff are unreasonably rude to other staff, there should be consequencies, either an apology or meeting with supervisors and staff involved, bring problems out in the open, don't bury them.
Open discussions are more useful than any kind of passive news distribution system.
More opportunities for face-to-face interactions/discussions.
Also....vary the meeting places and times and offer more than
one session.
Stress importance with library administrators. Some do not share information or answer their email! This is demoralizing for staff.
Library directors need to get more involved in disseminating information.
More Real Information
Communication has improved, yet staff I talk to still feel out-of-the-loop. Maybe it's naive to expect that someone somewhere in OUL has a vision that goes beyond buzz words and vague generalities, but when we are constantly exposed to a rhetoric of "change" without ever knowing any specifics we feel that we are uninformed.
more transparency is always useful
Having a sense of priorities that are in place on a regular basis, meaning perhaps goals for the Library system for the year, then goals for each of the libraries and goals within departments. It might be that another library is facing the same projects you are- or already did - and you don't know about it to share experiences and learn from it.
For newer employees, such as myself, I would appreciate when acronyms are used (ACRL, SE, OCLC, etcetera), that the full name of the acronym be placed beside it spelled out, so that it is clearly understood what organization is being referred to.
The communications are written for "insiders" with soooo much jargon {acronymns, meta-this, meta-that}. Second, it assumes everyone knows who Flo & John & Paul are. Many new staffers are disconnected from the Main Lib. & do not know the hierarchy.
More Opportunities for Staff Input
Good communication is a two-way street. New structures are developing for top-down information sharing and announcements. Any discussion about new/improved infrastructure for bottom-up feedback? (Like this survey).
Investigate ways for small group discussion as well as large group discussion to help give feedback on ideas to the strategy & planning council.
Have equal input from staff concerning library operations rather than have just administration have the final word.
Other
I would like some help setting up the RSS feed
Thank you.
Ditch the news ticker - it's archaic looking.
The staff news feed is a good idea, but I'm not sure if it is very easy to navigate through. I often hear people saying that articles seem to go missing. If there were links and dates to the titles of the articles displayed on a sidebar, it would be easier to see what's there, other than scrolling through and not being able to easily find what you're looking for.