March 29, 2006

Question 1: Is there a group from the library actively looking at our relationship with the Freshman Commons?
The library directors and Sharon Weiner will probably form a committee to look at this. As it will probably affect the Peabody Library the most, they have begun to do some thinking around it.

Question 2: Can you tell us more about the Dennis Hall committee for a new library building?
There is no charge to this committee yet and not all members have been selected. We expect it to form sometime this spring and begin working by the fall. A sellable concept for the library needs to be developed that can be used for fundraising.

Question 3: What are we doing to ensure service quality?
The Staff Development Committee is coming up with ways to train staff members and students in public services. There will be customer services training, a statement of philosophy, guide lines for staff in regard to customer service along with a written set of expected behaviors.

Question 4: Will this include internal customer service?
We are focused externally at present.

Question 5: How are the needs for Staff Development being decided?
We have surveyed the chairs of committees and directors of the library for “big bucket” training categories—that is, training that can be used for the most staff in many instances. The priorities we’ve come up with are based on this. They are: communication skills, meeting management and becoming a learning organization.

Question 6: Is the Skills and Interests Survey being used for deciding training priorities?
Yes.