Nanuet Staff Connects: Home
Daily updates for everyone to know JBO
Welcome to Nanuet Staff Connects!
We use this LibGuide to help communicate library news to all staff.
Please check here regularly for updates.
Be sure to click the tabs across the top for news from each dept.
Last Updated Sept. 5
Library fully reopened to the public as of Wednesday, 09/03.
June 20
CODE ADAM UPDATED
See Emergency Procedures to the right under "Staff Resources & Updates"
RCLS ROAD TRIP
May 9
AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES
New rules and procedures were sent out to Middle School families. Check your RCLS email for details.
Mar. 26
LIBRARY SPIRIT WEEK
This year, we're going to try having a "spirit week" to celebrate National Library Week, which is April 6 - 12 this year.
How it works: We have designated a different theme for each day. Staff are encouraged to wear clothing or accessories representing the theme on each day. This doesn’t have to be t-shirts. It could be socks, a lapel pin, a scarf, jewelry, or whatever you choose. The purpose is purely fun, and participation is entirely optional, of course. (This is for staff. We're not advertising it to patrons, but maybe if it goes well, we can involve the public next year.)
Themes:
4/7 BOOKISH MONDAY – Wear clothing or accessories that represent books, reading, libraries, librarians, library associations, or anything else bookish
4/8 TEAL TUESDAY – Wear the library’s “signature color” teal
4/9 PET WEDNESDAY – Wear “gecko green” and “tortoiseshell” in honor of our library pets, Gigi and Gilbert “Buddy” Pistachio
4/10 “THINGS” THURSDAY – Wear something that represents your favorite non-book library materials—movies, music, computers, museums, instruments, videogames, etc.
4/11 OWL FRIDAY – Wear library logo gear, or anything with an owl on it
Feb. 21, 2025
See updated list of staff meeting dates and topics in the box to the right.
Dec. 27, 2024
The new Records Retention and Disposition Guidelines are posted in the Resources column to the right of this page.
Note that a new "Renovation Resources" tab has been added to this LibGuide. Architectural Plans are available there.
May 24, 2024
Everyone who has RCLS.ORG e-mail should have received a message from John Hurley about setting up Multifactor Authentication (MFA) for your e-mail account.
Instructions for setting up security keys can be found on the right side of this page, under Staff Resources & Updates. We have obtained security keys (physical plug-in devices) for this purpose so that you do not have to use your personal phone to access your work e-mail. If you would like a security key, please see Jessica.
You also have the option of setting up MFA using your phone number or by installing an app on your phone if you so choose.
May 17, 2024
KOHA TRAININGS
Training links are in the "Staff Resources & Updates" box in the right-hand column of this page.
Mar. 29, 2024
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Please be more careful about both patron and staff food garbage, crumbs, and any other waste that will attract pests.
Please make sure all windows are closed when locking up for the night.
Dec. 29, 2023
CLARKSTOWN COMPOSTING PROGRAM
Program details linked here. We are a bag pickup site for people who are participating in the program. Residents must register at Town Hall or the Highway Department. When the come to pick up bags, they must fill out a sign-in sheet. Check nanstaff e-mails for more details from Bob Boyle.
September 15, 2023
FIRST AMENDMENT AUDITS
So-called "First Amendment Audits" have been happening in Libraries around the country, including Rockland County.
What is a First Amendment Audit? This is a social media trend involving individuals or groups who enter libraries and other public spaces taking video under the auspices of the First Amendment right to free speech in order to record "violations." They claim a right to film in any space accessible to the public, arguing that they're entitled to do so as a taxpayer and citizen journalist. The goal is to create and post videos on the internet (YouTube) that document a claimed violation of the camera person's First Amendment rights. They are also claiming that they are permitted to film and photograph library staff and patrons on the grounds that libraries are "public spaces."
However, they do not have accurate information on the law. Federal courts have deemed public libraries to be a "limited public forum," which means public libraries have some discretion to reasonably restrict the exercise of free speech rights in their buildings, especially to the extent that the conduct in question would be disruptive to the other patrons or violate their privacy.
What to do if this happens at Nanuet Public Library: We've been advised to greet the person courteously and maintain a calm demeanor throughout the conversation. What they are trying to do is provoke us into fighting with them so that they can get a viral video out of it. The best thing to do is not to take the bait. One strategy is to offer to give the person recording a "tour" of the Library and guide them around, even asking if their video will help advertise Library services.
We do not have a policy against patrons filming or photographing in the Library. Our policy does; however, prohibit disruption of the use of the Library by other patrons. We also have a responsibility to protect privacy of people's materials, and of minors.
If Jessica is in the building: Call Ext. 116 to handle the situation. Below are some guidelines you can follow if you are in a situation where you have to address it yourself.
If you do not want to be on film: Simply state that you do not want to be filmed and walk away to a private staff area of the building.
If the person conducting the "audit" goes into the Children's Room: Advise them that the Children's Room is for use by children, adults accompanying children, or adults accessing children's materials. Direct them to leave the Children's Room, or politely guide their attention away from the Children's Room. This is for the safety and privacy of the children in the room.
If the person conducting the "audit" becomes disruptive or loud: Advise them that they are being disruptive to other patrons' use of the Library and ask them to stop.
When you instruct them to stop, they will likely not comply and tell you that they are exercising their First Amendment right. Explain that while the library is a public place, their behavior is a violation of Library policy. Do not argue or engage in a back and forth about the policy. Simply give them the facts, and then ask them to stop.
Their aim is to "catch us" saying "no you can't," being unwelcoming, kicking them out, threatening to call the police, etc. to try to generate conflict and get a viral video out of it. It seems the best way to combat that could very well be to ignore and defuse as much as possible rather than engaging in a debate about policy, law, or threatening to kick them out or call the police. In fact, the opposite approach of offering to show them around and treating it like an opportunity to advertise library services may work better.
Of course, if you are in a situation where a person is loud and disruptive, abusive, threatening, or if you feel unsafe, you are always able to call the police. I'm not saying don't, but it is a last resort as it may give them precisely the conflict they're looking for as a way to try to publicly criticize both us and the police.
August 11, 2023
BANNED PATRON
Check your RCLS e-mail for details about a banned patron.
July 21, 2023
HANDBOOK REMINDERS
If you have not already done so, please:
- Return to Jessica or destroy any copies of the obsolete handbook
- Pick up your copy of the new handbook
- Return your signed and witnessed receipt to Jessica. (Retain a copy for your records if you'd like.)
Clarifications/changes are as follows:
Pgs. 4 - 5 Part-time is 17 hours or less per week, not 17.5. We need to make updates to definitions in the CBA before we can change them in the Handbook.
Pg. 11 Overtime does pertain to Full-timers, not hourly PT only.
Pg. 18 Section on Compensatory Time applies specifically to Overtime Compensatory Time.
SALARY LETTERS
Your annual salary letters listing your pay rate for the 2023-2024 fiscal year will be distributed by the Business Office beginning today.
June 15, 2023
Our new catalog is up and running. Check it out here. There is a link on our homepage and the rest of the links ("search catalog" and "my account" should be updated by tomorrow.
The Niche Academy User Experience video and this shorter youtube intro video for staff are linked here.
Reminder: We are closed Monday, June 19 for Juneteenth National Independence Day, our nation's newest federal holiday which celebrates emancipation.
June 2, 2023
The slides from Customer Service Part 1 are linked under Continuing Education Resources to the right of this page. Links to Youtube videos are contained within the Powerpoint presentation.
May 5, 2023
NEW COLLECTIONS
At our staff meeting this morning, we chatted about the new Musical Instrument Collection and Seed Library. The instrument collections launches May 16 and will be handled by the Adult Reference desk. The Seed Library launches over the summer and will be handled by the Children's Reference desk.
NEW CATALOG
Our new catalog is still in development and set to launch June 15. If you'd like to take a sneak peek, it can be found at: nanuet.aspendiscovery.org More customizations of the color scheme, lists, and ads will be added before it goes live to the patrons. Visit the RCLS Staff Academy to find Aspen Discovery training videos. If you have any trouble accessing the Staff Academy, let me know.
April 28, 2023
SHIRT ORDER REMINDER
If you want a Library Logo shirt, please get me your order as soon as possible. I plan to place the order by Wednesday, May 3.
ALTERNATIVE TREATS!
Since many people were not able to partake in Milkshake Day, we've also put out a staff appreciation candy tray in the staff room. Please enjoy sea salt caramels, sour gummies, and cream-filled chocolates in assorted (cappuccino | fruit | caramel) flavors. Happy Library Week!
April 21, 2023
GENERAL REMINDERS
When a custodian is needed, please try calling the custodial office extension on the phone as a first step before Paging.
Please do not block fire doors with book carts, furniture or any other obstruction.
Thank you for utilizing the in/out magnets and whiteboards for notes on vacation days, offsite meetings, etc. I think it's working nicely as a means of helping us all communicate better. Let's keep it up!
NEW STAFF
In addition to the new Substitute Librarians (Denise A. and Doreen) I mentioned a few weeks ago, we are in the process of adding more Circulation Clerks for Substitute and Part-time help. The newest additions are Susan Coppola and Gayle Fitzpatrick, both of whom some of you may know from other Rockland libraries. Please make them feel welcome and help them to get NAN-oriented.
January 27, 2023
New for 2023! Staff meetings will now include a brief "what are you reading" roundtable, time permitting. Have a book you're loving (or not)? Share your "picks and icks" with your coworkers.
UPPER FLOOR DOORS
Please keep the doors to the staff break room and Community Room closed and locked.
December 09, 2022
Remember, we are now using the in/out magnet board in addition to clocking in and out in Paychex.
Please move your magnet when you enter and exit the building so we have a quick reference for who is physically in the building.
October 7, 2022
HOB REMINDER
The Head of Building must pull on the front doors to make sure they are locked right before leaving the building at closing time.
SYMPHONYWEB ORIENTATION
For anyone who needs it, link to the Niche Academy tutorial is here. Contact Jessica if you have any issues logging in.
August 12, 2022
Be advised, we are planning to change over our Interlibrary Loan System software to a web-based version of the same software called SymphonyWeb. We will schedule trainings for all staff during the month of September so you have time to get used to the web-based version of the software before the old version goes away later in the fall. I will meet with the Department Heads at the end of this month to set dates for this roll-out and any necessary trainings. Don't worry, this is not a huge change. It is very similar to what we are already using.
June 6, 2022
At our June staff meeting, we discussed Q&A regarding the Renovation Plan and Bond Referendum. Copies of the meeting materials were e-mailed and placed at the Circ desk.
Some key takeaways:
- Just like with a budget vote and trustee election, we are not legally permitted to say, "Vote yes." We may only say, "Vote." Library staff and trustees can and should share information on the Bond Referendum and Renovation Project, but we are not supposed to sway a voter's choice-- yes or no.
- If a patron wants to engage in a discussion about the project, the first and best thing to do is to inform them of the two public forum sessions. Our architect will be here to present renovation plans on Thursday, June 30 and Monday, July 11, both events are at 6:30pm in the Community Room. Patrons are encouraged to register through our online calendar if they plan to attend, and are welcome to bring questions.
- Unfortunately, we cannot confirm the dollar amount of the Bond or the cost per household to the taxpayers until after the Nanuet Union Free School District Board votes on it.
May 6, 2022
Our proposed 2022 - 2023 budget is available for the public to view on our website:
https://nanuetpubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Proposed-Budget-2022-2023-Nanuet-Library.pdf
March 25, 2022
March Staff Meeting Recap
Borrowing Terms, Fines & Fees
We reviewed changes now in effect.
A Borrowing Terms, Limits and Fines PDF and a Borrowing Policy, Printing and Other Fees PDF can be found on our About Us page.
Corrections to Agenda from Staff Meeting:
Children's Audiobook Fines have been reduced from 10 cents to 05 cents
Children's Magazines also may be renewed twice
Complete list of changes:
Loan period for Children's Audiobooks changed from 14 days to 28 days
Loan period of travel books changed from 14 days to 28
Allow 1 renewal of Adult "Fast" books instead of 0
Children’s Audiobook fine reduced from 10 cents to 5 cents
Maximum fine for Children’s kits raised from $5 to $10
Maximum fine for Children’s music CDs reduced from $10 to $5
Children’s kits Item Limit from 10 at a time reduced to 2 at a time
Children’s books Item Limit raised from 3 to 5 of the same author/subject
Audiobooks Item Limit raised from 5 to 7
New Audiobooks Item Limit raised from 3 to 5
Adult and Children's magazines may be renewed twice
NOTE: We also added wording on the back panel of our brochure stating that replacement items will not be accepted in lieu of replacement fees.
Review of Updated Opening and Closing Procedures
If you did not receive a copy of this document, request it from your direct supervisor or from Angela Krajcar.
Timekeeping for Part-timers and Substitutes
The Timekeeping Q&A document will be finalized and distributed after the Full-timers meet in April.
Upcoming Staff Meetings:
See listing of upcoming staff meetings to the right on this page.
January 28, 2022
Update on Renovation Plans and Bond Referendum:
We expect our Bond Referendum Vote will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
UPDATED Guidelines for paid COVID-related time off work:
Please refer to this New York State Law for the most current paid COVID leave guidance for public employers:
https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19
Note that the New York State Law defines 2 weeks of paid COVID leave as 14 calendar days, and may be given up to 3 times per year in cases of testing positive. This applies to both full-timers and part-timers, based on what your standard weekly work schedule would have been. Paid COVID-related time off is in addition to any other PTO you normally earn. Note that this law does not apply if you are able to work from home. If paid leave runs out, you may also qualify for Paid Family Leave or Disability in some cases.
January 7, 2022
Below are some links to the materials we discussed at our Jan. 7 staff meeting.
Long-Range Plan 2022-2026:
https://nanuetpubliclibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/LR-Plan-2022-26-Final-PT1.pdf
ALA Intro to Intellectual Freedom video:
(We did not watch this one in the meeting. It speaks to our conversation about selection and representing all sides in the collection.)
ALA Intro to Censorship video:
TedEd Student Talk: "What we lose when a book is banned" video:
Reconsideration of Library Materials Policy & Form:
Rockland County Department of Health Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation effective January 5, 2022 (the newer new version):
https://rocklandgov.com/files/4516/4141/8066/iq_1.5.22.pdf
HELPFUL LINKS FOR LIBRARY STAFF
Staff Resources & Updates
(Check here daily for updates on who's off, who's out of the office at meetings, etc.)
Friday, 10/17 - Tuesday, 10/21 Paul is off
Friday, 10/31 Jessica is off
Upcoming Staff Meetings
2025 Dates
Oct. 24 CPR/AED Training by Prepared for Life
Nov. 21 Disability Etiquette and Autism Supportive Environment
Dec. 19 Staff Tour of Goshen Public Library
Note: The purpose of these meetings will be training on various topics and discussion about what's going on in the building.
If you would like to request a workshop or discussion topic, e-mail Jessica, jbowen@rcls.org
These meetings are mandatory for full-timers. Part-timers are welcome to attend.
Please adjust part-time weekly schedules accordingly so you do not exceed 17 hours per week.
Holidays and Other Closings
Continuing Education Resources
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Customer Service Part 1June 2, 2023 Staff Meeting
HELPFUL LINKS FROM 5/6/22 STAFF MEETING
NY Project Hope
https://nyprojecthope.org/
Astor Services for Children and Families https://www.astorservices.org/program/project-hope/
Helping Hands for the Homeless of Rockland mobile services
https://www.rocklandhelpinghands.com/
Introduction to 5-Minute Chair Yoga
https://youtu.be/DOY30-u2Eas
RCLS Staff Academy Home
https://my.nicheacademy.com/rcls-staff