January 19, 2024: Orientation Part 2

Supervisor:  Renee Kirchner

Friday:  9am-2pm

Today was a busy day that started with a detailed tour of the library given by Daniel Pedroza (library assistant).  We started at the book drop locations where patrons return books through RFID shutes.  The return process is mostly automated with the RFID tags being scanned at 3 separate points during the process.  A conveyor belt deposits the books into sorted bins where humans will then sort them onto carts for reshelving.  The work room is a large hub of cataloging, mending, sorting, carting, as well as the holds for window pick up.  During Covid, the library was closed.  However, as soon as possible, a system was devised creating a smooth workflow for separating books destined for window pick up by patrons.  These books were essentially sent to the window hold shelf via “InterLibraryLoan” to the LPLWindow Branch of the library!  Creating this mythical branch allowed staff to game the system creating a more efficient workflow for staff and quicker service for patrons.  It was a really ingenious solution to an efficiency problem.  After a few quick reviews of “political” differences in shelving rules between Adult and Youth collections, Daniel gave me a blank map to fill out with the locations of various sections.  Apparently, I am directionally challenged!  While I knew where all the sections were, translating that onto a page and into the correct blank space was a nightmare.  Sadly, I fear Daniel may have been amused and may also be worried about the integrity of the library’s meticulously shelved collections.  

Next, I sat with Allen Wiskera who is in charge of “tech” (apparently all of it).  The library had recently rolled out a new website courtesy of a City of Lewisville overhaul of its website and social media.  This city wide effort touched on every department.  While the library had some input as to design, features, and functionality, the project turnaround time was extremely short and the library was unable to fine tune its website to meet the needs of patrons as well as staff.  However, most of the pages found on the website are created by library staff and allow some flexibility.  The library does have a “social media task force” that shares the tech load.  Unfortunately, there has been some staff turnover which has affected this group.  Allen is currently a one man IT and Marketing Department (in addition to regular librarian duties).  Lewisville Public Library uses Canva for design creation and Loomly as a social media platform manager.  Currently the library only posts to FaceBook and Instagram.  

Finally, the day ended with a tour given to a homeschool group of approximately 8 children ranging in age from 7-14 and their parents.  Naturally, the sorting machine was a big hit as the kids tried to guess which bin the books would be sorted into.  The Hive Maker Space was also extremely interesting as the 3D printer was in the process of rendering something.  The parents seemed to be quite pleased and surprised with the wide range of educational resources offered freely on the library’s website.  Mango languages, LinkedIn Learning, TXShare databases, digital collections including magazines and newspapers, test prep apps, and interactive story apps like Tumbleweed are all available with a library card.  Interestingly, Lewisville is one of the few remaining libraries in the area that remains free to the public as Carrollton has also started charging a fee for usage.  I find this trend to be extremely troubling.  Socioeconomic pressures limiting access to information is truly the last thing this country needs.