Improving Services

Hi, Everyone
I want to help you keep track of some policy changes we are implementing to improve the customer experience. This nice thing about a blog is, you can always refer back to this post if you want to refresh your memory.

1. We are raising the fine threshold from $5 to $10. This means people who have been blocked for accumulated fines of $5 will now be blocked at $10.  Alice will announce when that is in place.
2. The fine threshold for patrons to use computers has already been set to $10.
3. People will be able to pay partial fines once the checkout fine threshold is set to $10.
4. The maximum overdue fine on any one item remains $5.
5. Community Libraries have elected not to change their thresholds- in case you get any crossover patrons who are confused.
6. We are contracting with Chase to install debit/ credit card transaction units at all circulation check out stations. Launch date is June 1. Training will be provided for all circulation staff.
7. Minimum credit/ debit charges will be $5 to save on bank transaction fees paid by the library.
8. Laura at SW had a wonderful idea to repurpose the computer lab as a local history/ genealogy room. We are going to move forward with this idea. The computers will be relocated behind the reference desk for easy access to staff and a more open environment. Much of the file cabinet furniture and the microfilm/ microfiche machines will move into the room. We'll paint the walls an attractive color, add tables and chairs and even a rug to give it a "research" feel. We can even hang some of the historic photos we have on the walls. It will be really nice when finished.
9. Chuck and the maintenance crew are going to build a "Power Wall" along the front curved wall of SW to maximize this premium space. We will house new materials on those shelves and face front all we can to market this fabulous collection. I am purchasing display units to sit along the main path leading through the building so we can keep running displays of staff picks and "In the News" items. Part of the new "Power Wall" will be an Ebook Power Wall, essentially a touch screen allowing people to search for Overdrive ebooks and add them to their virtual book bags. Another piece of the Power Wall will be an interactive board to invite the community to participate in a collaborative activity. If you attended our PLA Road Show, you saw Jill's slide of a wall with the words "Before I Die..." and blank lines afterward. We are going to attempt this idea and see how much our community enjoys engagement of this sort.
10. Youth Services at SW is also changing. One of the carrels for computers is already removed, opening up space for activities. Jen and her amazing staff will be brainstorming just how to repurpose the space. One idea is to set up low bleachers for an open-air story time.

Our new Communications Assistant joins us on Monday. Shimon Croxton is a graduate of UW Stevens Point with a B.F.A. in Applied Media Arts, Concentration in Graphic Design. Shimon has been rebranding First Methodist Church here in Kenosha. He will be focused on reworking our signage, launching a Library Bucks program, and advising us as we reconfigure public spaces. Shimon 's main office will be at CCB, but he will be very mobile, so I expect he may temporarily set up his office at each of the branches from time to time as he considers signage and general layout. I will be bringing him around for everyone to meet next week- please give him a warm welcome to our library family!