General Orientation to the Information Point (Spring 2007)

The Physical Information Point

• The station: It has naturally worked out that the lower desk at the end near the UP escalator has become the Information Point. This desk, although behind the pillar has turned out to have the most visibility because of the monitor shrouds.
• The equipment: a phone, a computer, access to a printer at the circ desk, a rolling cart file box with handouts.
• The Patron Interaction Zone: This is the area between the shrouds. You will need to sit here so that you can see approaching patrons and they can see you.
• Getting patron’s attention: This is particularly important since we are at the lower station behind the pillar. We need to intercept all patrons before they approach Circ staff with questions for us. A friendly “Good morning,” or “Welcome to the new library, can I help you” should do the trick. Even if they are only looking around offer them a map of the library.
• Checking out items/Activating cards – Remember you only need to do this if circ is swamped! If there is any trouble at all refer the patron to circ. There are procedures for New Book checkout, Course Reserves, ILL books, graduate floor cards, group study rooms and storage items that we are not all trained in. If you know the procedures you are free to provide the service, but if in doubt please refer them to Circ staff.
• You should never get “stuck” out there alone (even if you are Access Services staff!) there should always be a Circ staff member out there in addition to any Circ students. If you ever find yourself alone out there with or without Circ students, please let Angela know ASAP.

 

Information Point Procedures

• The website for the Information Point is at: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/as/infopoint/ There is a link to the training page, a link to a list of all the Information Specialists, a link to the Default schedule, and a link to the Weekly Schedule that reflects all the trades and substitutions for the week.
• There is also a link to the Information Point Updates blog. This is updated regularly (sometimes more than once a day) with changes and updates you need to know about to answer questions on the desk. At the minimum this should be read right before your shift, although it will be easier reading if it is read more often.
• Showing up for your shift: Please show up on time. 5 minutes early would be best so that you can be briefed on anything new by the person you are replacing.
• Trading shifts: If you are unable to cover your assigned shift you now have two options. You can use the list of Information Specialists on the website to help you find a replacement. Negotiate a trade and then the person who is normally scheduled for the shift will email Angela (angmott@uflib.ufl.edu) with the information. OR You can email the list of Information Specialists and ask if someone can trade with you. Again, be sure to email Angela the information so she can reflect the trade on the Weekly Schedule.
• If your shift is over and your replacement is not there: First try to contact the person whose shift is next. You can find them by checking the Weekly Schedule on the website. If you cannot contact them, call and/or email Angela Mott. If Angela is unreachable, let the Circulation Staff member know you are leaving and place the Temporarily Closed sign on the desk.
• During your shift, you will need to keep track of statistics. We want to track the number and the types of questions you get. There is a statistics form that will be kept at the desk. Each shift will have a separate form. Completed forms will be left at the desk, where Angela will collect them daily.

 

Refresher Training

• Trainings are held at the beginning of each semester. As new services are added additional trainings will be offered. If you think of a service or skill needed on the Information Point that hasn't been covered by one of the trainings, please suggest the training topic to Angela and she can arrange it.
• Remember we also have links on the Information Point training page online at: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/as/infopoint/training.html to help.

 

Services & Collection Availability

• 3rd floor Reference collection is open to patrons for in-library use only.
• 3rd floor current periodicals are open to patrons for in-library use only.
• 3rd floor bound periodicals are open to patrons for browsing and checkout.
• 3rd floor microforms are available for in-library use only.
• All 2nd floor stacks and DVDs/Videos are open to patrons for browsing and checkout.
• 1st floor stacks are available for browsing and checkout.
• DVDs and VHS tapes are located on the first rows of the 2nd floor stacks.
• Reserves, ILL items, Retrievals, and holds are all available at Library West now.
• The 2nd floor New Books section is available. There is a special checkout procedure for new books.
• Computers are available on the 3rd floor- the high end computers are ready.
• Laptops can be loaned out at the Circulation Desk. Copies of the policy are available.
• Wireless access should be active throughout the building. Report problems to Angela.
• The 2nd floor AV/Media booths are all active for DVD and VHS viewing. Headphones are required. We do have a few pairs at the circulation desk for checkout if needed.
• Study carrels have been assigned for the year. Applicants had to apply online before 8/25/06. People have been notified via email whether they were assigned a carrel. If they have technical or mechanical issues with their carrel they can fill out a "Library West Carrel Problem Report Form" at the circulation desk. No estimated date is available for repairs.
• Group study rooms may be checked out for two hours on a first come first serve basis starting in the fall at the circulation desk. If all rooms are checked out we have a GatorWait system of pagers to manage a waiting list.
• The Starbucks area is open during all hours that the library is open.
• The 6th floor is the graduate student floor. It is accessible via gator1 card once the student’s card is activated by Jim Stevens. There are access cards that can be checked out at the Circ desk for immediate access, along with a sign up sheet for Gator1 activation.

 

If there is something else you would like to see included on this page, please email your idea to Angela Mott.