HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.circplus
Date:         Wed, 27 Jan 1993 11:12:50 -0800
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Metta Nicewarner <METTA@NEVADA2.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Newcomer
              27 Jan 93 11:29:01 -0600.
              <199301271828.AA08274@redrock.nevada.edu>

Your message dated: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 11:29:01 CST
--------

> To answer your question: Both situations exist.  The head of
> Circulation, depending on the library, may or may not have a MLS.

> But as to whether or not one is "needed".  Well, I'M not gonna touch
> that one.  <smile>

Great answer, Tony....VERY discrete!  Erudition IS to be expected
from a resident of the METROPLEX, however!!   From a transplanted
Texan, nay, Metroplexian in Nevada!  (Drawwwwwl, with a Cal/Nev twang!)


> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> | Tony New                                   ===            __       |
> | Central Reserves, Circulation                |=========== |  )     |
> | Univ. of Texas at Arlington Library         //            \\       |
> | Box 19497                                \   /            \   /    |
> | Arlington, TX 76019-0497                -  +  -     o~   -  +  -   |
> | NEW@LIBRARY.UTA.EDU                      /   \     ~      /   \    |
> | Voice: 817-273-3395          >                                       |
> | Fax:   817-273-3392                     "That Cycling Fanatic"     |
> ======================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------
Metta Nicewarner                Internet  metta@nevada.edu
Head, Access Services           BITnet    metta@nevada2
Library                 Voice     702-597-4622
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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Date:         Mon, 25 Jan 1993 16:39:02 PST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Wendy Calwhite <calwhitw@BCC.ORST.EDU>
Subject:      Re: flaming
              "GEFFNER%SJC.BitNet@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU" at Jan 24, 93 9:42 pm

> Since Rusty is such a good sport, let's flame him on everything and
> take out our frustrations on him.  Besides, in Catholic terms, we'll
> be saving him time in Purgatory (so richly deserved) by making him
> suffer immensely in this world.  It's the kind thing to do, really.
>
<><><><><>
Do you mean that, even *after* he has lived in Pittsburgh, they'll make him
spend *more* time in Purgatory??? <innocent look>

Wendy
calwhitw@bcc.orst.edu
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Date:         Thu, 21 Jan 1993 09:23:05 CST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         "Jorge L. Cruz" <VB7R0036@SMUVM1.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: staff training
              20 Jan 1993 22:38:58 -0500 from <LDRISCOLL@TRENTU.CA>

Linda Driscoll:

  We were fortunate enough to have Notis come and do two training sessions
for our circ staff.  In addition, we were also able to use a test database
that very closely resembled production (same policies, locations, patron
groups, etc..).   Most people found those sessions very useful.

  Either one of the two methods you are considering will probably do the
job of introducing your staff to the automated system.  My only word of advise
to you is to remember that training is an ongoing process.  Ideally, you want
your people to learn to train themselves.  Because of this, I would strongly
encourage you to teach your staff not just "how to do this", but also "where
do I look for clues when I've forgotten how".


Jorge L. Cruz                          Voice:  (214) 768-2275
Head, Circulation Dept.                  Fax:  (214) 768-4236
Science/Engineering Library
Southern Methodist University         Bitnet:  VB7R0036@SMUVM1
Dallas, TX  75275-0375              Internet:  VB7R0036@VM.CIS.SMU.EDU
From: blackwoods@vms.csd.mu.edu
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.circplus
Subject: Sorehead
Date: 21 Jan 1993 19:51:38 GMT
Organization: Marquette University - Computer Services
Reply-To: blackwoods@vms.csd.mu.edu
NNTP-Posting-Host: vmsa.csd.mu.edu

That Rusty is sure a sorehead. Hey, Reagan and Bush stuck it to us for
12 years, now it's the Dems turn. At least, maybe we'll have fewer of those
little brushfire wars (Grenada, Panama, Iraq and a Hard Place) that make
Americans so "proud" to be jerks. Although I have to admit, Vietnam was
no picnic (though Ike really got us into that one).
Steve Blackwood, Socialist Anachronism and proud of it.
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Date:         Wed, 27 Jan 1993 10:51:05 MDT
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         EILEEN_KOPREN@DSU1.DSU.NODAK.EDU
Subject:      Re: Newcomer-Julie

Hi, Julie!  I also am somewhat new to the list.  I am the Public
Services Librarian at a small (1600 students) university library.
Since we have only 4 full-time professional librarians (rest of the
staff are all part-time work/study students), my duties include a
wide variety of "departments" including circulation, reference,
bibliographic instruction and occasionally helping out in
interlibrary loan.  Yes, I do have my MLS, but I didn't when I
started here some 18 years ago.  I think you will find from the
replies you receive that this will vary greatly from institution to
institution.  I feel it is essential for me to have my MLS, but then
my responsibilities are so varied I'm probably not a good example.
*********************************************************************
Eileen D. Kopren                     eileen_kopren@dsu1.dsu.nodak.edu
Public Services Librarian            701-227-2135 (voice)
Stoxen Library
Dickinson State University           Dickinson, ND  58601
*********************************************************************
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Date:         Wed, 27 Jan 1993 08:21:49 CST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         June DeWeese <ELSJUNE@MIZZOU1.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Recall warning stamp
              26 Jan 1993 13:19:30 -0500 from
              <Joanne_Leary@QMRELAY.MAIL.CORNELL.EDU>

At the University of Missouri-Columbia, our date due slips are stamped
in tiny letters across the bottom "Books may be recalled before their
due dates". We also have a streamer that we put in books that are in the
hold que which calls attention to the due date (only a two week loan instead
of the regular loan period--they say "This book is needed by another borrower
and is due_____" and the due date is written in). When we mail out recall
notices we stamp the word RECALL in red letters above the name of the
patron on the mailer envelope (checked with the post office people and they
told us the acceptable size and location). We do what we can, and yet, we still
have people who deny knowing a book was recalled. We have a paragraph in our
circulation policies handout (which is cherry pink) on recalls, also.
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Date:         Thu, 28 Jan 1993 17:28:59 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         CXSN000 <CXSN@MUSICA.MCGILL.CA>
Subject:      diskette policy

I apologize if this has been discussed in the past 6 months (since
I just returned from Australia!).

We are trying to establish a library policy for the processing,
shelving and circulation of books-with-diskettes.

1.We will make a back-up copy of the diskette for archival purposes.
Who usually makes this copy--technical services staff or reference
staff or ???

2.We plan to keep the archival copy of the diskette in our electronic
services reference room when it is established and until then???
Where are archival diskettes kept?

3.We are conflicted about whether to keep the disk in the book and
shelve the whole or to keep the disk at the circulation desk in a
file by call number.  The latter is preferred by circ staff so that
sensitizing and desensitizing the book does not destroy the disk.
What are common practices?

If you have any other suggestions or warnings I would be very
grateful.  Thanks.  Suzy Slavin, McGill University Soc Sci and Hum
Lib.  cxsn@musica.mcgill.ca    Fax 514-398-7184
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Date:         Wed, 27 Jan 1993 17:07:46 -0600
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         THOMASJL@VUCTRVAX.BITNET
Subject:      Re: Recall warning stamp

We use date due slips but we do not stamp anything on the date
due slip except the due date and the return date.  What we have
done that is very effective is purchase a RECALL stamp.  We stamp
each Notis generated "needed" notice we mail out with this stamp
and we stamp it very close to the mailing address so that it is
visible through the window of the window envelope.  This seems to
call attention to these notices as is the intention and brings in
the desired results.  Of course, $1.00 per day recall fines also
helps!  We also keep a log of all needed notices mailed out by
date mailed.  We had to begin to do this because we use to have
problems with Notis indicating a notice had been generated when,
indeed, it hadn't.  Fortunately, we don't have that problem
now--or atleast rarely but it still seems an effective way for us
to prove a notice was mailed when you get those complaints such
as "I never rec'd a notice....".
_______________________________________________________________________
 Janet L. Thomason                                  Bitnet:
 Manager, Circulation and Building Services    thomasjl@vuctrvax
 Central Library                                    Internet:
 Vanderbilt University                thomasjl@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu
 419 21st Avenue South                     Phone: (615) 322 - 2893
 Nashville, TN  37240                      Fax:   (615) 343 - 7276
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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Date:         Thu, 28 Jan 1993 14:42:41 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         RSWX@CORNELLC.BITNET
Subject:      Re: Newcomer
              28 Jan 1993 09:37:54 -0500 from <doepj@RUBY.ILS.UNC.EDU>

My impression of the difference between those with the MLS and those
without is that the former are allowed more time on the job to think and
read and discuss, not just dash frantically around getting the daily work
done.  Ruth
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Date:         Thu, 21 Jan 1993 10:22:35 -0500
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Joanne Leary <Joanne_Leary@QMRELAY.MAIL.CORNELL.EDU>
Subject:      Change for photocopiers

REGARDING                Change for photocopiers
Dan Fansler asked about solutions to the problem of providing change for
copiers.  Dan, the knife is the only solution.  Post a sign at the entrance way
to the library, at the circ desk, at the water fountain, at the copiers, etc.:
-- NO CHANGE PROVIDED -- and stick to it.  Believe me, the amount of rancor
this causes is nothing compared to the rancor caused by trying to provide a
service, and failing to do so adequately.  People will GET USED TO IT, and yes
they will wish you could provide change (and so will you), but such is life.
After a while, you may find, as we did, that you can take down many of those
negative sounding signs, because providing change will no longer be an "assumed
service".  Since you appear to have machines which use copy cards, not
providing change -- and not breaking larger bills -- should not be a fiasco for
the users.  People do learn; it takes only one bad experience of being caught
without change to do the trick.  It is also extremely helpful to provide
"good-will cards" -- these are free copy cards which have SMALL amounts of
credit on them (good for maybe five copies), which you can give out those
desperate cases who seem in genuinely great distress.  It doesn't cost the
library much, and the recipients are greatful for your help, rather than angry
at not being able to get change.

Joanne Leary
Cornell Engr Library
From: garyc@SCILIBX.UCSC.EDU (Gary Carlton)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.circplus
Subject: Re: Shot went wide
Date: 26 Jan 93 17:21:12 GMT
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

I couldn't agree more.  "No MLS here."

Gary
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA.
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Date:         Fri, 22 Jan 1993 10:49:32 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Sheryl Owens <sowens@MAGNUS.ACS.OHIO-STATE.EDU>
Subject:      Re: sorehead?!
              at Jan 22, 93 9:49 am

>    Rusty,

     does your comment at the end of this message IMPLY that you don't have a
MLS degree????  My, my, my!   How have you survived in circ without the
requisite character flaw that makes us such good Circkies?  You know, the Must
Like Stressss (MLS) syndrome? Sheryl O.
> Well, be it known that Rusty takes no offense whatsoever.  It is safe
> to assume that there is a   ;^)  attached to any parts of a posting
> that could be construed as controversial.  Although a 'Classic
> Conservative' Rusty is well aware that there is room for other
> opinions wherever and whenever, regardless of how misguided they
> may be!  --> ;^) <--
>
> Rusty even has socialist friends.  He has liberal friends.  Why I
> have even shared a bar tab with a member of the Socialist Worker's
> Party (although it was a fight to get a 50-50 split approved!).  He
> muttered some stuff about "From each according to their abilities
> to each according to their needs" but pay-as-you-go economic theory
> won out in the end.
>
> One of the reasons that CIRCPLUS is one of the most enjoyable lists
> is that folks are a bit less 'librarianly' on this list than on
> others.  Perhaps it is because CIRCPLUS has a high percentage of
> non-librarians as members.  It is one of the only lists that
> has a good mix of information and fun.  Circies know how to have fun...
> it is a prerequisite for survival.  ANd we know how to take a joke.
>
> If'n you want to get Rusty irritated, you have to work REAL hard.
> It might take a remark like "You MUST have an MLS to work a circulation
> desk".
>
> Crusty Rusty.
>
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Date:         Thu, 21 Jan 1993 12:39:42 -0400
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         BILL SLAUENWHITE <BSLAUEN@AC.DAL.CA>
Subject:      Re: Circ/Access Services Discussion Group Mtg in Denver

On Sheryl Owens suggestion for a print version of CircPlus:
Great idea !
Don't forget us Canadians, eh ?
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Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 1993 09:45:29 CST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Tony New <NEW@LIBRARY.UTA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: comp wrong & restraint

Hello Terry,

> Would like to hear the prevailing wisdom from Circ gurus on the
> problem of
> patrons who claim they did not check something out that NOTIS has recorded as
> one of their charges.

In the charge out mode, the NOTIS program allows you to scan a
patron's barcode in the ITEM field.  This triggers the program to
"rollover" to the new patron without pressing whatever function key
you have assigned to start the charge out mode <F7 here>.  This is
intended to be used during high traffic periods as a timesaver.

Here at UTA we feel that this opens the door to just such a situation
as you describe.  We do NOT inform the student workers of this
capability and most staff do not know of it either.  Our procedure is
to completely clear the screen after each patron then re-enter the
charging mode.  This procedure, we feel, lowers the odds of the
situation you describe occuring to almost zero.

> Please help me lighten up on this .... foul weather has
> kept me off my motor for four weeks now and I am having a hard time
> resisting
> the impulse to grab these folks (2) by the throat and denounce them
> as liars ..
> .. not a good situation.

On a lighter note: <grin> May I suggest a margarita or a primal
scream.  (it works, I promise!) :-)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
| Tony New                                   ===            __       |
| Central Reserves, Circulation                |=========== |  )     |
| Univ. of Texas at Arlington Library         //            \\       |
| Box 19497                                \   /            \   /    |
| Arlington, TX 76019-0497                -  +  -     o~   -  +  -   |
| NEW@LIBRARY.UTA.EDU                      /   \     ~      /   \    |
| Voice: 817-273-3395                                                |
| Fax:   817-273-3392                     "That Cycling Fanatic"     |
======================================================================
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Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 1993 15:24:00 EDT
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         BAXTER@HARTFORD.BITNET
Subject:      Credentials

Perhaps we could get off the subject of who has and who has not an MLS.
Even if all of you are SENDING these messages on your own time (a hotly
debated issue around Christmas), I'm compelled to wade through them on
work time. It's a little annoying, as there are some nuggets of information
that are worth reading among the self-justifications of service standards.
Let's just do our work, regardless of educational levels.
Obviously, I'm irked enough by this debate to have responded, but I hope the
response itself does not generate a spate of replies, either affirming or
denying.
Mariellen Baxter
Univ. of Hartford
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Date:         Mon, 25 Jan 1993 07:01:00 CST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         "Terry Ratliff" <TRAT@KSUVM.BITNET>
Subject:      your computer is wrong

Would like to hear the prevailing wisdom from Circ gurus on the problem of
patrons who claim they did not check something out that NOTIS has recorded as
one of their charges.  Please help me lighten up on this .... foul weather has
kept me off my motor for four weeks now and I am having a hard time resisting
the impulse to grab these folks (2) by the throat and denounce them as liars ..
.. not a good situation.  There are no extenuating circumstances, system was up
and working, patron was at the counter alone ....  Normally, since this is such
a rare occurence, we take the patron's word, after exhausting all possibilities
and charge the item to missing.  However, this recent episode involves two
persons from the same residence in a span of three days.  We have not had a
problem with NOTIS charging incorrectly, until now????

In an unrelated matter - sorry Phil from Hartford, but like you I cannot resist
getting in the last word, especially when Vietnam is the issue.  If you follow
your history back a little further you will learn that the U.S. was involved in
Vietnam as early as WWII and was the major player in the division of Vietnam in
1954.  Guess the blame could begin with Roosevelt, if blame accomplishes
anything.  On the subject of Nixon .... he was the president who began the U.S.
withdrawal alright .... after running on a platform in 1968 of ending the war,
when the U.S. bodycount was 28,000, he got us out 30,000 U.S. dead bodies later

Harley Man  (1970 Vietnam vet also)
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Date:         Thu, 21 Jan 1993 16:47:51 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Sheryl Owens <sowens@MAGNUS.ACS.OHIO-STATE.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Circ/Access Services Discussion Group Mtg in Denver
              at Jan 20, 93 3:00 pm

     Hmmmm.......T.V.Guide..... not bad, not bad....and it has such a wide
readership.  We may be able to kill two birds with one stone - help Jessica
with her research ( she stresses that in the course she teaches) and get people
>to understand what we really do at the same time...neat:*)  Sheryl

     ************************************************************************


 >I have a pet suggestion for discussion at ALA.  I would really like tot see
us
> >form a print version of CircPlus.  Could we entertain the idea of starting a
> >magazine exclusively for circulation?  ILL has at least two journals.
>
> Well geez Sheryl....after all the discussion about Jessica F, it seems
> that TV GUIDE fits the bill!
>
> Why not an On-line journal?  Why should CLINICAL TRIALS have all the
> fanfare?
>
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Date:         Thu, 28 Jan 1993 08:48:00 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         "W.C. (RUSTY) DIVENS" <ERCOUPE@PITTVMS.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: Newcomer

On a more serious note from "Dry Rusty"....

Whether or not to pursue the MLS after having worked in a library
for many years is a decision that should be based on what your plans
are for the future.  I know I'm gonna get flamed for this, but from
a truly practical standpoint, you will not learn much that will be
new to you.  Remember that many of the instructors in Library School
last were employed in a library (read REAL WORLD) back in the 60's.
You might have more real experience than those who are teaching you.
You will hear stuff that is so far off base it will be hard to keep
a straight face.  BUT, you WILL get some exposure to other facets
of libraries.  If you have been in academia, you may find that you really
enjoy public librarianship, or corporate librarianship.  This is
valuable stuff to encounter.  You may learn that you enjoy cataloging...
or you may learn that you hate it.  Either way, you will know beforehand.


I would recommend that anybody who has worked in a library for any
length of time and who desires to get the "Union Card" should approach
the program as a way to diversify your knowledge.  DON'T take courses
that have a bearing on what you are currently doing, take courses about
stuff that is new.  If your coursework mirrors your job you will
easily breeze thru the courses, but you will be bored as hell.  Take
the opportunity to try something new.  If necessary, close your eyes
and point to the class schedule...and take the course you pointed to.
Get the required garbage out of the way and then go for new stuff.
Forget the raging debate on whether librarians are "Professionals"...
true professionals don't worry about such stuff anyway.  Just decide
that you ARE and then take the opportunity to explore stuff that
you have never encountered before.  You WILL enjoy it.

On the other hand, if you have no plans to go anywhere or do anything
new...if you are happy with your current position...you probably should
forget pursuing the MLS.  But then again....you never know.

Mojave Rusty
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Date:         Tue, 26 Jan 1993 10:58:55 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         "Cathy Osborne" <ALI00CSO@UNCCVM.BITNET>
Subject:      Re: ATMs in libraries

Randall, I would begin with Rachael Freeman over in Hap Arnold's office.
I suspect it would be considered an auxiliary activity and possibly would go
through Crawford's shop.  However, because of cash being involved auditors
may require it stay closer to Financial Services of which Olen Smith or
Craig Bizzell would get involved.

I hope this helps.  Let me know if there is anything else I can do.

Thanks!
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