Staff Meeting Notes 12/11/18

In attendance: IBW, FS, JO, RG, SK, SB, MH
Absent: RS, MC

Notes:

5 Minute Resource (FS): Slave Narratives and No Land -- Only Slaves! - two book series in the USA section. Remember to suggest these series to researchers who have gotten back to 1870. In the Slave Narratives they can check the comprehensive name index for their ancestors and their ancestors' friends, acquaintances, and neighbors. There is also a location index. No Land is a great resource for those with ancestors in east Texas, west central Louisiana, or Arkansas along the Texas border. The author indexed deed books that mentioned slaves.

Shelving Statistics: SB and SK have been re-evaluating shelving statistics. Beginning in January we longer need to enter a book count; the same is true for volunteers' book counts as well. More info to come. RFID will be coming in 2019.

Shifting: We may be getting additional shelves up front. SK is trying to find out when they may come as that would affect shifting. Stay tuned. Wisconsin and Wyoming have moved to the new shelves by the fire exit. The Oversized books upstairs have been shelved upright.

Frustrating Reference Questions / Phone: If you find yourself in a frustrating customer interaction, it is okay to say, "Can I get your phone number and call you back?" Or, "Let me get somebody who can help you."

Finding Elusive Records on FamilySearch.org: Reminder to watch this video before the January staff meeting. SK emailed us the link, if you can't find that email, you can find it on YouTube by searching the title.

Conference Reminder: If you are interested in attending a conference, you must fill out the questionnaire SK emailed us. The due date for conferences occurring from now until June 30th is December 11, 2018. If you are interested in a conference occurring in the next fiscal year, fill out the questionnaire and give it to SK.

Programming: A Thursday evening orientation will be offered quarterly, with the first one occurring January 10, 2019. Thanks to SB for offering to give the January orientation.
Class sign-up sheets have a box on the bottom of the page to keep track of how many people we are "turning away" once registration is full. Please make one tic mark for each person.

Closing Procedure: If you'd like to help with closing, come out 10 minutes before and help with closing procedures. Otherwise remain in the workroom/lounge area until given the Clear announcement.

Notes by JO.