Service Quality
Improvement Council
Staffing Issues Group
Minutes, January 25, 2000
Present: Sandy Peterson, Diane Turner, Charles Greenberg, Emily Horning,
Cesar Rodriguez, Maureen Heher (recording).
I. The group continued the discussion about the Library's Extreme Weather
Policy.
Sandy found an inclement weather policy at the University of North Carolina's
website. UNC has different levels of seriousness labeled "Condition 1",
"Condition 2" etc. However, she was unable to locate exact definitions for
the levels.
Diane then reviewed and explained Yale's three level system. Yale's policy
is as follows:
-
A state of emergency (governor mandate, buildings uninhabitable, university
closes). All levels of staff are not to report for work and all staff are
compensated with regular pay.
-
Non-essential staff are released. Non-essential staff are sent home or are
not to report to work. Non-reporting staff must use personal or vacation
time to cover the hours. Essential staff must remain or must report for work.
Essential C&Ts are paid time and a half for those hours. Professional
staff are granted comp. time.
-
Non-essential staff may leave if they wish, with the permission of their
supervisors. Those who do leave must use vacation or personal time. Essential
staff and all others who are required to stay are paid as normal.
The group then focused on issues surrounding #2 and #3. Who are essential
staff, what are essential services, and who decides?
The group suggested that the following are essential services: circulation
(being able to check - out/in materials); minimal reference service (during
hours normally scheduled); security; some technical support; and library
privileges.
It was determined that what staffing levels are required to provide these
services on a minimal level would be best decided by the supervisor in each
department. There are too many variables to create across the board rules.
It was also decided that essential staff needs to be determined in advance
of a crisis so that there is no confusion and fewer problems.
Diane suggested that a group of volunteer, cross-trained staff could be available
for emergency situations. Training could be offered to anyone who wanted
the opportunity to work for extra pay (both tech services and public services
staff).
Charlie then suggested that the heads of libraries (head of departments)
be polled to determine what their needs are and to determine what level of
staffing is required at the different libraries to provide minimal services.
Sandy said she would poll LMC members to see what services they view as
essential, what level of staffing is necessary, and how essential staff is
determined.
At the next meeting, the results of the LMC members' input will be discussed.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 3:30 PM in SML
410.
Recorded by Maureen Heher,
maureen.heher@yale.edu
