M. Teresa Doherty Head, Circulation and Information Services James Branch Cabell Library Virginia...

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Doherty Head, Circulation and Information Services James Branch Cabell Library Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia

Transcript of M. Teresa Doherty Head, Circulation and Information Services James Branch Cabell Library Virginia...

M. Teresa Doherty

Head, Circulation and Information Services

James Branch Cabell LibraryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, Virginia

Thesis“Breaking down hierarchical barriers between library staff through shared social activities promotes stronger interactions and better service to our customers.”

(Translation)

Being able to laugh with your bosses and colleagues at work makes it easier to ask for their help when you need it.

John

Ulmschneider

University Librarian and fearless player of library picnic games

Virginia Commonwealth University

The ChallengeArrange a group of books into correct Library of Congress order in the quickest time.

For 3 years now, John U. has tried his hand at the shelf-reading contest during our spring picnic.

Our University Librarian took the challenge

•Be willing to fail•Laugh at yourself•Become approachable

Win by sometimes losing

Become approachableIf we can laugh with you, we are no longer afraid of you. You become someone we can ask for help.

Other game ideas Photo guessing games Art and engineering

contests “How many Xs in the Y?”

Photo Guessing: pets

Challenge: correctly match library staff with their pet photos

Is this a match?

Challenge: guess who the baby in the photo grew up to be…

Photo Guessing: toddlers

Engineering contest

Challenge: build the tallest tower using only marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti

Sculpture contestsChallenge: create sculpture out of bubblegum or Spam

Counting games: How many X’s in the Y?

Keyboard keys Binder clips M&Ms Golf pencils

Shared social activities Team spelling bees Team trivia contests Scavenger hunts “Lunch at the Drive-In”

T-shirts for library geeks

A t-shirt design only a cataloger can understand!

(Translation)

GV1061.18

.L53

U37

2008

= footrace

= for librarians

= Cutter number of race sponsor

= event date

Team VCU Libraries

Other ideas for fun at work

Halloween costumes Jigsaw puzzles Magnetic darts Hatching butterflies

Halloween Costume Contests

Halloween Costume Contests, cont’d

Jigsaw puzzles and magnetic darts

Caterpillars to Butterflies

SummaryHaving fun at work encourages library staff to get to know their co-workers better, and to feel comfortable asking for their help when assisting patrons.

Contact me for more :o)

Teresa Doherty

[email protected]

804 828-8658