FAX Services

HPL has the opportunity to expand FAX services that were piloted at CEN and SCE to a few more neighborhood libraries. Please let your Team Leader or Coordinator, Extended Hours Locations know if you would like to offer these FAX services at your location by June 29th. Please share any relevant information such as the frequency of customer requests; or lack of other FAX business services for the community. Thank you!

Best regards,
Mary Wagoner

FAX Services

HPL has the opportunity to expand FAX services that were piloted at CEN and SCE to a few more neighborhood libraries. Please let your Team Leader or Coordinator, Extended Hours Locations know if you would like to offer these FAX services at your location by June 29th. Please share any relevant information such as the frequency of customer requests; or lack of other FAX business services for the community. I have attached the signage for FAX services which may answer a few of your questions. Thank you!

Service Area Map Project starts next week!

Steve Hill sent this message:
Hello,


This is a friendly reminder that all HPL public service units will participate in the Service Area Map Project, scheduled to launch on Monday June 18th. The purpose of the project is to assess customers using our services, materials and facilities. The assessment will have two components: One is a large map 30” x 40” that allows visitors to indicate where they live with a push pin; and the second is a survey that may be completed in person or online.

Map - Each HPL location will receive a map detailing city & county boundaries, major roads, census tracts and our facilities. The purpose of the map is to ask customers to help us illustrate where people live in relation to the libraries they use.

Handout - An instructional handout, designed to encourage people to participate, will also be provided. The handouts should placed at service desks for use during regular customer interactions.

Survey – A brief questionnaire will be available to our customers in print or online via HPL’s homepage. Please encourage customers to use the online version as appropriate.

Results – In the short term, the information we gather will be combined and used as a tool to help redefine each library’s service area. Long term, the data collected will be used to improve library services, and target potential new users.

As ever, your help is essential to the success of HPL and we look forward to working with you on this project. For more information about the project please read the attachment to this email and or speak with your managers.

Thank you for all you do for the communities we serve.

If you have any questions call your Team Leader or Coordinator.

Thanks,

Laurie

We've Moved!

Hi,
The NL Administration office has moved from 820 Marston to Central Library, 6th Floor, Suite 629.  Our email and telephone numbers remain the same.  I hope to see you at Central!
Mary

Tip from the Black Belt Librarian--30-30-30

I was able to attend the ALA Webinar yesterday with the Black Belt Library, Warren Graham. One of his good tips was a challenge that I am asking you to take up. For the next 30 days I challenge you, every 30 minutes, take 30 seconds to survey your surroundings to see what is going on in the library. You don't have to seek out problems or go to where there is a crowd, simply look around and act on any problems that you see. You can read more about the Black Belt Librarian here: http://www.alaeditions.org/preliminary-reading-warren-graham-workshop Thanks, Laurie

Kindle Fire FAQ

HPL Kindle Fire FAQ
6.04.2012


Why were Kindle Fires purchased?
We wanted every NL staff person to have the opportunity to become familiar with downloading e-Books and comfortable using a tablet. Each NL location, except Discovery Green and Fifth Ward, will receive a Kindle Fire.

Who can check out a Kindle Fire?
Any NL staff. It can only be checked out and returned to the home neighborhood library location. For example, if it is checked out at Montrose, then it must be returned to Montrose.

How do I check out a Kindle Fire?
Please use your personal HPL library card.

What is the check out period?
You may check it out for 2 weeks with no renewals. They cannot be placed on HOLD. A Manager may set up a “waiting list” so that all staff has a chance to try out the device.

Can I use it at home?
Yes. Staff is encouraged to check out the device on your library card and use it either at home; or at work. The best way to become familiar with new technology is by using it.

What Amazon account do I use?
Each neighborhood library will use a special Gmail account to set up Amazon account.
If staff uses their personal Amazon account, then he or she is responsible for registering and de-registering the device when it is returned.

Can I buy a book and download it?
You can only purchase a book for download on your personal Amazon account. You are responsible for registering and de-registering it. Once you return the device, you would be able to access your purchased item through the Kindle app on a mobile device, on a computer, or on another Kindle device.

How do I download an e-Book?
Instructions are available on the NL blog: http://hplnl.blogspot.com/

How do I request hands on training at my library?
Please email your request to hpltraining@houstontx.gov

When the Kindle Fire is not in use, it should be secured in the laptop cabinet.

Thank you!
Mary

Tax Help Year Round

Neighborhood Centers Inc offers free tax services for Tax Returns 2006-2011 and amended returns 2006-2011.

Eligibility requirements: Families earning up to $50,000 and individuals earning up to $30,000.

Hours: (subject to change--call 211 or 713-669-5385)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10am-6pm
Thursday 1pm-6pm
Friday 9am-4pm

Locaation: 6500 Rookin St, Houston, TX 77074, Suite C-101
(off Hwy 59 S and Hillcroft)
Metro routes: #9 Gulfton, #163 Fondren Express, #47 Hillcroft, & #2 Bellaire

Thanks,

Laurie