Sadly I need to let you know that Max Burrows passed away on Saturday.   Max was the Library Bindery Manager.   He retired in May 2006.    In Max’s time the Library Bindery was a sizable operation with four to five staff binding thousands of items a year, including the UC theses and the journal volumes.    Please see the Press notice for further details.

Michel Fivet has informed us that the survey closes 3.30pm Friday.    I have asked for an extension but it looks like it is not possible.   Fill in the survey now so you will not miss out.

Capital Works (71%) and Engineering Services (66%) have a higher % of completion than the Library (65%)

Staff who have yet to complete the OEI/OCI survey should have received a reminder today.  Please take the time to fill it in now, as the survey finishes on Friday.   This is particularly important if you are part of a smaller team.

For those who like numbers, as of 7 Aug, 60% of Library staff have completed the survey (Engineering Services is top with 61%).   79% of LR staff completed the first survey.

Please take the time, if you haven’t already, to fill out the OEI/OCI Survey that you received on Monday from Human Synergetics.     We will use the results to determine the priorities to focus on over the next two years so it is important that everyone’s view can be taken into account at the team, Library and LR level.     In small teams we need a minimum of five people to see an outcome.

It takes around 40-50 minutes to complete.    Talk to your manager or colleagues if you need support to complete it.    Do it now rather than waiting for the last minute.

Ngā mihi nui, Anne

Beth (Elizabeth) Leal-Eager, a Business Analyst from ITS, will be working in the Library for the next few weeks looking at AV, video and e-Learning at UC and reviewing what other institutions are doing in this space.   She will be consulting a range of people working in these areas at UC.  She will write a report that will contribute to our future direction in these area.    Some staff will know her from the other projects she has been involved in such as Symplectic and Echo 360.  She will be located on L5 PJH when she is working on this project.   Please welcome Beth to the Library and make her feel at home.  Ngā mihi nui Anne

I had an email from Janet Fletcher this morning saying that they are very happy to be back in the Central Library at VUW as of Monday, although they still have no lifts and will be walking up the stairs for some time to come.  They have been out of their building since the Kaikoura earthquake while it was repaired.    We know how they feel.    Ngā mihi nui, Anne

You are invited to a Mihi  welcome and morning tea for Lyndsay Ainsworth, our new AUL LTR from Lincoln University, and Lyn Gifford from Christchurch City Libraries who is on a secondment for a year in Caroline’s position.   We will have guests from both Lincoln and CCL so it is a good chance to mix.

When:   13 February 9.00am -10.30am
Where:  Rm 210, Central Library

We are looking forward to them both starting that day.

Ngā mihi nui
Anne

The TEU Library reps have asked about the use of personal cars for Library work.

1. Staff should consider if there are other alternatives, (eg whether they can attend meetings electronically, can we pay for goods to be couriered  etc)
2. Staff are expected to use UC pool vehicles, cars and trucks, where possible  (there may be some practical issues that will need to be discussed with Campus Services, and note the new car booking system).  It is accepted that this will take more time.
3. Staff have the option of claiming for reimbursement of actual and reasonable costs.   As the circumstances of each request can be so different it is hard to define “reasonable”.  If in doubt staff should talk to their manager first.    The normal payment request form is used which requires a detailed description of kms travelled dates times event.  This is signed by your manager.   Ask Janette if you need more information.

Although many of us use our own car for university business because it more convenient, it is not a normal expectation of the job.  Please  check your insurance as it may prohibit the use of your vehicle for work business.

From the UC Travel Policy

19.7. Use of private vehicles for University business:

1. a) Staff are expected to use pool vehicles where possible.
2. b) The use of private vehicles for University business is discouraged however University Travellers travelling on University business using their private vehicles may be reimbursed, unless specified by employment contracts, as per the Inland Revenue mileage reimbursement rate.
3. c) The University does not provide insurance cover for private vehicles used for University business.
4. d) Any claim cannot exceed the equivalent value of travel by air (including economy fare with reasonable booking notice, transport to and from the airport and parking if applicable) or rental car equivalent, to the same destination.
5. e) Complete the Payment Request Form to apply for reimbursement of actual and reasonable costs.

Ngā mihi nui
Anne

Congratulations to staff who were successful in this year’s GSRR round.

Staff who received a step progression, accelerated progression below the merit, progression above the merit or bonus will have received a letter from their manager.

A summary of the GSSR outcome by band is available from the link below.  The number of staff getting a progression or bonus above the normal step progression was similar to the last few years.

K:\LIBR-Library\Operations\HR\Planning\GSRR-for-staff\GSRR-by-band-2012-2016.xlsx

I appreciate that the GSRR only touches the surface of all the great work being done in the Library by all staff.

Ngā mihi nui, Anne

Jo had a fall off her horse on Friday and has had an operation to reattach the top of her femur.   She is in Christchurch hospital, probably until Tuesday, and may be away for the rest of the year.

More later, Anne