Hit : aide duties part 4

[Susanne Ford-Croghan <crogan@SOVER.NET>]

and the end--


If you are her 'evaluator', it is in her best interest and yours to
document her refusal to do work assigned.  If someone else is responsible
I think you need to coordinate with that person on her evaluation.

I have been on both sides of this problem.  At one time when I worked at
Boeing I was a group lead with 13 ladies who were all much older than I
who were assigned to my group.  I was promoted to this position because of
my dedication to the job and the fact that I took any training that came
along whether I had to pay for it myself or not.  In other words I worked
my buns off to advance.  There were some who were resentful and tried to
"get" me fired...if you don't do anything wrong, it ain't a-gonna happen.
And it didn't

When I chose to return to working 7 years ago at 50 years old, I was
fortunate enough to have volunteered in a library at my son's school where
the librarian recognized my skills and dedication to working and when she
was able she hired me.

The other aide that already is there had been there for 18 years, and yes
she thinks she could do the librarians job...but she really couldn't.
That aide at times has been pretty vocal about what she thinks she should
be allowed but as accepted that she shouldn't push too far.

I accepted that at my age and lack of training I needed to work as hard as
I can and learn by watching and working.  I don't resent my librarian
being younger and giving direction.

Don't be intimidated by the fact that she is Unionized..Big deal.  If
necessary document her work and attitude.  That is what works...and she
isn't working if she isn't doing all of the jobs.


This is the job description of the Birmingham Public Schools for a library
>clerk (or aide).  I had a clerk who was a college graduate and she did all
>of the duties listed below.  She never tried to do my job.  My present
>clerk also has a college degree and is still in the process of learning
>what the job requires.  She is a good typist and is learning how to use the
>computers.  She also checks out books and shelves books and I am teaching
>her how to accession and process.  We are going to a new circulation system
>(Athena after using Circulation Plus on an Apple IIe) so she will get in on
>the ground floor in learning how to add students and patrons.
>
>One of the problems that I have seen with clerks in the past is that after
>a while they think they are librarians.  If you can't get her to cooperate
>you need to talk with the principal or library supervisor.  I ahve had only
>one bad clerk and had two miserable years.
>
>You also might want to write down specific tasks that you want her to do
>each day and if they are not completed keep a record of it.  This will be
>valuable when you do her yearly evaluation.
>
>Title:          Library Clerk
>
>Qualification:  1.      High School Graduate
>                2.      Ability to type at least 30wpm (which I think is too
>                        low)
>
>Reports to:     Librarian
>
>Basic Functions:Performs clerical duties of a wide variety using established
>                procedures and methods.
>
>                Aids the Librarian in implementing the objectives of the
>                library program.
>
>Performance Responsibilities:
>
>1.      Aids in mechanical preparation of library materials.
>2.      Aids in the operation of equipment and office machines.
>3.      Receives, sorts, and distributes mail to the appropriate personnel.
>4.      Types, receives and processes orders, reports, bibliographies, forms,
>        library schedules, letters to publishers, catalog cards, and the like.
>5.      Maintains files of catalog cards, vertical file material, publishers
>        and catalogs.
>6.      Mends library materials.
>7.      Writes daily notices to teachers concerning overdue materials, and
>        collects fines for overdue materials.
>8.      Monitors attendance and keeps attendance records.
>9.      Prepares library materials for reserve on teacher's request, and
>        maintains reserve shelf.
>10.     Aids in shelving of library materials.
>11.     Assists in the annual inventory of library materials and in the
>        preparation of lists of missing materials.
>12.     Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with library
>        staff and faculty.
>13.     Assists students at the request of the librarian.
>14.     Oversees the general neatness and attractiveness of the library and
>        its displays and performs other tasks as the librarian may assign.
>
>This job description is quite old and could use some upgrading.


I don't have any list of jobs the aide is supposed to do--my aides are
wonderful and just pitch in wherever.  But...to me the professional role is
the teaching role with students, cooperative planning and presentation with
teachers, and selection / cataloging new materials.  All other tasks are
probably shared about equally between us.  I am more "techie" than my aides
and therefore do more computer and a/v troubleshooting whether for students
or for teachers.  They do more housekeeping (and that includes bulletin
boards and displays, although we have usually collaborated on what to do).
They do more of the routine work--shelving, getting materials ready for
circulation, working the circ desk, book repair.
Having said all this, I don't think this will solve your problem.  I
believe this is going to take a tactful head-to-head discussion of the jobs
which must be done in the library and how they will be accomplished. Maybe
you two could make a list together.  I agree that all the cleaning and
dusting should be done by people hired by the school to clean the building,
but I have been in education 24 years now and have *never* had a cleaning
person or service who did anything that was more than 1/4" off the
floor--floors seem to be their only job!  So we do it.  I do pitch in with
my aides on all jobs from time to time as I don't want them to think I
believe any of these things are beneath me, either.
I realize that a frank discussion of the issue with her may be difficult,
but do listen to what she has to say, and try to work things out between
you.  A reminder that she is not doing the job may help her realize that
this situation will not be allowed to continue without your seeking
assistance from administration (would they be supportive if you have to
have help?).  Would the administration tolerate her working on her college
class during paid time?  I doubt it.  She could be offered the resources of
the library for her class, but not on her working time. Perhaps if she
finds all this work demeaning, she should find another position, but I
don't think you are necessariliy to that point yet--try to openly talk it
out.

I find your note very disturbing - that an aide would overstep her bounds is
intolerable. I think, however, you need to address the issue in several
ways.  Is there a current job description written? There must be defined
roles between the duties of the librarian and the aide. I think you also
need a sit- down discussion about roles. The fact that she purchased titles
without your permission can not be tolerated. Was there no library sub for
you? I guess it depends how long you were out on maternity leave and what
were the instructions you left. If this was my situation there would be some
serious discussion about possible termination of the aide.

In my library (I have 3 aides) the duties are clearly defined with written
job and duties listed. They shelve, dust, work the circulation desk, do all
AV, mail, periodical requests, Inter library loan, overdues via Manderin,
correspondence, phones, faxing, copying, etc. They also handle simple
reference requests, help students with Internet and word processing,
searching databases (MAS, SIRS, Electric library, CDNEWSBANK, etc).

They also help with discipline. I don't believe any job is demeaning - but
then, i do all of the above including shelving and dusting as well. It is
not unusual to see me with spray bottle in hand remvoing drawings or words
for tables.

I also treat them well - as they do me--- with breakfasts, lunches, gifts,
and praise.
Hope this helps.


This long document includes what our aides do here in this district. It is
inclusive of all grade levels served, but most of our aides do much the same
thing. The reason we have such a complete description is that our aides have
been working on a job reclassification, so they have included lots and lots
of what they do in order to show they warrant an upgrade. Hope this helps in
some way.

You will need to get over the problem of the aide being older than you are.
I'm sure others have already advised you about this mindset, so I won't
elaborate. Have confidence in what you want and be able to justify what you
expect to be done. Share loads of responsibility with the aide - she can be
your right hand, if you let her. However, you are the brains behind the
operation and must guide her into your philosophy.

Good luck with your career. This is the most rewarding profession I know of.



                                MEDIA CENTER TECHNICIANS

Duties:  Sections 1-VI


SECTION I   Circulation Plus (Checkout and Administrative)

Maintain the book records on  the Circ.Plus system
Inventory scanning & reports annually  or designated time for Inventory.
Prepare bar codes for patrons and new titles.
Computer calendar updates.
Monthly statistic reports.
Addition & withdraw of students and staff to/from system..
Calculation of fines for withdrawing students sent as a report to the
registrar.
Calculation of all fines twice a year before end of each semester for all
students, with copy                        for the activity office.
Computer start ups. Shut down of computers (some also shut down lab
computers as well as the production area and search computers).
Disk & streamer tape backups.
Build bibliographies.
Add categories to the system.
Checkout/in of books.
Run shelf check reports for library student assistants.
Computer searches for class and staff materials.


SECTION II   Training & Supervision

Training of student assistants during first six weeks of each semester,
small bits of training as needed throughout the semester(s).
Supervision of student assistants  during the school year on a daily basis.
Training of adult volunteers to the library.
One-on-one help for student library material searches and for those students
of high need .    Small group instruction working with stations with 5-9
students each.
Monitor student passes.



SECTION III  Technology

Airlifts, video duplication, Audio recording & duplication.
Reprogram and rewire TV/VCR set-ups in classrooms.
Drain & charge of various NiCad batteries.
Charging and monthly exchange of lead acid & nickel metal hydride batteries.
Run teacher requested cable programs.
Run video distribution system for showing tapes throughout the school.
Photography/ filming at request of staff.
Teach the student assistants to tape professionally for staff.
Editing of films and teach editing to students and staff .
Troubleshoot for AV equipment and Computers.



SECTION IV   Clerical


Word Processing of Introductory letters to parents, seasonal update letters
of library activities and lists with summaries for teachers and parents.
Assist classes in scheduling time in the library.
Special reports requested by specialist and teachers of library materials.
Help with book order selection.
Library purchase orders  for supplies.
Participate in the grading process with the librarian.
Pull collections for classes. Record keeping/ title price and date due.
Assist teacher in classroom.
Help with *Book Fairs *for the library
Prepare book displays, bulletin board displays.
Make copies.    Student copies.    Color printing.
Correspondence by phone, e-mail, fax.    Take messages.    Filing.
Department  newsletters to staff.
Prepare purchase orders for:  newspapers, special magazines not available
with EBSCO,  book orders.
Log in Periodicals on a daily basis, process into the collection( stamp,
issue date, color code dot, tape, remove loose advertisements).
Routing of magazines to staff and tracking of missing magazines.
Help with book order selection
Picture I.D. badges for T.A*s.
Make signs, dry mounting, laminating, matte items.
Make transparencies.
Preparation of training materials for student library assistants in the fall
and again at semester.
Creation of new training materials & update of established materials required.

*Following software knowledge is needed:
Print shop, Power Point, Netscape, E-Library, Word, Super Paint,  Adobe Page
Maker, Photo Shop and Excel


SECTION  V     Maintenance

Inspect new book shipments and process into the collection with date, price,
stamp, bar        code, spine label, cover & entry to the computer.
Inspect new equipment, bar code, enter into system.
Withdraw outdated & damaged books (release stamp, and list in triplicate,
prepare    movement requests).
Minor book repairs.
Plant maintenance.
Prepare articles for  & do the statistics for the I.T.S.
Prepare bindery order yearly.

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