— Workplace guidelines

General policies

See the Policies (discontinued) page for historical policies no longer in use.

Cell phones

Keep cell phones on low volume levels, especially if you get frequent calls or messages. Loud ring or message tones are distracting for other staff members.

Children at work

TS staff are not permitted to bring children to work on days other than formal "take your child to work" days, though short visits to the TS staff area are fine. Occasional special circumstances may be approved by a supervisor for a defined period provided the child is old enough to handle themselves without assistance. One example may be attendance at an MSU day camp that starts later than a normal work shift. Special circumstances must be approved in advance.

Communication outside TS

TS staff should feel free to communicate directly with selectors if questions about orders or cataloging arise.

Communication within TS

1. Individuals are encouraged to communicate directly with the person most involved or likely to have the information needed for any specific work-related or other library assignments, whether within or outside the team. Direct communication with the appropriate person is also encouraged for problem-solving. This is our primary communication pattern.
2. Team managers should be consulted when policies or procedures are involved, when inter-team or intra-team issues arise [which have not been successfully resolved among individuals], when information needs to be broadly shared with other team members, and when quality and/or training issues are identified.
3. Whenever communication problems are creating a negative impact on the ability to perform one's work assignments, this matter should be reported to the appropriate team manager for appropriate action. Team managers will follow appropriate University and Library policies in attempting to find a resolution.

Doors into/out of Tech Services

Doors will be locked at 5 p.m. (Exception: Red Cedar door is locked at 7 p.m. by ILS). Doors will be opened by 7 a.m.

Food and drink

Staff should exercise extreme caution when consuming food and beverages in work areas in order to prevent damage to MSUL materials. Eating highly aromatic foods or foods that require heating is discouraged in the TS staff area; these aromas can cause discomfort to other staff (with the exception of such foods included in officially sanctioned team or division parties). Supervisors have a responsibility to educate staff on preservation issues related to food and may set more specific policy by team or task as needed.

Headphones

Technical Services staff may use headphones to listen to music and/or the radio, provided headphones don't prevent hearing emergency alarms. It should be noted that a person wearing headphones can still be approached by other staff, and should turn down/off the music or radio to answer questions. If the noise from the headphones disturbs other staff, staff can ask the listener to turn down the volume.

Mailroom 

Mailroom staff is responsible for monitoring the mailroom door. Acquisitions staff provides backup when Mailroom staff are unavailable between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A doorbell is installed in Acquisitions. Mailroom staff can switch the bell to Acquisitions when backup is needed. It is acceptable for Technical Services' staff to sign for packages from delivery services.

Noise

In general, the communal workplace should be respected and a reasonable quiet maintained. Play any music or audio through headphones only. Conduct conversations quietly when possible, and longer personal conversations should be conducted outside the staff area if possible. 

Phone use

Personal conversations should be brief. Longer personal conversations should be conducted on personal cell phones outside the TS staff area. 

Scent

Avoid heavily scented lotions, perfumes, lip glosses, etc.. This is in consideration of staff members who experience reactive/allergic responses to scents, like headaches and nausea.

Work hours

Per EC, Tech Services employees are permitted to work within the hours of 7am and 7pm. In general, staff should not be in the TS staff area outside these hours.

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How-tos

Installing/requesting software

• If you would like to download some free or open-source software for your work, submit a Sysdoc to alert Systems before downloading, and include your supervisor on the ticket.
• If a proprietary software program exists that will assist you with your work, your supervisor can take your request forward to Systems and/or the AD for Tech Services.

Professional development opportunities

• EdAssist funds are available to staff and can be used for certification or degree coursework, and can also cover conference fees (though not travel or lodging costs)
  • obtain supervisor approval for any desired course or conference
  • submit the MSUL professional development form
  • check with MSUL HR about the central HR Ed Assist application process
• Other specific work-related training may be directly funded by MSUL at the request of a staff member's supervisor

Reloading printer paper trays

• Paper for both printers is stored on shelves by the Acq-1 printer, near the TS table.
• Refill paper trays with corresponding paper size.

• For a double tray of paper (side-by-side), be sure the arm is to the left of the left paper tray, so that it can be pushed into place when the right side paper runs out.

Reporting printer issues

In the case of jamming problems or low toner, etc., contact Kim Wiljanen or Lisa Smith

Reporting time

• Note that access to EBS requires two-factor authentication–i.e., set up your cell phone, your office phone, or your email to receive a verification code so you can log in. You'll need to follow MSU's guidelines to set up your two-factor authentication method.
• Copy cataloging unit: follow these instructions for submitting leave requests to Autumn.

Supplies

• Some common supplies like tape, staples, post-its, etc., are available in the supply closet in the T Loc shelving area.
• For special supply requests, contact Laura Carter
  • It's helpful for Laura if you can provide a link from the MSU University Stores catalog to the item you wish to order
• Some supply requests may require supervisor approval. Contact your manager in these cases.

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