Technology
Competencies for Library Staff
Fall 1998
Library staff have to deal with technology issues every day, and it sometimes feels as if our skills can never keep up with the constantly changing technologies that surround us in our work. Many staff have asked "What's expected of me? What do I really need to know to do my job?" This document attempts to answer those questions with regard to the technological hardware and software that are used here.
Below you will find a list of minimum expected technology competencies for nearly all classifications and work locations at the library. This list was developed as the beginning of a process that will create an ongoing technology training program for library staff. If you find that there are skills listed under your classification that you don't now have, don't worry. Training will be made available so that all staff will have the opportunity to learn the skills that are expected of them.
Please bear in mind that this is a list of minimum competencies that we feel that staff need to do their jobs effectively. Interested staff are encouraged to learn more than the minimum and may attend workshops on other skills if space and scheduling permit. Please speak to your supervisor about which trainings would be most appropriate for your position. Also bear in mind that this is a list of technology competencies only and does not address other competencies or skills such as knowledge of policy and procedure, public service skills, knowledge of principles of librarianship, analytical skills, and so on.
A few classifications and work locations at the library are not included in this report. Most of these include employees whose work is very similar to the work of employees in the same classifications in other city departments. Their technological competencies are a citywide issue and are therefore beyond the scope of a report that covers only the library.
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS ALL STAFF SHOULD HAVE
Log Dynix terminals on and off.
Access Dynix E-mail (at least for purpose of checking "mail waiting" flashes at log-in).
Photocopiers: add paper, add/remove toner, clear jams, call service; use special buttons on your unit's copier, know where to find machine ID number for calling service.
Telephones: answer multiple lines, place and retrieve holds, transfer calls including warm transfers, use paging system, use intercom, use telephone to call pager numbers, call police.
Fax: send messages, add paper, change ink cartridge, clear jams.
Printers: add paper, change ribbon/ink-cartridge/toner, clear paper jam, understand online/offline.
Personal computers: turn computer and monitor on and off, do soft and hard boot, know to remove non-system disk from floppy drive if computer won't boot up for that reason.
Check Dynix bulletin board.
Read Dynix "Committees" mail without deleting messages.
Navigate Dynix menus, use LOGTO.
Access Dynix help screens, including use of "?"..
Understand cables, power cords, on-off switches on all equipment in the work location. Know what cables are connected where
LIBRARY AIDE -- BRANCHES (including AAMLO)
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, item barcode.
CATALOGING MODULE: Discard materials.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
FAX: Release a manual fax.
BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEM: Magnetize and demagnetize books.
LIBRARY AIDE -- MAIN CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, Update Status of Items, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, item barcode.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
LIBRARY AIDE--MAIN REFERENCE (NOT M&N)
CIRCULATION: Update Status of Items (USI), Change Item Variables (CIV), Check in (for new books).
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which are which in their location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
LIBRARY AIDE -- MAIN REFERENCE (M&N)
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search for and understand Dynix periodical records
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
MICROFORM READER/PRINTER: Add paper, add toner, clear jams.
LIBRARY AIDE -- MAIN CHILDREN'S ROOM
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, item barcode.
CATALOGING MODULE: Discard materials.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
Use laminator. Use iron.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by Dynix ID number, exact title, exact author,
item barcode. Add new items. Replace negative bar codes. Change holding agency.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, vendor, purchase order number.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Receive materials.
CATALOGING MODULE: Discard materials, change holding agency.
CIRCULATION: Use Telxon for check in and check out.
TELEPHONE: Use cellular phone.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Enter student records in database..
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by Dynix ID number, exact title, exact author, item barcode.
CATALOGING MODULE: Change status.
Use laminator, iron and stitcher.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- MAIN REFERENCE
CIRCULATION: Check in (for new books), Change Item Variables, Update Status of Items.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by item barcode. Edit holdings records, e.g. to change a reference book to circulating.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- SELECTIONS
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, ISBN. Recognize duplicate records and select correct record.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by exact title, exact author, barcode, Dynix ID#.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE
Selections Menu. Search for and update selections; create selections; delete selections. Enter session defaults.
Order Menu. Search for order records by ISBN, title, author. Set up defaults for orders that have something in common. Create orders.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS
SERIALS MODULE: Check in periodicals.
CATALOGING MODULE: Add and delete items linked to existing title records.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- CATALOGING (HOLDINGS)
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by Dynix ID number, OCLC number, exact title, exact author, item barcode. Merge duplicate bibliographic records. Enter holdings, including collection code, item type, agency. Print spine labels. Create Bibliographic Short Entries.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- CATALOGING (SERIALS)
SERIALS MODULE: Check in periodicals. Print and clear serials claims. Edit holdings records.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- ACQUISITIONS
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, ISBN. Review order history.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by exact title, exact author, barcode, Dynix ID number.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Know menu options:
Selections Menu. Search for, review and update selections; create selections, order selections; delete selections; enter workslip notes; enter session defaults.
Order Menu. Search for order records by ISBN, title, author; set up defaults for orders that have something in common; create orders; reopen orders.
Receipts Menu. Receive or unreceive an order; receive canceled orders; batch receive; print workslips; manage work lists.
Invoice Menu. Search for invoices; create invoice header; create invoice lines.
Cancellation Menu. Cancel orders; review and cancel orders in review list; print clear cancellation notices.
MICROFICHE READER: Read fiche.
OFFICE ASSISTANT -- COMMUNITY RELATIONS
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
DYNIX BULLETIN BOARD: Post, edit, and delete notices on Dynix bulletin board.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Use word processing and desktop publishing software on Macintosh to create simple flyers, newsletters and other documents. Basic understanding of Windows and/or DOS operating systems and how to use word processing software on these systems. Be able to translate documents from IBM-based platform to Macintosh platform and vice versa. Use scanner.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Use spreadsheet software.
LIBRARY ASSISTANTS and SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANTS
LIBRARY ASSISTANT and SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- BRANCHES
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic command of all items on Dynix search menu Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Not required to do cross-index searches or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", know that the Library of Congress Subject Headings exist and form the basis for the subject indexes, that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword."
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all Main's magazines. Know the difference between Main and branch periodical records and have a full understanding of key elements of both types of records.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Know roughly what's in this database and the difference between word and subject searches in it. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
CITYLINE: Know roughly what's in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Know enough to assist patrons with this.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BEST SELLER LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search by title, date and journal name in PowerTrac, and know syntax for combining searches. Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles.
TROUBLESHOOTING: Troubleshoot terminals and PCs, using written checklists or
telephone consultation with automation staff.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x). Not required to know about gophers or FTP.
OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Know what systems other libraries use; but not required to know command system for other systems, e.g. Innovative, MELVYL.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
WORLD WIDE WEB--GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Know how to access a specific URL and access help. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine. (e.g. Alta Vista).
CATALOGING MODULE: Add holdings to existing title records e.g. for paperbacks, gift books. Discard materials, delete check-in notes; change call numbers when changing a book from reference to circulating or vice versa; change item types. Create magazine title records according to instructions. Know that CIV variables can be changed in cataloging module as well as in circulation module.
Senior Library Assistant (Bookmobile) only: ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Review and print fund accounts; review selections list.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables.
FAX: Release a manual fax.
TV/VCR: Operate equipment.
ALARM: Set and disarm security systems.
BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Magnetize and demagnetize books.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT and SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- MAIN CIRCULATION
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list. Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic use of all items on DYNIX search menu, use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list," "Related works." Not required to know how to do cross-index searches or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
CATALOGING MODULE: Delete check-in notes.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Maintain the large print Dynix PC.
BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Recognize an alarm and reset the gates.
CASH REGISTER: Know the functions on the cash register, including how to enter fines, lost books, Arco books and other transactions. Run X and Z tapes.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- MAIN -- MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
CIRCULATION: Fast adds; check in and check out; add special messages to patron records.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic command of all items on Dynix search menu Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Be familiar with the structure of serials records and how to read a subscription summary. Not required to know how to do cross-index searches or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", know that the Library of Congress Subject Headings exist and form the basis for the subject indexes, that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail. Find OPL Main periodical holdings by subject using subject keyword and adding the word "periodicals", and know that branch periodical holdings cannot be found this way.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword."
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with these searches, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that these searches find magazine titles, not article titles. Know that these searches should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Know the difference between Main and Branch periodical records and have a full understanding of key elements of both types of records.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be familiar with what's in this database and do both word and subject searches in it. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index. Be aware of current limitations of this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
CITYLINE: Know roughly what's in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BEST SELLER LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search by title, date and journal name in PowerTrac, and know syntax for combining searches. Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles. Recognize cartridge numbers for microfilm Business Collection or Magazine Collection and be familiar with Main Library holdings. Know that the availability of full text can be determined through Dynix records, General Reference Center citations and printed lists (though not 100% accurate).
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. . Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x). Not required to know about gophers or FTP.
OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Know what systems other libraries use; but not required to know command system for other systems, e.g. Innovative, MELVYL.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
WORLD WIDE WEB--GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Know how to access a specific URL and access help. Understand the difference between a subject index ( e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista).
Access and search online phone directories. Be aware that many periodicals have websites that can be accessed with library equipment.
SERIALS MODULE: Add public notes to Dynix records (e.g. location information).
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple locations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables.
MICROFORM READER/PRINTER: Add paper, add toner, clear jams, load film, use all read and print functions and instruct patrons in their use.
BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Magnetize and demagnetize books.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- MAIN CHILDREN'S ROOM
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list. Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic command of all items on DYNIX search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Not required to know how to do cross-index or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", know that the Library of Congress Subject Headings exist and form the basis for the subject indexes, that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword."
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all the magazines.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Know roughly what's in this database and the difference between word and subject searches in it. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
CITYLINE: Know roughly what's in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Know enough to assist patrons with this.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BEST SELLER LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search by title, date and journal name in PowerTrac, and know syntax for combining searches. Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x). Not required to know about gophers or FTP.
OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Know what systems other libraries use; but not required to know command system for other systems, e.g. Innovative, MELVYL.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
WORLD WIDE WEB--GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista).
CATALOGING MODULE: Add holdings to existing title records e.g. for paperbacks, gift books. Discard materials, delete check-in notes; change call numbers when changing a book from reference to circulating or vice versa; change item types. Create magazine title records according to instructions. Know that CIV variables can be changed in cataloging module as well as in circulation module.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types and multiple emulations, and know which terminals and emulations are used in the work location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables.
BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Magnetize and demagnetize books.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to messages, to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
INTERNET
GRAPHICAL BROWSER: Use one or more search engines to find information on organizations; access and search other Bay Area I&R databases, e.g. BIN, as they become available online; use the City's Web pages.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
Full mastery of all types of searches in the CITYLINE database, and familiarity with the content of the database.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be familiar with what's in this database and do both word and subject searches in it. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES MODULE: Create, update and delete records; search records and recognize duplicate records before creating a new record.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives.
TV/VCR: Operate equipment.
TTY: Receive calls and carry on conversations.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- CATALOGING
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it. Join and access listservs as appropriate.
DYNIX SEARCHING
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic command of all items on DYNIX search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Not required to know how to do cross-index searches or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", know that the Library of Congress Subject Headings exist and form the basis for the subject indexes, that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword".
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
DYNIX ID #: Know this is useful for retrieving, identifying and merging bibliographic records.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), how to access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx.
OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Know what systems other libraries use; but not required to know command system for other systems, e.g. Innovative, MELVYL.
CATALOGING MODULE: Create Bibliographic Short Entries and Dynix Records. Merge duplicate bibliographic records. Add or edit MARC tags. Check holdings for last date item was handled.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Basic troubleshooting skills for Dynix, i.e. clearing hung terminals, clearing invalid station numbers and troubleshooting printers. Using written checklists, identify and resolve simple problems with terminals, PCs and printers and determine when a problem needs to be referred to Automation staff or OCLC Help Desk; describe the problem and identify steps taken to resolve problem.
OCLC: Search using a variety of search methods/strategies. Use available cataloging shortcuts (i.e. cut and paste, mark for transfer, apply constant data, etc.) Use help files. Export records to disks. Download disks to Dynix. Clear disks.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Introductory knowledge of Windows, including knowing how to interpret common error messages. Use word processing software to create, retrieve and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Use and act on anti-virus software.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- ACQUISITIONS
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by author, ISBN. Review order history.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by Dynix ID, ISBN.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS (DYNIX): Log on and off; program function keys; troubleshoot for diagnostics; know command keys; know pull-down menus; know how to get around.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Know menu options:
Selections Menu. Search for, review and update selections; create selections; order selections; delete selections; enter work slip notes. Enter session defaults.
Order Menu. Search for order records by ISBN, title, author. Set up defaults for orders that have something in common; create orders; review and update order information; release orders; batch order. Process purchase orders; print non-electric purchase orders.
Receipts Menu. Receive or unreceive an order; create order in receiving from item with no order; receive canceled order; batch receive; print work slips.
Invoice Menu. Search for invoices; create invoice header; create invoice lines; reverse invoice; invoice credits; review and update invoices.
MICROFICHE READER: Read fiche.
SENIOR LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- ACQUISITIONS
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: If doing system-wide work such as being on a committee, may be required to use it.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, ISBN. Review order history.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by exact title, exact author, barcode, Dynix
PERSONAL COMPUTERS (DYNIX): Log on and off; program function keys; troubleshoot for diagnostics; know command keys; know pull-down menus; know how to get around; use for electronic ordering for different vendors.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Know menu options:
Selections Menu. Search for, review and update selections; create selections; order selections; delete selections; enter work slip notes; review activities; manage selection list: search/add/create/delete/update lists. Enter session defaults.
Order Menu. Search for order records by ISBN, title, author. Set up defaults for orders that have something in common; create orders; assign vendors; review and update order information; release orders; batch order; delete orders; reopen orders. Process purchase orders; print non-electric purchase orders; manage order work lists. Electronic ordering - download BISAC record; upload acknowledgment record, review order acknowledgments.
Receipts Menu. Receive or unreceive an order; create order in receiving from item with no order; receive canceled order; batch receive; print work slips; manage work lists.
Invoice Menu. Search for invoices; create invoice header; create invoice lines; reverse invoice; invoice credits; review and update invoices.
Cancellation Menu. Cancel orders; create cancellation review list/copy cancellation review list; rebuild and print cancellation review list; review and cancel orders in review list; print then clear cancellation notices.
Funds Menu. Review fund accounts; update fund accounts (move money); review account activities.
Vendor Menu. Review, update, copy, delete vendor files; create vendor file.
Report Menu. Print hierarchy reports; print encumbrance, expenditure and status reports; print adjustments to funds; print order, selection list and vendor reports.
MICROFICHE READER: Read fiche.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- AUTOMATION
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results. Update Best Seller Index. Send information to collection agency. Add messages to both staff and patron bulletin boards.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables. Know system maintenance tools such as defrag and scandisk and know when to use them. Know the basic hardware components of a PC, what they do and how to connect them properly. Know how to install operating systems and other software. Know the protocols for working on the inside of a PC including grounding, safety procedures, replacing components etc. Understand basic computer terminology.
DYNIX (OTHER THAN CIRCULATION):
Administrator’s Menu: Update passwords and logins for staff. Know about codes and types and where they are updated. Understand accounts and the differences between a circ account and other types of accounts. Understand TAP and interpret a TAP screen. Understand basic recall techniques. Use LISTU and interpret it. Know how to print statistical reports using SRM and RDS. Troubleshoot Dynix terminals.
UNIX AND UniVerse: Know the difference between UNIX and UniVerse and understand the file systems of both. "Unhang" a terminal from both UNIX and UniVerse. Know basic commands in both operating systems.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Know basic diagnostic procedures for troubleshooting hardware (Dynix terminals, PCs and other devices) and software.
LIBRARY ASSISTANT -- INTERLIBRARY LOAN
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, place holds, Update Status of Items, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
DYNIX SEARCHING
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Basic command of all items on Dynix search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Not required to know how to do cross-index searches or "or" searches.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter, that fewer words means a faster search than more words, that very common words should be avoided, that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading, that you can truncate and how to do it, that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", know that the Library of Congress Subject Headings exist and form the basis for the subject indexes, that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword".
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all the magazines
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Know roughly what's in this database and the difference between word and subject searches in it. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by author, title and subject.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT-BASED: Search MELVYL database by author, title, subject, keyword, publisher and year.
TROUBLESHOOTING: Troubleshoot terminals and PCs, using written checklists or
telephone consultation with automation staff.
CATALOGING MODULE: Create short bibliographic records.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives.
OCLC: Search bibliographic and holdings records using a variety of search methods and strategies (numeric, title phrase and keyword searching); create borrowing requests; edit workforms; respond to incoming requests; maintain interlibrary loan transaction file.
LITERACY ASSISTANTS AND SENIOR LITERACY ASSISTANTS
LITERACY ASSISTANT -- FAMILY LITERACY, LITERACY ASSISTANT -- TRAINING, and SENIOR LITERACY ASSISTANT E-MAIL
INTERNET E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
INTERNET ACCESS:
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
WORLD WIDE WEB--GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista).
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Understand that Second Start computers are on a Local Area Network and troubleshoot as needed, using written checklists or telephone consultation with vendor.
TV/VCR: Operate equipment.
OVERHEAD PROJECTOR: Operate equipment.
LITERACY ASSISTANT -- COMPUTER CENTER
INTERNET E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
INTERNET ACCESS:
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
WORLD WIDE WEB--GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista).
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows, DOS, and Macintosh and Apple II operating systems. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Understand that Second Start computers are on a Local Area Network and troubleshoot as needed, using written checklists or telephone consultation with vendor. Evaluate computer and peripheral hardware and educational software for possible purchase. Create computerized reading lessons using pre-existing software. Assist students using computers. Enter student records and test score results into database. Know the basic hardware components of a PC, what they do and how to connect them properly. Know how to install operating systems and other software.
TV/VCR: Operate equipment.
OVERHEAD PROJECTOR: Operate equipment.
LIBRARIANS I and II, and SENIOR LIBRARIANS
LIBRARIAN I/II, SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- BRANCHES
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), override and waive PURF blocks, add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
Branch managers only: VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Command of all items on Dynix search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. When using "OH" command, navigate between screens to obtain detailed order information. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Be aware that "m" brings up a MARC record and know how to read it. Do "OR" searches and combined "AND/OR" searches. Do cross-index searches. Understand that the catalog is a relational database made up of bibliographic records, copy records, authority records and indexes, and understand how these elements work together. Know how to select a range of records from search results and use "NT" and "PT" to move within selected records.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter; that fewer words means a faster search than more words; that very common words should be avoided; that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading; that you can truncate and how to do it; that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item, and know that other limits are also available.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here. Understand concept of name authority control.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", be familiar with the Library of Congress Subject Headings which form the basis for the subject indexes, know that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail. Find Main periodical holdings by subject using subject keyword and adding the word "periodicals," and know that branch periodical holdings cannot be found this way.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword." Understand concept of subject authority control.
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent (it indexes more recently acquired titles, but not ones that OPL has held for a long time), and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all Main's magazines. Know the difference between Main and branch periodical records and have a full understanding of key elements of both types of records.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be capable of using the index to effectively address reference questions on Oakland topics. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index. Be aware of current limitations of this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
DYNIX ID #: Know this is useful for distinguishing between records and communicating with catalog department about a specific record.
CITYLINE: Be familiar with what’s in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used. Expected to use this to address reference questions on Oakland topics.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Create, save and print bibliographies.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BOOK LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists, an African-American best seller list and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search all fields in PowerTrac, including full text, and know syntax for combining searches and doing proximity searches (Wn, Nn). Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles. Use help screens. Know which fields are searched in keyword searches. Determine what titles are indexed using PowerTrac JN searches or help screens. Recognize cartridge numbers for microfilm Business Collection and Magazine Collection and be familiar with Main Library holdings. Know that the availability of full text can be determined through Dynix records, General Reference Center citations and printed lists (though not 100% accurate.)
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), know what the "=" key and "/" key do, print, know how to print, how to E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x).
TEXT BASED: OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Have basic understanding of command structures of all catalogs on OPL Internet menu. Search for periodical titles on MELVYL CALLS database and interpret results.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites. Look at bottom of screen to see what applications are open, and know how to close them. Delete bookmarks and shortcut icons added by patrons. Clear cache and history file. Know how to start and cancel print processes.
GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Know how to access a specific URL and access help. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista). Search Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Librarian's Index to the Internet. Know that quotation marks should be used for phrase searches. Add, access, and use bookmarks. Have a basic understanding of what the Internet is and how pages and sites get onto the Internet. Evaluate the reliability of information found on the Internet. Understand the following terms: HTML, URL, site, page, link, World Wide Web, telnet, browser, frames, main menu, back, forward. Recognize common domain names (.edu, .gov, .com, etc.)
REMOTE ACCESS TO DYNIX: Assist dial-up and Telnet patrons in basic procedures for connecting to and using Dynix.
CATALOGING MODULE: Add holdings to existing title records e.g. for paperbacks, gift books. Discard materials, delete check-in notes; remove or add the word "reference" to call numbers when changing a book from reference to circulating or vice versa; change item types. Create magazine title records according to instructions. Know that CIV variables can be changed in cataloging module as well as in circulation module.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Review and print fund accounts; review selections list.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types, and know which terminals are which in their location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables.
CD-ROMs: Search CD-ROM databases that are available at the work location.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone. If TTY is available at the branch, know the function and location of the TTY and be able to answer a patron’s questions using it.
LIBRARIAN I/II and SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- MAIN REFERENCE and AAMLO
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, change due date. Do fast adds, recognize and resolve hold alerts, add special messages to patron records. Place holds, review holds for patrons, cancel holds, change pickup location on previously placed holds. Know all aspects of Change Item Variables (CIV). Update status of items (USI). Use ".L" command.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
Senior Librarians only: VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Command of all items on Dynix search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. When using "OH" command, navigate between screens to obtain detailed order information. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Be aware that "m" brings up a MARC record and know how to read it. Do "OR" searches and combined "AND/OR" searches. Do cross-index searches. Understand that the catalog is a relational database made up of bibliographic records, copy records, authority records and indexes, and understand how these elements work together. Know how to select a range of records from search results and use "NT" and "PT" to move within selected records.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter; that fewer words means a faster search than more words; that very common words should be avoided; that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading; that you can truncate and how to do it; that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item, and know that other limits are also available.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here. Understand concept of name authority control and know that the OPL Cataloging section resolves name authority conflicts.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", be familiar with the Library of Congress Subject Headings which form the basis for the subject indexes, know that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail. Find Main periodical holdings by subject using subject keyword and adding the word "periodicals," and know that branch periodical holdings cannot be found this way.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword". Understand concept of subject authority control.
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent (it indexes more recently acquired titles, but not ones that OPL has held for a long time) and know that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all Main's magazines. Know the difference between Main and branch periodical records and have a full understanding of key elements of both types of records.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be capable of using the index to address reference questions on Oakland topics. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index. Be aware of current limitations of this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
DYNIX ID #: Know this is useful for distinguishing between records and communicating with catalog department about a specific record.
CITYLINE: Be familiar with what’s in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used. Expected to use this to address reference questions on Oakland topics.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Create, save and print bibliographies.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BOOK LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists, an African-American best seller list and several reading lists for children; know how to search it and how to print out lists of what it contains.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search all fields in PowerTrac, including full text, and know syntax for combining searches and doing proximity searches (Wn, Nn). Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles. Use help screens. Know which fields are searched in keyword searches. Determine what titles are indexed using PowerTrac JN searches or help screens. Recognize cartridge numbers for microfilm Business Collection and Magazine Collection and be familiar with Main Library holdings. Know that the availability of full text can be determined through Dynix records, General Reference Center citations and printed lists (though not 100% accurate.)
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), know what the "=" key and "/" key do, know how to print, how to E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and know what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x).
TEXT BASED: OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Have basic understanding of command structures of all catalogs on OPL Internet menu. Search for periodical titles on MELVYL CALLS database and interpret results.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites. Look at bottom of screen to see what applications are open, and know how to close them. Delete bookmarks and shortcut icons added by patrons. Clear cache and history file. Know how to start and cancel print processes.
GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Know how to access a specific URL and access help. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista). Search Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Librarian's Index to the Internet. Know that quotation marks should be used for phrase searches. Add, access, and use bookmarks. Have a basic understanding of what the Internet is and how pages and sites get onto the Internet. Evaluate the reliability of information found on the Internet. Understand the following terms: HTML, URL, site, page, link, World Wide Web, telnet, browser, frames, main menu, back, forward. Recognize common domain names (.edu, .gov, .com, etc.
MN/BIC Librarians only: Access and search online phone directories. Access and search Web sites of Oakland and San Francisco newspapers and be aware that Web sites of other periodicals can be accessed from OPL.
REMOTE ACCESS TO DYNIX: Assist dial-up and Telnet patrons in basic procedures for connecting to and using Dynix.
CATALOGING MODULE: Add holdings to existing title records e.g. for paperbacks, gift books. Remove or add the word "reference" to call numbers when changing a book from reference to circulating or vice versa; change item types. Know that CIV variables can be changed in cataloging module as well as in circulation module.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Review and print fund accounts; review selections list.
Oakland History Room Librarians only: COMMUNITY RESOURCES MODULE: Create newspaper index records. Be able to correct text and adjust subject headings.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types, and know which terminals are which in their location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables. Senior Librarians only: Use spreadsheet software to produce printed schedules.
CD-ROMs: Search CD-ROM databases that are available at the work location.
MN/BIC and SSD Librarians only: MICROFORM READER/PRINTER: Add paper, add/remove toner, clear jams, load film, focus, zoom in and out. Use all read and print functions and instruct patrons in their use.
MN/BIC Librarians only: BOOK THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEMS: Magnetize and demagnetize books.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone. Know the function and location of the Main Library’s TTY and be able to answer a patron’s questions using it.
LIBRARIAN I/II and SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- MAIN CHILDREN’S ROOM
CIRCULATION: Check in, check out, patron registration, PURF (interpret, enter, and resolve data), add check-in notes, place holds and review holds list, Update Status of Items, Change Item Variables, search for a patron's record, operate barcode reader, use Telxon for check in and check out, resolve hold alerts, resolve hold shelf action list, resolve hold shelf phone list, add messages to patron records, add check-in notes, full mastery of PURF records (including refunds, claims returned, etc.), create a PURF block, do fast-adds, use dot and hidden commands (CR, CP) and interpret results.
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
Senior Librarian only: VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Command of all items on Dynix search menu Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Be aware that "m" brings up a MARC record and know how to read it. Do "OR" searches and combined "AND/OR" searches. Be familiar with the structure of serials records and how to read a subscription summary. Understand that the catalog is a relational database made up of bibliographic records, copy records, authority records and indexes, and understand how these elements work together. Know how to select a range of records from search results and use "NT" and "PT" to move within selected records.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter; that fewer words means a faster search than more words; that very common words should be avoided; that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading; that you can truncate and how to do it; that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item, and know that other limits are also available.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here. Understand concept of name authority control.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", be familiar with the Library of Congress Subject Headings which form the basis for the subject indexes, know that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
NEXT THREE ITEMS: Know that these are not on the initial PAC menu screen, but can be accessed from that screen by choosing "Other Choices."
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword". Understand concept of subject authority control.
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete.
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all Main's magazines.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be capable of using the index to effectively address reference questions on Oakland topics. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
DYNIX ID #: Know this is useful for distinguishing between records and communicating with catalog department about a specific record.
CITYLINE: Be familiar with what’s in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used. Expected to use this to address reference questions on Oakland topics.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Create, save and print bibliographies.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is.
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BOOK LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Search all fields in PowerTrac, including full text, and know syntax for combining searches and doing proximity searches (Wn, Nn). Know keystroke commands (bracket, slashes, parenthesis). Understand print options, including "E-mail an article". Know that database includes magazine article citations, abstracts and full text, newspaper article citations, and encyclopedia articles. Use help screens. Know which fields are searched in keyword searches. Determine what titles are indexed using PowerTrac JN searches or help screens. Recognize cartridge numbers for microfilm Business Collection and Magazine Collection and be familiar with Main Library holdings. Know that the availability of full text can be determined through Dynix records, General Reference Center citations and printed lists (though not 100% accurate.)
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys, and that they should be programmed into shift-F8 and shift-F9 on PAC terminals.
Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx. Use telnet functions within Lynx. Know patron E-mail accounts on other systems are read-only here because terminals don't have a control key (^x).
TEXT BASED: OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Have basic understanding of command structures of all catalogs on OPL Internet menu. search for periodical titles on MELVYL CALLS database and interpret results.
GRAPHICS BASED: Be familiar with the sites on initial screen. Be familiar with point and click (GUI) interface; use back, stop and home buttons; recognize live links; print documents; use frames-based sites.
GENERAL: Understand that links in a Web document (page) are used to retrieve other documents (Web pages) that may not be housed on the computer that houses the page that you're using. Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista). Search Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Librarian's Index to the Internet. Know that quotation marks should be used for phrase searches. Add, access, and use bookmarks. Have a basic understanding of what the Internet is and how pages and sites get onto the Internet. Evaluate the reliability of information found on the Internet. Understand the following terms: HTML, URL, site, page, link, World Wide Web, telnet, browser, frames, main menu, back, forward.
CATALOGING MODULE: Add holdings to existing title records e.g. for paperbacks, gift books. Discard materials, delete check-in notes; change call numbers when changing a book from reference to circulating or vice versa; change item types. Create magazine title records according to instructions. Know that CIV variables can be changed in cataloging module as well as in circulation module.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Review and print fund accounts; review selections list.
TERMINAL SKILLS: Follow current procedures to clear terminals. Use print commands. Get into shift-setup and change the settings there, particularly the function keys, and check settings against a standard list. Recognize that there are three different terminal types, and know which terminals are which in their location. Know that the keyboards are not interchangeable.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Be aware of security software and roughly what it disables.
CD-ROMs: Search CD-ROM databases that are available at the work location.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Know what adaptive technology exists at the library for use by patrons with disabilities, and what this technology does. Refer patrons appropriately, using the flier "Guide to Services and Materials for Persons with Disabilities". Be aware of the California Relay Service, where an operator translates voice to TTY and vice versa for deaf patrons on the telephone. Know the function and location of the Main Library’s TTY and be able to answer a patron’s questions using it.
LIBRARIAN I/II and SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- CATALOGING
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
DYNIX SEARCHING:
In general, be aware that if one search strategy fails, others should be tried. Command of all items on Dynix search menu. Use hidden commands (LP, ST, OH, USE, HOLDS) and interpret results. Use "Sort list" and "Related works." Be aware that "m" brings up a MARC record and know how to read it. Do "OR" searches and combined "AND/OR" searches. Be familiar with the structure of serials records and how to read a subscription summary. Understand that the catalog is a relational database made up of bibliographic records, copy records, authority records, and indexes, and understand how those elements work together. Know how to select a range of records from search results and use "NT" and "PT" to move within selected records.
TITLE and AUTHOR KEYWORD: Understand that word order doesn't matter; that fewer words means a faster search than more words; that very common words should be avoided; that you don't have to use all the words in a title or subject heading; that you can truncate and how to do it; that a multiple word search defaults to an "and" rather than an "or" search.
SEARCH LIMITING: Limit search results by agency, video, Spanish language, juvenile item, and know that other limits are also available.
TITLE ALPHABETICAL, VIDEO TITLE: Know to start at the beginning of the title, that the title will be automatically truncated, that initial articles can be skipped for English-language works. Full mastery of this type of search.
AUTHOR AUTHORITY: Know to use last name first, Know that corporate authors, juvenile illustrators, and some editors, performers, and translators are indexed here. Understand concept of name authority control.
SUBJECT KEYWORD: In addition to the points mentioned in "Title and author keyword", be familiar with the Library of Congress Subject Headings which form the basis for the subject indexes, know that proper names are included here, that Spanish language subjects are here, and that title keyword searches should be tried if subject searches fail.
SUBJECT AUTHORITY: Relevant points from "Title alphabetical" and "Subject keyword." Understand concept of subject authority control
SERIES AUTHORITY: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that not all series titles are indexed here.
CONTENTS KEYWORD: Know that this is useful for finding plays, short stories, poems, recordings of particular songs or other musical works, and essays. Know that this index is not complete or consistent, and that print indexes exist that can be used if this search fails.
CALL NUMBER: Know that this is an alphabetical (not keyword) search and that search results may be incomplete
MAGAZINE TITLE ALPHABETICAL and MAGAZINE TITLE KEYWORD: Know that these search for serials (and a little about what serials are) and that they therefore only search magazine titles at Main Reference. Know that Main Children's and branch magazine titles, along with the titles found with this search, can be found with "Title" searches. Know that this index finds magazine titles, not article titles. Know that this index should find current Main newspaper subscriptions and most significant Main non-current newspaper holdings as well as magazines. Be aware that this search pulls up some books and not all Main's magazines.
OAKLAND NEWSPAPER INDEXES: Be capable of using the index to effectively address reference questions on Oakland topics. Know that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used in this index.
AFRO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER INDEX: Be aware of the current limitations of this index.
ITEM BARCODE: Know that this is the fastest way to search for the record of an item you have in hand or know the barcode of (e.g. from a printout). Know that it requires significant digits only, and that it can be done without a barcode reader.
DYNIX ID #: Know this is useful for distinguishing between records.
CITYLINE: Be familiar with what’s in this database and what isn't. Know that "Word search" searches multiple fields, that subject keyword searches are available, that Library of Congress Subject Headings are not used.
PRINT SAVED BIBLIOGRAPHY: Create, save and print bibliographies.
DICTIONARY ABBREVIATION FINDER: Know that you input the word and get the abbreviation, not the other way around.
DICTIONARY ALPHABETICAL SEARCH: Know what this is
DICTIONARY WORD FINDER: Know what this is (a full-text keyword search of dictionary definitions).
BOOK LISTS: Know this includes the New York Times best seller lists and several reading lists for children.
GENERAL REFERENCE CENTER: Search by subject and keyword in EasyTrac. Know which fields are searched in keyword searches. Use help screens.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print, E-mail a file using a staff account. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys.
TEXT BASED: OTHER - Be aware of library catalogs on Internet menu. Be familiar with searching strategies of all catalogs on OPL Internet menu.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search using a variety of search methods and strategies. Create BSEs and Dynix Bibliographic Records. Create new author and subject authorities. Merge duplicate bibliographic records. Add or edit MARC tags. Check holdings record for last date item was handled. Run Authority Exceptions report. Merge and/or update Author and Subject Authority records as appropriate.
SERIALS MODULE: Understand basics of Serials Module, including creation of copy records and publication patterns. Know basics of online serials check-in. Recognize the difference between serials and monographic holdings records.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Introductory knowledge of Windows, including knowing how to interpret common error messages; sufficient knowledge of word processing software to create a document and retrieve it; print; save a document to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Use and act on anti-virus software.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Basic troubleshooting skills for Dynix, i.e. clearing hung terminals, clearing invalid station numbers and troubleshooting printers. Using written checklists, identify and resolve simple problems with terminals, PCs and printers and determine when a problem needs to be referred to Automation staff or OCLC Help Desk; describe the problem and identify steps taken to resolve problem.
OCLC
Search for bibliographic records using a variety of search methods and strategies. Create and utilize function key shortcuts. Create original bibliographic records in a variety of formats using appropriate workforms. Add or edit MARC tags. Use advanced editing techniques, including lock and replace. Access and search authority file; use cut and paste to add authority records to bibliographic records. Create "constant data" files, use "cut and paste" and "mark for transfer" commands when appropriate. Report bibliographic errors via e-mail. Understand and utilize various commands and "Passport for Windows" features. Use OCLC help screens. Export records to disks. Download disks to Dynix. Clear disks. Download OCLC software upgrades.
LIBRARIAN II -- CHILDREN’S COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS (DYNIX): Log on and off; troubleshoot for diagnostics; know command keys; know pull-down menus and how to get around. Update status of items, change item variables.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, ISBN. Review status, circulation, and order history. Use search limiting to check holdings. Search General Reference Center for reviews.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by exact title, exact author, barcode, Dynix number, ISBN. Update and discard holdings records. Discard bibliographic records.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Know menu options:
Selections Menu. Search for, review and update selections; create selections; order selections; deletes selections; enter workslip notes; review activities; manage selection lists: search, add, create, delete, and update lists. Assign vendors, review order information.
Order Menu. Search for records by ISBN, title, author.
Funds Menu. Review fund accounts and update them (move money); review account activities; review fund hierarchy.
Vendor Menu. Review vendor files.
Report Menu. Print hierarchy reports; print encumbrance, expenditure and status reports; print adjustments to funds; print order, selection list and vendor reports.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys. Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx.
GENERAL: Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista). Search Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Librarian's Index to the Internet. Search book databases such as Amazon.com. Know that quotation marks should be used for phrase searches. Subscribe to listservs when appropriate. Have a basic understanding of what the Internet is and how pages and sites get onto the Internet. Evaluate the reliability of information found on the Internet. Understand the following terms: HTML, URL, site, page, link, World Wide Web, telnet, browser, frames, main menu, back, forward.
MICROFICHE READER: Read fiche.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows operating system. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Know how to use a spreadsheet program to create and maintain files for budget information.
SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- ACQUISITIONS
DYNIX E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups.
PINE E-MAIL: Read, send and reply to individuals and mail groups; subscribe to listservs as appropriate.
VOICE MAIL: Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS (DYNIX): Log on and off; troubleshoot for diagnostics; know command keys; know pull-down menus and how to get around; use for electronic ordering for different vendors.
DYNIX SEARCHING: Search by exact title, exact author, ISBN. Review order history.
CATALOGING MODULE: Search by exact title, exact author, barcode, Dynix number.
ACQUISITIONS MODULE: Know menu options:
Selections Menu. Search for, review and update selections; create selections; order selections; deletes selections; enter workslip notes; review activities; manage selection lists: search, add, create, delete, and update lists. Enter session defaults.
Order Menu. Search for records by ISBN, title, author. Set up defaults for orders that have something in common; create orders; assign vendors; review and update order information; release orders; batch order; delete orders; reopen orders. Process purchase orders; print non-electronic purchase orders; manage order work lists. Electronic ordering--download BISAC record; upload acknowledgment record, review order acknowledgments.
Receipts Menu. Receive or unreceive an order; create order in receiving from item with no order; receive canceled order; batch receive; print work slips; manage work lists.
Invoice Menu. Search for invoices; create invoice header; create invoice lines; reverse invoice; review and update invoices.
Cancellation Menu. Cancel orders; create cancellation review list/copy cancellation review list; rebuild and print cancellation review list; review and cancel orders in review list; print then clear cancellation notices.
Funds Menu. Create, review, update (move money) and delete fund accounts; review account activities; create, open and freeze fund hierarchy; rollover hierarchy.
Vendor Menu. Review, update, copy, delete vendor files; create vendor file.
Report Menu. Print hierarchy reports; print encumbrance, expenditure and status reports; print adjustments to funds; print order, selection list and vendor reports; purge and clear files for end-of-year rollover; rebuild indexes for rollover.
INTERNET ACCESS:
TEXT BASED: LYNX - Get connected, use basic Lynx keys (arrows/numbers, space bar, hyphen, return), access a specific URL, access help, know what the = key does, print. Know what's stripped out when viewing a file with Lynx. Know that Ctrl-C and Ctrl-] are the best "break" keys. Be aware of Web sites on initial Lynx menu and have a general idea of what they do. Know that some sites don't work well with Lynx.
GENERAL: Understand the difference between a subject index (e.g. Yahoo) and a search engine (e.g. Alta Vista). Search Yahoo, Alta Vista, and Librarian's Index to the Internet. Search book databases such as Amazon.com. Know that quotation marks should be used for phrase searches. Subscribe to listservs when appropriate. Have a basic understanding of what the Internet is and how pages and sites get onto the Internet. Evaluate the reliability of information found on the Internet. Understand the following terms: HTML, URL, site, page, link, World Wide Web, telnet, browser, frames, main menu, back, forward.
MICROFICHE READER: Read fiche.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS: Basic understanding of Windows operating system. Use word processing software to create, retrieve, and edit documents. Print; save to diskette and hard drive; change drives. Know how to use a spreadsheet program to create and maintain files for budget information.
SENIOR LIBRARIAN -- AUTOMATION
DYNIX
Master the Dynix system sufficiently in order to provide technical support in all modules to staff and dial-up users; troubleshoot hardware and software problems; translating problems to enhancement requests and requests for bug fixes; train staff on circulation module; maintain Pine e-mail, and Internet access; set-up Internet accounts for staff.
Load new releases and run maintenance programs; run statistical and complex recall reports.
Attain System Administrator certification by taking course work offered by Ameritech.
VOICE MAIL
Listen to, reply to, send, archive and delete messages. Record and modify greetings, including extended absence greetings.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Provide technical support to staff on the use of PC’s.
Know PC hardware and software used throughout the Library sufficiently to install operating system and related software, including word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail; install and maintain security programs; provide initial training to staff on the use of the operating system and troubleshoot problems.
Provide first-level networking support to library staff.
Basic familiarity with operating systems, including file organization and commands for UNIX, UniVerse, and current PC operating systems used in the Library.
Basic familiarity with transport protocols, such as FTP and TCP/IP; familiarity with telnet.
Basic familiarity with computer and networking terminology to communicate more effectively with vendors and other city employees.