It's Raining in the Library!

A pipe is leaking in the lower level lobby. We know its boiler system water because it smells like anti-freeze.

I shut off the pumps and water to the system at the boiler per the instructions of our HVAC maintenance company. An HVAC technician is on his way.

Plus, just to pile on the problems this morning, the elevator was acting up again. Thankfully, it continues to "park" itself at the lower level so anyone aboard may exit.

Acting as Head of Maintenance while we are searching for one, I can tell you that I understand more fully than ever the extent of the issues with this building. We cannot get a new Head of Maintenance started soon enough!

Boilers, Compressors and Head on Maintenance Candidates

The saga of the Library building's systems issues continues. The boiler is down and awaiting repairs. The HVAC compressor on Unit 1 is down and awaiting repairs. The parts for both repairs have been ordered. The HVAC repair should occur this week, according to the estimated arrival date for the parts. The boiler parts will take 3 more weeks. In the meantime, ambient temperatures in the Library will depend on the weather. The advice we are giving staff and customers is to dress in layers for the next 3-4 weeks when you come to the Library!

On a positive note, the first interviews for Head of Maintenance are underway. We received over 160 resumes for the position, many from highly qualified candidates. From the great pool of applicants, I am confident that a Head of Maintenance will be hired within the next month and working within the next six weeks or so.

Personally, I am looking forward to having someone other than me climbing the ladder to the roof to look at the HVAC unit and crawling on the floor of the Boiler Room to peer into the boiler with the contractors.

Head of Maintenance Needed

Our Head of Maintenance, Chuck Peterman, has resigned. The Board and staff appreciate his years of hard work on behalf of the Library and the community. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Now the search begins for our next Head of Maintenance. The job ad is posted on the Library's website and linked here.

An experienced supervisor with a variety of skills is needed, to do everything from hanging signs to maintaining the right balance of chemicals in the boiler system to mowing the lawn. Positive attitude and customer service skills are essential. With ever-increasing Library use by the community and our aging building, the job has no shortage of challenges - and a competitive package of salary and benefits.

Wanted: Head of Youth Services

For the third time since 2007, our Head of Youth Services position is open. As my hilarious sister-in-law commented "Well, you're at the level of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, but not as bad as Spinal Tap drummers." Nice. The bright side is, at least there has not yet been spontaneous combustion. Instead, there seems to be a link between this job and the desire to move to a new region of the country.

The job ad is here on our web site and some other library job sites.

If you know any great Children's Librarians - send 'em our way! But only if they aren't planning to move out of state in the near future.

A few job search tips from my review of resumes for open positions at the Library

Resumes have been rolling in for the Human Resources Coordinator and Accountant positions currently open at the Library.

In reviewing these applications, I am stunned at the number of qualified job seekers whose applications for the positions are incomplete. I asked for 3 things to be submitted: cover letter, resume, and three references. Over 60% of applicants did not submit all three items. Of those that did submit a complete application, more than half sent form cover letters rather than personalized letters. Many contained typographical errors or grammatical mistakes.

The job ads also included the request "no phone calls please." The long versions of the ad, both posted on a popular job search website and the Library's website, contain my email address. In spite of that, I have received numerous phone calls from applicants asking if they have been selected for an interview, etc.

In this competitive job market, attention to detail is what sets your application apart. With over 100 applicants for each position, those who pay attention to my requests will get the interviews. Your application and responses during the selection of candidates are part of your first impression. Make a good first impression: follow directions!

Now hiring - HR and accounting

The Plainfield Public Library District has two job openings! The full ads are on our website: Accountant and Human Resources Coordinator. Both are flexible, part time positions in the Administration Department. Of course, part of the flexibility needed is due to the fact that the these two staffers will share a desk.

The Human Resources Coordinator position is completely new to the Library. We're looking for an experienced professional who can take on the challenge of defining the role of human resources in our organization. With our dedication to excellent customer service, we find it is time to give our internal customers - the staff - the same excellent support and service our clientele expects. So HR job seekers, if you are up to this challenge, I look forward to seeing your resume!

The Accountant position has been recently redefined. No longer needing to take the lead on HR, the Accountant will be able to focus on finances - from general ledger to tax levy to tracking grants and investments. The Accountant will attend all Library Board meetings (3rd Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm) and Finance Committee meetings. A CPA is preferred but not required for this position, but experience is a must!