[Publib] funding staff recognition

[James Casey]

Our Oak Lawn Public Library endeavors to do the “small” things that cost very little and are really very “big” when it comes to staff recognition --- commendations for jobs well done, longevity awards (there is a pin we give to staff members who have completed 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, etc.) and small cash awards for completion of 5, 10, 15, 20 years etc. , staff association cards for “get well”, condolences, congratulations, etc…

However, in this day and age of higher food prices, $5 per gallon gas on the horizon and our national economy in ruins, it is important to  give recognition a tangible and monetary form as much as possible.   Fortunately, we have Board Members who join me in advocating the use of money as an incentive.  Staff members here receive regular annual performance evaluations that carry with them merit increases of from 1% to 3% above and beyond the regular COLA (cost of living adjustment).  We also try to build into the budget a several thousand dollars specifically labeled “staff recognition”.  Towards the end of the year, we ask staff to choose the store from which they would like a “gift card” --- Borders, Local Grocery Store, Library Café, Starbucks, etc. – and give each and every staff member a gift card valued at $25, $30, etc..  This is very welcome to staff and particularly to those who have low salaries and difficulty making ends meet.

When one of my Trustees asked me why such a large proportion of our staff receive very good performance evaluations and recognitions.  My response was that employees who don’t perform at a highly effective level don’t survive here for very long.   In fact, I had to fire three low performing staff persons in May.   On the other hand, high performing staff either feel appreciated and fairly rewarded or the “fire” the Library by getting better jobs elsewhere.

James B. Casey --- My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member



From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of janet.griffing at wadsworthlibrary.com
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2008 2:38 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] funding staff recognition

Dear Collective Wisdom:

We're exploring various and sundry ways to recognize staff for jobs well done. My question is not about the actual mechanics of a recognition program but how libraries might fund the rewards. There are the budget constraints and, probably, legalities re: spending tax money. So how do we recognize staff for going over and above while spending little or no money? (And still have the recognition be meaningful.)

Please respond to the list. Thanks!
Janet Griffing
Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator
Wadsworth Public Library
132 Broad Street
Wadsworth, OH 44281
Phone: 330-335-2604
Fax: 330-334-6605


“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, 1926-2004
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.webjunction.org/wjlists/publib/attachments/20080618/eeff4cc4/attachment.htm