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Out of Office SOP

1. Can I take time off?

In a perfect world, everyone could take whatever day they wanted off. But, sadly, this is the real world, where we have to take coverage into account.

Because we are a small team, our core functions must be covered each day. In general, there needs to be at least one of the following present:

  • University librarian (PJ, Nicole, Kristina, or Alexis)
  • Day reference librarian (Nicole, Kristina, Lyanne, Julia, Walt, Carla, or Jenny)*
  • Evening reference librarian (Nicole, Kristina, Walt, Carla, or Jenny)*
  • Content queue manager (Carrie, Nicole, or Kristina)
  • Guide builder (Mahagnie, Mike, Julia, or Alexis)**
  • Tech reviewer & library support personnel (Mike or Alexis)**

Please talk with your manager if you are unsure if you can take the day off or have extenuating circumstances.

*These shifts are six-hour shifts. Each reference staff member is expected to find a replacement for their shift or work with their manager to ensure the shift is covered.

**Mike cannot review his builds, so if he is the only guide builder working that day, Alexis or Julia must also be working.

Appointments, Unexpected Illness, and Other Life Vagarities

Life happens. We get sick. We have doctor, dentist, and accountant appointments. Everyone understands. The key to maintaining structure and sanity is communication. Nothing is more frustrating than staring at a co-worker's unavailable Teams status and wondering where they went or when they will return. Please follow these best practices:

  • When calling in sick, email the entire day team that you will be out or post it in the team chat. This will ensure that either your work will be covered or deadlines moved in your absence.
  • If you have an unexpected appointment or know you will be out longer than a standard lunch hour, notify the team using the Library - Open Door Chat on Teams. Short or normal absences (like taking lunch or running a quick errand you won't be gone long for) do not need to be posted in the team chat.