M. Teresa Doherty Head, Circulation and Information Services James Branch Cabell Library Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia

Thesis Breaking down hierarchical barriers between library staff through shared social activities promotes stronger interactions and better service to our customers.

(Translation) Being able to laugh with your bosses and colleagues at work makes it easier to ask for their help when you need it.

John Ulmschneider University Librarian and fearless player of library picnic games Virginia Commonwealth University

The Challenge Arrange a group of books into correct Library of Congress order in the quickest time.

For 3 years now, John U. has tried his hand at the shelf- reading contest during our spring picnic. Our University Librarian took the challenge

Be willing to fail Laugh at yourself Become approachable Win by sometimes losing

Become approachable If we can laugh with you, we are no longer afraid of you. You become someone we can ask for help.

Other game ideas Photo guessing games Art and engineering contests How many Xs in the Y?

Photo Guessing: pets Challenge: correctly match library staff with their pet photos

Is this a match?

Challenge: guess who the baby in the photo grew up to be… Photo Guessing: toddlers

Engineering contest Challenge: build the tallest tower using only marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti

Sculpture contests Challenge: create sculpture out of bubblegum or Spam

Counting games: How many Xs in the Y? Keyboard keys Binder clips M&Ms Golf pencils

Shared social activities Team spelling bees Team trivia contests Scavenger hunts Lunch at the Drive-In

T-shirts for library geeks A t-shirt design only a cataloger can understand!

(Translation) GV L53 U = footrace = for librarians = Cutter number of race sponsor = event date

Team VCU Libraries

Other ideas for fun at work Halloween costumes Jigsaw puzzles Magnetic darts Hatching butterflies

Halloween Costume Contests

Halloween Costume Contests, contd

Jigsaw puzzles and magnetic darts

Caterpillars to Butterflies

Summary Having fun at work encourages library staff to get to know their co-workers better, and to feel comfortable asking for their help when assisting patrons.

Contact me for more :o) Teresa Doherty