Responsibilities & roles 

Starting in 2015, The Library Foundation provided funding for each MCL public location to install early learning and interactive play pieces. These pieces reflect the understanding that play is an integral part of learning for young children. Children gain experience and understanding by experimenting with their world. We see this at storytime and programs, in our stacks, and with our early learning and play spaces 

Since the installations were completed in 2018, this document clarifies the roles and responsibilities for on-going maintenance. 

Who is responsible for cleaning and general maintenance of the pieces?

Each location is responsible for the cleaning and general maintenance of the pieces, as assigned by the location leader. Access Services Assistants are best suited for this assignment. Youth Services Librarians do not hold the default responsibility. Cleaning guidelines are available here.

What to do if a piece is broken?

Please inform Dan Swerbilov who will determine whether we can request replacement or will need to modify the existing piece. In order to ensure long-term maintenance of these pieces,  repairing parts as damage is incurred or when a part fails is preferred. Replacement costs are the responsibility of the location.

What to do if a piece is loose?

Use the provided tool kit (consists of a wrench for the narrative houses at STJ and ROC) to tighten as possible. Use white rubber mallet to tap down an interactive panel, if needed. If location staff aren’t able to repair, inform Dan Swerbilov, who will determine whether to put a call into facilities for assistance. Facilities costs are the responsibility of the location.

What to do if a piece doesn’t meet the location’s needs any longer?

Location leaders, or designee, should contact Dan Swerbilov and Annie Lewis to determine how to approach this challenge. If pieces are removed from a location, we must inform The Library Foundation so the funders who paid for them are also informed in advance.