Ohio University Libraries
Custodial staff, Ohio University's Alden Library, 1999
Alden Library custodial staff pose on the steps of the 2nd floor (south) entrance. L to R: front row: Connie Semmelsberger, Barb Lyons; middle row: John Dewey, Roger Riley, Naomi Goins, Kim Bolin, Rufus Dillion; back row: Bill Mingus, Gary Zeigler, Steve Cooper, Sharon Darnel.
Part of 1999 project to document the various library departments for Alden Library's 30th anniversary. Each department had a group photo and description in the library newsletter.
Below is from the library's newsletter Intercom:
Library Custodial Staff
The custodial staff is an important component to Alden Library. Their responsibilities range from washing, waxing and buffing the floors to handling the libraries' recycling needs. In 1969 13 staff were employed to maintain the library, but as with all area of the University there has been a decrease in staff, with increases in responsibilities. I know everyone in the building will agree that this has been handled superbly, with Alden one the cleanest buildings on campus.
The staff recalls a time when manual vacuums were used; requiring an area to be vacuumed 5 or 6 times a day. New denser wax solution which utilizes special polymers and high speed buffers have replaced softer waxes, resulting in floors which, if properly maintained, can last for up to 10 years. The staff reapplies wax and buff floors during each break. other work is performed pretty much the same way as it was done 30 years ago!
Other changes over time include switching from a system of scheduling which involved two shifts, one from 11 pm- 6am. Now all staff work during the day. Each staff member is assigned a specific floor to clean during the first part of his or her shift, and after the break, then work to clean the sixth and seventh floors. One interesting fact is that the crew's work includes other buildings on campus, with the work primarily performed by Roger Riley. A new face starting Monday is John Dewey, who will be cleaning bathrooms and emptying trash.
The staff doesn't anticipate many changes ahead in the work of the area, but to continue to offer a clean, pleasant environment for the patrons and staff of the Libraries.
[List of current employees and work area]
Naomi Goins (3rd floor)
Barb Lyons (4th floor)
Floyd Flowers (1st floor) [not pictured]
Sharon Darnel (IMTS)
Connie Semmelsberger (5th floor)
Gary Zeigler (2nd floor)
Kim Bolin (3rd floor)
Bill Mingus (supervisor)
Steve Cooper (Penthouse/lighting)
Rufus Dillon (2nd floor)
Rocky Exline (zone maintenance) [not pictured]
John Dewey (bathrooms & trash)
Alden Library site: www.library.ohiou.edu/.
See more historic images of Alden Library: media.library.ohiou.edu/
Custodial staff, Ohio University's Alden Library, 1999
Alden Library custodial staff pose on the steps of the 2nd floor (south) entrance. L to R: front row: Connie Semmelsberger, Barb Lyons; middle row: John Dewey, Roger Riley, Naomi Goins, Kim Bolin, Rufus Dillion; back row: Bill Mingus, Gary Zeigler, Steve Cooper, Sharon Darnel.
Part of 1999 project to document the various library departments for Alden Library's 30th anniversary. Each department had a group photo and description in the library newsletter.
Below is from the library's newsletter Intercom:
Library Custodial Staff
The custodial staff is an important component to Alden Library. Their responsibilities range from washing, waxing and buffing the floors to handling the libraries' recycling needs. In 1969 13 staff were employed to maintain the library, but as with all area of the University there has been a decrease in staff, with increases in responsibilities. I know everyone in the building will agree that this has been handled superbly, with Alden one the cleanest buildings on campus.
The staff recalls a time when manual vacuums were used; requiring an area to be vacuumed 5 or 6 times a day. New denser wax solution which utilizes special polymers and high speed buffers have replaced softer waxes, resulting in floors which, if properly maintained, can last for up to 10 years. The staff reapplies wax and buff floors during each break. other work is performed pretty much the same way as it was done 30 years ago!
Other changes over time include switching from a system of scheduling which involved two shifts, one from 11 pm- 6am. Now all staff work during the day. Each staff member is assigned a specific floor to clean during the first part of his or her shift, and after the break, then work to clean the sixth and seventh floors. One interesting fact is that the crew's work includes other buildings on campus, with the work primarily performed by Roger Riley. A new face starting Monday is John Dewey, who will be cleaning bathrooms and emptying trash.
The staff doesn't anticipate many changes ahead in the work of the area, but to continue to offer a clean, pleasant environment for the patrons and staff of the Libraries.
[List of current employees and work area]
Naomi Goins (3rd floor)
Barb Lyons (4th floor)
Floyd Flowers (1st floor) [not pictured]
Sharon Darnel (IMTS)
Connie Semmelsberger (5th floor)
Gary Zeigler (2nd floor)
Kim Bolin (3rd floor)
Bill Mingus (supervisor)
Steve Cooper (Penthouse/lighting)
Rufus Dillon (2nd floor)
Rocky Exline (zone maintenance) [not pictured]
John Dewey (bathrooms & trash)
Alden Library site: www.library.ohiou.edu/.
See more historic images of Alden Library: media.library.ohiou.edu/