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Volume 18-06 | 2.6.18 
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MHLS Board Meets 
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Saturday, January 27, in the MHLS Auditorium and:
  • Three MHLS Trustees beginning their terms in January 2018 were administered the 2018 Oath of Office;
  • Accepted 2018 Board committee assignments;
  • Were requested to review the preliminary schedule of 2018 committee meetings;
  • Passed a Resolution recognizing MHLS' five 2017 Star Library Award recipients;
  • Were notified of MHLS Executive Director Tom Sloan's decision to submit on or before May 1, 2018, a ninety (90) day notice of his intent to conclude his MHLS contract;
  • Were thanked by Mr. Sloan for the continuing privilege to serve as MHLS Executive Director, for the outstanding support of MHLS stakeholders for MHLS operations and services, for their understanding of his interest in seeking new opportunities;
  • Approved the recommendations of the MHLS Executive Committee to:
    • conduct a national search managed by a professional search firm that specializes in executive searches for library organizations;
    • authorize the expenditure of up to $35,000 to conduct a national search and hire a new MHLS Executive Director;
    • designate the MHLS Executive Committee to serve as the MHLS Executive Director Search Committee;
    • authorize the MHLS Executive Committee to select and contract with a professional search firm that specializes in executive searches for library organizations.
  • Were advised that:
    • the comprehensive strategic planning process for the System's 2017-2021 Plan of Service, including Action Plans for each MHLS service area, was completed;
    • a 2017 data report from the Public Library Association indicates steady growth in library programming, a continued decrease in overall circulation of library materials despite the steady increase in digital circulation, and increased consortial sharing among libraries serving less than 100,000;
    • a letter of introduction, from each MHLS Board county delegation, will be sent to Board Presidents and Library Directors in their counties, the week of January 29;
    • an Orientation Session for MHLS Board members will follow the March 17, Board meeting.
  • Reviewed the System's Conflict of Interest Policy, and were requested to sign and return the "MHLS Conflict of Interest Policy Disclosure Statement", for 2018;
  • Were presented an overview by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Coordinator for Library Sustainability, on the current status of library aid; NYLA's budget and legislative priorities; effective "talking points" for meetings with legislators on Library Advocacy Day, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in Albany, NY; and registration information to attend the event and/or contact local representatives with individual concerns via the NYLA Website.
  • Discussed and reported on strategy plans for MHLS Board county delegate visits to member libraries.
All MHLS Board documents available at http://board.midhudson.org The next meeting of the Board is Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 10:00 am in the MHLS Auditorium. The MHLS Board Member Orientation and Luncheon (2 hours) @ Mid-Hudson will follow the Board Meeting.
MHLS Announcements
Nina Acosta, Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor for MHLS has been awarded an IUG Kline Scholarship to assist in covering her expenses to attend the Innovative Users Group Conference in Orlando, April 24-26. Nina will also be a presenter at this event. Laurie Shedrick, Technology Operations Manager and Thomas O'Connell, ILP Operations Supervisor will also attend.
 
Member Information Updates: In order to effectively communicate with our members the Mid-Hudson Library System maintains a database of contact information for our member libraries. Once a year we request an update of this information to keep our records accurate. On February 8th Action Memo 18-01: Library Information Update will be sent out via the MHLS Notices List with a link to an online form for each member library director to complete and submit. If you have any questions please contact Kerstin Cruger, Library Sustainability Associate & Communications Specialist, kcruger@midhudson.org
Resource Sharing & Sierra
The next Sierra Lunchtime Webinar will cover Navigating and Managing Holds . Sign up for this session which will be held on Monday, February 12th at noon. We will cover best practices for managing the holds processes in your library. Register online for this event at http://calendar.midhudson.org
Reference & Collection Development

New York Heritage Digital Collections offers an exploration into the history of New York State. Share this resource with your history buffs, students, genealogists and lovers of NYS heritage. https://nyheritage.org/
Administration & Management
MHLS/L&S Energy Assessment Offer Extended through Friday, February 16th : This offer provides MHLS member libraries access to a pilot program that provides a simple entry point into NYSERDA's FlexTech Program. FlexTech provides funding to assist building owners in obtaining an objective, site-specific and targeted study (energy assessment) on how best to implement clean energy and/or energy efficiency technologies in their building. The study provides information to help make objective investment decisions relating to energy projects. For more information:  http://bit.ly/2CsR8uJ    
Job Openings
Clerk, Pine Plains Free Library

Position: Part time, 10 hours/week
Pay: $10.40/hour
Instructions to Applicants: Interested individuals should send their résumé  and a cover letter to Veronica Stork, Director, at  pineplainsdirector@gmail.com
Deadline to apply: Tuesday,  February 13th, 2018

SUMMARY: Under supervision of the Library Director, performs a variety of library duties and interfaces with patrons in providing public and technical library services and performs related duties as assigned.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Interface with patrons in rendering public and technical library services
  • Provide excellent customer service both in person and over the phone
  • Perform circulation desk duties; use an automated system (Sierra) to check out and check in library materials
  • Register new patrons
  • Assist patrons with reader's advisory requests; furnish information about books, authors, and publishers; interpret and resolve questions regarding library circulation policies
  • Collect fines and fees and reconcile cash
  • Operate and assist patrons with a variety of office equipment including computer software, scanners, photocopiers, fax machines, and printers.
  • Shelve books, shelf read to ensure proper organization, and help keep library neat and organized
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:
High school diploma OR GED equivalent AND one (1) year of recent experience in customer service. (Experience in a public library preferred.)
 
Knowledge of:
  • Dewey Decimal system
  • Filing methods and record-keeping to maintain accurate information in alphabetical, chronological, and/or numerical order; and standard library clerical practices
  • General computer literacy and comfort with modern technology, specifically with regard to PCs - Microsoft Word, printing, viewing and printing PDFs, e-mail, simple troubleshooting, etc.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a library setting and in close proximity to other workers and volunteers. Physical demands are moderate, consisting primarily of sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying moderately heavy boxes of books up to 50 lbs and/or using a cart to transport boxes.
 
This position is for approximately 10 hours a week at $10.40/hour.
 
The Pine Plains Free Library is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Head of Youth Services, Poughkeepsie Public Library District

The Library District seeks an individual to lead an active and engaged department that focuses on children and teens.  This position is part of the Library District's management team and is responsible for overall planning and implementation of programs and services to patrons through high school as well as participation in Library District outreach and engagement activities.  The selected candidate should have the ability to work a flexible 35-hours per week schedule to potentially include occasional early mornings along with weekly rotating evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:  Candidates must meet minimum qualifications for a Librarian III which includes: 
  • ALA MLS recognized by the NYS Department of Education,
  • Minimum of four (4) years professional library experience,
  • Eligibility for a NYS Public Librarian's Professional Certificate at the time of application for appointment; possession of certificate at time of appointment, and
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule to include early mornings, evenings, and weekends
This is a Civil Service appointment, requiring the candidate to be reachable on the Librarian III Certification of Eligibles list as established by the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:  In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:
  • Demonstrated record of success serving younger patrons,
  • A desire for civic engagement with the local community and a passion to bring the Library District's mission and vision outside the building and to the community at large,
  • Leadership and a willingness to actively participate in the Library District's management team,
  • Willingness to participate in state and national library organizations,
  • Ability to effectively use library data to analyze Library District operations to effect positive change, as needed,
  • Willingness to work with the Library Director in the development of Library District policies and procedures as well as service plan implementation, and
  • Ability to represent the Library District at local events.
About the Poughkeepsie Public Library District:  The Library District (www.poklib.org) is an independent special library district serving the residents and businesses of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie with a chartered population of 75,000 and an annual budget of $8.1 million.  Having recently completed a $22 million capital improvement plan, the organizational focus will now shift to ongoing service evaluation and development as well as continued community engagement.

Compensation:  This is a Civil Service appointment represented by CSEA.  Minimum salary upon appointment will be $59,875 (Step 1) but could vary depending on experience and qualifications.  35 hour work week.  Standard benefit package applies including medical and NYS Retirement System pension plan.  Other benefits may be elected.  Standard leave package applies.

To Apply:  Interested candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé  via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at tlawrence@poklib.org.  All applications will kept confidential.  References will be requested of finalists, only.
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