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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Library Stabilization Fund Act
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The American Library Association (ALA) is actively advocating for the
Library Stabilization Fund Act
,
introduced in both chambers by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Andy Levin (D-MI), respectively on July 2nd. The legislation would establish a $2 billion fund, administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to address financial losses and bolster library services, with priority to the hardest-hit communities.
ALA President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., said, "The spread of COVID-19 has caused significant financial losses for America's libraries, resulting in disruption to core library services, thousands of furloughs and layoffs. The Library Stabilization Fund Act is the comprehensive federal response needed to keep our nation's libraries safely in operation, and ALA is throwing the full weight of our advocacy network into supporting this bill. At a time when budgets of local governments have been decimated, America can't afford to dismiss a national infrastructure of 117,000 libraries nimble enough to offer relief and advance recovery."
Stabilization funding would support a range of library services to patrons, enabling libraries to:
- Maintain core library services and keep nearly 370,000 library workers on the job
- Purchase cleaning and PPE supplies and train staff for safe re-opening
- Expand technology and services to keep millions of library users connected to the internet
- Strengthen collections and programs to address needs such as remote learning, job skills, access to government services and early literacy
Library advocates are encouraged to use ALA's Online Advocacy Center to urge your Representative and Senators to cosponsor the Library Stabilization Fund Act.
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MHLS Announcements
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MHLS is seeking information and advice from library directors who have reopened their facilities to the public as part of their phased reopening plan. A critical mass of libraries are approaching this phase later this month and in early August who would greatly appreciate the insights, sometimes earned the hard way, about reopening facilities. Directors of libraries who have reopened their facilities to the public and would like to share your lessons learned with other library directors please complete and
submit this survey.
Responses will be used to design a segment for the Thursday, July 23rd MHLS Director Briefing to share the results and hear from Directors who have developed creative solutions to common problems.
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 Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library (Cold Spring)
and Desmond-Fish Public Library (Garrison) are collaborating with Split Rock Books and the Haldane PTA Committee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for a Family Community Read about race, culture, and the issues that continue to divide us. Learn more about this program at
https://www.splitrockbks.com/summer-community-read
"Give a knock-knock and we'll let you in! Like the sign says, if there are no numbers left to take, we are full up and you'll have to wait."
Elting Memorial Library in New Paltz found a clever way to maintain the capacity of the library facility.
The staff of Palenville Branch of Catskill Public Library handed out the library's Summer Reading Program Welcome Packets
dressed up as fairy tale characters!
Patrons were given a Welcome Packet and the first week's craft materials as the kick-off to an eight-week program. Craft #1 - Make your own Swords, Shields, Wands and Crowns was picked up by 126 kids.
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Professional Development
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Niche Academy is offering a free webinar on Emotional Intelligence in Libraries. On Wednesday, July 22nd at 2:00pm join Professor Gary Shaffer of USC Marshall School of Business Library & Information Management program and Director of the Glendale (CA) Library, Arts & Culture Department as he shares the latest research on how library leaders use emotional intelligence to manage through economic crises. Designed for public, academic, special, and school library leader-practitioners, the presentation promises to be eye-opening as he shares the five most important traits you can develop to help you navigate uncertainty, as well as notes from his study participants. You can register for this event at
https://www.nicheacademy.com/
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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Member libraries can help patrons cut down on paper waste, reduce contact at library transactions, and keep track of what they check out by providing library receipts by email as part of the latest update to Sierra 5.0/5.1. Libraries can now provide patrons with a new option to receive a receipt by email for library materials borrowed, but the paper receipt option is still available for any patrons that prefers the slip. Email receipts will also help reduce contact between patrons and staff necessary for borrowing materials, reducing risk associated with direct hand off transactions. Contact the MHLS TechOps team at
techsupport@midhudson.org
to help patrons 'ditch the slip'
by adding delivery option to email or not print Due Slips at all, to all staff logins. Your Due Slip can also be customized with live web links that provide quick access to contact the library, check their account and visit your website.
Staff can view documentation for this new
feature at
For more information about the recent Sierra and Encore upgrades, visit
MHLS Knowledgebase
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Join MHLS ILP Operations Supervisor, Thomas O'Connell for the latest series of Sierra Lunchtime Webinars.
All events begin at noon.
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 Join the American Library Association (ALA), representatives from National Voter Registration Day (NVRD), and librarians working on NVRD to discuss successful voter registration events and how the current moment will inform activities, resources, and plans for participation in this year's National Voter Registration Day. Libraries are centers of civic engagement in communities and in providing information, resources, and programming to foster full participation in the democratic process, libraries make valuable partners to government agencies, community leaders, and elected officials. Ensuring that eligible voters are registered and ready for the election is an important part of that engagement and with voter registration rates lower than usual due to the pandemic, libraries can respond to that call with a renewed sense of urgency. This webinar will take place on July 23rd at 3:00 PM. For registration and more info, visit
https://ala-events.zoom.us/webinar/register/.
 The Public Library Association (PLA) recently released a Call to Action
for Public Library Workers, which provides action steps and resources to libraries working to create equitable spaces. The
Black Excellence in LIS Syllabus
also includes resources and articles written by BIPOC in the library science field.
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The Institute of Museum and Library Services is now accepting FY 2021 proposals for National Leadership Grants for Libraries (NLG-L) and the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program (LB21).
National Leadership Grants for Libraries support projects that enhance the quality of library and archives services nationwide by advancing theory and practice. Successful proposals will generate results such as new tools, research findings, models, services, practices, or alliances that will be widely used, adapted, scaled, or replicated to extend the benefits of federal investment. Applicants have through October 2nd, 2020, to submit their two-page preliminary proposals.
One pre-application webinar will be held with program staff to answer questions from potential applicants. The webinar is scheduled for
Tuesday, July 21st, 2020
, from 3:00-4:00pm and a recording of the webinar will also be available on-demand after the event.
The NYS Museum invites everyone to get creative using everyday objects to make unique art projects, crafts and activities! Summer Fun Fridays throughout July and August will have a staff member guide participants through an activity demonstration or post directions to help make something special. New Yorker's can visit the
NYS Museums Facebook page
at 10:00am on Fridays to follow along or checkout the recorded event on the
YouTube channel
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Administration & Management
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The Network of the National Library of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region (NNLM MAR) invites applications to support health programming
that incorporates
MedlinePlus
and information about the
All of Us Research Program
for public library patrons. Projects which include virtual programming and a focus on underserved health communities and underrepresented populations are encouraged. Up to $20,000 of funding per award is available for 3 or more projects. Applications are due July 31, 2020. For more information, visit
https://news.nnlm.gov/.
 REALM Project Update Test Set 3 Announced:
Five plastic-based items were selected for the third round of Battelle lab testing to examine the length of time the COVID-19 virus may live on materials commonly used in archives, libraries, and museums. The study will begin Friday on items provided by Columbus Metropolitan Library; the National Archives and Records Administration; and the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Library of Congress. The results of test set 3 are expected to be released within four weeks. The second round of testing examining paper-based materials is still in progress, and results will be shared later in July.
For more information on this first round of testing and other activities, visit the
'Happening Now'
project update page. For more on the scope, timeline, and committees involved with this project visit
oc.lc/realm-project
.
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Part-time Circulation Staff, Starr Library
Part-time circulation staffer wanted at Starr Library in Rhinebeck. Responsible for customer service, checking materials in and out using automated circulation system, reserving and filling holds, basic technical support. Will be responsible for opening/closing library. Other duties as assigned.
Undergraduate degree required, 1-3 years of experience. Library experience a plus. Ideal candidate is reliable, self-motivated, able to multi-task, has strong computer skills. Ability to establish good rapport with patrons necessary, and to create positive first impression of library. Physically able to lift boxes of up to 30 pounds, as well as bend, lift, reach and carry books.
Hours:
Approximately 15 hours per week, including Saturdays 10-4, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4-7. Other shifts as available.
Pay Rate:
Starting salary $19.00/hour including paid holidays. Eligible for vacation and sick time after six months.
Reports to: Director or Assistant Director of Library.
No phone calls please.
MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master's degree in the same community.
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