Minimum Weekly Hours Begin June 1 |
|
With over 75% of public libraries in New York State now meeting minimum standards for open hours, increased vaccination availability and rates, and new guidance on the role of surfaces in transmission of COVID-19 and the efficacy of vaccines, the New York State Library (NYSL) and the Division of Library Development (DLD) expect all public libraries in NYS to meet their required minimum number of open hours to serve their communities by June 1st, 2021. The State Library looks forward to every New Yorker having the opportunity to visit their library for curbside pickup, lobby service, and/or in-library services before school is out for the summer. In a webinar on minimum hours, State Librarian, Lauren Moore, also said she feels the new CDC guidance on cleaning and disinfecting clearly means the quarantining of library materials is unnecessary.
“Open” is defined as in-person services at your facility including curbside and lobby service. Telephone or email service alone will not count towards the number of open hours. While library buildings are open, a public restroom should be made available to patrons whenever possible. Libraries that feel they may be significantly challenged to meet the June 1st deadline should reach out to MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin, cconlin@midhudson.org. Should the State Library change their definition of “open” to no longer include curbside or lobby services, they will give MHLS two months’ notice. For the purposes of the 2021 Annual Report to the State which libraries will complete in the first quarter of 2022, the federal definition of open hours will not include curbside and lobby services, and libraries will need to have their facilities fully open for the required number of hours.
|
|
MHLS Board Meets and Passes Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy: On Wednesday, May 12th the board of the Mid-Hudson Library System met and unanimously passed an “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy” that had been developed by the MHLS EDI Working Group and endorsed by the MHLS Bylaws, Policy and Procedures Committee.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
“The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) believes in working together to co-create a society that is free from structural inequities.
MHLS commits to inclusion and making full use of the talents, skills, experience, and cultural perspectives available in a multi-ethnic and diverse society, where people feel they are respected and valued, and can achieve their full potential regardless of race, religion, nationality, national or ethnic origins, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or age.
As a cooperative library system, we commit to working with our member libraries to create space for discussion, self-reflection, and resources to aid in the development of more inclusive collections, programs and partnerships. Our overarching goal is to build empathy, respect and understanding among neighbors, to activate civic engagement, and to build community resilience that will authentically uphold our core values of diversity, democracy, and social responsibility.
We realize that we are on a journey to learn, understand and act to eliminate structural inequities and this policy is just the beginning. We recognize that there is no “finish line”, but instead a continuous process of teaching and learning.”
In addition to the passage of this new policy, the board:
-
received an orientation from the MHLS EDI Working Group on the topic of “impact over intention”;
- took the first step to approve amending the MHLS Bylaws to clarify the appointment of the DA liaison to their board and to list the standing committees of the board to match current practice;
- agreed to undertake a self-evaluation process designed and recommended by the MHLS Board Development Committee;
- agreed to lift the partial hiring freeze in recognition of approved state funding levels; and
- agreed to a process to review the mission statement of the system and create vision, values and ethics statements.
|
|
The Putnam Valley Library is supporting the homeschoolers in their community with curated kits for Grades K-12, ranging from traditional subjects, like math and social studies, to coding. Each kit has between 2 and 7 books included for each lesson and are designed as reading aids for homeschool lessons. The kits are appropriate for families new to homeschooling or those who have been homeschooling for a long time. Kits are available in fully English, fully Spanish, and Bilingual. |
|
There is still time to register for COVID-19 Legal Issues with Ellen Bach & Robert Schofield on Wednesday, May 26th at 2:00 pm. This moderated online conversation with "The Library Lawyers," of Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP will be based on questions submitted by MHLS member library directors, trustees, staff, and Friends groups.
|
|
Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Get ready to talk about all things Sierra! Join MHLS Assistant Director / Technology Operations Manager Laurie Shedrick on Wednesday, June 23rd at 1:00 pm for the MHLS Sierra Users Group. The Mid-Hudson Sierra Users Group is an opportunity to keep current with all things related to our Sierra ILS and the related products and services. We have plenty of exciting things to come in this calendar year with Sierra and Vega, and this session is all about you! Our hope is that you leave this session excited and ready. This event will include:
- The Innovative Product Manager for Vega Discovery will kick off the event with a virtual tour of the discovery platform and be on hand for questions in the first hour.
- MHLS Technology Operations will present on Sierra 5.3 and other pending updates
- Forum topics provided by the group!
Register early for this event. Registrants will be sent a poll to query which forum topics they would like to discuss during the session.
|
|
Each year the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) distributes grants of $1,000 or $2,500 to support activities that raise awareness of intellectual freedom and censorship issues during the annual Banned Books Week celebration. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” Staff at all types of libraries, schools, universities, and non-profit community organizations are encouraged to apply. Because of COVID-19, and the understanding that not everyone is working in person, FTRF welcomes entries for virtual projects this year. The application deadline is June 4 th, 2021, and recipients will be announced the week of June 14 th, 2021. Grants are offered through the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund. Banned Books Week runs from September 26 th - October 2 nd, 2021.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
Public libraries throughout the U.S. are seeing new cases of individuals engaging in “First Amendment audits” including recent occurrences in New York State. It is recommended that your board review, or establish, patron codes of behavior and photography/filming policies at your library to enable staff to address individuals seeking to engage in this behavior.
From the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF): “A loosely organized social media campaign to “audit” government spaces and agencies for alleged First Amendment violations have been targeting public libraries. The individuals and groups undertaking these self-described “First Amendment audits” claim a right to film in any space accessible to the public, arguing that they’re entitled to do so as taxpayers and citizen journalists. Based on their output, their goal is to create videos of their encounters with police, security officers, and public officials that document a claimed violation of the camera person’s First Amendment rights. The video is then posted to YouTube or other social media and used as evidence for a legal claim against the targeted agency or its officers and officials.” Visit ALA’s OIF Blog for a review of the difference between a public forum and a limited public forum (which is what libraries are) as well as suggestions for your board to consider when reviewing your policies.
|
|
The Wolfner Library, a Regional Talking Book and Braille Library in Missouri, is opening their youth summer reading ZOOM events to print-disabled youth across the country. The library has set up 9 ZOOM events related to the summer reading slogan, “Tails and Tales,” which are only for Library for the Blind and Print Disabled youth patrons, their families/caregivers, and teachers. Visit the Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library’s Summer Reading Page, and scroll down to “ZOOM Events” to find the events they are hosting for youth and the registration links. Feel free to share these events with print-disabled youth in your community and/or incorporate them into your own youth summer reading program. This is not only a great way for kids to learn about animals, it’s also a great way for them to meet other kids just like them from across the country!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
All MHLS member libraries have free access to the READsquared online Summer Reading website and App to help families participate in local Summer Reading Programs and track their summer reading. READsquared offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs and other reading and learning programs, as well as readers’ advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. READsquared can help libraries of any size brand their reading programs and increase registration and participation of individuals, families, and groups through activities, book lists, challenges, and more. Visit the Summer Reading at New York Libraries website to sign up for READsquared. For training, visit the READsquared Portal, where you’ll find Onboarding Training that covers all the basics of getting acquainted with your READsquared site and a Spring Training refresher video for those who have used READsquared and want to prepare for upcoming summer programs and possibly add more to their site. If you have a technical question about READsquared, you can contact support@r2stg.zohosupport.com or visit the support knowledgebase. For non-technical questions about READsquared or Summer Reading at New York Libraries, contact New York State Library Development Specialist, Youth Services, Sharon Phillips, at Sharon.Phillips@nysed.gov. |
|
There are still spots available for Core Values & Ethics presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director and Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator. In this MHLS Trustee Education session attendees will develop a working knowledge of the Core Values of Librarianship and how those values translate to the work of the board, particularly in the area of policy making. This webinar will also review board ethics and use case studies to illustrate “values and ethics in action.”
Register for one of the following dates:
- Tuesday, May 25th | 5:30-7:00 pm
- Thursday, May 27th | 10:00-11:30 am
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
The adjustments to NYS Open Meetings Law to allow for online meetings have been extended until June 9th, 2021 per Executive Order 202.107. There were no alterations to the provisions that allow for online open meetings, meetings still need to be accessible to the public, recorded and transcribed. |
|
Administration & Management |
Association Libraries: Please Take Note! Governor Cuomo recently signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (HERO Act) into law, which effectively imposes significant obligations on private employers including association libraries to provide and maintain a safe workplace in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for future airborne infectious disease outbreaks. The HERO Act amends New York Labor Law by adding two new sections. The first section is applicable to all covered employers and requires the development and adoption of an airborne infectious disease prevention policy. The second section, applicable only to private employers with at least 10 employees, permits the creation of workplace safety committees. The New York State Departments of Labor and Health have been directed to create models for creating enforceable health and safety model plans to prevent airborne infectious diseases in the workplace. |
|
Library Director, Hyde Park Library
The Hyde Park Library is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. The Hyde Park Free Library is a historic library built by Sara Roosevelt, mother of FDR, in honor of her husband, James. This history is an important cornerstone of our library mission and work. Community involvement and service are essential components of the library which delivers all aspects of library service, including circulation, information, programming and technical assistance to our community. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations. Community connections are a priority and the incoming director will carry on this work.
Minimum Qualifications: Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program required and experience as a Director or 5 years of progressively responsible library administrative experience. Experience should include a broad background in management, administration and human resources, operations, fundraising and finance, as well as knowledge of library services, operations and collections. This position is Director 1 in the Civil Service system.
Salary: Starting at $65,000, it will be commensurate with experience. Benefits are included.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the Hyde Park Library, its programs and services, in compliance with all applicable laws, and policies and decisions of the Board;
- Oversee continuous development of relevant library materials and services; responsible for the development of the Library's collections in coordination with select staff;
- Plan and implement programs and services for patrons of all ages in collaboration with library staff and volunteers; with a focus on developing increased electronic programming and resources;
Involvement in and implementation of the Library’s Long-Range Plan;
- Exhibit a high level of administrative and supervisory skills including: recruiting and training of employees, supporting the continued training and development of staff members; balancing multiple priorities; administering personnel policies; preparing performance evaluations of staff members; record keeping; grant writing and preparing the annual budget, state and local reports; and works with the office manager and treasurer on reporting to the board;
- Work closely with the President of the Board of Trustees and other board and community members on committees and work projects, including our current renovation project and upcoming capital campaign and building project;
- Possess exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
- Exercise considerable professional skill, initiative and good judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, the public and the Library Board to promote the library as an integral and vital component of the wider community;
- Strong computer skills: knowledge of databases, spreadsheet and word processing software, and library system software such as Sierra (or its equivalent);
- Fluency with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
The Hyde Park Library is a Special District Library and as such follows Civil Service regulations for hiring. Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references to: Lynn Ruggiero, President of the Board of Trustees at lynnruggiero@juno.com. Previous applicants need not apply. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Library Clerk/Passport Agent, part time, LaGrange Association Library
LaGrange Library in Dutchess County, NY is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service/detail oriented individual to join our team in our beautiful new library located in the center of LaGrangeville. Responsibilities include answering the phone, serving patrons at the checkout and information desks, assisting library users with reader’s advisory and basic computer functions, shelf-reading, and small projects as assigned. Online training to become a Passport Agent will be provided and those duties include processing new passports, carefully checking personal documents, and taking passport photos.
This position is 17 hours per week including one evening, plus 5.25 hours every other Saturday, with the opportunity to cover other shifts as needed. Salary is $13 per hour with three (3) flex days upon hiring; sick, vacation, and personal days upon one (1) year anniversary.
Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of a GED, United States Citizenship (mandatory for Passport Agents) customer service experience, basic computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the physical condition to bend, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds. Must enjoy working with the public, have patience with children, and maintain discretion regarding the confidentiality of patron information. Prior library experience is a plus.
Please email a cover letter, résumé, and two (2) references to mdebellis@laglib.org, and indicate “Clerk” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
