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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Build Back Better
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 Libraries can help NY Build Back Better. The COVID crisis highlighted a number of shortcomings and New York wants to identify ways technology can be used to help New York build back better for everyone. From ensuring access to high-speed internet, better-paying jobs and career pathways, NYS is committed to ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are able to overcome root causes of inequity, and to access the digital economy.
Access the survey and provide feedback for how you think libraries can help NY build back better using the Other / general comments option. Below is an example of how investment from New York State can help libraries build on the contributions they've already made to increase everyone's access to the digital world.
Libraries provide free access to broadband. The internet is not a privilege, but a necessity required for everything from accessing schoolwork and job searches to communicating with loved ones. In the face of the pandemic, school closures, and job losses, libraries ensured access for countless individuals and families even when the physical building was closed through wireless internet connections and mobile hotspot and laptop lending programs. As schools and businesses cautiously begin reopening, it's evident that broadband connections will continue to play a critical role in our work and education. New York State's increased investment in libraries and broadband infrastructure will help more people connect to educational resources, job search and workforce development opportunities, telework positions, and their friends and family by helping libraries build out the networks and hardware necessary to support a connected community with access for all. The library has always been a gateway for anyone with the patience and fortitude to pursue their passions, build their knowledge, and learn new skills regardless of their income, and in the digital age this is still true.
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MHLS Announcements
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REMINDER: MHLS Action Memo #05-2020: Primary Library IP Address Registry is due from all member library directors by August 31st. Information regarding this memo was posted on the MHLS-Notice List during the week of August 10th. The form can be accessed directly at Library IP Address Form. If you have any questions please contact MHLS Assistant Director/Technology Operations Manager, Laurie Shedrick, lshedrick@midhudson.org.
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Reduce, reuse, renovate! Rosendale Library recently updated its space while keeping down costs and waste. As part of a recent renovation the Rosendale Library was able to utilize existing materials to create a more open space with increased natural light and air circulation. With the help of local carpenter, Eric Friedman, the library was able to repurpose the existing large shelves into more user-friendly browsing shelves and desks, divert useable materials from the waste stream, control costs, and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the project.
 (above) A view of a portion of the newly redesigned Rosendale Library space.
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Professional Development
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 The Library 2.0 Mini-Conference Sustainability in Libraries will be held live online (and for free!) on Wednesday, October 14th. This mini-conference will center on the concept of "Sustainable Thinking" which aligns the core values of libraries with the "Triple Bottom Line" definition of sustainability--i.e. the intersection of environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility--to inspire investment and build support for your library in the future. Through this mini-conference we will explore the importance of infusing the new core value of sustainability into everything we do and demonstrate how libraries - of all types - that lead into the future using "sustainable thinking" to fulfill our mission as libraries in new and innovative ways. Conference sessions will include topics related to:
- Libraries as Inspiration & Catalyst
- Libraries as Conveners & Connectors
- Libraries as Contributors to Community Resilience
This event is being organized in partnership with Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, the Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System and co-chair of the American Library Association's (ALA) Special Task Force on Sustainability. Participants are encouraged to use #library2020 and #sustainabilityinlibraries on their social media posts leading up to and during the event.
To attend live and/or to receive the recording links afterward please register here. To be kept up to date on this event or for more information please join the Library 2.0 network.
 School Library Journal's annual Summit: Culture Shift, will take place on Saturday, October 24th. Now in its 16th year, this national convening will focus on creating a culture that promotes an equitable world and closes the opportunity gap for all children. In this free, day-long virtual event, you will gain skills, ideas, and support in leading the change you want to see in your library, school, and community. Facilitated discussions will follow core sessions, providing the opportunity to convene, network, and advance ideas on subjects ranging from reimagining school to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and supporting students and families in the COVID-19 crisis. They are anticipating an unprecedented number of library and education professionals to attend this summit, so you may find the environment or live sessions become full during the day. Please note all sessions and author chats will be available for viewing on-demand within an hour of their initial broadcast, and the entire event will be available on-demand until January 24th, 2021. To learn more and to register for this event, visit
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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There are two opportunities to attend the Sierra Circulation Workshop - Understanding Patron Records. Choose from Tuesday, September 29th or Wednesday, September 30th. Both 90-minute sessions start at 10:00am. This workshop will be beneficial for any circulation staff responsible for creating and/or managing patron records in Sierra. Basic Create Lists knowledge will be helpful but is not required. In this workshop, attendees will learn not just the "what" of their patron records, but the "why" as well - why certain fields are important for circulation. Special emphasis will be placed on developing best practices and workflows for maintaining and retrieving accurate patron information so that you will know who is visiting your library. The workshop will cover:
- What Patron Record fields mean - even APATID
- Online Patron Registration - including Merging Patron Records
- Best practices for Cleaning up your Patron Records with Create Lists
Please register for your preferred session through the MHLS calendar.
Join MHLS ILP Operations Supervisor, Thomas O'Connell for the next Sierra Lunchtime Webinar, Navigating and Managing Holds on Wednesday, August 26th at noon. Please register through the MHLS calendar.
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 The New York Library Association (NYLA) is conducting a short member survey in an effort to quantify the financial impact of adjusting operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is a critical piece in advocating for the future of libraries and their funding as the data collected will put into perspective the impact of COVID-19 on library operations across the state. Please Note: The identity of the individual submitting this information will be kept confidential.
 REALM Round 3 Test Results: As part of the REALM project's research, Battelle has conducted three natural attenuation studies to provide information on how long the virus may survive on materials common to archives, libraries, and museums. The studies were conducted by applying the virulent SARS-CoV-2 virus on five materials held at standard room temperature (68°F to 75°F) and relative humidity conditions (30 to 50 percent). The materials in Test 3 included the items listed below. Results show that after five days of quarantine in an unstacked configuration, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detected on the storage bag (flexible plastic) or the DVD. The storage container (rigid plastic), plexiglass, and the USB cassette all showed detectable virus at five days. Day five was the final timepoint tested. Compared to the results of Test 1 and 2, this data suggests that a slightly longer quarantine time for these types of plastic-based materials may be required to render SARS-CoV-2 undetectable through natural attenuation alone. Alternatively, based on the materials' nonporous nature, suitable liquid disinfection methods may promote a more rapid decontamination than the quarantine method.
Items Tested:
- Talking book, USB cassette: Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), specific blend
- DVD: Polycarbonate - Note: A polypropylene DVD case was tested in Test 1;
- Storage bag (flexible plastic): Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), recycling #4
- Storage container (rigid plastic): High-density polyethylene (HDPE), recycling #2
- Plexiglass: Acrylic
 The CUNY Hard-to-Count / Response Map has been updated to quickly compare 2010 and 2020 Census response rates. The new compare option helps visualize if your community's 2020 self-response rate (or county, congressional district, city, or state) is behind its 2010 rate. If it hasn't met its 2010 rate, a greater share of homes will need to be visited by census takers than in 2010, which will be harder to do if the enumeration timeframe is cut short. Visit https://www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/
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 It's almost time for Library Card Sign-up Month! The American Library Association (ALA) has a few brand-new tools for libraries to use. They offer a library-themed bingo card full of activities that can be done throughout the month. When someone gets bingo, they can share their card online using the hashtag #LibraryCardSignUpMonth. ALA has also created yard and window sign templates with library messages. Libraries and library lovers can use the signs to show their support during September and all year long. The new tools, along with resources like library card artwork and social media graphics featuring DC's Wonder Woman, are all available through the Library Card Sign-up Month toolkit.
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The NY State Archives revised and consolidated its local government records retention and disposition schedules and issued a single, comprehensive retention schedule for all types of local governments on August 1st, 2020. The new schedule, Retention and Disposition Schedule for New York Local Government Records (LGS-1), supersedes and replaces the CO-2, MU-1, MI-1, and ED-1 Schedules. The new schedule is accessible online at: http://www.archives.nysed.gov/records/
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Administration & Management
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Library Director, Town of Ulster Library
The Town of Ulster Library is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. Town of Ulster Library is an active community center that delivers all aspects of library service, including circulation, information, programming and technical assistance. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations. In recent years, the library has made community connections 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 preferred and 3 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.
Salary: $50,000+ commensurate with experience and benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the Town of Ulster Library, its programs and services, in compliance with all applicable laws, and policies and decisions of the Board;
- Oversees continuous development of relevant library materials and services; responsible for the development of the Library's collections in coordination with select staff;
- Plans and implements programs and services for patrons of all ages in collaboration with Adult, Teen, T/ween, and Children's programming staff;
- Exhibits 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 bookkeeper and treasurer on reporting to the board;
- Possesses exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
- Exercises 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, including Quickbooks
- Familiarity with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
Town of Ulster 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: Attn: Personnel Committee tofu.personnel.committee@gmail.com
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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