Isaac Barbee has accepted a full-time position after nearly 14 years of part-time service with MHLS. Isaac’s new role as IT Support Engineer for the MHLS Technology Operations Team’s IT department, will expand his current role and responsibilities in providing network support, Sierra support and hardware support to member libraries and MHLS internal staff. Isaac brings a great deal of expertise and experience, and we are grateful for his continued and expanded service.

The Public Library Association (PLA) is seeking new and diverse voices to join their slate of high-quality speakers! Has your library launched an exciting new program or initiative? Have you partnered with a local organization to respond to a current crisis or need in your community? Share your expertise by submitting a PLA webinar proposal.

Presenting a PLA webinar is a great way to get involved with the association, share your ideas and expertise with the public library field, and grow your professional skills. To be considered for presentation in Spring 2023, please complete the webinar proposal form by November 30th.

Brainfuse’s JobNow is now able to operate with encryption through HTTPS standards in our WAM proxy, and so MHLS has updated our links on each of the county HomeAccess pages and on all the MHLS supported member library sites. 

Patrons who have accounts and visit JobNow directly will not be impacted. Patrons who have stored the old link will likely encounter a proxy error. The solution will be to access the site through the new link. Their user accounts will work as they usually do.

Join Niche Academy for Encouraging Engagement in Online Instruction on November 2nd at 2:00 pm. Many libraries, both public and academic, have initiated or increased online instructional offerings in the past few years. In addition to allowing us to maintain safety protocols during the pandemic, online instruction allows us to reach a wider audience, even removing barriers for some patrons who might otherwise not have participated.

Through demonstration and hands-on participation, Melissa Wong and Laura Saunders will introduce participants to free, low-barrier strategies and tools to incorporate active participation into any online instruction. Participants will leave with a set of tools and specific ideas to lead engaging, interactive sessions. 

This event is free to attend but registration is required. 

There is still time to register for Effective Meetings Utilizing Parliamentary Procedure on October 27th at 5:00 pm with presenter Adrian Stratton, PRP. This 90-minute webinar is brought to you thanks to a partnership with the Public Library System Directors Organization of New York State and the Library Trustees Association Section of the New York Library Association. 

Discover how parliamentary procedure, also known as Robert’s Rules of Order, can assist with better meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order is a tool that will give trustees and library staff the knowledge and framework to conduct effective, fair and equable meetings. Attendees will:

• Gain an understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order
• Learn how to conduct more effective, fair and equable meetings
• Encourage respectful discussions and debates
• Utilize time management to fulfill the business of the library

Library Director, Valatie Free Library (part-time)

The Valatie Free Library Board of Trustees is looking for a new Library Director. The new director will start in January of 2023. The library serves the Village of Valatie, the hamlet of Niverville and the surrounding rural areas of the Town of Kinderhook in Columbia County along the scenic Hudson River Valley. 

Position Overview: 

• Plans, organizes, and supervises the activities at library. 
• Oversees circulation staff including setting hours. 
• Assists library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment. 
• Interprets library policies for patrons. 
• Coordinates activities with Program Coordinator.
• Markets programs on library website, newsletter, and other social media.
• Works with Library Board on facilities maintenance and upgrades.
• Participates in library special projects as needed.
• Prepares monthly reports for the Board of Trustees. 
• Provides training for new library clerks, and conducts periodic evaluation of library clerks.

This position may require working during any of the hours that the library is open, including evenings and weekends. 

Qualifications Profile:

• Degree in Library Science preferred.
• Previous library experience and knowledge of Sierra required.
• Comfortable working with computers and software, and able to instruct other staff and the public on computer usage.
• Ability to supervise and delegate tasks successfully.
• Outstanding customer service skills in order to relate courteously and effectively with library patrons and co-workers.
• Ability to work independently. 

Hours: 25 hours/week (days, evenings, some Saturdays required) 

Salary: Depending on qualifications $27,000—$30,000 with cumulative sick/vacation time to 40 hours. 

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Emilia Teasdale, President of the Board of Trustees, at emiliateasdale@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. 

Local

• Libraries ‘Give Back’ programs in October | Millerton News | 10.12.22

National

• Missouri librarians concerned with secretary of state's new rules on materials for minors | The Center Square | 10.18.22

• Martin Lewis backs guide for libraries wanting to become winter ‘warm banks’ | The Guardian | 10.12.22

MHLS Calendar