In a year that held a record number of municipal ballot 414 votes, thirty-two communities within the Mid-Hudson Library System service region voted on tax levies for their public libraries with a 100% success rate! Though all member library votes passed, a grassroots 414 vote campaign by the residents of Union Vale failed but brought important attention to the hundreds of folks who support town funding for library services. You can review the full results of this year’s votes as well as past votes in the MHLS Public Library Vote Toolbox.
MHLS applauds all libraries that went to the polls this year. Careful financial planning in the Property Tax Cap era is essential to the viability of libraries for the future. Routine budget votes are a critical component of a healthy financial strategy for all types of libraries. If your library board would like to discuss sustainable funding plans, please feel free to contact MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich at rsmith@midhudson.org.
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Continuing Education Enhancements Coming in 2022! In the new year, MHLS will migrate to a new events calendar platform, introduce a new learning management platform and begin providing certificates for attendees at MHLS training and continuing education events. MHLS prides itself on offering relevant, responsive, and meaningful opportunities for member library staff, trustees, and Friends and is investing in upgrading the user experience for member libraries in the coming year.
- The new calendar will include improvements and features to enhance the user experience and MHLS staff workflows while continuing to provide information about upcoming training and events and relevant county and system meetings. The new calendar will go into place on December 30th, 2021.
- Starting in 2022, MHLS will implement a completion certificate service for attendees at MHLS continuing education events. The first phase of this service will provide certificates via email for attendees that attend live events. These certificates can be used to verify attendance at MHLS events for Civil Service and for the new Trustee Education requirement to complete 2 hours of trustee education annually which begins January 1st, 2023. Certificates cannot be issued for viewing a recording of an event or training or for attendance at meetings at this time but in phase two of this new service we hope to solve this issue.
- Please note: The CE Reports Service will be discontinued, and library staff interested in receiving a final report can contact Library Sustainability Associate, Alexa Stroh for more information.
Questions about these upcoming changes can be directed to MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin.
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Michael Tsahalis, Delivery Operations and Facilities Associate, at MHLS for the past six years has accepted another position and is leaving MHLS. We would like to thank Michael for his contributions to MHLS and appreciate his dedication and service. He will be greatly missed!
MHLS is currently interviewing for the full-time position of Delivery Operations and Facilities Associate. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass along the job ad found under the Job Openings section below or share the link to our Job Postings page.
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If any extra delivery bins have accumulated in your library after the Thanksgiving holiday, please place them next to your regular outgoing bins for the drivers to pick up and bring back to MHLS. Thank you! |
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(l-r): Charlotte Carr, Doris Formby and Hildegard Edling outside the Tivoli Free Library. Picture courtesy of Tivoli Free Library
Tivoli Free Library collected 40 handmade scarves for the Foster Care to Success's Red Scarf Project, an organization that works with college-aged foster youth as they navigate the many issues involved with pursuing higher education.
The Hooks & Needles, Yarns & Threads Group, which meets weekly at the Tivoli Free Library, has been a part of this project for the past four years, and this year as part of The Great Give Back program collected a record number of hand-made scarves!
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All New York Library Association (NYLA) 2021 virtual content is available until December 31st! It's the moment you've all been waiting for #NYLA2021 virtual content, both on-demand and live programming, are back online through December 31st.
All conference attendees will have free access to the virtual content in the Pheedloop platform up until December 31 st. If you wish to view this content after this date, you will have to pay an additional fee. Visit here for more information and FAQ’s.
Important Dates:
- Last Day to View Virtual Content - December 31st, 2021
- CE Certificates Emailed - December 2021 - January 2022
- NYLA Opens Virtual Content for Purchase - January 5th, 2022
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The Public Library Association is offering a free webinar on Thursday, December 16th at 2:00 pm, Tackling Racism and Bias in the Library Catalog. The Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) "illegal aliens” is viewed as insulting and biased by many immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. Although LCSH recently updated the terminology to " noncitizens” and " illegal immigration,” many library professionals and social justice advocates consider the retention of the term “ illegal” as hugely problematic.
In this webinar, staff from Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and BookOps will share resources for libraries looking to make and maintain local revisions to subject headings. Learn technical procedures and guidance, tips for organizing internally (including getting buy-in from leadership). Visit here to engage patrons and other stakeholders around these changes, regardless of the size and shape of your library.
This event is free, but space is limited so reserve your seat as soon as possible.
Please note the MHLS catalog headings have been updated to reflect the recent terminology changes to the LCSH “illegal aliens”. For more information please contact Nina Acosta, MHLS Data Operations Supervisor, nacosta@midhudson.org.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
REMINDER: Please clear your holdshelf every day the library is open. Clearing the holdshelf purges the holds table of more than the items on your physical holdshelf it also removes cancelled and expired holds. Please do your part in keeping this very critical process running smoothly by making this a priority task every morning.
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REMINDER: During the third week in December the MHLS Cataloging Team will suppress all items that have a status of 'Lost & Paid', 'Discard', or 'Claims returned', which have not been updated for 3 months. Items that have not been updated in 3 years and have a status of 'Missing in Transit', 'On Search', 'Repair', or 'Billed' will also be suppressed. The items will not be deleted. Changing the annual report code to "n-suppress", simply keeps them from displaying in the public catalog. |
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Resources available to support COVID-19 vaccination among children and teens. To support the recent authorization of vaccines for young people, 5–11 years old, the Vaccines & US project, led by the Smithsonian Institution, has collected materials specifically about young people and the COVID-19 pandemic in a special section to help: discuss COVID-19 and vaccination with young children and teens, young people cope with pandemic related anxiety, and navigate COVID-19 information and disinformation and debunk some common myths. All of the materials can be freely used by library/museum/archival staff and the general public.
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Reference & Collection Development |
Recording Now Available: The Next Great Read: Readers’ Advisory on a Dime. As Addie Smock, Assistant Director of the Kingston Library put it in the Readers’ Advisory webinar, “Life is too short, and the books are free.” Check out the recording for our Readers' Advisory webinar for tips and resources from the field that can help you connect readers with new and old titles they may not have otherwise known about. The webinar features staff from MHLS member libraries sharing their expertise and tips including Carol Fortier, Director, Beekman Library, Carol Ewin, Head of Circulation, Beekman Library, Addie Smock, Assistant Director, Kingston Library, Barbara Auerbach, Children’s Services Librarian, Cairo Public Library, and MHLS Assistant Director / Technology Operations Manager, Laurie Shedrick and MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. |
This event was designed by the Central Library/Collection Development Advisory Committee of the Mid-Hudson Library System to support member library staff in providing quality readers’ advisory services and making the best use of the titles already on our shelves. The webinar explores Readers’ Advisory basics, including best practices for conducting a readers' advisory interview, tools to help readers find their next great read including online book match forms, and some features in Encore that can help you pair up a reader with their next favorite book. |
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The recording and slides from the October 22nd webinar provided by New York State Library on the NYS Performers and Programs database is now available. Presented by Peter Kowalski, database manager for the NYS Performers and Programs database provided detailed information about how to navigate and effectively search the database, as well as how to promote the resource to performers and presenters.
A new search category was recently added that allows for searching all virtual programs listed in the database. This category can then be filtered by age as well as by other criteria.
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There are still spots left for the Trustee Handbook Book Club session on Tuesday, December 14 th from 5:00-6:30 pm. Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich to discuss Personnel.
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New York's #eBooksForAll bill, S2890B/A5837B, will head to Governor Hochul for signature soon and the New York Library Association (NYLA) needs advocates to let her know that this is important legislation for all New Yorkers. This bill will ensure that publishers do not block library patrons from accessing digital books. Grassroots advocates were critical in getting the eBooks bill passed in both chambers of the legislature.
Please contact her today through the NYLA Online Advocacy Center and show your support for the #eBooksForAll bill and the positive impact that it will have on her constituents.
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Administration & Management |
Libraries interested in participating in the 2022 MHLS Turning Outward Cohort Program are invited to join the introductory webinar on Thursday, December 9th at 10:00 am. Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator will outline the value of “turning outward”, through community conversations, to seek public knowledge about community aspirations to better guide the future design of library services, programs, partnerships, and resource allocation. This webinar will also provide a brief overview of the program schedule and expectations for 2022. Registration is available through the MHLS Calendar.
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New York State Mandates Retirement: In October 2021, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law that requires private businesses and non-profits with 10 or more employees to provide retirement options to their employees. This law applies to association libraries with 10 or more employees without a current plan who will be required to automatically enroll employees in New York State's Secure Choice Savings Plan or a similar retirement plan. Employees are required to be automatically enrolled in the plan with an option to opt out. Following initial implementation of the program, employers must provide an open enrollment period at least once every year. Employers will not be required to match employee contributions. Employers must have a payroll deposit retirement savings arrangement no later than nine months after the New York State Secure Choice Savings board opens the program for enrollment, and while the bill calls for enrollment of employees to begin no later than December 31st, 2021, the rollout of the program could be delayed by up to 12 months if the New York State Secure Choice Savings board determines it is necessary. More information is available here, and MHLS will continue to provide updates as information and materials are released by the New York State Secure Choice Savings board.
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Children’s Librarian (full-time), Desmond-Fish Public Library, Garrison
The Desmond-Fish Public Library, a full-service library located in the small town of Garrison, NY, seeks an enthusiastic and creative Children’s Librarian. If you love children and thrive in creating welcoming and progressive environments for young learners, please apply!
The ideal applicant should be committed to racial, gender, and class equity and the advancement of social justice. Applicants from diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities include:
- Plans, promotes, and conducts a variety of programs and activities for children from birth to age 12
- Serves as the library’s liaison with the public schools and childcare centers, providing outreach activities in community locations
- Performs collection development and ongoing maintenance of children's materials and displays
- Plans and conducts the summer reading program in coordination with other library summer programs for the community
- Provides reference and readers advisory services and library orientation for children and their caregivers
- Attends staff and programming meetings
- Assists with day-to-day functions of the library as needed
Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for public service, collaborative spirit, and sense of humor
- Broad and current knowledge of children’s literature, media, and digital resources
- Genuine respect for children and ability to create bonds with them and their caregivers
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and with others
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in the field
Preferred, but not required:
- Prior experience working in a public library
- Knowledge of Sierra Integrated Library System
- Master of Library Science (MLS) degree or equivalent experience
Salary $50K+, commensurate with experience. This full-time position is 35 hours per week, Tuesday-Saturday with some flexibility. Position includes generous vacation, medical, and 403b retirement plan.
Please email your résumé, cover letter, and names of three professional references to director@desmondfishlibrary.org with the subject heading “Children’s Librarian”. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Circulation Clerk, Desmond-Fish Public Library, Garrison
The Circulation Clerk is the “face” of the library, responsible for greeting patrons and assisting with their requests and questions in a friendly and helpful manner.
In addition to providing reference services and tech assistance to patrons, the circulation clerk performs routine collection maintenance and assists with other projects as needed.
The ideal applicant should be committed to racial, gender, and class equity with an enthusiasm for public service and passion for creating a warm, welcoming, progressive environment for learners of all ages. Applicants from diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Qualifications:
- Enthusiasm for public service, collaborative spirit, and sense of humor
- Ease with computers and technology
- Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills
- Outstanding interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and with others
Preferred, but not required:
- Prior experience working in a public library
- Knowledge of Sierra Integrated Library System
Schedule to include some nights/weekends, 25-35 hours/week. Position starting pay is $15.50 with paid time off and some benefits. An introductory period of 3 months employment to assess and confirm suitability for the position.
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Delivery Operations and Facilities Associate, Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie
This is a full-time position at a rate of $18/hour with benefits.
The ideal candidate could be described as someone who can communicate effectively, is reliable and dependable, and works well with a team and takes initiative while working alone.
Summary of duties and responsibilities: This position partially supports the Delivery Operations Manager and Delivery Operations Assistant in all aspects of delivery operations, including communication with Member Libraries, receiving, and distributing all incoming and outgoing shipments, and preparing items for shipment. Approximately half the time, supports the Facilities Manager with repairs and general maintenance performing a variety of routine manual tasks requiring light, medium, and heavy physical effort in cleaning and caring for Mid-Hudson Library System Facilities. Performs Essential Duties and Responsibilities below and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and requirements:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Ability to understand and follow verbal and simple written instructions; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions.
- Ability to stand, stoop, bend and stretch for long periods of time.
- Ability to perform medium to heavy manual labor, including occasionally lifting and /or moving up to 75 pounds.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
We offer the following benefits:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Personal Leave
- NYS Local Retirement System
- Employee Assistance Program
MHLS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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