On March 2nd, Library Advocates across the state will join together online for NYLA's Annual Library Advocacy Day. We’ll miss being together in Albany, but there’s still an opportunity to come together as a group and speak up for Library Aid. Please encourage staff, Trustees, Friends and patrons to share how important libraries are in our communities through social media, phone calls and letters to your legislators and the Governor. Here’s how you can participate:
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Send a letter to your representatives in Albany! NYLA has provided customizable letters that can be sent to your legislators in Albany and to the Governor. It only takes two minutes to send a letter to all your representatives through NYLA’s Online Advocacy Center (OAC). Already done that? Encourage 5 other people to do the same!
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Give your legislator a call! That’s right, pick up the phone and let your legislators know you support funding for library aid and the State Aid for Library Construction Program. Find your local legislator.
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Mid-Hudson Library System patrons will soon have access to more content in OverDrive and Libby through a Reciprocal Lending Agreement (RLA) with the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS). MHLS Directors approved participation in February along with the necessary parameters for sharing to ensure this is fair to both systems and will not incur any costs for MHLS member libraries. While initial discussions hoped to include the Westchester and Ramapo Catskill Library Systems, local decisions have kept them from joining at this time but talks continue. MHLS and UHLS, who both have member support in place, will move forward and launch the expanded access on March 15th, 2022.
Access is limited for both systems to available copies, where no holds exist, and will not allow checkouts for pay per use or counted use models. Neither system allows the visiting users access to place holds. The goal is to add no additional stress to the resources but share titles that are not in demand and available. Our OverDrive Knowledge Base page has many resources to get your library ready to share the news and support the service. An FAQ section will answer most of your questions, and we will expand it further as more questions come in. If you have questions after reviewing the documentation, please send an email to techsupport@midhudson.org.
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The Millbrook Library has been selected as one of 200 libraries nationwide for the American Library Association’s American Rescue Plan: Humanities Grants for Libraries opportunity, an emergency relief program to assist libraries that have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Winning libraries were chosen with an emphasis on reaching historically underserved and/or rural communities. “ We are thrilled to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Courtney Tsahalis. “ This grant will allow our library to bring new and exciting educational opportunities to our community.” Millbrook Library will use the grant funds to fund an oral history project focusing on Bennett College, purchase musical instruments the library plans to loan out, as well as fund new art openings and local lecture series. |
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Applications are open for the Bridging Knowledge Grant Program sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Administered through the Alaska Library Network in partnership with the American Indian Library Association and the Alaska State Library, this grant will provide 15 scholarships to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian graduate students to earn the Master of Library and Information Science degree with an advanced certificate in strategic management of digital assets and services at San Jose State University. Supplemental curriculum, presentations, and poster sessions will be available through the Sustainable Heritage Network. Deadline to apply is April 1st, 2022.
Students will receive financial and scaffolded support to provide them with training and development throughout the program. Graduates will bridge contemporary digital practices with traditional knowledge.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
There are still spots left for Create List Lab - Intermediate on Monday, March 14th at 11:00 am. This is a Lab experience for staff with some Create List experience. Course information and lessons will be available 1 week in advance of the session for participants to review and practice. In the lab session, we will review the work, and expand on previously covered concepts. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and share outcomes with others in the session in an open format. Mics and cameras are encouraged. |
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The New York State Broadband Survey is underway, and they would like to see as many households and businesses as possible submit responses so the broadband infrastructure needs throughout New York can be clearly identified and addressed. Libraries can use the Survey Outreach Kit and Survey Flyer to encourage communities members to complete the survey by March 18 th, 2022.
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is mapping broadband infrastructure across New York State and working on a study to be released this spring. The Broadband Assessment Survey is a tool being utilized by DPS to study the reliability and affordability of highspeed broadband infrastructure.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the New York State Library are collecting success stories regarding the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit and Affordable Connectivity Program. If you have helped someone learn about, or sign up for one of these programs, we would like to hear from you! If you have any stories you can share about how the benefit helped a family/students with remote learning, or something similar, please share by replying to Jessica.golden@nysed.gov.
If you would like to learn how to help others sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp. |
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2022 Applications are now being accepted for American Indian, Asian, and Pacific Islander programs! The American Indian Library Association (AILA) and the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) are accepting applications for the ' Talk Story: Sharing Stories, Sharing Culture' grant 2022. Talk Story is a literacy program that celebrates American Indian, Asian, and Pacific Islander families' stories through books, storytelling, and art. |
Each winner will receive $500 to support a program that celebrates American Indian, Asian, and/or Pacific Islander peoples and cultures in your library or community organization. Past grant winners have included language programs, early childhood literacy, intergenerational identity development, and various arts programming including dance, music, and writing. Please visit their website for more information on criteria and past winders. Applications are due by Tuesday, March 15th, 2022.
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Libraries can now schedule Emergency Preparedness Training Programs to help patrons build self-reliance and increase community resilience. Thanks to a partnership between MHLS and the Eastern NY Region of the American Red Cross, MHLS member libraries can offer the following programs to their communities:
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Pedro the Penguin - A 35 min preparedness program for students (pre-k - 2nd grade) that follows Pedro the Penguin and his friends as they learn how to be prepared and take action during an emergency: How to get out, stay out, and get to a safe meeting place; How to move through a smokey environment; and Coping skills for stress management.
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The Pillowcase Project - A 40–60 min presentation for grades 3-6th that covers local hazards, coping skills and personal and family preparedness through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework: How to make a preparedness kit using a pillowcase; Planning escape routes at home; and Potential natural disasters in the region that they may need to prepare for.
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Be Red Cross Ready - A free NYS program delivered state-wide by the American Red Cross for ages 16 and up. This program seeks to improve community resiliency on an individual and household level by teaching citizens valuable life skills on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from any natural or man-made disaster.
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The Citizen Preparedness Corps - A free NYS program delivered state-wide by the American Red Cross for ages 16 and up. This program seeks to improve community resiliency on an individual and household level by teaching citizens valuable life skills on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from any natural or man-made disaster.
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Hands-Only CPR - A free American Red Cross 30-minute class. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital each year. Learn how to deliver lifesaving CPR care without rescue breaths and be prepared. When you immediately provide Hands-Only CPR, you can increase the chance of survival.
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Home Fire Campaign - Offering free smoke alarm installations for homes.
If you’re interested in offering these programs to your community, please contact Anna Maison at (315)-715-2072 or anna.maison2@redcross.org. |
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Catch up on the Trustee Handbook Book Club! Co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director discuss a different chapter of the Trustee Handbook and answer your questions every month.
Trustees and Library Directors from all public library systems in New York State are welcome to attend these sessions.
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Administration & Management |
The Leadership and Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA) is seeking members to fill several seats on the LAMS Board that will be up for election to fill 3-year terms starting at the 2022 NYLA Conference in November. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague for one of these positions please send an email to LAMS President Lisa Kropp, lkropp@lindenhurstlibrary.org or Chair of the LAMS Nominating Committee Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, jkelsall@highlandlibrary.org including the following information:
- The name of the LAMS member being nominated
- A brief expression of interest telling the committee why the nominee wants to serve in this capacity
- A current resume for the nominee
The deadline for all nominations is March 18th, 2022.
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Assistant Library Director I, Town of Esopus Library
The Town of Esopus Library, in Port Ewen, NY, is seeking an energetic, flexible and creative person to fill a part- to full-time (30-40 hours/week) Assistant Library Director I position. The work is performed under the general direction of the Director, and involves the responsibility of assisting the Library Director in library administration and services. The incumbent is responsible for acting for the Director when delegated. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed policy allowing for considerable leeway for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The successful candidate will possess the ability and inspiration to develop innovative ideas for library services, and possess excellent skills with, and knowledge of, computer technology for library operations and patron use, as well as the use and creation of social media. Strong computer skills are necessary.
Incumbents may perform the following, as well as other related activities not described: recommends policies and procedures to the Library Director, conducts studies and analysis of library operations, develops grants for library programs and services, participates in and/or supervises the selection of library materials, provides reference and reader’s advisory services to library users, instructs library users in the best use of library resources, conducts staff trainings, keeps informed of professional developments by participating in trainings and by reading professional material, participates in preparing the annual budget, prepares required state, local, and other statistical or narrative reports. Supervises the work of others.
Candidates should possess thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of library science, library administrative practices, library materials and their arrangement, ability to participate in the cultural and intellectual activities of the community, ability to carry out library policies, ability to comprehend users’ needs quickly and accurately, ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. The incumbent should display good judgment, tact and courtesy, display a positive and friendly attitude, as well as possess a physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Does related work as necessary. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
The salary begins at $27.32 per hour.
Included benefits: Medical, dental, vision, retirement, vacation, personal and sick time, Paid Family Leave, and an Employee Assistance Program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or University with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science, and one year of professional full-time, or its part time equivalent, experience in a library of recognized standing. Will take the Civil Service exam when offered.
Special Requirement: Possession of a New York State Librarian’s Professional Certificate at time of appointment.
Please send resume, meaningful cover letter, and three professional references to: Library Director, Town of Esopus Library, PO Box 1167, Port Ewen, NY 12466, or email to esopusdirector@gmail.com. Previous applicants need not reapply. Open until filled.
Clerk/Passport Agent part-time, LaGrange Association Library
LaGrange Association Library in Dutchess County, NY is looking for an enthusiastic, customer-service oriented individual to join our team as a part-time Library Clerk and Passport Agent. Responsibilities include:
- checking materials in and out for patrons at the front desk
- assisting library users in person and via telephone with information requests and reader’s advisory
- assisting library users with basic computer usage, printing, faxing, and copying
- answering the phone and directing calls appropriately
- preparing new materials for checkout
- explaining and enforcing library policies and procedures with patrons as needed
- shelving/shelf maintenance as needed
- other 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 21 hours per week plus 1 Saturday per month. Salary is $13.50 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 or higher, United States Citizenship (mandatory for Passport Agents), excellent customer service and communications skills, basic computer proficiency, the ability to multi-task, and the physical ability to bend, stretch, kneel, and lift up to 40 pounds. The ideal candidate should enjoy working with the public, have a good sense of humor, have an interest in books and movies, be able to function independently and as part of a busy library team, and maintain the confidentiality of patron information. Prior library experience is a plus. Please email a meaningful cover letter, resume, and 2 references to mdebellis@laglib.org, and indicate “Clerk” in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
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