Sierra, Encore, and Decision Center Server Move (MHLS Bulletin) 3.15.22

Vol.22-11 | 3.15.22

Sierra, Encore, and Decision Center Server Move

The Sierra, Encore, and Decision Center server will be moving to the ProQuest data services center. In the weeks leading up to the event, our MHLS Technology Team has been working with Innovative to complete configurations refining our contacts for vendors who authenticate through our Sierra authentication methods. We currently have a complete list of all vendors.

What is most important for you to know?

midhudsonlibraries.org URLs do not change.
The domain name for the ILS, Encore, and Decision Center will not be changing. Our installations have always used the domain name over the IP address, so you should have a seamless transition for any installations or links.
MHLS is preparing all vendors for the pending IP address change.
Our plan includes contacting all vendors on behalf of the libraries who authenticate in any way through Sierra. We know who they are and will reach out to you if we cannot contact them.
Downtime will be 3:00 am-6:00 am March 30^th, 2022

Below are the scheduled events for the project.

March 1^st - March 15^th, 2022: MHLs has been in touch with each of the vendors who authenticate through the Sierra WAM service or use Sierra APIs to authenticated or access data. This contact was comprehensive and included vendors that libraries work with independent of central services. At this time we have confirmation in place that they are ready for the upcoming IP address change.

March 23^rd, 2022: Decision Center will move first on March 23^rd at 3:00 am. Please note that any reports that are scheduled to run during downtime will need to be recreated by hand. Scheduled reports will resume the normal schedule on 3/24/2022. We have been assured that no gaps in data will result from the downtime.

March 30^th, 2022: at 3:00am, the Sierra system move is scheduled to take place. All services will be offline for the duration of the move, which should be complete by 6:00am. Unlike the upgrades, this will not require any new files or additional start-up time for library staff and Sierra should not reflect any changes.

We have prepared for this move to have as little impact on your services and patrons as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact techsupport@midhudson.org.

MHLS Libraries

The Marlboro Free Library is hosting a traveling poster exhibit from the Southeastern NY Library Resources Council for the month of March in celebration of Women’s History Month. The exhibit, as well as local history items that detail the development and evolution of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in New York State will be on display through Tuesday, March 29^th.

Picture courtesy of Marlboro Free Library

Professional Development

Registration is open for the 7th Annual SENYCon on Friday, April 1^st, 2022. Southeastern NY Library Resources Council annual conference highlights the unique talents and skills that are held by the library professionals in the Southeastern region. The event is free for all Southeastern members. To learn more and to register visit SENYCon 2022.

Resource Sharing & Sierra

A comprehensive online training for all levels of MHLS circulation staff is available on Wednesday, March 23^rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Register today to reserve your spot for Circulation Training.

Sustainable Libraries

There is still time to register for MHLS Library Sustainability Series - Libraries Addressing Food Scarcity with Hunger Solutions NY on March 31^st at 10:00 am. As trusted organizations in their communities, libraries are well-positioned to provide critical information about resources and services to address food insecurity to the people they serve. At this webinar, Krista Hesdorfer, Child Nutrition Programs Specialist at Hunger Solutions New York, will share resources and information libraires can use to connect their patrons to programs and services that can help put food on the table for families and individuals in need including, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and other programs.

The Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club is inviting MHLS libraries to submit proposals for Learning About and Appreciating Nature and the Environment. These programs will provide opportunities for families and children of all ages to enjoy, learn about, and appreciate the joys and benefits of the natural world including its creatures, plants, and recreational opportunities. Past proposals funded through this program include programs to help people of all ages connect with local natural resources, stargazer programs, STEAM and sensory activities, and resources to promote hiking and studying insects.

Proposals should be consistent with and in support of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s (ADK’s) mission: ADK works to protect New York’s wild lands and waters by promoting responsible outdoor recreation and building a statewide constituency of land stewardship advocates. Read the press release for more information on applying. Proposals and questions should be submitted to Carla Barrett, Chair, ADK Mid-Hudson Chapter at barrettinclinton@gmail.com. Due date for proposals is April 8^th, 2022.

Reference & Collection Development

The Pilcrow Foundation supports rural public library communities through the Children’s Book Project. Libraries qualify for the Children’s Book Project grant on an individual basis. To qualify for the grant, libraries must be in a rural area within the 50 United States, have a limited operating budget, have an active children’s department, and raise $200-$400 through a local sponsor. Libraries with total operating budgets of less than $50,000 will receive funding priority; however, town libraries with total operating budgets over $150,000 may also apply for grants. Annual application deadlines for grant cycles are April 1^st and October 1^st with notification of award by email on April 15^th and October 15^th. Please visit the Rural Public Libraries Grant page for more information about the matching grant.

Programming

Get ready for National Library Week 2022, April 3^rd - 9^th! For promotional materials including social media posts, print materials and more supporting this year’s theme, Connect with Your Library visit https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek.

Join American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Programs Office for a free presentation of Hybrid: A New Take on Post-Pandemic Programming on April 13^th. This continuing education activity is designed for any library professional who is looking for advice, suggestions, or tips when considering hybrid programming for your institution.

In this first webinar of a series on hybrid programming, moderator Laura Saunders will explore the impact of COVID-19 on library programming, provide an overview of hybrid programming, and discuss the potential benefits of hybrid programming as a way to maintain service to remote audiences while re-introducing the in-person audience. The webinar is planned to be discussion-based with substantial time for participants to ask questions and share experiences and will also provide a brief introduction to the rest of the series. This event is free to attend but registration is required.

Trustee Resources

Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for the next session in the Trustee Handbook Book Club series on Tuesday, March 29^th at 5:00 pm. The chapters covered will be Risk Management and Library Policies. Register for this session and visit https://midhudson.org/trusteebookclub/ to view upcoming sessions and past recordings.

Administration & Management

REMINDER: This is the time of year to send requests for funding for local, special projects to state and federal legislators. Projects at member libraries that have been funded through this avenue in the past have included renovation projects, technology purchases, and special collection investments. There are no stated guidelines, no official application form, no official deadline for state requests - this is just a letter to your legislator outlining your needs. Visit MHLS's Advocacy Page for your state and federal legislators' contact information.

Job Openings

Library Director, Putnam Valley Free Library

Putnam Valley Library, an association library serving a semi-rural community of 12,000 individuals in Putnam Valley, NY, seeks a creative and dynamic Library Director with a passion for community service to oversee all activities and operations of the library.

Essential Responsibilities:

Staff and Operations:

Supervise all library services, operations, staff, facilities, and programs
Select, train, and evaluate personnel to maintain a strong team environment
Develop and maintain the library’s collection in accordance with collection policies and best practices
Control expenditures of funds and maintain accurate financial records
Supervise the purchase and maintenance of technology to enhance library services
Prepare and distribute public relations and marketing materials
Prepare annual reports to the state and the community
Work on grant writing and facilitate grant award funding

Board of Trustees:

Work with the Board in ongoing planning to identify and meet community needs
Make policy recommendations to the Board and implement adopted policies
Prepare annual budget recommendations for Board approval

Essential Traits:

Ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for staff and library patrons
Good written and oral communication skills
Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
A commitment to social justice and fostering an equitable community
Knowledge of current trends and developments in the library profession
Proficiency with computers, library software, internet and digital communications

Minimum Qualifications: A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and experience in library administration.

Salary: $55K-$65K. The position includes generous PTO and paid holidays. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: trustees@putnamvalleylibrary.org

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Part time Library Clerk, East Fishkill Community Library

East Fishkill seeks an enthusiastic and high-energy individual to fill the role of Library Clerk; part time (up to 15 hrs/week). Primary responsibilities include but not limited to checking items in and out, pulling holds, processing materials, registering patrons, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance. Customer service skills are a must.

Qualifications, Desired Knowledge, Skills:

Strong customer service skills and an ability to work well with others as well as independently.
Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
A large degree of comfort with technology.
Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift.
Ability to perform with minimal supervision, establish and maintain priorities, meet deadlines, exercise initiative, and make independent decisions.
Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to represent the library in a professional manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Graduation from high school or possession of GED.

Compensation: Starting $15.00.

Hours: The standard part time work week will be up to 15 hours, including Wednesday evening and taking part in the Saturday and Sunday rotation. Hours subject to change.

To Apply: Interested candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Nicole Williams at williams@eflibrary.org with the subject heading “Library Clerk Position”.

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Part time Custodians - 2 positions, Starr Library (Rhinebeck, NY)

Starr Library is seeking two part time Custodians to take care of our building and support the operations of the library, open six days a week and some holidays. Hours will include evenings, and Saturdays. Potential for additional hours on Sunday exists. Some flexibility is preferred.

Duties:

Perform custodial duties throughout our building to maintain overall cleanliness and appearance:

Closing and securing the library after hours
Vacuum floors, dust furniture and bookshelves, mop floors, collect trash and place in Dumpster
Clean and maintain public and staff restrooms
Empty wastepaper recycling baskets
Perform minor repairs such as replacing lightbulbs
Move boxes of books
Report maintenance issues
Make recommendations for repairs and maintenance
Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
Set up and take down tables and chairs needed for library events
Other custodial duties as assigned

Qualifications:

High School diploma or equivalent
1 year minimum of custodial-related experience. Working knowledge of all custodial tasks, operations and equipment
Ability to work on ladders
Ability to use and operate tools and equipment required to perform custodial tasks
Ability to work independently
Ability to bend, kneel and crouch
Ability to communicate effectively in English, including understanding, speaking, reading and writing is required
Ability to follow written and oral directions
Working knowledge of methods and equipment involved in custodial work
Ability to work as part of a team
Comfortable communicating and working with the public and co-workers.
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license

Salary: Starts at $20/ per hour

Positions Open: June 15th, 2022

Benefits: Paid Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time

Please send applications to Director@starrlibrary.org. Positions open until filled.

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Part time Evening/Saturday Library Manager, Starr Library (Rhinebeck, NY)

Starr Library is searching for someone to fill the position of Evening/Saturday Manager. Incumbent will handle desk duties (circulation, customer service, basic technical help, pulling books for patrons at other libraries, issuing new library cards, some event setup/coordination. Responsible for closing library at end of shift. May assist homebound in ordering materials. Will supervise student employees during these shifts. May work alone at some times. Responsible for managing building in Director’s absence.

Current Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4:00-7:00, Saturday 10:00-4:00. Other shifts as assigned/may become available.

Salary: Starts at $20/ per hour

Position Open: May 15, 2022

Benefits: Paid Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time

Please send applications to Director@starrlibrary.org. Position open until filled.

In the News

Local

Bollywood dancers celebrate Columbia County Holi (Color Day) | Columbia County Libraries | Times Union 3.10.22

Local Library Receives $30k Donation of Books | Newburgh Free Library | Hudson Valley Press 3.9.22

National

Texas Library Association launches coalition to oppose book challenges in schools, public libraries | Kens5 3.9.22

Ukraine's libraries are offering bomb shelters, camouflage classes and, yes, books | NPR 3.9.22

Idaho bill would allow libraries, museums to be prosecuted for disseminating harmful material to minors | KTVB7 3.8.22

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