MHLS EDI in Libraries Series |
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As part of Mid-Hudson Library System’s ongoing commitment to working with our member libraries to assist in the development of more inclusive collections and programs we are excited to offer two new sessions in our MHLS EDI in Libraries Series. MHLS is committed to working with member libraries to create space for discussion, self-reflection, and resources to aid in the development of more inclusive collections, programs, and partnerships with an overarching goal to build empathy, respect and understanding among neighbors, to activate civic engagement, and to build community resilience that will authentically uphold our core values of diversity, democracy, and social responsibility.
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NYS Talking Book and Braille Library Informational Session | April 28th | 2:00 -3:00 pm | Register
Join us for an online informational session with the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library (TBBL) Director, Shawn Lemieux. The program will include an overview of available services, share recent updates to the program and discuss why it is important to register your organization with the TBBL. This session is open to all member library directors and staff no matter your registration status with TBBL.
Learn how to connect readers who have a visual, physical, or reading disability to audio, Braille, and electronic resources. All services are free of charge. Materials can be instantly downloaded through the BARD website or mobile app or mailed through the USPS. TBBL lends digital talking book machines, audio book cartridges with multiple titles, print braille and braille books and refers patrons to other free services as well as provide outreach materials.
If you would like to send a question in advance of the event, please email your question to
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From Diversity to Inclusion: How to Audit Your Collection and Why | May 19th | 2:00 -3:30 pm | Register
Presented by Kymberlee Powe, Children and YA Consultant with the Connecticut State Library.
In this presentation attendees will learn what a diversity audit is, why we should audit our collections, why the structure of the publishing industry may make it difficult to cultivate inclusivity, and most importantly, why it’s important to not stop at diversity, but to make sure that our collections are inclusive as well. We’ll look into the logistics of performing these audits, then you’ll be given some resources to help you identify inclusive titles. Because Kym is a youth consultant many of the examples and titles will fall into the youth category, but the principles are scalable to any collection.
Kymberlee Powe has been working in libraries for fourteen years and specializes in youth services. Kym is currently the Children and YA Consultant with the Connecticut State Library and was recently awarded the inaugural Judy Burroughs award by the Connecticut Crossroads Project, an award given to people whose skills and talents have a positive effect on the greater Connecticut Community.
If you are unable to attend but would like to receive the recording and resources from the program, please register for the event.
For questions about these programs, contact MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kerstin Cruger.
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REMINDER: MHLS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources Page curated by MHLS staff provides links to resources to help library administrators and boards develop a lens through which to make governance and management decisions as well as to help staff when designing services, programs, and seeking partnership opportunities. |
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The Poughkeepsie Public Library District opened their new branch, Sadie Peterson Delaney African Roots Library on April 9th. Their collection is now live so you will see this new location in your search results, pop up screens, drop down menus and transit slips (location prefix: SPD). You will notice that the name is shortened within Sierra and on our transit slip, where a large font on one line at the top of the slip facilitates sorting. The MHLS van should be the indicator that this is a “Transit Slip”. There is no need for member libraries to Forward Sort items for this new branch library for the time being, all SPD items will be returning to MHLS, and Adriance Memorial Library will be delivering them to SPD. |
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Books from the Henry Z. Jones Jr. Collection
As part of a collaboration between the Germantown Library, the New York Chapter of Palatines to America, and the Germantown History Department, the research collection of noted genealogist and author, Henry Z. Jones Jr. which includes books, periodicals, files, and correspondence he has amassed over six decades of researching the Palatines will be available to the public at the Germantown Library.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Register now for Sierra Data Entry: How brief is too brief? on April 25th at 10:00 am. This webinar is intended for any staff responsible for entering brief bibliographic or item records into Sierra. It will focus on the information to include in each field, and how that information may differ depending on the type of material being cataloged. |
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There is still time to register for the latest program in the MHLS Library Sustainability Series: Esports in Libraries on April 21st at 1:00 pm. This online session will include presentations from Lindsay Cesari, School Librarian and Esports Coach, Baldwinsville Central Schools and Amy Smith, Head of Programs & Youth Services, Red Hook Public Library and facilitated by MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator Casey Conlin. There will also be time for questions and answers at this session.
Running an esports team might seem daunting for library staff that don’t play video games, but you don’t need to be a gamer to run a successful program. Library staff already possess the skill set needed to get an esports team up and running. This session will show you how!
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The Library Trustees Association Section (LTAS) of NYLA is presenting the 2022 Velma K. Moore Award to any individual or group of individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the development of library services in New York State. This annual Award was originally established in 1962 with a gift from the Moore family. The $1,500 Award will be given to the recipient’s library or system of choice at the 2022 NYLA Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. Nominees may include trustees, a community member, library boards, or any individual or group who supports libraries. Nominations can be made by anyone in the library community. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, May 31st, 2022. Further criteria and submission information can be found here. |
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Administration & Management |
The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking 10 librarian advisors for Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Accessible Small and Rural Communities. ALA will select ten project advisors to participate in this project during a two-year term (June 1st, 2022 – May 31st, 2024).
As a practitioner-focused initiative, participation and feedback from advisors will be crucial to the success of this project. Advisors will be selected for their experience with community engagement, disability services, and developing local programs for public audiences. Work experience in a library is required; an MLIS is preferred but not required. Advisors must have an individual membership with either the American Library Association OR the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.
Learn more about the project and access the application here. Submissions are due by May 2nd, 2022. |
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Library clerk (part-time), Blodgett Memorial Library (Fishkill)
The work involves the performance of routine library clerical duties necessary for the proper organization and distribution of library materials. Although detailed instructions are given for new assignments, and practices are usually definitely fixed, employees must be able to exercise independent judgment in applying them to specific cases. The work is performed under direct supervision of higher-level clerks or Librarians. This position may supervise pages and volunteers.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: The following is indicative of the level and types of activities performed by positions in this title. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not preclude a supervisor from assigning activities not listed which could reasonably be expected to be performed by an employee in this title.
- Arranges or files materials according to library filing rules;
- Performs routine searches of and updates to computer records;
- Opens and sorts library materials including audio visual materials;
- Issues borrowers cards according to library procedures;
- Performs routine circulation, reserve and overdue functions;
- Makes and checks routine arithmetic computations;
- Operates office machinery such as photocopiers, fax machines or computers;
- Answers the telephone and takes messages;
- Calls patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials;
- Types cards, lists, labels, or short entries on forms.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment as applied to library clerical work; Knowledge of business arithmetic and English; Knowledge of library filing and shelving rules; Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; Ability to operate an alphanumeric keyboard such as typewriter, terminal, or personal computer accurately- -skilled typing is not necessary; Ability to get along well with others; Personal characteristics necessary to perform the duties of the position; Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. NOTE: Work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis in lieu of a high school diploma up to a maximum of two years. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Candidate must indicate keyboarding ability, i.e. courses in typing or keyboarding work experience.
HOURS AND SALARY:
Maximum 20 hours. Salary $18/hour
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Adult Programming Librarian, Desmond-Fish Public Library
General Description: The Adult Programming Librarian is primarily responsible for developing, coordinating, advertising, conducting, and evaluating programs for adults. This position often involves collaboration with the Children’s Librarian and other staff, community partners, and MHLS member libraries.
Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Library Director.
Essential Functions:
- Creates and implements a regular and diverse schedule of adult programs and special events that meet the needs of the Philipstown community.
- Researches, contacts, and negotiates with potential program presenters.
- Sets up program space in person and virtual as needed, attends programs (or arranges for a host), and assists presenters as needed. · Straightens up program space following all programs or arranges clean-up as needed.
- Maintains currency of knowledge of library and programming trends. Participates in professional groups, listservs, and other opportunities for learning and networking.
- Actively seeks and utilizes feedback, ideas, and recommendations from staff, patrons, community members, and others regarding Adult Programming.
Marketing:
- Coordinates with Social Media Coordinator/Digital Services Librarian to create effective print and online marketing materials.
- Helps create content for the Library’s social media accounts.
- Engages community partners, patrons, and staff in the promotion of library programs through outreach, publicity, and displays.
- Represents the Library at community or professional meetings, as needed.
Administration:
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date statistics for programs.
- Provides program summary and evaluation reports as requested.
- Manages programming budget, contracts, invoices, receipts.
- Keeps online program calendar up to date
- Distributes promotional materials and press releases as appropriate
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills. ·
- 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 work collaboratively and positively in a team environment.
- Ability to represent the library in a professional manner.
- Familiarity with social media and outreach platforms
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 2+ years of relevant experience including planning and presenting programs, events, and exhibits.
- Or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience that will provide the required knowledge and skills.
Hours and Salary:
35 hours per week. Flexible scheduling with some evenings and weekends required depending on program needs. Up to per hour $25/hr, plus benefits, generous PTO, and 403B retirement plan.
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Library clerk (part-time), Pawling Library
The Pawling Library is looking for a part-time clerk to join our team by working at the circulation desk. This position will work every Sunday 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM and alternating Tuesdays 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
This job requires attention to detail, ability to work independently and with others, multi-tasking, and most importantly strong customer service skills.
The library clerk performs the following functions:
- All circulation duties: included but not limited to checking items in and out, pulling holds, processing materials, registering patrons, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance.
- Provides information to the public on library policies and procedures.
- Performs routine searches and updates of computer records.
- Contacts patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials.
- Provides reference and readers advisory when needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the library director.
We are looking for a candidate with the following skills:
- Interest in library materials (such as books, movies, and video games) and library events.
- A large degree of comfort with technology.
- Ability to answer questions about the library.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Position: Part-Time: 12 hours per biweekly pay period
Pay: $13.25 - $16.25/hr, depending on experience
Benefits: Part-time employees accrue paid time off in proportion to their hours worked.
Deadline to apply: Thursday April 21st, 2022.
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