REMINDER: In the third week of June the MHLS cataloging department will suppress all items that have a status of 'Lost & Paid', 'Discard' or 'Claims Returned', which have not been updated for 3 months. The items will not be deleted. Changing the annual report code to "w - MHLS staff suppress", simply keeps them from displaying in the public catalog.

Assemblymember Didi Barrett recently visited the New Lebanon Library, where patrons can check out a Ukulele for up to two weeks at a time. “Check out a Uke! Just like a book, but noisier.”

Power Up: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers & Staff wants is seeking program proposals for Power Up 2024 to be held March 21-22, 2024, in Madison, WI. Every selected session will receive one complimentary conference registration. 

Power Up brings together youth services librarians and staff from public libraries, schools, after-school programs, museums, and other community partners from across the country.

For consideration please submit your program proposal by August 6th, 2023. 

There is still time to register for the 30 minute OverDrive Marketplace Refresher on Friday, June 23rd at 10:30 am. This session is presented by MHLS OverDrive coordinator, Nina Acosta. It is intended for library staff who are already familiar with the Marketplace and want to make sure they are getting the most out of their library’s advantage account. It offers a quick refresher on the various Marketplace features, as well as several updates on recent changes. 

MHLS Data Operations Supervisor, Nina Acosta, has put together a curated collection of eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive to focus on Pride Month. The Rainbow Books Month collection is pinned to the front page of https://mhls.overdrive.com/ and will be up throughout June to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.  

On Wednesday, June 14th at 2:00 pm Niche Academy invites you to The Fight Against Book Bans: How do we Move Forward? In this free presentation, Shannon Oltmann will refresh our understanding of intellectual freedom, explore the rise in book challenges, consider how to respond to challenges, and draw on the experiences and perspectives of other library professionals. 

If you're interested but not able to attend the live webinar, go ahead and register and you will be sent access to the recording after the event.

Trustee Tip of the Month: Board packets should be distributed a week in advance of a board meeting to give all trustees enough time to review reports and consider items on the agenda for discussion. Any document planned to be discussed at a board meeting must be posted to the library’s web site no later than 24 hours in advance of the meeting, as per New York State Open Meetings Law. 

Trustee responsibilities are small in number but broad in scope. This monthly Bulletin feature is designed to remind, reinforce or introduce tips that are helpful to member library trustees. 

The New Directors Forum will take place after the Directors Association Meeting on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, at 12:00 pm. The topic for this session is: Statistical Reports for You and Your Board, presented by Laurie Shedrick, Assistant Director & Technology Operations Manager. This event is recommended for library directors that have been in their position for 3 years or less.

Join us in-person in the MHLS Auditorium for an informal gathering of New Directors to discuss relevant topics related to finding your path as a new director. Reporting statistical information can tell the story of your library. The story is yours to tell. This session will lay the foundation to get you thinking about what you are reporting and how to report it efficiently and powerfully using the data created in the Sierra system and electronic resources. A panel of seasoned directors will be on hand to provide first hand advice in forming the narrative and we will follow that through with the reports that provide the data you need. For more information and to register, please visit the MHLS Calendar.

Financial Manager & Personnel Officer, Mid-Hudson Library System

The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as our Financial Manager & Personnel Officer. This position reports to the Executive Director and directs the organization’s financial planning, banking, and government reporting; serves as the personnel officer; and manages general business office activities.

The person who is right for this position will have a commitment to fiscal integrity; experience in budget development, financial forecasting, knowledge of accounting principles and payroll practices; human resources management skills, including the administration of benefits and personnel policies. This position requires excellent communication skills; professionalism; the ability to problem solve and work within deadlines; to have a strong attention to detail; and the ability to be flexible.

A BA or BS degree in accounting, or equivalent, with five years related experience and/or training is required. Human Resources (HR) management certification is preferred, although not required.

MHLS is located in the city of Poughkeepsie and provides services to 66 member libraries across five counties. Our regular work week is Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The hiring salary for this full-time position will be between $80,000-$95,000, dependent on experience, with excellent benefits including New York State retirement, medical and dental insurance, and paid vacation and sick leave.

The full job description can be found at https://midhudson.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Financial-Manager-Personnel-Officer_May2023.pdf 

To apply please submit a cover letter and resume to rsmith@midhudson.org. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

MHLS Calendar