Vol.22-49 | 12.6.22

Improved Discovery Features in Libby

OverDrive has recently released improved search and discovery features in Libby which will enhance the experience of MHLS patrons who are taking advantage of the Reciprocal Lending Agreement (RLA) agreement with the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS).


If an MHLS patron searches the MHLS collection for a title that has all copies currently checked out, the app will suggest an available UHLS copy when possible. 


In the example below, a search for Braiding Sweetgrass returned the audiobook and eBook editions of this title, which are both part of the MHLS shared collection. All MHLS copies are currently checked out, however, UHLS currently has an eBook edition available to borrow, and Libby immediately suggests borrowing that copy. The library card icon next to each title displays the color scheme of the owning library system, showing the user where it is being borrowed from. Since both systems use similar blue colors on their cards, Libby users may want to enable a lesser-known feature which allows them to customize their card colors for a more noticeable contrast.

The new search enhancement reduces switching between the two catalogs and users will no longer need to search twice for the same title. However, it only works for titles that are included in both the MHLS and UHLS catalogs. Libby does not currently offer the option to simultaneously search across both catalogs to see all titles currently available to them. To discover unique titles that are only available through the UHLS collection and not shared by any MHLS library, patrons will still need to search the UHLS collection individually.


For more information, please visit the OverDrive Resource Center


Please note that OverDrive's documentation refers to additional features that allow patrons to place their hold on the copy available soonest from either library system. The RLA between MHLS and UHLS only allows holds to be placed in the home library system, so these features do not apply to our patrons.


View the guide on adding the UHLS collection to the Libby App.


If you have further questions, please contact MHLS OverDrive Coordinator, Nina Acosta at nacosta@midhudson.org

MHLS Announcements

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 "w - MHLS staff suppress", simply keeps them from displaying in the public catalog.  

MHLS Libraries

The following was submitted by Gabrielle Esposito, Head of Adult Services and Technology at Howland Public Library. Gabrielle was one of five recipients of the 2022 New York Library Association (NYLA) Conference Scholarship from the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS).


'A community is nothing more than a group of people who share a fellowship around common goals and interests. It is the goals and interests of a group that make a community special. The community that attended NYLA consisted of new, seasoned, and retired librarians; it consisted of board members and trustees, and it consisted of invested authors like Laurie Halse Anderson, who delivered a speech about intellectual freedom that made every community member stand up and clap. 


There is no doubt that the presentations I attended gave career-changing advice. In “Project Management for Small Libraries,” I gained the tools to think critically about planning a program: materials and people needed, time, and execution. From this same presentation, I wrote, “Make it a little bit better,” which I take to mean: Do everything a little bit better until it is your best. In Carrie Banks’ presentation, “Beyond Ramps: Serving People with Disabilities,” she discusses how the same story can be presented in different ways so that people so that people of all different capabilities can share a story as well-known as The Very Hungry Caterpillar. But the thing that made the most incredible impact was seeing how many people showed up to represent the library community. And this is only a fraction of the members who are working hard across New York State to uphold the core values that bind our communities. 


At NYLA, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful members of the community that had, before then, been out of reach. I attended the conference with Howland Public Library’s newly appointed Assistant Director, Kristin Charles-Scaringi. In the lobby of Saratoga Hilton, she introduced me to Rebekkah Smith-Aldrich, whose name is known by every librarian in the Mid-Hudson Library System. Rebekkah said that it was lovely to meet me in-person and asked if I was going to get a tattoo. During the “Transformative Conversations in Hiring for Diversity” luncheon, I met two wonderful librarians from Buffalo, who were attending NYLA for the first time in ten years; they smiled the entire time they ate their lunch. On Saturday, I sat next to a board member who joined me in standing for Laurie Halse Anderson. 


The community that NYLA brings together each year is ever present. When we are not passing each other to attend a presentation put on by our peers, we are working diligently in our libraries. We are working for a community or a school that is united simply by location. The most striking detail of the 2022 NYLA Trade Show and Conference was realizing that our community is one that is strong enough to withstand when it is apart, and even stronger when it's together.


The NYLA Conference Scholarship from MHLS helps provide new library directors and new library staff with the opportunity to attend the annual NYLA Conference by matching funds provided by the library to underwrite conference attendance." 


Articles from all our scholarship recipients will be published in the MHLS Bulletin over the next few weeks! 

Resource Sharing & Sierra

There is still time to register for Circulation 101 on December 14th at 12:30pm. In this brief lunchtime webinar, MHLS staff will cover the essentials for working at the circulation desk of any member library. This workshop is designed for new member library staff, but all are welcome.  

Sustainable Libraries

Citation for Wellness in the Workplace Award



Recognizing libraries that go above and beyond in meeting the wellness needs of their staff, the SustainRT Citation for Wellness in the Workplace award recognizes exemplary efforts in continuing education, wellness, positive work environment, unions, salaries, gender equity, pay equity initiatives, and other activities designed to improve the salaries and status of librarians and other library workers.

Learn more on their webpage


Nomination forms are due by February 15th, 2023. 

SustainRT, the sustainability round table of the American Library Association (ALA), is seeking nominees to stand for Spring 2023 election for the roles of Coordinator-Elect and Member-at-Large. If you see a sustainable future with libraries leading the way, a leadership position in SustainRT offers a remarkable way for you to realize that vision. As one of the fastest growing roundtables in ALA, SustainRT is currently working on multiple initiatives as part of a strategic plan that challenges and supports ALA, our profession, our own libraries, and ourselves to live and work in more sustainable ways. Nominees must be a member of ALA and SustainRT to run for office. Nomination forms are due by December 15th, 2022. Contact Past-Coordinator Lisa Kropp for the nomination form or any questions. 

Reference & Collection Development

Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Application Now Open!

Three Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are given annually - two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grants will provide support to two libraries that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs and one Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provide support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative. These Grants will support two categorical grants that will encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium. 


Find more information about the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries, including an FAQ for grant applicants here, https://www.ala.org/rt/gncrt/eisner 


Deadline for applications is February 12, 2023. All applicants must be current members of the American Library Association (ALA) in good standing at the time of application (personal or organizational).

Trustee Resources

Trustee Tip of the Month: New York State Minimum Standards for Libraries requires every library to issue an annual report to the community. For helpful information to meet this standard, visit the New York State Library’s “Helpful Information for Meeting Minimum Public Library Standards” page. For examples of other libraries annual reports to the community, visit the “Getting the Word Out” tab of the Mid-Hudson Library System’s “Marketing & Public Relations” page.


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.

Administration & Management

National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) will host a webinar on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Outreach Grant on December 7th at 1:00 pm. They will give an overview of eligibility, the application process, and how to prepare and submit the application. The FCC will also join in for a Q&A session. Please register for this webinar in advance of the session.

 

To make the most of the Q&A session, please review these resources prior to the session:

 

Note: The FCC cannot comment on specific aspects of your own application or what you plan to include, as this is a competitive grant program, and they must ensure they don’t give some applicants an advantage over others. However, they can clarify grant program rules and requirements issued in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Job Openings

Children’s Librarian / Programmer, Saugerties Public Library

The Saugerties Public Library, in Ulster County, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Children’s Librarian / Programmer for a full time position. This position is for a 35 hour work week, Monday through Friday, or Saturdays for special events. An MLS or MSIS is preferred. Experience in education, theater or event production are also appropriate for this position.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Provides direct assistance to patrons of all ages seeking information, guidance, and reader’s advisory
  • Requires a good knowledge of children’s literature and an understanding of early literacy concepts
  • Performs Collection Development for the children and juvenile sections
  • Must be able to create and execute engaging programs for children aged 0-12 including the Summer Reading Program
  • Assigns and reviews the work of subordinates
  • Enforces library rules and regulations to maintain a calm and pleasant room atmosphere
  • Prepares and posts publicity related to program offerings
  • Conducts school visits to promote Library services and programs
  • Maintains youth services statistics
  • Attends meetings, workshops, and conferences as requested
  • Must possess excellent communication skills to successfully engage with children, teens and adults of various age levels and ethnicities

 

Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Information Science / Library Science, or a Bachelor’s degree, or graduation from high school with 4 years of library experience. This is a Civil Service Competitive position, and will be filled on a provisional basis pending the results of a Civil Service examination.

Salary: $41,000 - $47,500 depending on experience and Civil Service qualifications

 

The Saugerties Public Library offers New York State Retirement, health insurance, vacation, sick, holiday and personal days. Résumé review begins immediately.


Interested candidates please email your résumé, cover letter and three professional references to the Library Director, Jennifer Russell, at director@saugertiespubliclibrary.org

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Manager, Putnam Valley Library

Part Time: Hours Flexible

Reports To: Library Director

Pay: $16-$19 per hour depending on experience 

General Description: The Business Manager is responsible for a variety of administrative, bookkeeping and secretarial duties including payroll data entry and processing monthly bills. 


Major Duties and Responsibilities (to include, but not limited to):

  • Processes the biweekly payroll. Enters new hires with payroll company and trains employees on its use. Primarily responsible for all payroll records within the payroll software, and serves as point-of-contact with HR Company.
  • Responsible for the payment of bills and oversees accounts payable. Acts as a liaison to the Library’s accountant and works with vendors to handle discrepancies in invoices.
  • Responsible for maintaining personnel files and communicating with Ethan Allen (our HR Company) as well as being the liaison between Ethan Allen and the employee. Completes all necessary employee termination paperwork.
  • Coordinates cash handling and cash register procedures. Maintains Square Register and maintains the Square Reports. Makes weekly bank deposits.
  • Records and acknowledges donations with thank you correspondence.
  • Orders supplies for the library (and may pick up supplies at local businesses). 
  • Opens mail and distributes to appropriate departments
  • Maintain the website for the Library, including weekly postings of programs and emergency closings. 
  • Liaison with any contractors or repairmen when needed for work to the Library facility in conjunction with the Director. Responsible for obtaining quotes from competing contractors or repairmen for the Board to review and approval.  
  • Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines and voice mail systems.
  • Occasionally answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
  • Communicate with vendors, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
  • Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Necessary Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Working knowledge of Windows operating system.
  • Knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to learn new technology and software.
  • Knowledge of business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and filing.Ability to exercise tact and decisiveness in a pleasant manner when dealing with others.Ability to exercise initiative and make independent decisions.
  • Ability to make appropriate judgments and prioritize the use of time and available resources in meeting the goals of the department and the library.
  • Ability to organize work and maintain good working relationships with others


To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to: director@putnamvalleylibrary.org 


MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community. 

In the News

Local



National


MHLS Calendar


Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube