The Roe Jan Library had a visit recently from the Nutty Scientists of the Hudson Valley. The participants of this event crafted their own sailboats and raced them together!

Join Niche Academy and Emily Knox, associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for Understanding Intellectual Freedom and Censorship on Wednesday, August 2nd at 2:00 pm. In this free webinar on intellectual freedom and censorship Emily will provide an overview of one of the core values of librarianship, intellectual freedom, including the history of the right to access information, the right to freedom of expression, and how censorship intersects with these values.

At the June 13th Directors Association meeting the following updates to the Resource Sharing Standards were approved. To review the entirety of the action item, see the June 2023 Agenda item attachment. The Resource Sharing Standard document reflects these changes.

Holds / 4. Copies to Holds Recommended Purchasing, Section B (Action item# 4 June 2023 Agenda item attachment)

B. Local hold items and Lucky Day copies can be added only after a first copy is purchased to be made available system-wide. All items for which there is not already an exception in the MHLS Direct Access Plan, regardless of hold status, must be made available to any MHLS card holder on site. ~Approved by Directors Association 1/8/13 & updated 2/9/2023

Data Entry / 7. Uncorrected Proofs, Bootleg, Unauthorized Materials, or Restricted Use Materials, Sections A&B (Action item# 3 June 2023 Agenda item attachment)

MHLS supports copyright an intellectual property law. In the event that the following copies are found in the shared database, the bibliographic record will be suppressed by the MHLS Catalog department, and the library or libraries with attached items will be notified to remove these items. The bibliographic record would then be removed. 

• Uncorrected proofs and screening copies are not permitted in the shared catalog because they are not in their release form, are not intended to be distributed to the public, and carry the same ISBN as their trade counterparts. 
• Bootleg and unauthorized material are not permitted in the shared catalog.

Has a community partner made a difference by collaborating with your public library? The I Partner With My Public Library Award invites you to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public library partners. Each year, up to 10 partners are honored at a ceremony held in their honor. This award exists to publicly celebrate those individuals, businesses, and organizations that make a difference by teaming up with public libraries. The I Partner With My Library Award will shine a light on positive things happening through library–community collaborations.

Any public library partner, anywhere in the world is eligible. Nominations will be accepted through the end of August 2023. Access the Nomination Form or view more information about the award.

FY2024 Inflation and Allowable Levy Growth: Property tax levy growth for libraries with fiscal years that close on December 31st will be capped at 2% for the 2024 fiscal year, according to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. All libraries that have their own board and their own budget vote – even if you did hold a vote/don’t plan to hold a vote in 2023 for FY 2024 - are required to file the online “tax cap form” the NYS Office of the State Comptroller by the end of the year. A reminder that any override of the cap must be accompanied by a cap override resolution passed by a super majority of the library’s board of trustees prior to the adoption of the 2024 budget.

A primer on the Tax Cap for libraries is available for permanent viewing in the Library Sustainability Academy on MHLS' Training on Demand platform. If your library is not enrolled in Training on Demand, you can access the recording at: http://bit.ly/2ceMNlO.  

Library Clerk (2 positions available), Catskill Public Library

Catskill Public Library is looking for candidates who enjoy interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds in a fun and friendly environment. You should be comfortable using Apple products, Microsoft software and Google workspace. 

This is a Provisional Civil Service position. Salary will range from $15.10-$16.25 depending on experience. Training and some benefits are provided.

A candidate must have a high school diploma or the equivalent and show proof of Covid vaccination.

Hours include days, evenings, and alternating Saturdays (10am-2pm), totaling approximately 20 hours per week.

Please send cover letter and resume to director@catskillpubliclibrary.org.

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Library Assistant, Red Hook Public Library

The Red Hook Public Library in Red Hook, NY seeks an enthusiastic and collaborative professional to join our growing team as a Library Assistant, serving internally as the Library Assistant Manager. Reporting to the Library Manager, the Library Assistant will serve as an essential part of our vibrant community and is responsible for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for our patrons and staff, assisting the manager with administrative duties, helping coordinate library programming and outreach, overseeing the library’s children’s and YA collection development, and recruiting and managing volunteers.

View the complete job description.

Compensation: $22-$24/hour depending on experience and includes health benefits, vacation, and sick days. Retirement benefits are available after a 6-month probationary period.

Instructions to Applicants: Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references no later than August 2, 2023, to: director@redhooklibrary.org. In the subject line, please include “Library Assistant (Manager) Position.”

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Material Handler (part-time), Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, NY

The Mid-Hudson Library System is seeking a part-time Material Handler for 10 to 12 hours per week and additional hours when needed. Requirements of the position include but are not limited to, organizing delivery operations area, unloading boxes from delivery vans, sorting library materials to appropriate bins, strong attention to detail, ability to follow directions, work within a team environment, meet the physical demands of the position such as being on your feet, walking, bending, crouching, using hands, reaching, and ability to lift 50lbs. Position is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and as needed on Tuesday and Thursday to cover for other staff with hours beginning between 9:45am and 10:30am to mid-afternoon. Hourly wage is $18.32/hr. Paid holidays and vacation time. Send up-to-date resume and three employment references to delivery@midhudson.org or US mail to Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Attn: Delivery Operations Manager. No phone calls please.

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Financial Assistant (full-time), Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, NY

Provides support and assistance to and acts in the absence of the Finance Manager through all stages of the accounting cycle, along with overall budget support. Applies principles of accounting in compiling, preparing and processing financial data. Prepares and processes payroll data, purchases and invoices. Provides support to MHLS staff, Correctional Facility Librarians, and Member Library staff. Performs general office and other duties.

Education and/or Experience: A minimum of an Associate in Accounting or Business degree or equivalent from two-year College or technical school and two years related experience or, Bachelor’s Degree or currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree Program. Must have accounting and payroll experience. 

Salary: $42,500- $50,000

View the full job description. 

MHLS offers a strong benefits package including PTO, paid holidays, 403B plan, professional development opportunities, access to the NYS Local Retirement System and an Employee Assistance Program.

To apply: Please email your résumé and cover letter to MHLS Financial Manager & Personnel Officer, James Coyle, jcoyle@midhudson.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. 

Local

• Petitions for Saugerties Public Library trustee candidates available | Daily Freeman | 7.14.23

National

• Barack Obama Extends Support to American Librarians in an Open Letter | iLoveLibraries | 7.17.23

• Obama slams book bans, says librarians are "on front lines" | Axios | 7.17.23

• Montana State Library withdraws from national library group over president's 'Marxist lesbian' comment | AOL | 7.13.23

• Campaign to restock Pride displays at San Diego libraries, patrons say they won't return books | CBS8 | 6.30.2

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