After a very long year for MHLS during which the state withheld a large portion of our operating funds to manage state finances during the pandemic, the MHLS Board is now in a position to lift the partial hiring freeze we were operating under to manage that uncertain financial chapter in our history’s organization. Our goal is to “build back better!”
To this end, the MHLS staff have used this unusual and unprecedented time to conduct an analysis of existing job descriptions, assess current staff skills, and imagine what will be needed to meet the needs of members as we move into our next five-year plan of service.
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We are pleased to announce the promotion of Kerstin Cruger to the position of Outreach & Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Specialist. Kerstin has served MHLS for twenty years, starting as a Youth Services Assistant and ultimately supporting the Library Sustainability Team through her long-time role as Library Sustainability Associate and Communications Specialist. Kerstin has helped to create and lead numerous ground-breaking projects at MHLS over the years including the Essential Documents Inventory Project, “10 Things,” and Turning Outward, our very popular cohort program to assist member libraries in collecting community input to inform strategic planning efforts. Kerstin’s new role will mean she shifts her attention to state-mandated programs such as Coordinated Outreach, Family and Early Literacy, Correctional Facilities, and she will bring focus to new programs that demonstrate MHLS’ commitment to ensuring library services are equitable, respect the diversity of our communities, and are inclusive.
We have reconfigured job duties on the Technology Operations Team which will build the capacity of this team. This should mean the same great service members have come to expect and enjoy and it will mean:
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A shift in duties for Nina Acosta, she is moving into a position called the Data Operations Supervisor which will still have her leading our cataloging team and our deployment of OverDrive as well as allow her to spend time researching and developing improved processes and procedures to optimize services, workflows, analytics and reporting in areas where data is concerned.
- The creation of a new position, advertised below, to build the capacity of the Technology Operations Team, called the Technology Operations Support Specialist.
In related news, Tara Stohr, our long-time Interlibrary Loan / Cataloging Specialist has announced her resignation from MHLS to move out-of-state with her family. While she will still be helping out for the next three months, we wanted to explain why you see her job advertised below. Tara is a valuable member of the MHLS team, bringing professionalism, good humor, and excellent customer service to our members. She will be greatly missed not only because of the important work she has done for the organization during her tenure, but because of the human touch and empathy she brings to the workplace.
We are very pleased to announce that we have four positions to advertise! We are looking for customer-service oriented team players who like to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve every day.
MHLS is a cooperative public library system, chartered by the NYS Board of Regents, that provides services to its sixty-six (66) member libraries. Governed by a 15-member board elected by the membership, MHLS provides services in two primary categories to strengthen library service across a five-county region: resource sharing and library sustainability. The current open positions range across three of our teams: Technology Operations, Library Sustainability, and Administration.
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Technology Operations (2 positions)
Technology Operations Support Specialist (full-time)
This position’s responsibilities include providing telephone, email, web-based and on-site support to member libraries in areas of technology related to the Integrated Library System (ILS), eResources and System supported services. This position’s responsibilities include assisting in the regular maintenance and support of the ILS, eResources and various initiatives led by the MHLS Technology Operations Team.
Strong candidates for this position should be fluent in Library ILS services and support (preferably Innovative Sierra), a dynamic critical thinker, and someone who would be an asset to the team providing support for library technology across the Hudson Valley. Candidates must demonstrate significant experience working with library software, producing reports and independent task management. Candidates should also embrace the ability to share ideas and support the work of others. Clear communication and skills in instruction are a must.
- Critical skills: customer service, technology-aware, Sierra background, critical thinking, data management, query skills.
- Key qualities: Passionate, shows initiative, curious, team player, able to manage time and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or two (2) years related experience and/or training.
- Salary: $40,000-$45,000
- To read the full job description please click here.
Interlibrary Loan / Cataloging Specialist (full-time)
This position’s responsibilities include cataloging, management of interlibrary loan activities, support of correctional facility libraries, and general ILS and Technology Operations Team support.
Strong candidates for this position are customer service oriented and are a strong team player. An understanding of MARC based cataloging is desired as is experience with the Innovative Sierra ILS. The successful candidate will require time management abilities as well as excellent communication skills.
- Critical skills: customer service, cataloging, MARC, OCLC
- Key qualities: organized, attention to detail, strong task management
- Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree preferred and two (2) years related experience and/or training
- Salary: $40,000-$45,000
- To read the full job description please click here.
Library Sustainability (1 position)
Library Sustainability Associate (full-time)
This position coordinates and manages an integrated communication system that keeps system stakeholders connected. The person in this role assists the Library Sustainability Coordinator and Outreach & EDI Specialist in the areas of Awareness & Advocacy, Consulting & Development and Professional Development/Continuing Education for library directors, staff, trustees, and Friends Groups.
Strong candidates for this position are customer-service focused, enjoy working in a team environment, have a strong background in writing and social media, and are adaptable. Candidates should also embrace the ability to share ideas and support the work of others. Clear communication skills are a must.
- Critical skills: customer service, strong written communication skills, attention to detail, engaging with communities via social media, MS Office products, Canva, image editing software, WordPress
- Key qualities: adaptable, analytical, able to manage time and tasks in a fast-paced environment, sense of humor, and a good problem solver
- Educational Requirements: Associate degree or two (2) years related experience and/or training
- Salary: $40,000-$45,000
- To read the full job description please click here.
Administration (1 position)
Administrative Associate (part-time)
This position provides assistance to the executive director by coordinating activities related to the MHLS Board of Trustees and Directors Association; supports finance operations; special events planning; maintenance of member information; and assistance with general office duties.
Strong candidates for this position are committed to good customer service, have a strong background with Microsoft Office products, are good writers and communicators, are highly organized, and enjoy working in a team environment.
- Critical skills: customer service, MS Office products, strong written and verbal communication, detail oriented
- Key qualities: organized, team player, problem solver, able to manage time and tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Educational Requirements: Two (2) years of experience as an administrative assistant or four (4) years of office administration experience
- Salary: $25/hour
- To read the full job description please click here.
MHLS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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, and, for full-time positions, medical insurance.
To apply:
- Please email your résumé and a cover letter specific to the position you are applying for to the MHLS Finance Manager & Personnel Officer, Saran Camara at scamara@midhudson.org.
- Positions are open until filled with the first evaluation of applicants starting on Friday, June 25th.
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MHLS will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored. |
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The Columbia County Libraries Association has launched a new, shared museum pass program and reservation system, thanks to a generous grant from the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation. This new reservation system and shared passes are available to all Columbia County residents. Passes may be reserved up to thirty days in advance and can be printed from home or at the library. Destinations include the Trevor Zoo in Millbrook, Opus 40, the Storm King Art Center, Mass MoCA, the Clark Institute and many others. They also have a new logo! |
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We still have spots available for “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”: The Intersection of Intellectual Freedom & Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Friday, June 4th at 10:00 am. This online event is sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Library System and Southern Adirondack Library System and features Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom & Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation and Dr. Emily Knox, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Associate Professor of School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign discussing the intersection of intellectual freedom and issues surrounding equity, diversity and inclusion as they pertain to library work, in particular, collection development.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
Register today for Circulation 101 with Laurie Shedrick, MHLS Assistant Director/Technology Operations Manager on Tuesday, June 8 th at noon. This workshop is intended for any new staff or perhaps experienced staff wondering if there are more efficient ways to do things while covering the circ desk. |
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There is still time to register for An Introduction to the Clean Energy for Anchor Institutions Program taking place on Thursday, May 27th at 2:00 pm with Joe Morris, Senior Organizer for the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation and MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. Attend this webinar to learn if plans you have for your facility would make you a good candidate to join this initiative. Ideal candidates are facilities with:
- Oil-burning heating systems, or aging or poorly functioning gas systems, and/or
- Potential for solar installations on rooftops, parking lots, or adjacent properties.
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Grant Opportunity: Expanding Access to Summer Meals. No Kid Hungry New York is announcing a grant opportunity to support New York school districts and community organizations in expanding access to summer meals programs in Summer 2021. This grant will provide funding to school districts and community organizations across New York with a focus on those implementing the Summer Food Service Program, Seamless Summer Option, and other emergency summer meal programs. More information, including the link to apply, can be found here. The deadline to apply is May 28th, 2021.
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Reference & Collection Development |
Access to Ancestry Library Edition has been temporarily expanded to library cardholders working remotely, courtesy of ProQuest and its partner Ancestry. Remote access will be available until September 30th, 2021 and will continue to be re-evaluated. If you wish to provide access on your website or send information in newsletters, please use the link provided below. Patrons must have a valid (not expired) library card with any MHLS ptype in place to log in with their library card and pin.
MHLS Member URL:
https://midhudsonlibraries.org/wamvalidate?url=https://ancestrylibrary.proquest.com/aleweb/ale/do/login/refurl
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The Empire State Center for the Book will hold its 11th Annual Induction of the New York State (NYS) Writers Hall of Fame on Tuesday, June 8th at 7:00 pm with Master-of-Ceremonies, television journalist Roma Torre. Noted writers Edwidge Danticat, Andrea Davis Pinkney, Lore Segal, and Garry Trudeau are among the seven members of the 2020-2021 Class of Inductees for the NYS Writers Hall of Fame. The cost of this online event is $5.00. Register or learn more about the inductees. |
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Next up in the online MHLS Trustee Education Series is Financial & Fiduciary Responsibility on Tuesday, June 8th at 10:00 am with MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. This intermediate-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year.
Library boards are trusted with public and private funds to provide quality library service to their community. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront as a board makes decisions pertaining to the library’s finances. This course will focus on the financial and fiduciary responsibility involved with:
- The library’s budget
- Library funding
- Financial policies
- Reports to the board
- External audits
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Administration & Management |
Attention Member Library Directors: Please remember to register for the DA Business meeting taking place on Wednesday, June 9th at 10:00 am. Following the DA meeting the New Directors Forum will meet at 1:00 pm. The topic will be the Director's Report to the Board.
The library director’s report to the board of trustees is a powerful tool for energizing board members, helping them understand where the library is and where it’s going, and how they can help. At this workshop, we’ll review best practice for creating and presenting the director's report to the board, and hear from Matthew Bollerman, Chief Executive Officer of the Hauppauge Public Library, about his strategies for developing the director’s report and engaging the board in supporting the library in reaching its goals.
Learning objectives for this event include:
- Attendees will understand the information relevant to include in the director’s report
- Attendees will be confident in creating and presenting their director’s report to the library board
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Library Director, Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library
The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, (part of the Mid-Hudson Library System), located in Cold Spring, NY is seeking an energetic, imaginative full-time Library Director.
The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library is a small community-based Association Library with 9 part time staff plus the Director, which was established in 1913, through the Will of Mrs. Julia L. Butterfield.
Community involvement and service are essential components of the Library which delivers all aspects of library services, including circulation, information, programming and technical assistance to our community and the incoming director will carry on this work. https://butterfieldlibrary.org
Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations.
The annual operating budget is just under $400,000.00
Qualifications:
- Master of Library Science preferred
- Minimum 10 years of responsible library administrative experience. Experience should include a broad background in management, administration and human resources, operations, fundraising and finance, as well as knowledge of library services, operations and collections.
Salary: Starting at $60,000, commensurate with experience.
Full-time position - 35 hours per week
Generous PTOs
The Director’s responsibilities include:
- Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, its programs and services, in compliance with all applicable laws, and policies and decisions of the Board;
- Exhibit a high level of administrative and supervisory skills including: recruiting and training of employees, supporting the continued training and development of staff members; balancing multiple priorities; administering personnel policies; preparing performance evaluations of staff members; record keeping; and preparing state and local reports;
- Create and administer an operation budget and participate in fundraising activities including grant writing, donor relations, and other strategic funding initiatives
- Plan and implement programs and services for patrons of all ages in collaboration with library staff and volunteers; with a focus on developing increased electronic programming and resources
- Overseeing continuous development of relevant library materials and services; responsible for the development of the Library's collections in coordination with select staff;
- Work closely with the President of the Board of Trustees and other Board and Community Members on committees and work projects
- Adherence to strategic planning
- Reporting to the governing library board
- Overseeing staff
- Attending position related meetings
- Maintain our on-line presence
- Maintaining our public and governmental relations
- Oversee the maintenance of the library’s physical plant
- Be the face of the Library in the community which would occasionally include activities in the evenings and weekends
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Possess exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
- Resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and flexibility, with the ability to motivate others
- Exercise considerable professional skill, initiative and good judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, the public and the Library Board to promote the library as an integral and vital component of the wider community
- Ability to make connections to local business, government, and community leaders
- Strong computer skills: knowledge of databases, spreadsheet and word processing software, and library system software such as Sierra (or its equivalent)
- Fluency with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
- Ability to envision, articulate, and realize a future for the library consistent with its mission, vision, and values
How to Apply
Submit (5) hard copies of your résumé including a cover letter, salary requirements, and three to five references with contact information. References must include supervisors and colleagues.
Send to: Judy Meyer, Board President, The Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, 10 Morris Avenue, Cold Spring, NY, 10516
Applications received by 5:00 pm June 18th, 2021, will receive priority.
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.
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