Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley Seeking New Cohort Members |
|
Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley second cohort is forming now! Applications are being accepted until July 13th.
|
|
This program, open to all Southeastern members, will train up to 20 participants from libraries and community-based organizations to become trusted guides who assist community members in accessing and using technology. The training will provide the resources necessary for participants to perform new services that include assistance with affordable internet access, device acquisition, technical skills, and application support.
We are partnering with Mid-Hudson Library System and Ramapo Catskill Library System to provide this training. Academic, special, hospital, and school libraries, as well as community-based organizations in the Hudson Valley, are welcome to apply. See full information on the website.
Organizations that fulfill the obligations of the program, which means successfully serving at least five (5) clients in their community with a minimum of two (2) interactions per client, will be compensated for their time. The grant will fund the payment of $900 to each person from the organization that successfully met these expectations.
This program will prepare library workers and staff at community-based organizations with new skills and resources to perform the duties of a Digital Navigator. These trained staff members will be equipped to assist under-resourced individuals in their communities. The Digital Navigator program includes:
- Access to digital literacy resources
- Quality technical support
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration
The program will provide training and resources that will enable Digital Navigators to:
- provide basic procedural training and support to clients.
- help clients fill out paperwork, submit required identification documentation (if they don’t have access to a computer/scanner/printer), and provide support in acquiring the necessary documentation.
- set up and operate a computer.
- facilitate, set up, and use an affordable Internet connection.
- learn “how to” basics for priority applications.
- Utilize the program’s protocols to assess individual needs, work with clients to set goals, track progress, keep records, and evaluate and report outcomes.
- Effectively use all available outside resources, manage referrals, and contribute to the functional knowledge base of the Digital Navigators program.
Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley is supported with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated to the New York State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
|
|
The Resource Sharing Standards have been updated to include the following statement in the Fines and Fees section: “All libraries in the Mid-Hudson Library System, including fine free libraries, may collect fines that have accrued from transactions that have taken place in other member libraries.” |
REMINDER: MHLS will be closed on July 4th, 2022, in observance of Independence Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored. |
|
The grand opening and dedication of the Margaret Cavano Memorial Children’s Music Garden was held in May on the grounds of the Kingston Library. Carol Erceg, daughter of Mrs. Cavano, spoke of her mother’s love of music and learning. The Friends of the Library noted that the creation of this garden is intended to expand library services by offering a unique learning environment where children can make music as they play, blending the positive power of music and community.
(left): Carol Erceg with members of the Cavano family
|
|
Resource Sharing & Sierra |
|
Reserve your seat for Circulation 101 on July 27th at noon. 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. |
|
In response to recent events occurring in NYS libraries Ask the Lawyer has posted a new Recently Asked Questions (RAQ) topic on Pride Month Displays and legal issues impacting display removal and policy. View the response at https://www.wnylrc.org/ask-the-lawyer/raqs/270. |
Ecological Restoration Grants Now Available! Partners for Climate Action is inviting applications for funding from organizations in Columbia, Greene, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam, or Orange Counties that are taking direct ecological restoration actions in their communities. Grants will range from $1,000-$100,000. Project areas include, but are not limited to the following:
- Cultivating biodiversity
- Reforestation
- Contributing to stream, river and pond health
- Managing invasive species
- Sourcing, cultivating and/or installing native plants and seeds
- Supporting pollinator health and populations
- Building soil health and sequestering carbon
- Reducing waste and related emissions
- Implementing municipal and community compost projects
|
|
MHLS has again secured a group discount with Movie Licensing USA (MLUSA) according to the terms below for libraries that wish to continue or join the MHLS group buy. Libraries that wish to purchase a new license or renew an existing license from Movie Licensing USA through the MHLS group discount should email MHLS Outreach & EDI Specialist, Kestin Cruger at kcruger@midhudson.org by July 22nd. MHLS will invoice your library for the cost of the license based on the rates provided by MLUSA, which are available on the MHLS website.
To screen movies at library programs and other library events in compliance with copyright regulations the library must secure the necessary public performance license. In some cases, more than one license may be required to secure the rights for all the movies and programs the library plans to screen. There are two companies commonly used by MHLS member libraries that provide this type of license, Movie Licensing USA (MLUSA) and Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC), and libraries should be sure that the licenses they’ve purchased secure the rights needed. Of note for libraries with current licenses with MLUSA is an addition to the current licensing agreement which provides rights for outdoor screenings of a number of movies without the purchase of an additional license normally required for public screenings outside the library building.
Movie Licensing USA (MLUSA):
- Information including what movies and titles are covered is available on their website.
- Rates for each library based on service population are available on the MHLS website. Please note, MHLS libraries that have maintained a long-standing and current license with MLUSA may have a lower rate than the most recently offered rate. If those libraries are continuing to license through Movie Licensing USA directly, joining the group-buy will not provide a better rate.
- MHLS will invoice your library for the cost of the license.
- If you’re not sure whether you are part of previous MLUSA group buys with MHLS or have a current license with, you can contact Kerstin Cruger.
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC)
|
|
Administration & Management |
You are not alone! Join us for an in-person, informal gathering on Friday, July 22nd at 10:00 am in the MHLS Auditorium of New Directors (in your role for 3 years or less) to discuss relevant topics related to finding your path as a new director. Facilitated by MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, author of the Handbook for New Library Directors in New York State & co-author of the Handbook for Library Trustees in New York State, this program will address questions submitted in advance by attendees, particularly in the areas of working with your board, planning, and project/time management.
|
|
Part-Time Library Clerk, Tivoli Free Library
The Tivoli Free Library seeks a permanent, reliable part-time library clerk to join the staff of this small, lively community library. 15-20 hours per week to start, including some Saturdays, with additional hours possible in the future.
Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED (some college preferred but not required), have experience with computers, and be customer-oriented, courteous and able to work with the public in a small community setting. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: circulation desk tasks, shelving, locating library materials; keeping library tidy; basic assistance to patrons on the use of the online library catalog, library resources, computers, and other technology and software. Previous library experience a plus. $15/hour with earned paid time off and an employee assistance plan. Health benefits are not offered at this time.
Please email letter of application and résumé to Michele DelPriore at tivolidirector@gmail.com with the subject heading: “Library Clerk Position.” Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
