Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement Added to Online Catalog (MHLS Bulletin) 7.5.22

Vol.22-27 | 7.5.22

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement Added to Online Catalog

The Directors Association approved a recommendation from the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) cataloging department to add and update subject headings and expand authorities to elevate Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our catalog. This work is an improvement to access and an enduring commitment to EDI on behalf of the Mid-Hudson Library System.

The MHLS Board has prioritized the topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the work of MHLS as an organization in both policy and priority setting. As one of several initiatives that the staff are engaged in, the MHLS cataloging team have been exploring ways to apply these values to our library catalog to provide more inclusive metadata that is respectful of the subjects, creators, and users of our resources, while enhancing discovery of those materials by our users. The team has developed a plan that involves authority control as well as using terms from controlled vocabularies and style guides recognized as industry standards.

As this work is ongoing the following statement drafted and unanimously endorsed by the System Services Advisory Committee has been linked to the footer of the online catalog:

MHLS recognizes that this is an ongoing commitment that will never be concluded, but a continuous process to critically evaluate our cataloging practices and will continue to look for ways to make our catalog more inclusive.

MHLS Announcements

Please help us welcome our new Administrative Assistant, Farah Faizi! Farah comes to us after working for the Hyde Park Library and running her own small business for many years. Farah began work at MHLS in June. Farah can be reached at ext. 216 or by email ffaizi@midhudson.org.

MHLS Libraries

The Rosendale Library celebrated the opening of its new outdoor program space on June 15th. The screened, 14-foot-by-20-foot gazebo is situated under a canopy of large old maple trees and next to the library building. It will be the location of many of the library’s programs such as the weekly story hour and the monthly slow jam for string instruments and the library’s summer reading program. The gazebo building was funded in part through a New York State Library Construction Grant. The gazebo will have a Wi-Fi router provided through the Beyond the Library Wi-Fi access point project. This program was 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).

Resource Sharing & Sierra

REMINDER: Please clear your holdshelf every day the library is open. Clearing the holdshelf purges the holds table of more than the items on your physical holdshelf it also removes cancelled and expired holds. Please do your part in keeping this very critical process running smoothly by making this a priority task every morning.

You can find instructions and a video tutorial under holds at https://kb.midhudson.org/circulation/.

Sustainable Libraries

Let us know if your library will participate in The Great Give Back (TGGB) 2022! This year, TGGB will take place on Saturday, October 15th but if you want to choose a different date or create a longer-running program, you can still participate.

Please use this form to sign up your library for the 2022 TGGB. A different form will be sent in August so you can tell us about your program plans.

Once your information is received, we will:

Add your library's name to thegreatgiveback.org to show patrons you'll be participating!
Add your contact person to our 2022 TGGB info email list.

Want to learn more before you sign up? Watch the recording of The Great Give Back: Creating Community Connections informational session held on June 7th.

Explore resources, ideas and more at bit.ly/ggbresources.

Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley second cohort is forming now! Applications are being accepted until July 13th. To learn more about this program register for the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley Online Information Session on Monday, July 11th at 3:00 pm.

In this one-hour session, you will learn about the application process to become a navigator, the expectations of what the commitment entails, and how you can benefit your community by becoming trained in this program.

Digital navigators are trained, trusted guides who help deal with a variety of technology needs. Navigators work in libraries or other community organizations. They assist anyone in need with using a device, securing free or low-cost internet service, and much more. This service is free. Visit the website to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Programming

The Space Science Institute/STAR Net Library Network is once again making eclipse glasses and resources available to libraries for the two solar eclipses happening in North America in 2023 and 2024. For more information and to register now for free eclipse glasses for your public library visit Solar Activities for Libraries.

Trustee Resources

For library’s that have trustee terms which begin on July 1st this is an important reminder that New York State Public Officer's Law §10 requires all public library trustees (but not association library trustees) to take and file an oath of office within 30 days of beginning their term of office. Public library trustees are public officers, and the oath of office is required to officially undertake and perform the duties of a public library trustee. If a public library trustee does not properly complete and file an oath of office, the trustee’s position may be deemed vacant.

For more information about how and why the oath of office is administered, and where to properly file an oath of office, please see the Oaths of Office FAQ on the New York State Library website.

Administration & Management

The New York State Library (NYSL) is excited to share News from the New York State Library, a quarterly newsletter highlighting current initiatives, recent donations, upcoming programs, and resources to support your work and community. The NYSL invites you to sign up to receive future newsletters.

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