Trustee Handbook Book Club – New Dates! |
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The Trustee Handbook Book Club will continue in 2022! Thank you to all who attended the first three Trustee Handbook Book Club sessions in 2021. We hope to see you this year for the continuation of this one-of-a-kind series. |
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Join co-authors of the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich for this fun and informative series. Each month trustees are encouraged to read a chapter of the Trustee Handbook and send in questions that the authors will address live at these events. Each session will include a brief introduction to the chapter topic, answers to questions sent in advance by attendees, as well as address questions that come in live during the event.
- Tuesday, January 18th | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: Budgets & Finance | Register
- Tuesday, February 22nd | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: Facilities | Register
- Tuesday, March 29th | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: Policies & Risk Management | Register
- Tuesday, April 19th | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: Ethics & Conflicts of Interest + Intellectual Freedom, Censorship and Privacy | Register
- Tuesday, May 3rd | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: Planning & Evaluation | Register
- Tuesday, June 14th | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm | Topic: PR & Advocacy | Register
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COVID-19 Resources: As the COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise we wanted to remind you that MHLS staff continues to monitor state and federal guidance on behalf of member libraires. Routine COVID-19 updates are posted to the MHLS-Notice List and are archived at https://midhudson.org/covid19updates/ |
MHLS will be closed on Monday January 17th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored. |
To effectively communicate with our members the Mid-Hudson Library System maintains a database of contact information for our member libraries. MHLS requests an update of this information annually, to keep our records accurate. Action Memo 22-01: Library Information Update was sent out to all directors on Thursday, January 6th. All member library directors are asked to please complete and submit the form by Friday, January 28th. |
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The member libraries in Columbia and Putnam counties have recently designated county funds for the purchase and implementation of Recite Me. Recite Me is assistive technology that provides users with tools they need to better engage with a website. The web accessibility toolbar allows the viewer to customize elements of the page including text, graphics, language, and navigation. |
Tamara Gaskell, Columbia County Libraries Association Chair and director of Roeliff Jansen Community Library said, “We discussed a number of options for joint purchases, including various databases, but in the end, we unanimously agreed that Recite Me would be a better option. As a county association, we serve all the residents in the county, including those in unchartered areas, so we like to use county funds to increase access to everyone. Recite Me does just that, providing better access to our services for those whose primary language is something other than English, but also for those who are visually impaired with its ability to change font sizes, read text, and more.”
Stephanie Harrison, Putnam County Library Association Chair and director of Patterson Library said the suggestion for purchasing Recite Me on a county-wide level was made by Jeanne Buck, director of the Reed Memorial Library in Carmel. Jeanne addressed the county association with the following statement, “While our doors were closed during the pandemic, our websites became the doors to our libraries. It made me start to think in terms of accessibility and how limited access to our websites is to people with a variety of disabilities. Recite Me addresses many of those barriers to accessibility, making our libraries even more accessible to our communities.”
Stephanie stated, “The group thought Recite Me was a great use of county funds, since it is a resource that can help us to provide a better library experience to everyone in our community. We plan to do some county-wide outreach to local non-profit organizations (such as the Office for Senior Resources) to introduce them to Recite Me and ensure they know its benefits to their clients who might need to access our library websites.”
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The Youth Services Section (YSS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA) Spring Conference Scholarships encourage continuing education in the field of library youth services through participation in the annual YSS Spring Conference. Two awards are given annually. The New Member Spring Conference Scholarship is given to a new member of our profession. The Lisa C. Wemett Spring Conference Scholarship is given to a highly motivated established librarian who has had a significant impact on youth and youth services in their community. For application and more information please visit 2022 YSS Spring Conference Scholarship Page. The deadline for application is February 1 st. |
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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.
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The January 2022 issue of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Newsletter features an article by Mahopac Library Trustee and Sustainable Putnam President Joe Montuori, which provides resources and a discussion of the benefits of community solar programs including reduced environmental and financial costs for operating the library building. Libraries interested in pursuing solar installations should contact Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin. |
What libraries need to know about the Digital Equity Act
Signed into law by President Joe Biden on November 15 th, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes an historic investment in advancing digital equity and an opportunity for libraries to leverage and expand their digital inclusion roles. The Digital Equity Act (DEA), a provision within IIJA, includes a federal investment of $2.75 billion over five years to promote digital equity, literacy, and inclusion initiatives at the local, state, and national levels. Libraries of all types will be eligible to apply. Read about how your library can prepare for new federal funding in a new American Libraries blog post.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which will be administering many of the IIJA grant programs, is holding virtual listening sessions in January and February to receive input from the public. The sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation, and libraries are encouraged to participate in one or more of these important discussions. |
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ALA invites library employees to apply for the 2 nd annual Peggy Barber Tribute Grant. The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant is a programming grant named after the transformative ALA leader responsible for the creation of National Library Week and the Celebrity READ series. This annual grant recognizes, promotes, and supports meaningful programs in libraries that have limited and/or no access to budgetary support for programming. This grant aims to help ease these budget challenges by awarding three libraries $2,500 to support their programming efforts. For 2021–2022, libraries are invited to submit applications for a grant to support humanities-based programming. Proposed programs may be in-person or online.
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Administration & Management |
MHLS member libraries now have the opportunity to build their capacity to support their communities through the Digital Navigators of the Hudson Valley (DNHV) program. The DNHV program will prepare library workers with new skills and resources to perform the duties of a Digital Navigator including, connecting community members to resources and services to secure affordable broadband, computers, and devices, and providing basic digital literacy training and support in completing necessary paperwork and applications. As part of the program, Digital Navigators will receive training in identifying local resources and services, understanding learner needs, and collecting data. Digital Navigators will also attend 2 calls each month where they'll receive coaching and share their experiences in implementing their training and connecting with and helping people in their community. Libraries that complete the DNHV program will receive $900 to support the work of a Digital Navigator. Multiple applicants are welcome from each library, and the library will receive a $900 investment incentive for each person that completes the training and necessary client contacts. Secondary and additional applicants will be accepted based on the availability of spaces and selection criteria relevant to the goals of this program. Libraries interested in participating in the program should complete the DNHV Application by January 21st, 2022.
Have questions? You can view the recording of the Information Session held on Friday, January 7 th, visit the FAQ page or contact MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin.
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Adult Programming Coordinator, Starr Library (Rhinebeck)
General Description: The Adult Programmer is primarily responsible for developing, coordinating, advertising, conducting, and evaluating programs for adults. This position often involves collaboration with the Youth Programmer, community partners, and other area libraries. This is a part-time position. Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Director and Assistant Director. Essential Functions:
Programming
- Creates and implements a regular and diverse schedule of adult programs and special events that meet the needs of the Rhinebeck community.
- Researches, contacts, and negotiates with potential program presenters.
- Sets up program space, attends programs (or arranges for a host), and assists presenters as needed. ·
- Straightens up program space following all programs or arranges clean-up as needed.
- Maintains currency of knowledge of library and programming trends. ·
- Participates in professional groups, listservs, and other opportunities for learning and networking.
- Actively seeks and utilizes feedback, ideas, and recommendations from staff, patrons, community members, and others regarding Adult Programming.
Marketing
- Coordinates with Graphic Designer/Website Manager to create effective print and online marketing materials.
- Manages and creates content for the Library’s social media accounts.
- Engages community partners, patrons, and staff in the promotion of library programs through outreach, publicity, and displays.
- Represents the Library at community or professional meetings, as needed.
Administration
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date statistics for programs.
- Provides program summary and evaluation reports as requested.
- Manages programming budget, contracts, invoices, receipts.
- Keeps online program calendar up to date.
- Distributes promotional materials and press releases to area libraries and local media outlets.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills. ·
- Ability to perform with minimal supervision, establish and maintain priorities, meet deadlines, exercise initiative, and make independent decisions.
- Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously. ·
- Ability to work collaboratively and positively in a team environment.
- Ability to represent the library in a professional manner.
- Ability to create attractive library displays.
- Digital marketing experience and familiarity with social media platforms.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 2+ years of relevant experience including planning and presenting programs, events, and exhibits.
- Or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience that will provide the required knowledge and skills.
Hours and Salary
20 hours per week. Flexible scheduling but some evenings and weekends required depending on programming needs.
Up to $19 per hour based on experience.
Please send applications to Director@starrlibrary.org. Position open until filled.
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Full-Time Youth Program Coordinator, Tivoli Free Library
The Tivoli Free Library is seeking a fun, community-oriented, imaginative, hands-on individual for the full-time position of Youth Program Coordinator to join the staff of this small, lively community library.
The ideal candidate will be creative, energetic, flexible, organized and able to efficiently plan, promote, and supervise in-person and virtual programs for children and teens, including Storytimes, middle/high school book groups, our Battle of the Books team and our Summer Reading Program. Some initial adult programming may be required. Must have the ability to coordinate volunteers and program facilitators, and willing to participate in community outreach and events. Will be responsible for weekly e-newsletter and maintain calendars (physical and online) and content for social media platforms and library website. This full-time position will require Saturday hours and some evenings, as well as assisting staff at the circulation desk when necessary.
Qualified applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills, enjoy working with all ages and their caregivers, and be comfortable with a range of computer software and social media. A bachelor’s degree and previous children’s programming experience is preferred, and knowledge of WordPress, Library Aware, Canva and Sierra ILS software is a plus.
Compensation: Salary range of $33,000-$38,000 per year, plus benefits, depending on experience and qualifications.
Please note that library policy requires employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by February 15, 2022 or submit to weekly testing.
Please email letter of application and résumé to Michele DelPriore at tivolidirector@gmail.com with the subject heading: “Youth Program Coordinator Position.” Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
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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. 10-15 hours per week to start, 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. Previous library experience a plus. $15/hour with no benefits.
Please note that library policy requires employees to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by February 15, 2022 or submit to weekly testing.
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.
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