Mid-Hudson is hiring! Mid-Hudson Library System seeks an experienced and well-organized individual for the position of full time Financial Assistant to join our team. 

Annual Salary: $45,500 - $50,000 commensurate with experience

Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Full-time (35hrs /week)

Responsibilities:

• 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 bi-weekly payroll.
• Processes purchases and ensure that invoices are accurate for payment.
• Provides support to MHLS staff, and Member Library staff.
• Performs general office and other duties.
• Prepare and examine accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports.
• Create new processes to improve financial efficiency.

Qualifications:

• At a minimum, an Associate degree in accounting or related field. 
• At least two years of accounting experience.
• At least two years’ experience in payroll processing.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Be able to work independently.
• Be detailed oriented.
• Working knowledge of accounting software and Excel Spreadsheets.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, and other complicated calculations.

We offer the following benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Personal Leave
• NYS Local Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply: Please email your résumé and cover letter to job@midhudson.org by January 31st, 2023.

The Columbia County Libraries Association is offering a Tech Labs series via Zoom from January to April of this year. The six sessions are open to all ages and take place in the evening. Topics include Photo Sharing and Archive Management, Tips and Tricks for iPhone, Managing Your Cell Phone Storage for all Phone Types, Taking Control of Your Gmail, Traveling Apps and (of course!) Library Apps. 

There is still time to register for tomorrow’s event: The MHLS Annual Report Workshop for New Directors! This webinar is designed for Directors who are new to submitting the NYS Annual Report with Bibliostat software but is open to all. The workshop will cover:

• Logging in to the software
• Entering your data
• Dealing with “Edit Checks”
• Writing “Notes”
• Submitting your report

Measuring the Impact and Value of Makerspaces in Public Libraries: Does your library have a makerspace or is your library considering investing in one? Check out Measuring the Impact and Value of Makerspaces in Public Libraries! 

This report summarizes the findings from an IMLS funded collaborative project between the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign School of Information Sciences, Indian Trails Public Library District, Joliet Public Library, and DeKalb Public Library. 

It provides a framework for measuring the impact and value of public library makerspaces. While other studies have examined makerspaces through the lens of users’ individual skill development, this project looks at “the effect of makerspaces on the lives of stakeholders” and “how makerspaces help libraries achieve their mission as public, community embedded institutions.” This framework, developed from focus groups with youth and adult patrons (both makerspace users and non-users), community partners and staff, is a useful tool, not only for libraries with existing makerspaces, but also libraries contemplating adding one.

The Scarsdale Library in Westchester recently found themselves in the headlines due to a publisher requesting a program to be scheduled featuring one of their titles. This is a good reminder to review your library’s policies about programming and meeting space use to ensure they are up-to-date and provide clear guidance to library staff and the community. Reminder: You can find policy development questions and sample policies on the MHLS website. You can read about the Scarsdale Library’s response to this situation on their website.  

Hunger Solutions NY’s Latest Social Media Toolkit: Primary Caregivers 

Librarians are trusted messengers in their communities and your help is needed to spread awareness on how WIC’s public health program supports families grow healthy and strong! 

WIC is not just for moms. Primary caregivers such as grandparents, foster parents, relatives, and fathers can apply for children under 5 in their care. This new social media toolkit aims to raise awareness of WIC among these groups. The toolkit also provides messaging about the relative ease and simplicity for primary caregivers to use the WIC2Go app, the eWIC card, and how WIC can serve families with busy schedules more conveniently with remote visits. Explore the WIC Primary Caregivers Toolkit to find social media content you can immediately put to use, including sample language in English and Spanish and a large assortment of high-resolution graphics. 

What can libraries do to spread awareness about WIC?

• Distribute these rack cards you can bulk order FREE of charge, for patrons you serve! The postcard sized piece includes a QR code that takes the person directly to Wanda.

• Visit WIC Help New York’s Resource Center for a variety of social media, texting or print outreach resources you can easily share with your library patrons, staff and other partners. All sample language includes messaging in both English and Spanish, in addition to high-resolution graphics for your use.

• Use or embed this Wanda graphic as a button on your website and link directly to Wanda: https://adira.orbita.cloud/oeapi/nys_social/hungersolutions

Part-Time Library Staff (2 open positions), Phoenicia Library

Phoenicia Library is looking for two library staff members to join our great library community. You will be at the front desk doing circulation and helping create the warm atmosphere that our patrons love. You will work with a great, fun team.

Requirements: Friendly and passionate about public service. Ease with details & with computers, familiarity with Word and Internet search engines. We can train on Sierra. Relaxed, open manner with all ages. Reliability is essential.

This is an active, busy library with wonderful patrons. We do shared caretaking of the library meaning everyone pitches in with all tasks including daily housekeeping, setting up for programs which involves moving light tables, chairs. Absolutely "room to grow" into programming and special projects of interest to you.

A plus, but not required, is willingness to work with children's programming.

Days/Time of Shift: We have openings on several days. Shifts are either approximately 1-6 pm, or 10-3 pm, depending on the day. Please go to our website phoenicialibrary.org to see our open hours. We are currently hiring for 2 part-time positions that are year-round. If you are interested in simply subbing, please let us know.

Covid Precautions: We take the health of staff and patrons seriously. In accordance with CDC recommendations for our area, masks are required in the building. We provide portable HEPA filter machines, and excellent ventilation.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.20 per hour

View the full job description and apply 

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Adult Programming/Library Assistant, East Fishkill Community Library

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Programming Specialist supports the East Fishkill Community Library’s mission of being a community center for lifelong discovery by developing and implementing programming and outreach services. This is a Civil Service position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In conjunction with our Librarians, initiates, plans, oversees, and conducts a year-round schedule of programs and activities for adults.  
• Maintains and cultivates contacts with the general community, schools, other libraries, and local organizations.  
• Promotes programs via publicity releases, flyers, social media postings, and online calendar listings. 
• Delivers and models excellent customer service. 
• Offers meaningful learning and socialization opportunities and experiences. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

• Creative, energetic, welcoming of patrons of all ages/stages/abilities. 
• Ability to coordinate and direct work, prioritize, meet deadlines, and maintain a budget.
• Positive attitude and ability to relate tactfully and courteously with the public and coworkers. 
• Strong written, verbal, and technological skills with willingness to learn new software and applications.
• Physically able to set up and break down meeting spaces, bend, and lift /carry up to 20 lbs. 
• Flexibility with work schedule in order to support programming and outreach events.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience with event planning and customer service 
• Reader’s Advisory or knowledge of literature a plus
• Library experience a plus

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION: 18 hours per week part-time, year-round, and does include at least one evening shift and participation in the weekend rotation. Compensation is $20.00 per hour.

TO APPLY: Using Programming Specialist in the subject line, email resume and cover letter to Amanda Assenza, Adult Librarian: Assenza@EFLibrary.org. REFERENCES WILL BE REQUIRED.

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Youth Programming/Library Assistant, East Fishkill Community Library

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Youth Programming Specialist supports the East Fishkill Community Library’s mission of being a community center for lifelong discovery by assisting with programming and outreach services. This is a Civil Service position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Under direction from our Youth Services Librarian, plans and conducts programs and activities for teens and children.  
• Helps to maintain contacts with the general community, schools, other libraries, and local organizations. 
• Participates in publicity efforts.     
• Delivers and models excellent customer service.  
• Covers service desks as needed. 
• Fosters child development by offering meaningful learning and socialization opportunities and experiences.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  

• Creative, energetic, welcoming of children/teens of all ages/stages/abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. 
• Positive attitude and ability to relate tactfully and courteously with the public and coworkers. 
• Strong written, verbal, and technological skills with willingness to learn new software and applications.  
• Physically able to set up and break down meeting spaces, bend, and lift /carry up to 20 lbs. 
• Flexibility with work schedule in order to support programming and outreach events.  
• Willingness to expand on current knowledge and experience attendance/participation in continuing education and training events. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree (current students may be considered) 
• Experience working with youth and their caregivers 
• Knowledge of children’s literature a plus 
• Library experience a plus

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION: 18 hours per week part-time, year-round, and does include at least one evening shift and participation in the weekend rotation. Compensation is $20 per hour.

TO APPLY: Using Part Time Specialist in the subject line, email resume and cover letter to Cathy Nuding, Youth Librarian: Nuding@EFLibrary.org, REFERENCES WILL BE REQUIRED.

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Librarian Assistant, East Fishkill Community Library

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Part-time Civil Service position (nights/weekends) providing reference services and user technology support to library patrons. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides reference and readers’ advisory service to patrons of all ages
• Assists patrons with use of library technology and digital resources (including, but not limited to, use of in-house computers, printers, scanner; downloading e-books, internet searching)
• Performs Circulation functions
• Participates in other special projects as needed

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of computer hardware with ability to troubleshoot basic issues and assist patrons with use.
• Excellent customer service in all exchanges.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Interest in being part of a team that provides exceptional public service.
• Desire to learn new skills and keep current with technology.  
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and get along well with others.
• Demonstrate flexibility with work schedule to meet library needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree - Students with degrees underway may also be considered.
• One year (or more) of library experience preferred.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• $20 per hour
• 2 – 3 evenings a week and participation in the weekend rotation

To Apply: Using the subject line Librarian Assistant, email resume and cover letter to Amanda Assenza, Adult Librarian: Assenza@EFLibrary.org. REFERENCES WILL BE REQUIRED.

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

• Millbrook Library Joins Community of Local Buyers with the Empire State Purchasing Group | 1.18.23

National

• Texas schools cancel author Emma Straub’s visit due to social media posts | CNN | 1.20.23

• North Dakota weighs ban on 'sexually explicit' library books | NBC News | 1.18.23

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