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Volume 19-40 | 10.1.19
Advocates & Ambassadors
The Mid-Hudson Library System is pleased to offer Advocates & Ambassadors, a workshop for library staff, directors, trustees and friends that will help libraries win public support and attract public funds to benefit their library. Participants will learn to craft messages that will generate supporters and followers for their library. At the workshop, we'll review how funding works at the local, county and state levels and effective advocacy strategies for delivering messages that resonate with your audience.

At this workshop we will cover:
  • Tools for crafting a meaningful and impactful message about your library
  • How funding works at the state, county, and local levels, and how that funding affects services at your library
  • Strategies for tailoring and delivering your message to different audiences
Three dates to choose from:
Please register for one of the sessions through the MHLS online calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org  

Questions should be directed to Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, [email protected] 
MHLS Announcements
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, September 18th , in the MHLS Auditorium and kicked things off with a report out on their advocacy activities over the summer. The board had been challenged to a game of "Advocacy Bingo" by MHLS Board President Mark Wilson and MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. Activities engaged in by MHLS trustees included education for themselves on topics such as broadband access, early literacy and the 2020 Census as well as deepening connections with our state legislators and our member libraries. The business meeting followed and included:
  • A report from the Executive Director that included updates/information on: gearing up for budget season in Albany; the results of workflow consultation for MHLS staff from Innovative Interfaces Inc., our ILS vendor; the news that all MHLS staff and trustees are now in compliance with the new NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Law; the Macmillan embargo on eBook sales to libraries; an update on the contract negotiation with the Town of Union Vale; and the results of a risk assessment of the Systems IT infrastructure to protect against ransomware attacks.
  • Approved and adopted three revisions to the MHLS Personnel Policies Handbook related to Harassment and Discrimination Prevention; Employee Reference Checks; and Voting Time Off;
  • Approved the MHLS 2019 mid-year adjusted budget;
  • Reviewed and approved recommended funding for 2020-2021 NYS Construction Grant Awards for MHLS and nine (9) member libraries; 
  • Recognized and congratulated Ms. Aldrich on her accomplishments during the first year of her tenure as Executive Director.
  • Were provided background information on the inception, mission and goals of the Green Business Partnership, by Dani Glaser, Program Director, and an update on the System's status on becoming certified under the NYLA's Sustainable Library Certification Program, by Ms. Aldrich. Following adjournment of the meeting, Ms. Glaser presented Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, with a Green Business Partnership Certificate for MHLS' completion of the first step in the certification process.
Group Standing
The MHLS Board of Trustees and MHLS Staff accept the Green Business Partnership Certificate
at the September Board Meeting
 
All MHLS Board documents are available at   http://board.midhudson.org  
 
The MHLS Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 25th at The Henry A. Wallace Center @ FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, New York. To register online please visit https://mhls_membership_meeting_2019.eventbrite.com 

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at 10:00am, in the MHLS Auditorium.

Logo MHLS Seeks New Tech Support Specialist (part-time): Works under the direction of the IT Operations Supervisor; provides phone, email, and in- person support to member libraries; analyzes and resolves hardware, software and networking/ communication problems; assists in managing library websites; provides documentation/training on technical issues, assists in managing server and network equipment, provides technical advice to member libraries and System staff. 
 
May be required to work Saturday(s) and/or Holiday(s).

Required Qualifications:
  • Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and one or more years in related work; or satisfactory completion of a vendor certified program designed to fully support industry standard network operating systems; or some equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Experience providing tech support/network administration in a professional environment highly preferred. 
  • A working knowledge of Integrated Library System (ILS) software.
  • Must have strong verbal communication skills in phone support and in-person training environments.
  • The ability to adapt to changing technologies.
  • A current driver's license / Some travel required. Must be able to provide field support across Greene, Columbia, Ulster, Dutchess, and Putnam counties.
To view the complete job description and to learn how to apply please visit https://midhudson.org/job-postings/
 
Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Trustee Resources
envelope and card There is still time to register for the Financial & Fiduciary workshop on Thursday, October 17th from 9:30am-12:30pm in the MHLS Auditorium. This intermediate-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. This workshop will focus on the financial and fiduciary responsibility involved with the library budget, library funding, financial policies, reports to the board and external audits.
 
Please register for this event through the MHLS online calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org
Job Openings
Part-time Library Clerk (2 Positions), Claverack Free Library
The Claverack Free Library is located in the center of Columbia County, NY. Our mission is to provide resources to the community to encourage critical readers, thinkers and information users and to connect to our community with each other and the world. 

The library is currently seeking to fill two quarter time library clerk positions.

The positions are for Monday and Wednesday from 3:30 until 8:00 or Tuesdays from 10-2 and Thursdays from noon until 5:00 pm. Additionally each would require a minimum of two Saturdays a month from 10 until 2 pm. 

Staff wages will depend upon individual experience. 

The library clerk performs the following functions: 
  • All circulation-related duties: including but not limited to checking items in and out, pulling holds, processing materials, registering patrons, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance. 
  • Provide information to the public on library policies and procedures.
  • Perform routine searches and updates of computer records.
  • Contact patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials. 
  • Provide reference and readers advisory as needed. 
  • Perform such duties as assigned by the library director. 
We are looking for a candidate with the following skills: 
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; 
  • Interest in library materials (such as books, movies, and digital media), library events and programs;
  • Proficiency with library computer technology and electronic resources.
  • Ability to answer general questions about the library. 
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others. 
Priority will be given to those with experience in the following areas:
  • Program coordination (greet attendees and guest speakers, assist with set up, share library policy, etc)
  • Technology help (working understanding of Microsoft Office, Gmail and Google Documents, Word Press Editing and Mailchimp email service).
Please send résumé and reference contacts to Claverack Free Library: Attn Thea Schoep, PO BOX 417, Claverack NY 12513 or email: [email protected] by October 15 or until positions are filled.
________________________________________________________________
Part-time Library Clerk \ Technology, Town of Ulster Public Library
The Town of Ulster  Public Library is seeking a dynamic individual to join a strong collaborative team as a part time library clerk with an emphasis on technology. 
 
This person selected will support the basic operations of the circulation desk, including but not limited to:
  • assisting patrons at the circulation desk
  • searching and locating items in the library and catalog
  • be comfortable learning new technologies
  • answering the telephone
  • processing daily inter-library materials delivery
In addition, the person selected will: 
  • provide one to one computer instructions to patrons
  • become familiar with the library's digital resource offerings
  • promote those to the public via social media and weekly web posts
  • be positive and savvy with the library's social media and online presence 
  • maintain the library's online calendars
Familiarity with the Sierra integrated library system is a plus, as is library experience. This is a part time (17.5 hours per week) position with some nights and weekends required. The Town of Ulster Public Library abides by Civil Service hiring regulations.  A high school education or equivalent is required. Ability to speak Spanish is a strong plus. Pay begins at $13.00 per hour. 
Please email a current résumé along with a cover letter to  [email protected]

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