IN THIS ISSUE
Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
Like us on Facebook  View on Instagram  View our videos on YouTube  View our profile on LinkedIn    
Access the
Volume 18-03 | 1.16.18 
Top
Creating Early Literacy Programs
MHLS Offers Reimbursement for Professional Development Course: In support of MHLS Early Literacy efforts, which focus on offering training in support of making member libraries vital community partners and early learning hubs in their community, which is an online professional development opportunity that is fully funded from Family Literacy Library Services 2018/19 Funds, administered by MHLS.

ALA is offering 'Creating Early Literacy Programs: Connecting with Early Childhood Development' as an asynchronous eCourse from February 26 to March 25, 2018. MHLS will reimburse the library the full $175 registration fee (based on my receipt of the form at https://tinyurl.com/MHLSearlylitPD2018 and a copy of the participant's Certificate of Completion from ALA by April 10, 2018). For details, please read the full information about the program. Registration is now open. For a complete course description and to register go to http://bit.ly/2qMspQH  

100% of MHLS member library staff that completed this eCourse previously have said that they recommend it to others!
  • "I learned many new tools regarding Early Literacy that I am excited to introduce to my programming."
  • "I had not taken an early literacy course in library school so this was a great help to me. I feel much better prepared to work in the Youth Services department at my library."

Back to top

MHLS Libraries
Congratulations to our first MHLS Early Literacy Cohort for completing the 18-month program! This process included training in and implementation of the elements of the Ready to Read at New York Libraries Early Childhood Public Library Staff Development Program within their library. Kudos to your commitment to early literacy in your community.

Participating libraries included: Beekman Public Library, Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library, Clinton Community Library, Hudson Area Association Library, Marlboro Free Library, Mountain Top Library, NorthEast-Millerton Library, Patterson Library, Plattekill Public Library, Poughkeepsie Public Library District (PPLD)
 
Reminder: MHLS Early Literacy Cohort II applications are due February 2, 2018.  The MHLS Early Literacy Project is a great opportunity if your library would like to focus on building long-term capacity to provide early literacy services in your community based on the best practices of this parent education initiative. Participants will receive additional support and resources to implement early literacy related services in their library and incorporate research based methods into enhanced early literacy story times.  For more information:   https://tinyurl.com/MHLSEarlyLitCohort2   
Professional Development
Important information regarding Public Librarian Certificate applications and 5-year renewals:

Renewals
Certificates received after December 31, 2009 must be actively renewed prior to their five-year expiration date in order to remain ACTIVE. The status and expiration dates of Public Librarian Certificates may be verified by using the "Search for Certified Public Librarians in New York State since 1970" link on the Public Librarian Certification webpage at http://bit.ly/2COqxZb 

New Applications
All new applications for public librarian certification must be made through the portal at http://bit.ly/2DihVLE The application in the online portal provides instructions for mailing the application fee ($5) and providing an official transcript with degree conferral date to the State Library. Upon receipt of all materials, and final approval of the application, a Public Librarian Certificate issued by the State Education Department will be emailed to applicants.

Additional information about public librarian certification requirements is available on the State Library's website at http://bit.ly/2DihVLE Questions about the online portal or about New York State public librarian certification requirements may be sent to NYSLPUBLIB@nysed.gov
Resource Sharing & Sierra
MHLS Delivery Operations Reminders: To start the new year, please review the following page on the MHLS web site where you can find delivery schedules by day and library, holidays when there is no delivery, member library responsibilities, and general delivery FAQs: http://midhudson.org/topics/resource-sharing/delivery/

Some quick reminders:
  • Direct any non-profit organizations interested in using MHLS delivery to Tom Finnigan, MHLS Delivery Operations Manager tfinnigan@midhudson.org or extension 244.
  • Place all outgoing delivery bins in one location
  • Provide a clear path to your delivery drop and pick-up location
The next MHLS Sierra Lunchtime Webinar will be on Wednesday, January 17th. The topic will be Sierra Circulation 101 and is intended for any new staff, or perhaps experienced staff wondering if there are more efficient ways to do things while covering the circ desk. This will be a good time to ask those questions that you have been wondering about! This event runs from noon-12:45 pm and is presented by MHLS ILP Operations Supervisor, Thomas O'Connell. Please register online for this event at: http://calendar.midhudson.org
Sustainable Libraries
Reporting Censorship Challenges: The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is seeking information on censorship challenges that occurred between January 1 - December 31, 2017. Librarians are encouraged to complete this brief online reporting form by Jan. 31, 2018: http://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/report  OIF estimates that 82-97% of challenges remain unreported. This is an obstacle the office is determined to tackle, says OIF Assistant Director Kristin Pekoll, who provides follow-up support to educators during challenge crises. A "challenge" is a direct request to a library, school or university to remove or restrict material or services due to content or appropriateness. OIF tracks challenges to materials (books, movies, magazines), databases, displays, filtering, meeting rooms, programs and author visits.
Job Openings
The Amenia Free Library Association is seeking an energetic, career minded Library Director to lead our Library into the future.   The Amenia Free Library, as a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System, serves the Town of Amenia, New York, a community of 4,000 residents bordering Connecticut in the Foothills of the Berkshires. A former farm community which had a large NYS institutional employer, Amenia is evolving into a community that includes not only the local workforce, but also has become a magnet for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and lifestyle of an up and coming rural destination. The luxury Silo Ridge Field Club, Troutbeck Inn & Conference Center, and the Wassaic Project Art Center are among the recent additions to the fabric of Amenia. The Library Board has engaged a Design Engineering firm and an Architect to facilitate expansion from our present 880 sq. ft. WPA built library to a modern 2800 sq. ft. facility, while maintaining the charm that has served us so well since the 1930s.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate from her/his previous positions, education, and experience the ability to be the face of the Library and to assure the effective utilization of Library resources.  The candidate will desire to meet and serve the public as well as having knowledge of computers and data communications in regards to Library Applications and needs.  

Responsibilities are to:
  • Lead and supervise the day-to-day operations of a small library staff, services, and facility. 
  • Ensure policies and procedures developed in conjunction with the Board of Trustees are maintained.
  • Prepare monthly reports to the Board of Trustees including statistics and summary of projects and activities.
  • Attend training and conferences within the Mid-Hudson Library System.
  • Maintain a positive environment for both the Public and Staff and be responsible for the Facility.
  • Plan, organize, coordinate, and direct a program of library service.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of library services in relation to the changing needs of the community.
  • Manage, procure and evaluate the library's diverse collections to reflect the community needs.
  • Recommend and administer public relations programs.
  • Represent the Library at community activities and events.
  • Participate in planning a sustainable funding strategy including all annual fundraising efforts.
  • Identify and seek grant opportunities that may benefit the library.
  • Serve as the library's public face in the community, expand the library's community outreach, and promote the library's visibility and connections with the community.
  • Oversee and maintain library website.
  • Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement the library's long range plans and goals.
Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in library management.
  • Experience with computer technology and electronic resources.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Experience working with volunteers and Friends group and a Board of Trustees.
  • Knowledgeable of principles and practices of library functions, and open to new trends and innovations in field of library management.
  • While a Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school is preferred, NYS education law CR 90.8 requires at least two academic years of full time study in an approved college or university, or its equivalent for a Library Director within the Amenia service population.
Salary and benefits are negotiable and competitive with area libraries of like size. A regular work week of 32 - 35 Hours is anticipated.

To apply:  Please send cover letter and résumé electronically to Alan Gamble, President, Board of Trustees   agamble48@gmail.com . Hard Copy application may be mailed to Amenia Free Library, PO Box 51, Amenia, NY  12501, and marked "Director Search". Applications are due by  February 9 , 2018.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The East Fishkill Public Library District  has an opening for a part-time Reference Librarian.  Must have MLS and be certified in NYS.  Pays $21 per hour.
  • 15 hours per week including weekend rotation hours plus subbing as needed
  • Familiarity with social media, library databases, Sierra and library applications
  • Team player, work independently, know how to juggle busy reference desk
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable working with people of all ages and abilities
  • Requires fluency with social media and basic computer applications
  • Ability to work independently
Send résumé/ questions to Cindy Dubinski, Adult Services Librarian dubinski@eflibrary.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
The Millbrook Library is looking for a part-time library clerk  to work 15-21 hours per week. Candidates must be available Tuesdays & Thursdays (9:45 am - 6:15 pm) and two Saturdays a month (9:45 am - 4:15 pm). Additional hours are possible when subs are needed.  Responsibilities include working at the circulation desk; assisting library users with a variety of questions, including computer-related; processing materials; and other duties related to the operation of the library. Library experience preferred, but not required. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with the public, be customer service oriented, have good computer skills, and be able to multi-task. Starting hourly rate: $10.70 per hour to start, plus paid time off. Please submit a résumé and cover letter to Stephanie Harrison at  director@millbrooklibrary.org.
In the News
Local
National