Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the country, encouraging people to consider their electronic practices and take steps to be safer and more secure online. While an increased online presence allows us to connect to people and resources all over the world for work and personal activities, Cybersecurity Awareness Month encourages everyone to take increased ownership of enhanced online activity and the important security concerns that come along with it. The security of our own personal information depends on our online safety practices, but library staff and trustees are also responsible for the security of personal and financial information for the communities they serve. Being smart and safe about cybersecurity includes smaller steps that can help protect our personal information as well the data and information entrusted to us. This includes:
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Good password practice, including creating and updating passwords and not reusing passwords, keeps accounts secure.
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Keeping software and equipment up to date can keep malware and ransomware out of systems. Maintenance of inventories and records as well as disposition of user accounts and equipment ensures only those people authorized to access information can do so.
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Securing and backing up important files and data can help in the event of disaster or ransomware attacks.
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Training and education for staff and trustees on cybersecurity can help make cybersecurity best practice commonplace.
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Policies and procedure that promote cybersecurity will also help ensure the protection of sensitive personal and financial information managed by the library.
The MHLS Tech Ops Team maintains a Security Checklist page with resources and recommendations for MHLS member libraries. Libraries also play a critical role in helping people in their communities with cybersecurity digital literacy. Many households and individuals in our communities lack access to broadband or the skills to be able to take use and take advantage of high-speed internet. Libraries support people in developing these skills through digital literacy classes and one-on-one coaching, and even provide access through hot-spot and laptop lending programs. Libraries interested in learning more about how to help their patrons build digital literacy skills can register for the MHLS Reimagining Library Services Workshop Developing Digital Literacy Skills with DigitalLead on Friday, October 15 th at 10:00 am. This webinar will review the tools and curriculum available from DigitalLead and how libraries can use these resources to build digital literacy skills in their community with Suzanne Wulf, Head of Digital Services at the Niles-Maine District Library (Niles, IL) and Heather Lowe, Adult Services Administrator at the Dallas Public Library (Dallas, TX). |
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Group Discount Available for Library Journal’s Evaluating, Auditing and Diversifying Your Collections. MHLS has negotiated a group rate discount for Evaluating, Auditing and Diversifying Your Collections, this course features live online workshops, exercises, and personal coaching to help library selectors and readers’ advisors understand the basic frameworks for building and maintaining collections through an equitable lens, including the ability to recognize harmful stereotypes and apply that knowledge to a collection audit. Participants will also receive immediate access to the Diverse Collections Self-Guided Curriculum, a series of webinars from Library Journal and School Library Journal contributors and supporting materials in the form of readings, activities, and videos to explore at their own pace. Live online sessions will take place on Tuesdays, October 19th, October 26th, and November 2nd.
Registration is based on total registrants as outlined below. Full registration cost is $289.
To register for this session through the MHLS group rate, contact MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin by email before October 12th. Include the name, email address, title, and library of the person or people wishing to register in the email.
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Congratulations to Ginny Figlia (pictured above) of the Howland Public Library for receiving the Helen Savoit Award.
At Howland Public Library’s September 14th Board of Trustees meeting, Board President Tom Rigney presented Ginny Figlia with the Helen Savoit Award for Library Advocacy in recognition of her wonderful contributions to the community and the library. Ms. Ginny retired in August after serving our community as the Howland's Youth Services Librarian for 31 years. Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson also presented Ms. Ginny with a special proclamation to honor her three decades of service to the library and the community.
The Savoit Award for Library Advocacy was established in 2009 to honor Helen Savoit. Helen taught in the Beacon City School District for over 25 years. Helen served on the board of the Howland Public Library from 1984 -1995 and on the Mid-Hudson Library System Board from 1988 -1997. A life-long library user and advocate, Helen volunteered in Beacon Reads, the Friends of HPL bookstore.
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REMINDER: Registration deadline is October 1st. The Fall into Books annual children's and teen's literature conference that brings together school and public librarians will be held online on October 26th, 2021, from 3:30-5:30 pm. This collaborative event features book discussion sessions ranging from picture books to young adult, and a keynote presentation. This year's keynote speaker is illustrator Raúl Colón.
Full details, including discussion groups and registration, can be found on the new Fall Into Books website, https://fallintobooks.org/. The first 50 people to register will receive a free book illustrated by Raúl Colón! The cost for this event is $30. |
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Resource Sharing & Sierra |
The Create List Online Lab Series continues with the intermediate program facilitated by MHLS Assistant Director / Technology Operations Manager, Laurie Shedrick on Wednesday, October 6th at 11:00 am. Create List Lab Intermediate includes Nested searching, Marc fields and exporting to Excel.
Create Lists is at the foundation of reporting, collection development and management in Sierra. The session will include background literature and sample searches for you to work through before the session. Follow up work will be assigned to build your skill toward the coming session. Each session will include 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of lab time where you can work through building lists. To get the most of this lab experience you will be asked to maintain a Sierra session as well as the Online Meeting session.
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The American Library Association Publishing Committee is awarding grants of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources.
Previously funded projects include, “ A Resource Guide about Disabilities, Disability Theory, and Assistive Technologies” to “ A Bibliography for Queer Teens” to “ Graphic Novels & the Humanity of Mental Illness” to “ Web Accessibility Resources for Libraries”. Click here to view a list of other past Carnegie-Whitney Award recipients.
The deadline for applications is November 5th, 2021. For more information and guidelines, visit their website or contact Mary Jo Bolduc, Grant Administrator at [email protected]
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Niche Academy presents, Virtual Programming During Covid: What We Wished We Had Known in Advance & What We Learned During the Process on Wednesday, October 6th at 2:00 pm.
This free webinar will provide an overview of how a group of academic and public librarians in Laramie, Wyoming provided a series of programming about African American poetry and music. Presenters will talk about how they pivoted from a programming series initially intended to be in-person to a fully virtual set of programs during the COVID pandemic. They will share practical tips for what to keep in mind when planning accessible virtual programs, how academic and public libraries can collaborate to create dynamic programming that appeals to all ages, and how you can produce a video event.
Register to reserve your seat or to receive a copy of the recording.
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Reference & Collection Development |
The 2021 Great Give Back is almost here! Libraries participating in the 2021 Great Give Back should complete the Great Give Back Program Submission Form to provide information on when their The Great Give Back events will take place, and how community members can participate. The Great Give Back events can also make great events for Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week (HVCSW) taking place October 17 th-24 th. Libraries can submit events to HVCSW here.
For more information, see the 2021 The Great Give Back Program Promotion Idea Exchange Recording and MHLS’s The Great Give Back Resources. Please contact Library Sustainability Coordinator, |
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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 at live events later this year.
To learn more about the program, register and send in your questions visit,
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Administration & Management |
New York-based organizations doing digital inclusion work and looking to advance digital equity in their communities are invited to submit proposals for the New York Digital Inclusion Fund (NYDIF) grants. Two funding opportunities are available through this program.
Digital Inclusion Innovation Grants will support collaboration with other digital inclusion stakeholders through a partnership model. This funding is to support innovative partnership approaches to increase the number of people connected to broadband, equipped with the devices they need to participate in digital life, digital literacy resources, and technical support in communities throughout New York state. Watch this webinar to learn more about these grants. RFP Guidelines for the Innovation Grants are available as well as the RFP form to apply for the Innovation Grants.
Register to join us for a Q + A Session on September 30 th, 2021, at 12:00 pm. The RFP submission forms are open now for both grant opportunities. The submission window closes at 11:59 pm Friday, October 15th. During the review period, an independent group of digital inclusion experts (from across the country) will evaluate all submitted RFPs. Grantees will be notified if they will receive an award by December 22 nd, 2021.
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The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking information about the library experience with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. If your library applied for ECF funding, strongly considered applying but did not apply, or is considering applying in the second application window (September 28 th - October 13 th, 2021) please fill out this short survey. ALA will use the aggregated data in their advocacy efforts with the FCC to seek improvements to the ECF program. Deadline for responding is Wednesday, October 6 th. |
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Library Adult and Teen Program Coordinator (part-time), Town of Esopus Library
The Town of Esopus Library is looking for a creative and motivated person to fill a part-time (25 hours/week) Adult and Teen Programming Coordinator position. The Adult and Teen Programming Coordinator is primarily responsible for planning, marketing, conducting, and facilitating programs for patrons ages 13 – up. The incumbent will coordinate adult events and workshop series, as well as overseeing our ongoing weekly and monthly adult programs. Programs include, but are not limited to, book talks, art and craft classes, history lectures, music, dancing and exercise groups. Our adult programming is vital and diverse, responsive to patrons’ stated needs and preferences. The person in this position will have frequent interaction with the public, requiring a pleasant demeanor and a willingness to engage in conversation. An ability to interact and negotiate with potential presenters and performers is required.
The Adult and Teen Programmer must be technology savvy, and willing to learn and adapt to new and changing technologies. The incumbent will offer innovative Teen programs, and approach Teen sessions with significant energy. This person will also initiate a Teen Volunteer program, collaborating with the Children’s Programmer to create fun and educational volunteer opportunities. They must exhibit flexibility, an attention to detail, and a willingness to work in a dynamic, busy, and changing environment.
The work schedule will be changeable, in order to fulfill all responsibilities of the position. Work hours are predominately afternoons and evenings and may include Weekends. The incumbent will spend some time at the circulation desk and will help patrons locate information and items from the collection. They will help patrons with the use of the computers and computer programs. Schedules may change as staffing needs arise.
The Adult and Teen Programmer promotes programs via social media, e-newsletter, websites, email, fliers, and off-site visits to community groups and schools. Detailed records must be kept pertaining to agreements with presenters and performers, as well as for the assessment of programs. This person must be able to work independently, as well as a part of a team. They must be willing to share in some of the more mundane tasks associated with running a library.
This person must be people-oriented and be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships. They must communicate effectively in both oral and written form with customers and staff and demonstrate skills in public speaking. The Programmer will engage community partners in activities at the library and in the community.
This is a provisional Civil Service position, and the candidate must meet minimum qualifications. Education and experience requirements: 1) A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Library Science, English or Communications or closely related field and one year of experience in a library setting or performing duties related to the oversight, coordination and administration of programs for adults and/or teenagers, or 2) An Associate’s Degree in Education, Library Science, English or Communications or closely related field and 3 years of experience as described in #1, or 3) Graduation from high school and 5 years of experience, as described in #1, or 4) An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated above.
The salary begins at $15.84 per hour and includes benefits. Please send a meaningful cover letter, résumé and three professional references to: Director, Town of Esopus Library, PO Box 1167, Port Ewen, NY 12466, or email: [email protected]. This position is open until filled |
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Library Director, Putnam Valley Library
The Putnam Valley Library, an association library serving a semi-rural community of 12,000 individuals in Putnam Valley, NY, seeks a creative and dynamic Library Director with a passion for community service to oversee all activities and operations of the library.
Essential Responsibilities:
Staff and Operations:
- Supervise all library services, operations, staff, facilities, and programs
- Select, train, and evaluate personnel to maintain a strong team environment
- Develop and maintain the library’s collection in accordance with collection policies and best practices
- Control expenditures of funds and maintain accurate financial records
- Supervise the purchase and maintenance of technology to enhance library services
- Prepare and distribute public relations and marketing materials
- Prepare annual reports to the state and the community
- Work on grant writing and facilitate grant award funding
Board of Trustees:
- Work with the Board in ongoing planning to identify and meet community needs
- Make policy recommendations to the Board and implement adopted policies
- Prepare annual budget recommendations for Board approval
Essential Traits:
- Ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for staff and library patrons
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
- A commitment to social justice and fostering an equitable community
- Knowledge of current trends and developments in the library profession
- Proficiency with computers, library software, internet and digital communications
Minimum Qualifications: A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and experience in library administration.
Salary: $55K-$65K. Position includes some benefits, generous PTO and 12 paid holidays a year. To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to: [email protected]
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