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Volume 18-02 | 1.9.18 
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Energy Assessment Offer
Over the past several months, MHLS has been working with L&S Energy Services to develop a strategy to assist member libraries in making their buildings more energy efficient . L&S Energy, an approved New York State Energy & Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) vendor, is coordinating a Pilot Program that provides a simple entry point for MHLS members into NYSERDA's FlexTech Program. 
 
The FlexTech Program, provides funding to assist owners in obtaining an objective, site-specific and targeted study (energy assessment) on how best to implement clean energy and/or energy efficiency technologies in their building. The FlexTech study provides information to help make objective investment decisions relating to energy projects.
 
The Energy Assessment will help you determine:
  • If a clean energy project makes economic sense based on simple payback calculations for upgrades to LED lighting, high efficiency heat pumps, high efficiency heating or cooling equipment, electronic controls, building envelope insulation, high performance windows and other technologies available in the marketplace.

  • Low-cost, easily implemented improvements that will reduce your energy bills

  • A way to pay for energy related capital improvements from lower energy consumption and costs     
Please note: for the purposes of the State Aid for Library Construction program the MHLS board looks for projects that are related to a professional's recommendations, such as the ones you will receive through this professional energy assessment.
 
L&S has developed a proposal (found at http://bit.ly/2CsR8uJ) that provides an outline of the energy assessment (Attachment #1) and identifies the initial cost per library (Attachment #2). Additionally, L&S has developed a reduced-cost offering -- if multiple libraries in the same geographic region apply for this program L&S will provide an additional discount to the libraries. On top of that, the FlexTech program can provide further cost reductions. The amount shown in the document, in the column labeled "Energy Assessment Cost," is the maximum charge to your library.
 
To determine the participation level for this program, interested MHLS member libraries should send an e-mail to [email protected] and to Rebekkah Smith Aldrich [email protected]. This e-mail needs to be received prior to January 31, 2018. After 1/31/2018, L&S will analyze the responses and see where reduced rates can be offered. A site-specific proposal will be sent to each interested library and if the library agrees with the proposal, the Energy Assessment will be scheduled. Deadline: January 31, 2018
MHLS Announcements
MHLS will be closed on Monday, January 15th. There will be no deliveries. MHLS staff will be available via the MHLS ticket system ([email protected]) from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to support system-wide Sierra/catalog critical issues.    

Jane Minotti, MHLS' regional Library Development Specialist from the New York State Library Division of Library Development came down for a visit in November. After meeting with MHLS' Executive Director Tom Sloan and Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Jane got backstage tours of two member libraries: Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie and, shown above, a VIP tour of Highland Public Library's brand new building! Jane is pictured above with Highland Public Library Director, Julie Kelsall-Dempsey
MHLS Libraries
Photo courtesy of Desmond-Fish Library

The Cold Spring Lions donated $2,500 in support of the Desmond-Fish Library's Innovation and Learning Center and the Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library's Children's Room projects!
 
The Chatham Public Library has implemented an online museum pass reservation system using TixKeeper. Passes may be reserved up to thirty days in advance and can be printed from home or at the library.

Professional Development
Mango Languages Orientation/Refresher Webinar: Mango Languages is an e-resource available through all MHLS member libraries. Usage continues to rise - there were over 11,500 uses by patrons in the past 12 months! In addition to over 70 languages that can be learned through Mango, there are English Language Learning courses in more than 17 languages.  This webinar will include:
  • A short demo of how Mango Languages works
  • What's new in this resource
  • The Mango mobile app
  • How to talk about Mango and promote this valuable resource to your community
Register for one of three upcoming sessions at http://calendar.midhudson.org:

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Sustainable Libraries
2018 Turning Outwards Pilot Program: Directors are invited to sign up for an introductory webinar on Thursday, January 11th @2:00 pm to learn more about the MHLS 2018 Turning Outwards Pilot Program. This program will provide support to a select group of libraries to help them collect community input for strategic planning purposes using the resources from the American Library Association's Libraries Transforming Communities program. Registration is required: http://calendar.midhudson.org
Job Openings
The D. R. Evarts Library Board of Trustees seeks a full time Library Manager/Director, who is an exceptional leader and who demonstrates commitment to the public library's excellent service to the local community.

With a dedicated staff of part time employees, volunteers, and an active Friends group, the D. R. Evarts Library serves a small town of about 3,400 residents in Athens, NY. D. R. Evarts Library is part of the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS). Athens is located 27 miles south of Albany. Additional information may be found at www.drevartslibrary.org

RESPONSIBILITIES: The ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to plan and implement new services and programs, and inspire community support. The Manager reports to the Board of Trustees. Primary responsibilities of this position include:
  • Develop and manage library programs for a diverse patron base, seeking and responding to input from the community.
  • Project a positive image of the library, with a focus on providing exceptional service.
  • Partner with fellow library directors/managers, community members and organizations to offer expanded services and programs.
  • Explore opportunities for additional funding and pursue grants.
  • Management duties including outreach, personnel, budgeting, collection development, social media, facilities management, and information services in accordance with policies developed by the Board of Trustees.
  • Work smoothly and cooperatively with patrons, schools, businesses, municipal entities, Friends, staff and community groups in the area, with courtesy, tact and effective communications.
  • Advise and work closely with the Board on all library matters and keep the Trustees informed of relevant issues.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 2 years of college (60 credits)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program
  • A minimum of one year Library experience including internships
  • Experience and/or knowledge of library-driven technology services
SALARY: Competitive salary and benefits

HOURS: 35 hours per week on a flexible schedule

DEADLINE: Open until filled. Qualified, interested individuals should email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the search committee at [email protected]

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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 [email protected]
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