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Volume 19-39 | 9.24.19
Improved Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base, the go-to website for Sierra documentation, news and IT support has been reimagined to make finding what you need more intuitive! The site is now divided into 5 primary categories: Resource Sharing, Sierra Roadmap, Learn & Connect, Staff Toolbox and Admin Toolbox. Easy access to the most used tools in each section, Sierra downloads, and opening support tickets is all available from the main page. Still can't find it? The new site has a powerful search tool that will take you to the right document, where your search term will be highlighted. The new design allows MHLS to showcase new features, enhancements and training as well as improving searchability. The updated Knowledge Base is available at the same URL http://kb.midhudson.org/

The Knowledge Base is accessible to all member library staff. However, Sierra content is still password protected. Staff should speak with their library director about obtaining the password for their library.
 
The Knowledge Base will continue to evolve, to the needs of our members so, please leave us comments and suggestions using the form provided on the site. Questions about the new Knowledge Base should be  directed to Laurie Shedrick, MHLS Assistant Director/ Technology Operations Manager, lshedrick@midhudson.org
MHLS Announcements
Text messaging notifications for patrons will be available starting October 1st.  As part of the Sierra Roadmap rollout of new products approved by the DA, patrons will be able to opt in to receive text messages. Text messaging gets the information that patrons need out to them more quickly and conveniently, wherever they are. Text messaging supplements the regular Sierra notices for Hold Pickup, Overdue, Auto Renew and Courtesy notices. Opt in access is available in the "Edit Account" section of the patron record. Patrons can opt out just as easily. More information about the service including talking points to use with patrons can be found in the Sierra Roadmap section of the new Knowledge Base  http://kb.midhudson.org/
MHLS Libraries
woman smiling The Rosendale Library Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Katie Scott-Childress (pictured left) joined the library in September as the new Director. Katie was the Director at Saugerties Public Library for the past two years and the Director of Olive Free Library Association for four and a half years prior to that. She earned her Master of Library Science degree at the University of Maryland. Katie started her new position in mid-September.
Professional Development
Join Deb Weltsch, Coordinator of Central Library Services at Poughkeepsie Public Library District for Just the Facts: Media Literacy Tools in the Era of 'Fake News.' This workshop, open to all MHLS member library staff interested in improving their media literacy skills will cover:
  • Discussing the importance of objective factual information- especially in a library setting
  • Learning about the role of journalism in society
  • Exploring 'filter bubbles' and 'information silos'
  • Learning fact-checking resources
  • Getting tools to unmask 'doctored' media images and videos
  • Learning to evaluate information sources on a variety of levels
Five dates and locations to choose from:
Please register for any one of the dates through the MHLS online calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org/
Sustainable Libraries
Logo National Friends of Libraries Week is October 20th-26th . This celebration offers a two-fold opportunity to celebrate Friends. Use the time to creatively promote your group in the community, to raise awareness, and to promote membership. This is also an excellent opportunity for your library and Board of Trustees to recognize the Friends for their help and support of the library. Find out more at  www.ala.org/united/friendsweek
Reference & Collection Development
T here is still time to register for the Local History & Special Collections Roundtable on Monday, October 21st from 2:00-3:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium. This interactive discussion group brings together experienced staff with those wanting to learn more about digitizing local history materials. This session will feature a brief presentation on the HRVH & NY Heritage websites by SENYLRC's Digital Services Librarian, Jennifer Palmentiero followed by a group discussion.
 
Please register for this event through the MHLS online calendar http://calendar.midhudson.org/
Trustee Resources
United for Libraries, the American Library Association (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy office and the Census Counts campaign launched Library Census Champions a new network of state, local and tribal library Trustees helping their libraries and communities prepare for the 2020 Census. Trustees can sign up to become a Library Census Champion and receive free information, resources, and actions, by visiting http://bit.ly/LibraryCensusChampions . To find out more about this program attend the free live Census Champions webinar on October 1st at 2:00pm by registering at http://bit.ly/2kWGbht
Administration & Management
Sexual harassment prevention training must be carried out for all New York State employees by October 9, 2019 . MHLS has put together policy, forms, training materials, and guidance to make meeting the requirements of the law as easy as possible for member libraries. Policy, forms, and training materials are available at  https://midhudson.org/new-york-state-sexual-harassment-law-policy-and-training/
Job Openings
Part-time Library Clerk, Howland Public Library (Beacon)
The Howland Public Library is growing! We have multiple openings for part time Library Clerks, with various shifts available. We are looking for responsible, friendly, and team orientated individuals who can join our staff in providing outstanding customer service to the vibrant and diverse patrons of the Beacon City School District. Interpersonal and communication skills are vital for this position as are attention to detail, patience, tact, and politeness, while still being able to enforce the rules of the library.  Comfort with computers and technology is very important. Library Clerks are supervised by the Circulation Manager.
 
Duties of a Library Clerk:
  • Checks library materials in and out, places holds, and explains lending rules when needed
  • Computes and collects fees, makes change, and issues receipts
  • Creates and updates patron records
  • Assists patrons on the telephone and routes calls properly
  • Performs shelving and shelf maintenance including shelf reading
  • Assists patrons with copiers, faxes, computers, and databases
  • Provides reference assistance when needed
  • May assist Technical Services department in sorting, inspecting, or processing materials
  • Does related work as required
 
Pay: $13.47/hr, paid on a bi-weekly pay period 
 
Benefits: Paid holiday and bereavement time. Staff scheduled for 12 hours or more per week are entitled to sick time and vacation. Howland Public Library participates in the New York State and Local Retirement System.
 
Minimum qualifications: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma. Clerical work experience may be substituted on a year for year basis in lieu of a high school diploma up to a maximum of two years.
 
Special requirement: Candidates must indicate ability to type, i.e. courses in typing or typing work experience.
 
Preferred qualifications: Experience in a library setting, and/or Spanish language skills.
 
All available shifts are under 20 hours per week. Weekend or evening hours are required. This position involves standing for long periods of time and lifting materials and packages that can weigh 25lbs.
 
If you would like to apply please send a cover letter and résumé along with your schedule availability to Director Salierno at director@beaconlibrary.org by September 30, 2019.
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Part-time Bookkeeper and Secretarial Assistant, Town of Esopus Library
The Town of Esopus Library is seeking a part-time Bookkeeper and Secretarial Assistant. This position is for 18 hours of weekday work. No evening hours. The pay is $14.00 an hour. There are no benefits.

Requirements: Knowledge and experience with an accounting program such as Quick Books; knowledge and experience with office terminology, procedures and equipment; ability to problem solve in relation to accounting activities; Detail-oriented; Ability to follow through on tasks and projects; Mathematical competence.

Responsibilities:
  • Daily operations of accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Utilize QuickBooks to process income and payments
  • Prepare invoices for daily billing
  • Reconcile monthly bank statements
  • Process payroll
  • Maintain employee benefit allocation
  • Reconcile cash register
  • Inspect and audit simple accounts, according to departmental procedures for accuracy and conformance
  • General filing
  • Information gathering through phone calls and internet search
  • Process incoming mail
  • Other administrative tasks requested by the Director
This is a provisional Civil Service position. Deadline for submission is October 11th, 2019.

Send your résumé  and three references to: Brooke Dittmar, Library Director, esopusdirector@gmail.com
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