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Volume 19-24 | 6.11.19
Join The Great Give Back!
T he Great Give Back is a day for libraries to provide opportunities for their patrons to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences, and shine a light on the great work libraries are doing in their evolving roles as community hubs and connectors. This year, the Great Give Back will be on Saturday, October 19th, and MHLS libraries have the opportunity to participate in this statewide effort.

To learn more about The Great Give Back including how to participate and programming ideas you can watch the recorded webinar, available on demand at https://midhudson.org/great-give-back/ 

If your library is interested in participating in The Great Give Back this year, please fill out this brief form by June 30th: https://bit.ly/2QvunOJ 

If you have questions about The Great Give Back please contact Courtney Wimmers, MHLS Outreach & Engagement Specialist at [email protected] or 845-471-6060 ext. 253.
MHLS Announcements
Libraries can now submit an intent to apply form for the 2019-2020 Family Literacy Grant cycle . The Family Literacy Grant is designed to help your library work on building its capacity to provide early literacy services in your community, based on the best practices of this parent education initiative.
 
This early literacy training program will run from July 2019 - June 2020 and is limited to 10 member libraries. During this time, these libraries will:
  • Attend 5 mandatory meetings/trainings that will cover the full curriculum of the Ready to Read at New York Libraries: Early Childhood Public Library Staff Development Program.
  • Receive support from MHLS staff, from member library peers in the cohort, and from professional materials provided by MHLS.
  • Receive funds to the library for early literacy materials
All libraries who did not participate in the last Early Literacy Cohort (January 2018 - June 2019) are invited to submit an intent to apply form.
 
More information, and the 2019-2020 intent to apply form are available at https://bit.ly/2I2iL1Z  Please submit completed forms  t o Courtney Wimmers, MHLS Outreach & Engagement Specialist by June 25th.
MHLS Libraries
Estuary Explorer Backpacks (above) are now available to borrow at the Hudson Area Library! The Columbia Land Conservancy (CLC) put together each themed backpack kit, which contains different materials that a young scientist might use for exploring nature. Themes include the night sky, hiking, birding, insects, and water. Learn more about this exciting program by visiting http://hudsonarealibrary.org/ 
Professional Development
The Public Libraries Section (PLS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA) is currently accepting applications for:
  • NYLA 2019 Annual Conference Scholarships (5)
  • Innovative Program Award
  • L. Marion Moshier/Asa Wynkoop Award for Distinguished Librarianship
  • Public Libraries Building Award
More information, eligibility requirements and application procedures are available at http://bit.ly/2Kv9jH9 The deadline is June 28th, 2019.

The Library & Leadership Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association is seeking candidates for two scholarships to attend NYLA's 2019 Conference in Saratoga for first time attendees. One award will be given to Directors/Branch Managers; the second is for Library Assistants/support staff. This award covers the full conference registration fee; hotel room; LAMS luncheon and $100.00 towards travel.
 
More information and application procedures are available at http://bit.ly/2F7hXs3 The deadline is June 30th, 2019.
Sustainable Libraries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 500 cases of measles in New York City and over 250 cases in nearby Rockland County. The infection is especially dangerous for babies, who are too young to be vaccinated against the virus, and anyone who can't receive the vaccination, because of a compromised immune system. Measles is very contagious, and libraries should be prepared as people begin to travel in the summer.
 
The Ulster County Health Department recommends libraries take the following steps to prepare for the possibility of a person with measles or another communicable disease coming into the library.
  • Make sure staff consult their doctor to find out if they're protected from the disease through vaccination or past infection.
  • Post informative fliers describing the symptoms of measles and asking people with these symptoms to stay home. Sample flier: https://bit.ly/2VNOE2W 
  • Wait for more info from your County Health Department.
For more information and resources on measles visit www.cdc.gov 
Administration & Management
Library smoking ban takes effect June 19th.  In December 2018, Governor Cuomo signed into law legislation to prohibit smoking within one hundred feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of any public or association library . This new law will take effect June 19th. Vaping is not prohibited by the law in the same areas, but libraries can adopt policy to restrict the use of e-cigarettes. Compliance with the new law:
  • Libraries are required to prominently post and properly maintain signage outside of each door of the building, regardless of whether such door serves as a public entrance or exit, where the 100-foot restricted perimeter begins, or as close to the restricted perimeter as possible. Signage should either clearly denote that smoking is prohibited within one hundred feet or use the international "no smoking" symbol.
  • Libraries are required to inform employees about the new law and designate an agent to inform non-employees when they are in violation of the law.
For more information go to http://bit.ly/2F5xDMr or contact Casey Conlin, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, [email protected]
Job Openings
Adult Services Librarian, Catskill Public Library  
The Catskill Public Library is searching for a dynamic, creative, positive, energetic, people-person to fill a Full-Time Adult Services Librarian Position.
 
Required : A Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution with at least two (2) years of professional library experience.
 
The Catskill Public Library is a Carnegie Library built in 1901 and located in upstate New York in the Catskill Mountain region. The Palenville Branch Library is located in the hamlet of Palenville, America's first artist colony. The libraries serve a combined population of approximately 13,000.
 
General responsibilities include:
  • Establishing positive working relationships with coworkers, library users, community organizations as well as acting as liaison for library services
  • Assisting library users with all manner of technology
  • Providing reference and reader's advisory services to all library users
  • Performing database searches and assisting others in such searches
  • Designing and producing public relations and library-instructional materials 
  • Keeping informed of professional developments through literature, System meetings, workshops, continuing-education opportunities and participation in professional organizations                                                                                           
Adult-Services specific responsibilities include:
  • Advocating for and empowering adults both in-house and in the community
  • Planning and implementing programs, both in-house and in the community
  • Evaluating, developing and maintaining collections as well as selecting, processing and cataloging materials
  • Developing and conducting library tours, presentations and outreach
  • Seeking and implementing grant-funding
  Skills, Abilities, & Personal Characteristics:
  • Knowledge of the modern principles and practices of library science
  • Knowledge of and comfort with computer technology, mobile and hand-held devices and online database systems
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with all age groups, skill-levels and temperaments
  • Ability to think critically to understand the needs of library users
  • Ability to function as a team member
  • Ability to work independently
  • Tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and the public
  • Ability to work evenings (until 8pm) and occasional weekends
The ideal candidate will be friendly, approachable, customer-focused, and open-minded with a genuine passion for community and customer service; someone inspiring and capable of being inspired, who can as see the silver lining regardless of situation. An unshakeable positive attitude is a plus.
 
Special Requirements : Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian's professional certificate at the time of application or possession of certificate at the time of appointment.
 
Salary range : $50,000 - 53,000 / year
 
Benefits include paid vacation, sick time and health insurance contribution.
 
This is a Civil Service Position.
 
Position is open until filled.
 
Please email a cover letter, résumé and at least three professional references to Library Director, Sue Ray at [email protected]  Subject Heading: "Adult Services Librarian"
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Children's/Youth Services Librarian, Roeliff Jansen Community Library
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Copake, NY, is seeking an energetic and creative part-time Children's/Youth Services Librarian to develop and oversee the Library's children's and young adult collections and programs. The Children's/Youth Services Librarian, who reports to the Director of the Library, will also assist with circulation and reference duties, materials processing, and community outreach.

Specific responsibilities:
  • Work with the Youth Team to plan, promote, implement, and evaluate programs for children, young adults, and families
  • Maintain and develop the children's and young adult collections, selecting, ordering, processing, cataloging, and repairing materials
  • Recruit, train, and work with youth-oriented volunteers including, perhaps, a youth advisory team
  • Work with local schools and camps to introduce young people to the Library
  • Identify opportunities to secure grants for programs geared to children and young adults
  • Work the circulation desk, field reference questions, assist patrons with computer questions
  • Maintain statistics and develop reports
  • Take responsibility of the building in the absence of the Director
The candidate must have strong customer service skills and be able to work with people of all ages and temperaments, especially with children and young adults, be comfortable with computer and A/V technology and savvy with social media, and enjoy working as part of a team.
 
This is a 20 hour/week position. Candidate must be able to work weekends and evenings as needed.
 
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree, MLS preferred
Hourly rate dependent upon education and experience.
 
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Please send résumé  and letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position, along with the names and contact information for three professional references, to Tamara Gaskell, Director, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin July 1.
_________________________________________________________________
Communications and Technical Services Associate, Roeliff Jansen Community Library 
 
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library in Copake, NY, is seeking an energetic and creative part-time Communications and Technical Services Associate to oversee the Library's communications and to help maintain and process the Library's circulating collection. The Communications and Technical Services Associate, who reports to the Director of the Library, will also assist with circulation and reference duties.
 
Specific responsibilities:
  • Work with Library staff and program committees to promote the library and its programs
  • Maintain and expand the Library's social media presence
  • Compile and edit the Library's e-newsletter
  • Write and send press releases on Library activities
  • Help create and circulate flyers/posters for events
  • Help select materials for the adult collection
  • Process and catalog new materials
  • Work the circulation desk, field reference questions, assist patrons with computer questions
  • Take responsibility of the building in the absence of the Director
The candidate must be comfortable with computer and A/V technology and savvy with social media. Experience with Constant Contact, WordPress, and Photoshop a plus. Must have strong writing and customer service skills and be able to work with people of all ages and temperaments and enjoy working as part of a team.
 
This is a 20 hour/week position. Candidate must be able to work weekends and evenings as needed.
 
Minimum qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree, MLS preferred
Hourly rate dependent upon education and experience.
 
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library is an equal opportunity employer.
 
Please send résumé  and letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position, along with the names and contact information for three professional references, to Tamara Gaskell, Director, at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin July 1.
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Library Director, Rosendale Public Library
The Rosendale Public Library seeks a dedicated and energetic leader to direct its operations.This position requires a MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited university and 2 years responsible library experience or any combination of education and experience comparable to these requirements as determined by the Rosendale Public Library Board. Provisional upon meeting the Ulster County Civil Service requirements for Library Director I. Successful candidates will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, interest in current library technology, fiscal/budgetary knowledge and ability to work effectively with a library board, library employees and the community.

Rosendale is a town in Ulster County, New York in the heart of the beautiful Hudson Valley at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. It has a population of 6,075. The library serves 2600 cardmembers, contains more than 40,000 books, materials, and e-resources. The Library has an annual operating budget of $308,000. The Rosendale Public Library has an active Board and Friends of the Library group.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Supervises approximately 8 library staff, as well as volunteers
  • Administers and assists in developing personnel and operating policies and procedures
  • Responsible for library collection development
  • Prepares and presents annual library budget proposal for approval, and monitors and approves expenditures from the official operating budget
  • Develops short-term and long-range goals and plans for collections, services, and programs in keeping with the library's mission statement and operating policies; studies and plans development of library services to meet present and future community needs
  • Participates in the planning, organization, and management of technical and automation services for the library
  • Develops and directs a public relations program to promote and publicize the library's collections, services, and programs within the community
  • Maintains knowledge of new developments in the library profession
  • Responsible for the maintenance of the library's building, furnishings, equipment and grounds
  • Prepares regular narrative and statistical reports for the Library Board of Trustees
  • Prepares grant requests to state and federal agencies and non-profit foundations, and administers grant funds upon award
  • Reviews and evaluates the library's services and programs
  • Serves on professional and community committees to advance the library and the library profession
  • Performs other duties as required
Qualifications
A Master's Degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university plus two years of progressively responsible library administration experience or equivalent, preferably in a supervisory capacity.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Skill in sensitively and effectively responding to inquiries and concerns from patrons, regulatory agencies and the business community. Ability to effectively prepare and present information to Library Board and public groups. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to appropriately deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Hours: Full-time salaried position at 35 hours per week

Salary: $55,000-$70,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: Health insurance, vacation and sick leave

Application Deadline: July 1, 2019

How to Apply: Email a cover letter and résumé to
[email protected]
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