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Volume 18-51 | 12.18.18 
MHLS Board Meets
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Saturday, December 8th in the MHLS Auditorium and:
  • Adopted a Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy, as mandated by New York State;

  • Passed three recognition resolutions: one to recognize retiring MHLS Board member John Dax; one to recognize MHLS Assistant Director Merribeth Advocate for her 20 years of outstanding service to MHLS; and one to recognize Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director, for being honored with the New York Library Association's (NYLA) "Outstanding Service to Libraries Award";

  • Designated TDBank as the System's Bank of Business in 2019;

  • Were provided information by the Executive Director regarding:
    • Input solicited from her Stakeholder Survey and Listening Tour initiatives, that was utilized to update the proposed 2019 Action Plan;
    • Our progress towards attaining the Sustainable Library Certification from the New York Library Association;
    • The Town of Union Vale 2019 contract for provision of library service to the town's residents;
    • Status of the Pleasant Valley Free Library following the fire on November 6;
    • Results of all member library votes;
    • Importance of continuing to advocate for library funding and attendance at NYLA's Library Advocacy Day, February 27th, 2019.
  • Approved the 2019 MHLS Budget;

  • Approved the new MHLS NYLA Annual Conference Grants Program which will go into effect in April 2019 pending the outcome of the State Budget;

  • Approved adoption of the updated 2019 MHLS Action Plan for System services;

  • Accepted changes to the MHLS Board of Trustees Rules & Procedures, clarifying the role of the Directors Association and Central Library liaisons to the MHLS Board;

  • Elected the following slate of Board officers for 2019;
    • President: Mark Wilson
    • Vice President: Richard Swierat
    • Treasurer: Barry Ramage
    • Secretary: Michele Ment
    • At-Large: Lisa Baker Brill

  • Approved the new 2019-2021 MHLS/CSEA Agreement;

  • Received a briefing on current issues to keep an eye on in the coming months including digital inclusion issues surrounding the 2020 Census and new minimum standards for public libraries that will go into effect January 2021.
All MHLS Board documents available at http://board.midhudson.org . The next MHLS Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Highland Public Library.
This is the last MHLS Bulletin issue of the year.
See you in 2019!
MHLS Announcements
MHLS Seeks New Cataloging Specialist: The person in this position p erforms primarily copy-cataloging duties including creating, editing, adding and maintaining records in the ILS to ensure that database records are complete, up-to-date, and accurate, and provides training and support to staff and member libraries as required.
 
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree; or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A working knowledge of Integrated Library System (ILS) software.
  • Working knowledge of MARC structure.
  • Proficiency in searching bibliographic databases for records.
  • Familiarity with Library of Congress subject headings, RDA, and AACR2 record organization.
  • The ability to interpret and write documentation related to cataloging procedures.
  • Must have strong verbal communication skills in phone support and in-person training environments.
  • The ability to adapt to changing technologies.
  • Familiarity with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience using either the Millennium or Sierra ILS.
  • Experience with consortia or cooperative library environments.
  • Some background in written Spanish.
  • Experience with MARC-Edit software.
  • Experience with library vendor software such as Baker and Taylor TS360 and Midwest Tapes.
Hiring salary for this full-time position is $41,000 with excellent benefits including New York State retirement; medical and dental insurance; and paid vacation and sick leave. Please submit your cover letter and résumé online as an PDF attachment to  [email protected]

Application Deadline: Monday, January 14th. 
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MHLS will be closed on Tuesday, December 25th in observance of Christmas Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored.

MHLS will be closed on Tuesday, January 1st in observance of New Year's Day. There will be no deliveries and the MHLS ticket system will not be monitored.
MHLS Libraries
The Olive Free Library has shared the sad news of the loss of one of their founding members Rosalie Burgher (pictured above) , who passed away on December 4th. Rosalie was not only a founding member of the Olive Free Library she held a seat on the Board of Directors and then became Director of the library, a position she held for more than 20 years. She had a tremendous impact on the community particularly the children in the Town of Olive. Rosalie's passion for educating and reading to children was obvious to all who attended story hour. Rosalie's passing is a great loss to her community.
Reference & Collection Development
Your library is eligible for a free copy of the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit. To receive your free copy visit http://bit.ly/2OVz9CE  and fill out the registration form. Libraries with the 2007 or 2009 editions, in their collections, should replace them with the newest edition (2016). Thanks to Poughkeepsie Public Library District, the MHLS Central Library, for sharing this update.
Job Openings
Assistant Director/ Program Support Specialist, Philmont Public Library
The Philmont Public Library is a small community library where all staff works together for daily responsibilities and value excellent service to our patrons.  We are searching for candidates for an assistant director position of 12 hours per week including Monday and Wednesday evenings 6-8 and Thursday and Saturdays from 10-2.  Library experience is a plus, but not necessary. 
 
Duties and responsibilities:
  • Act in supervisory capacity in absence of the director
  • Update and maintain library website
  • Send mass e-mails regarding programming
  • Manage online public information calendars, news media postings and PSAs
  • Help to promote and grow the library's social media presence (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
  • Implement at least two monthly programs for children and adults including technology skill workshops. 
Required skills:
  • Word press editing
  • Comfortable and knowledgeable with various computer programs: Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Docs, and social media platforms
  • Self-motivation and independence
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills especially with youth, teens and seniors
  • Strong organizational skills
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
 
Please send résumé and letter of interest to:
Tobi Farley, Library Director  [email protected] or mail to
Philmont Public Library,  P.O. Box 816,  Philmont , NY 12565
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Senior Typist - Part-Time (Non-Competitive), Poughkeepsie Public Library District
The Library District seeks qualified individuals to fill the role of Senior Typist (part-time) in  January 2019. This is not a competitive Civil Service appointment and candidates need not be on a list eligibles. There are two part-time positions: one will be scheduled for 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and the other will be 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm.
 
Qualifications: Candidates must meet these minimum qualifications as found on the appropriate job specification (attached).
 
These are non-competitive Civil Service appointments. For permanent appointment, the selected candidate will serve a probationary period of up to six (6) months.
 
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics: In addition to the above minimum qualifications, the Library District seeks an individual with the following attributes:
  • A desire for civic engagement with the local community and interests and a passion to bring the Library District's mission and vision outside the building and to the community at large
  • Leadership and a willingness to actively participate in the Library District's management team
  • Ability to effectively manage and evaluate a diverse staff serving a diverse population
  • Knowledge of and proficiency in computer applications in public library service, including use of the integrated online system (Sierra), MS Word, and MS Excel
  • Willingness to participate in local and state library organizations
  • Ability to effectively interpret and enforce Library District policies and procedures, as needed
  • Willingness to work with the Head of Borrower & Technical Services in the recommendation of Library District policies and procedures
About the Poughkeepsie Public Library District: The Library District ( www.poklib.org) is an independent special library district serving the residents and businesses of the City and Town of Poughkeepsie with a chartered population of 75,000 and an annual budget of $7.5 million. Having recently completed a $20 million capital improvement plan, the organizational focus will now shift to ongoing service evaluation and development as well as continued community engagement.
 
Compensation: This is a Civil Service appointment represented by CSEA.  Minimum salary as per current collective bargaining agreement.  17.5 hours work week. Standard benefit package applies including medical and NYS Retirement System pension plan. Other benefits may be elected. Standard leave package applies.
 
To Apply: Interest candidates should apply with cover letter and résumé via email to Library Director Tom Lawrence at  [email protected]. All applications will kept confidential. References will be requested of finalists, only.
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Part Time Circulation Clerk, Roeliff Jansen Community Library
The Roeliff Jansen Community Library located in Copake, NY is seeking a circulation clerk who can work Saturdays and Sundays, 10 hours per week.
 
We are looking for a friendly, detail-oriented person to staff the circulation desk during weekend hours, Saturday, 9:30 am-4:00 pm and Sunday, 12:30 am-4:00 pm.
 
Responsibilities include:
  • Checking library materials in and out, placing items on hold, collecting fines, etc.
  • Providing reference assistance
  • Creating and updating patron records
  • Assisting patrons with computers and databases
  • Shelving library materials and keeping the collection in good order
  • Providing excellent customer service and serving as the public face of the library
  • Working with circulation desk volunteers
  • Opening and closing the library
Qualifications:
  • Excellent customer service skills, love of working with the public
  • Patience, sense of humor
  • Comfort with computers and technology
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Outstanding interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred, but not required:
  • Prior experience working in a public library
  • Knowledge of Sierra Integrated Library System
Please send résumé and letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this position to Tamara Gaskell, Director, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
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