Vol.23-17 | 4.25.23

Happy National Library Week!

National Library Week (NLW) is already underway but It's not too late to get in on the action! NLW is a chance to share and celebrate the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The American Library Association (ALA) and the New York Library Association (NYLA) have calendars, toolkits, and shareable social media posts to help your library spread the word but there is nothing better than your personal library story. Take this opportunity to share your experience with your community and encourage them to do the same. #MyLibraryStory

In case you missed it Unite Against Book Bans declared Monday, April 24th Right to Read Day. This date marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Unite Against Book Bans campaign. Even though the official day has passed please keep spreading the word about this important message to help support our colleagues around the country, and a few here in NY, who are struggling with book challenges and legislation that is threatening to defund libraries and criminalize librarianship. 

Today is National Library Workers Day. Thank you to all our amazing, talented, and dedicated library workers in the Mid-Hudson Library System!

MHLS Announcements

Join Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director, for Sustainability—A Call to Action for the Library Community on Thursday, May 4th at 11am. Climate change has emerged as a significant challenge and threat to global health. How will the library community respond? Rebekkah, Co-Founder of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, will explore the challenges and opportunities for libraries in the face of climate change and hear how many in our field are already answering the call for leadership on sustainability. Learn how a mindset that uses the triple bottom line definition of sustainability can change how you see the world around you and shape your future decision-making at home and at work to ensure a more hopeful future. This session will focus on actionable, practical ideas to address climate change that will help you to contribute to a future that considers not only climate change mitigation, but also adaptation and justice.

MHLS Libraries

The Beekman Library is partnering with their local Rec Center to encourage a healthy start to spring for members of their community. By tracking key healthy behaviors through April and May patrons can be entered to win prizes.  

Professional Development

Public library staff are invited to Media Literacy in NY: Reports from the Field on May 17th from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. This statewide workshop will take place in-person at Duchess BOCES Conference Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. 


The School Library Systems Association of New York (SLSA) presents this media literacy-focused professional development event, designed specifically for New York State school librarians and school administrators. Participants will define media literacy and how it integrates into their curriculum. They will develop their understanding of the essential role school librarians play in teaching and supporting media literacy instruction and hear from NY school librarians (PK-12) who are actively teaching media literacy skills to their students. Participants will be guided through the Project Look Sharp Media Decoding Kits to explore pre-made NYS lesson plans focusing on media literacy skills. 

 

This event is in person with virtual presenters. There will be in-person breakout groups, activities, and discussions. Participants are required to bring their own devices. All handouts will be available online. 

Registration is open through Dutchess BOCES My Learning Plan. This event is free to attend but you will need to create an account in My Learning Plan to register.  

Resource Sharing & Sierra

OverDrive has recently introduced new "Deep Search" and "Notify Me" features to the Libby app. 

Deep Search is a filter setting that a patron can apply to view additional titles that have not yet been added to the MHLS OverDrive collection. Patrons can then apply the "Notify Me" tags to receive a notification if that title becomes available. 

 

Library staff can use the Patron Interests reports in the OverDrive Marketplace to view any Notify Me tags added by their patrons. This new feature is intended to replace the Recommend to Library feature, which will be discontinued as of May 1st, 2023. 

 

For a more in-depth explanation of these features, please see this segment of our most recent Introduction to OverDrive Marketplace webinar (10-minute watch) 

Sustainable Libraries

There is still time to register for The Pronoun Workshop on Monday, May 8th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. In this interactive webinar facilitated by The SafeZone Initiative LLC participants will work through hands-on activities to practice utilizing pronouns in different contexts. Facilitators will guide the conversation around proper pronoun usage, what to do when you misgender someone, the history of pronouns, as well as practicing utilizing them in day-to-day conversations. This will help to build knowledge on best respecting all aspects of folks’ identities which includes their pronouns! 


This online session part of the MHLS EDI in Libraries Series is open to all MHLS member library directors, staff and trustees. Though this session will be held online it will not be recorded to help foster a safe space for participants to have an open dialogue. 

Reference & Collection Development

A new collection group has been created in OverDrive for Juvenile and Young adult content. The collection replaces the former Video collection that OverDrive ended last year. Creating this collection provides a filtered access point for a younger audience and makes it possible to have a URL that can be used in websites and marketing.  

Trustee Resources

Join MHLS Executive Director Rebekkah Smith Aldrich on May 3rd from 5:00 - 6:30 pm for Financial & Fiduciary Responsibilities. This online MHLS Trustee Education intermediate-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. Register Today!

Administration & Management

New York State has updated the model sexual harassment prevention policy. All employers are required to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy. Changes include how to address remote workers, gender discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. The NYS Department of Labor also announced an updated model training requirement and new training videos for employers, each employee must receive training on an annual basis. An employer that does not adopt the model policy must ensure that the policy that they adopt meets or exceeds the minimum standards.  

Job Openings

Millbrook Library Adult Programmer Position

The Millbrook Library is looking for a new Adult Programmer to join our team! This person plans, organizes, and supervises a variety of educational, enjoyable programs for adults with the purpose of encouraging library usage, fostering community relationships, and providing new, educational experiences. They actively promote library programs and services through community outreach; assist the Director and other staff members with special projects and grants; and assist library patrons in the use of library services, facilities, and equipment.


In the past, library programs have included book clubs, movie nights, workshops on crafting, lectures on

environmental sustainability, exercise classes (and more!) but there is a great deal of latitude for the

programmer to plan events and series that align with community needs.

We are looking for someone who is great at making community connections, responsive to patron feedback, and truly enjoys helping others. The Millbrook Library serves just over 4,500 residents in the Town of Washington and the Village of Millbrook. In 2022, we had over 2,300 people attend adult programs. This position would ideally start at the end of June 2023.


General Duties:

  • Plans and directs library programming for adults (including set-up and clean-up).
  • Work with the Director to develop new initiatives for adults.
  • Participate in planning ways to optimize the library facility; create displays, signage, and other methods to attract visitors and provide a pleasing learning environment
  • Actively promote services and programs, through community outreach and engagement.
  • Develop off-site programs with local organizations such as senior facilities for people that may not be able to access the library building easily.
  • Encourage digital literacy and provide technology instruction.
  • Develop observations and understanding of community needs into effective library services and programs.
  • Work collaboratively with other members of the Library staff, Board, and Friends group to generate program ideas and coordinate development.
  • Communicate with artists, assist in curation, and hang art shows for the gallery and glass display case.
  • Cultivate relationships with community members and local organizations to garner feedback and potential partnerships.
  • Evaluate program success.
  • Provide a high level of customer service and assist customers through various aspects of utilizing the library, including reference service in person, over the phone, and by email.
  • Assist with special projects such as the digitization of the Bennett Collection, as well as grant writing.
  • Work with the Director to reach sustainability goals and promote environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices.
  • Provides circulation services when required.
  • Issues library cards according to established procedures when required.
  • Any other routine tasks as assigned by the library director.


Qualifications Profile:

  • Previous library experience and good working knowledge of Sierra are preferred.
  • Comfortable working with computers and software, and able to instruct others on digital literacy skills.
  • Ability to plan, promote, execute, and evaluate adult library programming successfully.
  • Comfortable going outside the library building to promote library services.
  • Outstanding customer service skills in order to relate courteously and effectively with library patrons.
  • Ability to work independently.


Supervised By:

  • Takes direction from Library Director & Assistant Director.


Hours:

  • Full-time, 35 hours/week (days, evenings, some weekends required)


Compensation:

  • $40,000 a year.
  • Generous benefits package including Vacation, Sick, & Personal time, Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Life insurance & 403(b) Retirement Plan.


Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Courtney Tsahalis at director@millbrooklibrary.org.


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Library Director, Tow of Esopus Library

The Town of Esopus Library, a Special District Library serving a town of 9,548 (2020 census), seeks a Library Director with effective interpersonal skills and a commitment to public service. The Library is located one and a half hours from New York City, and overlooks the scenic Hudson River. It is a mid-sized library with a long-range plan for expansion.

 

The Director serves as the chief executive officer of the library and is responsible for the administration of all library functions within the goals, guidelines and policies established by the Library Board of Trustees. This responsibility includes the organization and dissemination of information and services through the effective utilization of library resources. The Director is also responsible for the facilities, financial management and personnel of the library, under the governance and oversight of the Board.

The Director is expected to provide a leadership role within the library, the community, and the library profession. The Director serves as the official representative of the library.

 

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

1.) General Administration and Management

  • Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance managerial skills. Employs management techniques effectively in directing, planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, budgeting, and evaluating the library’s operation.
  • Demonstrates leadership within the organization: Takes initiative, solves problems, effects change through the action of others, and encourages the development of other staff through a positive work environment.
  • Formulates and recommends policies to the Library Board and implements library policies and procedures. Establishes and maintains a staff manual of library policies and procedures.
  • Develops the library budget in coordination with the Finance Committee.
  • Assists in establishing a long-term plan.
  • Works with the Research and Development Committee to seek out and write grants.
  • Orients new trustees and serves as a resource for trustee activities.
  • Directs the maintenance of the library building and grounds, and recommends future space needs.


2.) Planning, Organization and Evaluation

  • Plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs a balanced program of library service to meet the immediate and long-range goals of the library and the community.
  • Establishes the standards of effectiveness for all operations.
  • Evaluates the effectiveness of library services in relation to the changing needs of the community.
  • Is knowledgeable about and complies with New York State library standards affecting the library’s operations.
  • Investigates new trends and specific library programs and facilitates testing of new techniques, materials, and equipment to improve the operation of the library.

 

3.) Personnel Management

  • Develops job descriptions, recommends personnel policies to the Governance and Personnel Committee, and administers personnel policies.
  • Hires, evaluates, promotes and terminates staff.
  • Defines expectations for staff performance and sets goals for service and programming.
  • Works to promote high staff morale.
  • Provides in-service programs for employee training and development, encouraging staff input.
  • Encourages staff professional growth at all levels by supporting participation in professional associations, workshops, seminars and activities.
  • Ensures that staff performance appraisals are done on a regular schedule.
  • Acts as a mentor, mediator, and facilitator for staff.

 

4.) Community and Professional Development

  • Serves as a model to staff in the sense of professionalism, demonstrating strong professional ethics and keeping informed through professional literature.
  • Represents the library and speaks before community, civic, and other groups regarding the objectives and activities of the library.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other government agencies, civic and community groups, and the general public.
  • Serves as the official representative of the library in actions that legally bind or politically influence the library.
  • Supports and facilitates the work of the Friends of the Library.
  • Attends professional and other meetings to maintain contact with other professional and library-related agencies.

 

5.) Other duties, as required.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school.
  • Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian professional certificate at the time of application.
  • Six years of library experience with two years of administrative experience.
  • Effective interpersonal skills consisting of creative and diplomatic communication and management abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, social skills and adaptability.
  • Ability to make administrative decisions and lead a stellar staff.
  • Ability to speak and write effectively and clearly.
  • Intellectual curiosity and a proactive perspective on libraries.
  • General knowledge of library principles and practices.
  • Competent and comfortable with administrative and library technologies.
  • Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job.

 

Salary & Benefits

Salary range is $65,000-$70,000. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, New York State retirement and a robust PTO package.

 

Please send a cover letter describing your philosophy of library service, a resume and the names and contact information of 3 professional references to directorsearch@esopuslibrary.org by May 19, 2023. Interviews will commence immediately.

 

We are an equal opportunity employer.

 

This is a provisional Civil Service appointment. The selected candidate will have to fill the Ulster County Civil Service requirements for Library Director I and must be among the three highest scoring candidates willing to accept the position in order to retain permanent appointment.


MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master’s degree in the same community. 

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