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Volume 18-39 | 9.25.18 
MHLS Library Development Coordinator
Passionate about the future of libraries? Looking to make a difference in the world? This might be the job for you.
The Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Library Development Coordinator. This position works with the sixty-six (66) public libraries that are members of MHLS to develop methods of supporting and improving libraries in the areas of management, governance, funding, marketing and facilities. The Coordinator's primary responsibilities are related to consulting and development services; the design of professional development and continuing education for library directors, staff, trustees and Friends Groups; assistance with local, state, and federal advocacy efforts; the administration of the State Aid for Library Construction program for our region; and contributing to an integrated communication system that keeps system stakeholders connected.
 
The person who is right for this job has excellent communication skills - as a writer, meeting participant and presenter; is a good listener; displays original thinking and creativity; is an effective project manager; and can think strategically.

MHLS is known as a forward thinking system with a deep background in the area of library development. From ground breaking work to help libraries build their financial capacity, and engage with their community members, to innovating in the areas of public library trustee education, sustainable facility design and grassroots advocacy work, MHLS is looking to add a member to our team that can help us grow our library development legacy.
 
Minimum qualifications are:
  • Master's degree (MLS, MIS) from an ALA accredited institution
  • Five or more years of related experience
  • Knowledge of modern library organizations, procedures, policies, aims and services
To read the full job description: https://bit.ly/2xwZY9s
 
Hiring salary for this full time position is $55,000-$60,000 with excellent benefits including New York State retirement; medical and dental insurance; and paid vacation and sick leave.
 
To apply please submit a meaningful letter of interest addressing each minimum qualification and a résumé to [email protected] Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
MHLS Announcements
The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, September 12th in the Innovation & Learning Center of the Desmond-Fish Library, in Garrison, NY and:
  • Thanked Director, Jen McCreery, the staff of the Desmond-Fish Library and MHLS Putnam County Board representatives, for hosting and facilitating the meeting;
  • Welcomed Ms. Aldrich to her first official MHLS Board meeting as Executive Director;
  • Were apprised of two upcoming stakeholder initiatives: a MHLS Board & System Staff survey - to glean information on the future of the System and where energy should be focused in the future; a Member Library Director & Board President survey - to learn some of the future goals of individual member libraries;
  • Reviewed background details and the current status of the contractual agreement for provision of library services to Town of Union Vale residents by the Beekman, Dover, LaGrange & Millbrook libraries;
  • Were encouraged to attend the ALA Advocacy Boot Camp event at the Bethlehem Public Library, on September 20;
  • Reviewed and approved recommended funding for 2018-2019 NYS Construction Grant Awards for the MHLS and 17 member libraries;
  • Approved the final draft of the MHLS Personnel Policies Handbook;
  • Approved revisions to three MHLS Fiscal Policies: Cash Receipts; Credit Cards; and Purchasing;
  • Approved the MHLS 2018 mid-year adjusted budget;
  • Discussed pre and post-election legislative advocacy strategies with state legislators on behalf of increasing funding for state library aid;
  • Were presented the following proposed slate of Board Officers for 2019:
    • President, Mark Wilson
    • Vice President, Ric Swierat
    • Treasurer, Barry Ramage
    • Secretary, Michele Ment
    • Board Member: Lisa Baker Brill;
  • Approved the following dates for its 2019 meetings:
    • Saturday, January 19
    • Saturday, March 23
    • Wednesday, May 8
    • Wednesday, July 10
    • Wednesday, September 18
    • Friday, November 1 (tentative date for 2019 Annual Membership Meeting)
    • Saturday, December 7.
  • Were presented an overview of the service area, demographics, types of libraries, and service statistics of Putnam County libraries by Ms. Aldrich, and a snapshot of a number of current programs and activities at Putnam County libraries, as well as information on the cohesive legislative advocacy efforts of the Putnam County Library Association by Gina Loprinzo, Director of the Brewster Public Library.
All MHLS Board documents available at http://board.midhudson.org
 
The MHLS Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 2, 2018 , at Locust Grove Estate, Poughkeepsie, New York - Registration begins @ 8:30 am. Access the registration form at https://bit.ly/2PaTpRm
 
The next regular MHLS Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, December 8th at 10:00 am in the MHLS Auditorium.
 
Reminder: The 2018 Summer Reading Program Final Reports are due by Friday, September 28th.  Every member library is required to submit an online Summer Reading Program Final Report. To access the online report form please visit https://midhudson.org/summer-reading-program/ Questions: Please contact Kerstin Cruger at [email protected] or 845.471.6060 x250
Programming
The OverDrive Big Library Read, Oct 1-15 will be 'The Girl With the Red Balloon' by Katherine Locke.

Big Library Read is an opportunity for patrons of all MHLS libraries to read the same digital title at the same time without any wait lists or holds. This event allows your library to offer a new simultaneous use title for community-wide access from your library at no cost. It's a worldwide digital version of a local book club, and an opportunity for your library to generate more interest in your digital collection beyond the bestsellers.
 
Reading Guide, Letter from the Author and more available at https://biglibraryread.com/current-title
Job Openings
Part-Time Clerk, Pawling Library
The Pawling Library is looking for a part-time clerk to join our team by working at the circulation desk. This position will work every Sunday 11:30 AM - 4 PM, plus one two-hour shift on alternating weeks. The day of the alternating shift will be fixed in accordance with the availability of the successful candidate.
This job requires attention to detail, ability to work independently and with others, multi-tasking, and most importantly strong customer service skills.
The library clerk performs the following functions:
  • All circulation duties: included but not limited to checking items in and out, pulling holds, processing materials, registering patrons, collecting fines, shelving and shelf maintenance.
  • Provides information to the public on library policies and procedures.
  • Performs routine searches and updates of computer records.
  • Contacts patrons to deliver messages or information on library materials.
  • Provides reference and readers advisory when needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the library director.
We are looking for a candidate with the following skills:
  • Interest in library materials (such as books, movies, and video games) and library events.
  • A large degree of comfort with technology.
  • Ability to answer questions about the library.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others.
Position:  Part-Time: 11 hours per biweekly pay period
Pay:  $10.40 - $13.50/hr, depending on experience
Benefits:  After six months of employment, part-time employees accrue paid time off in proportion to their hours worked.
Instructions to Applicants:   Interested individuals should apply online at  https://www.pawlingfreelibrary.org/jobs/
Deadline to apply : ThursdayNovember 1st, 2018


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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