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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Wednesday is Library Advocacy Day! We know there are hundreds of library supporters that will be with us in spirit as we march the halls of the Legislative Office Building in Albany!
Here are two easy ways you can help from your home or office on Wednesday:
- Use the NYLA Online Advocacy Center to send a custom message to your legislators. Already done that? Get 3 people to use the OAC: http://bit.ly/1LwV3Ex
- Call the Albany office of your legislators to express your support for library aid and the State Aid for Library Construction Program.
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Legislator
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Albany Office
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Senator Larkin
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518.455.2770
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Senator Murphy
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518.455.3111
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Senator Serino
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518.455.2945
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Senator Bonacic
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518.455.3181
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Senator Amedore
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518.455.2350
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Senator Seward
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518.455.3131
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Senator Marchione
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518.455.2381
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Assemblymember Byrne
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518.455.5783
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Assemblymember Galef
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518.455.5348
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Assemblymember Cahill
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518.4554436
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Assemblymember Skartados
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518.455.5762
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Assemblymember Lalor
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518.455.5725
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Assemblymember Barrett
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518.455.5177
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Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to help get the word out to our legislators in Albany!
Using the Real People. Real Dollars. Campaign the
Claverack Library was able to demonstrate, in just ten (10) photos, that the savings realized by these ten library patrons is more than the town's annual appropriation to the library! Amazing!
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MHLS Announcements
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 A new book, authored by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, discusses communicating the value of libraries to our society and pragmatic steps towards creating more sustainable libraries.
Sustainable Thinking: Ensuring Your Library's Future in an Uncertain World
has been published by the American Library Association's ALA Editions and may be ordered at the ALA Store.
https://www.alastore.ala.org/
Check out the acknowledgements section for Rebekkah's thanks to the member library directors, staff and trustees of MHLS and the appendix where you'll find a case study featuring the Kingston Library.
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The Starr Library in Rhinebeck
was quite happily surprised when a resident of Portland, Oregon wrote to them and said he found a book from their library's collection way out west. Even more amazing, it was an 1854 first edition of Thoreau's "Walden: Or, Life in the Woods" which is estimated to be worth $6,000! The library does not plan to put it back on the shelf but they are thrilled that a bit of their past has come back to their community.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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MHLS Workflow Consulting Takes Off!
Three member libraries, Clinton Corners, Putnam Valley and Red Hook, have already participated in our new Workflow Consulting Service on topics including create lists, high demand holds and circulation processes. If you are a new director looking to make sense of it all, or a seasoned pro looking for a reboot, this service can help to realign processes, so staff make the most of their time and Sierra. MHLS' Workflow Consultations are designed to provide an evaluation of your Sierra-related procedures (e.g., circulation, patron entry, create lists) as well as the provision of best practice guidance for library directors and their staff.
How does this service work?
An MHLS staff member will visit your library on a scheduled day to evaluate one or more ILS related processes as well as your overall ILS environment. After the visit, they will provide you with a written report of their recommendations along with answers to any of the questions they were unable to answer during the visit.
Should I request a consultation?
The purpose of these consultations is to find workflow improvements. This may be especially important after substantial staffing changes, upon recognition of operation difficulties or inefficiencies, or to address disparate procedures among staff. We otherwise recommend libraries consider requesting a workflow consultation once every three years.
Who can request this service?
Any MHLS member library director.
Is there a cost?
There is no charge to MHLS member libraries for this service.
How do I request a consultation?
Library directors should use the online form:
http://bit.ly/2yHJJW4
Once submitted a member of the MHLS Technology Operations department will contact you shortly to discuss your request and schedule a visit.
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Trustee Essentials workshops begin next week!
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Job Openings
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The Mahopac Public Library is seeking a full-time Library Assistant (Technology) to work in our Emerging Technologies and Reference Departments. Evening and weekend hours as required.
Successful candidates will:
- Be enthusiastic life-long learners
- Be comfortable working with computers
- Be interested in technology and cultural trends
- Be comfortable testing and learning new technology
- Have a good eye for design, and have past experience designing marketing materials and flyers
- Have strong problem solving skills
- Have solid writing skills
- Have experience with or an interest in website content management systems, WordPress preferred
- Have a basic knowledge of HTML; knowledge of CSS, PHP, &/or JavaScript a plus
- Have experience with or an interest in user experience design, user interface design, and information architecture
Key Responsibilities include:
- Assist with website maintenance: backing up files, creating/editing posts, performing basic page edits, setting up home page alert notices
- Creating images, interactive pdfs, gifs, and videos for the library website.
- Testing web design and content structure
- Collaborating on marketing & social media campaigns
- Using tech skills to enhance outreach efforts
- Learning about and testing software, apps, databases, and provide feedback
- Assisting patrons at public computers with basic questions and printing help
- Answering basic reference questions and locate nonfiction print material
- Placing holds, provide instruction on how to use the library catalog.
- Promoting library events.
- Assisting patrons and staff with questions on basic technology skills, digital literacy, and the library's digital services.
- Maintaining and developing an assigned section of the collection.
Minimum training and experience:
Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of paid or unpaid experience which included use of website content management system (CMS) software, as well as graphic and/or visual design, photo-editing, desktop publishing or related software.
Civil Service:
The position of Library Assistant (Technology) is a competitive position within the Putnam County Civil Service Department. Provisional appointment will be made with a Civil Service examination to be held at a later date for permanent appointment.
Salary: $25.00/hr.
Please submit a résumé and cover letter expressing your interest to:
Laura Crisci, Head of Emerging Technologies
Mahopac Public Library
668 Route 6
Mahopac, NY 10541
(845) 628-2009 X 105
(845) 621-0205 (fax)
Deadline for applications is March 16.
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