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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Mid-Hudson Library System is pleased to offer three sessions of the Local History & Special Collections Roundtable in the MHLS Auditorium.This interactive discussion group, facilitated by MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor, Nina Acosta brings together experienced and novice member library staff who want to learn more about Local History & Special Collection topics. Each session will focus on a particular type of collection:
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- Developing policies
- Acquisition & weeding
- Cataloging materials
- Promoting collections
This session will feature a brief presentation and discussion on the Hudson River Valley Heritage (HRVH)
https://www.hrvh.org/
& New York Heritage
https://nyheritage.org/
websites by Southeastern NY Library Resources Council Digital Services Librarian, Jennifer Palmentiero.
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- Types of items
- Storage & display
- Circulation
- Promoting collections
*A Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items such as tools or cake pans that patrons can borrow for short periods of time instead of purchasing.
Participants will have the choice of attending in-person at the MHLS Auditorium, or remotely from their computer.
Questions about the Local History & Special Collections Roundtable should be directed to Nina Acosta, MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor,
[email protected]
| 845.471.6060 ext. 252
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MHLS Announcements
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July 15th is the first 2019 deadline to take advantage of the MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program.
Reimbursement is contingent on member libraries providing their staff reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel to attend training or to participate in meetings sponsored by and located at MHLS headquarters in Poughkeepsie. For more information and to access the claim form member library directors should visit
http://da.midhudson.org/
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(above)
Teresa McGuirk
director of Clinton Community Library
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On Saturday, June 1st, Clinton Community Library was "Over The Moon" during a celebration of the library's most recent accomplishments. The library took the opportunity to showcase their newly refurbished space by inviting board members, library staff and community supporters for an evening of music, food and festivity. The event included the Four Strings instrument ensemble and presentations from Dutchess County Poet Laureate, Raphael Kosek, MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin and Library Director Teresa McGuirk. In 2018, the Clinton Community Library received their absolute charter from the New York State Board of Regents and the Joseph F. Shubert Library Excellence
Award for their Optimistic Aging program.
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There is still time to register for the
Overview of MHLS Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Tools webinar
taking place on Friday, June 28th from 10:00-11:00am. MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator, Casey Conlin will review specific
resources to help ensure libraries are in compliance with this new law,
including a Training and Feedback Form to satisfy the training requirements set by the state. The required training must be carried out for all library
employees, trustees, and volunteers by October 9th, 2019
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Please register for this webinar through the MHLS calendar
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 Want to be a volunteer at the Mid-Hudson Battle of the Books
competition? The annual trivia contest for students in grades 6 through 12 is comprised of two regional events that require multiple volunteers to help them run smoothly. Program coordinators are seeking volunteers for the high school event on Friday, August 16th and the middle school event on Saturday, August 17th. Both will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson, NY. To learn more about the volunteer roles and to contact the organizers visit
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Administration & Management
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The Directors Association Workshop topic for July 11th is Managing Employee Performance
presented by Jennifer Bollerman, Assistant Director at the Patchogue-Medford Library. Attendees will learn how to manage employee performance through:
- Setting clear expectations for their staff
- Creating and documenting performance and development goals
- Using Performance Development Plans (PDPs) to track and review performance
- Knowing how to document performance issues and when to employ progressive discipline
Jennifer Bollerman has presented on mentoring, coaching and staff training and is currently working on a Webjunction module, in conjunction with the American Library Association's Learning Round Table, on Managing Performance in the Workplace.
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E-Rate Central is under contract with the New York State Education Department (NYSED)
to provide E-Rate support services to all schools and libraries in New York. One of these services is a weekly E-Rate newsletter which is a major source of E-Rate information.
The newsletter covers a variety of topics such as:
- important program rules and changes
- upcoming deadlines
- tips for avoiding common mistakes
- schedule of training workshops
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Job Openings
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Library Director, Plattekill Public Library
The Plattekill Public Library, a Special Legislative District Public Library in Southern Ulster County is seeking a Director to oversee library operations serving a community of 10,000 residents, managing an annual budget of over $450,000, and supervising a staff of 3 full time and 7 part time employees.
The salary range for this position is $50,000 to $60,000, with a competitive benefits package, including participation in the New York State Retirement System.
Required Qualifications: MLS from ALA accredited school; Possession of a current New York State Public Librarian's professional certificate at time of application. Applicant must meet the training and experience criteria for Director I job specifications as set forth by the Ulster County Department of Personnel for permanent appointment
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Preferred Qualifications: 3-5
years of progressively responsible library administrative experience. Experience should include a broad background in management, administration/human resources, operations, fundraising and finance, as well as knowledge of library services, operations and collections.
- Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the Library, its programs and services, in compliance with all applicable laws, and policies and decisions of the Board;
- Oversees continuous development of relevant library materials and services; responsible for the development of the Library's collections; plans and implements programs and services for patrons.
- Exhibits a high level of administrative and supervisory skills including: recruiting, hiring and training new employees, as well as coordinating the continued training and development of staff members; administering personnel policies; preparing performance evaluations of staff members; record keeping; preparing the annual budget, state and local reports; and oversees the financial audit;
- Possesses exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills;
- Exercises considerable professional skill, initiative and good judgment, and the ability to establish effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library, patrons, the public and the Board to promote the library as an integral and vital component of the community;
- Familiarity with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
Qualified applicants should email their cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references no later than July 29, 2019:
Donna Ebanks, Secretary Board of Trustees
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Executive Director, Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS)
The deadline for submission has been extended to 06/28/19
The Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) in Middletown, New York, is seeking an Executive Director. This is an opportunity to lead an innovative, collaborative, future- oriented library System in the Lower Hudson Valley, New York area. We seek a leader who believes in visible leadership, empowering others to act and serve with accountability and integrity; supports professional staff development through education, mentoring, etc.; actively listens to all stakeholders; understands the demands of the evolving nature of the modern library and has skills to foster continued growth that supports new innovation and diversity.
Top candidates' experience should reflect our core values:
- Equitable access to all library services throughout our service area;
- Open and effective communication with all member libraries, staff and trustees;
- Providing high quality consolidated and cooperative services in the most cost-effective manner;
- Increasing awareness about the value and importance of library services through active advocacy;
- Promoting a work environment of innovative, proactive, empowered staff who encourage respect for and trust in each other.
RCLS is a diverse consortia of 47 independent public libraries. RCLS has a $4.9 million budget and a Full-Time staff of 25 working together to provide excellent service and value to member libraries and their patrons through current technologies, efficient resource sharing, collaboration, and shared expertise. The service area of RCLS encompasses four counties: Orange; Rockland; Sullivan; and southern Ulster. This service area covers 2,467 square miles with a population of 803,351.
General Summary:
The Executive Director, under the direction of the eleven-member Board of Trustees, has the overall responsibility for the general administration of System operations. This includes planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operation of the System.
The Executive Director supervises and manages all RCLS staff, works with the Board, member libraries and their staffs, and any major stakeholders. Working with these groups, the Executive Director will facilitate the design of a strategic vision for the System which aligns its mission with member library and community needs and priorities.
Proven Skills and Abilities:
RCLS is looking for a candidate with a track record of vision, creativity and enthusiasm who wants to be part of an environment that is forward thinking. We seek a Director with demonstrated:
- Written communications skills;
- Persuasive public address skills;
- Flexibility;
- Political expertise at local, regional, state and national levels;
- Collaboration, consensus building and conflict resolution skills; and
- Experience in recruiting, building and mentoring a workforce.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum qualifications include an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; ability to obtain and retain a New York State Public Librarian Certificate, and a minimum of eight (8) years professional experience with a minimum of two (2) years administrative experience preferably in a public library system environment. Management experience in government, business, higher education or non-profit enterprises will be considered.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MBA or MPA Degree;
- Experience and skill in strategic planning and fiscal management;
- Demonstrated commitment to resource sharing and access to information in a member driven environment (familiarity with issues of consortia);
- Proven knowledge of library automation, telecommunications, and emerging technologies;
- Proven skill in vendor negotiation with the express purpose of lowering consortia costs without a degradation or loss of services;
- Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle is required.
Additional Skills:
- Experience with diverse populations;
- Foreign/ASL language ability;
- Familiarity with legislative processes.
Compensation:
The hiring salary range is $130,000 - $140,000 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package. A probationary period of six (6) months will be followed by an evaluation by the Board of Trustees.
RCLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to Affirmative Action and the treatment of all individuals with courtesy and respect. Women and Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Via Email
Please attach résumé, cover letter and at least three (3) written letters of recommendation on company letterhead and email in PDF format to
[email protected]
.
Via US Mail
Ramapo Catskill Library System
ATTN: Search Committee
619 Route 17M
Middletown, New York 10940-4395
Travel stipend for interviews will be considered for non Tri-State area candidates.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Deadline for submission to be received at RCLS is: 06/28/19
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