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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Revised Minimum Standards
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The NYS Board of Regents have approved amendments to Commissioner's Regulations 90.2, Standards for Registration, also known as the Minimum Standards for Public Libraries in New York State. This is the first update to these standards since 1983. All public and association libraries will be required to comply with these new standards by January 1, 2021.
Major changes include:
- Updated language in the standards for registration related to library bylaws, a long-range plan, an annual report, the annual budget, and the periodic evaluation of programs, services and collections. Requires library bylaws and written policies to be reviewed and reapproved by the board at least once every five years or earlier if required by law.
- Adds language to clarify that current information about the library, its governance and its services should be available to the community both in print and online.
- Adds language to the existing standards about maintaining a library facility that addresses community needs, to clarify that the restroom should be a public restroom and further clarifies the need for adequate power and data infrastructure.
- Updates current language in the standard related to providing equipment, technology and internet connectivity to address community needs, to include the need for a circulation system that facilitates access to the local library collection and other library catalogs.
- Adds three new standards - one related to library programming, one related to annual technology training for library staff appropriate to their position, and one related to establishing and maintaining partnerships with other education, cultural and community organizations.
 These new standards were developed through a partnership with the NYS Division of Library Development, the Public Library Systems Directors Organization (PULISDO), the New York Library Association (NYLA) and the Library Trustee Association of New York State (LTA). In 2017, multiple drafts were shared statewide with library leaders, including all public and association library directors/managers. A statewide survey conducted in November/December 2017 received 290 responses. Some 45% of the respondents were library trustees. The majority of survey respondents indicated overall support for the updates, with a few respondents noting that some smaller and rural libraries may need additional support and assistance from their systems and the State Library to successfully achieve compliance.
The State Library is working to update their resources to help support libraries in meeting these new standards. Once updated "Helpful Information" pages are aligned with the new standards, MHLS will plan training for library directors and trustees to help educate members on how the new standards will impact your library.
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MHLS Announcements
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Nina Acosta, MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor
, recently presented at the Mid-Atlantic Innovative Users Group along with colleague Eric McCarthy of the Greenwich Library (CT). Their session, The Prequel to the SQL, demonstrated several SQL projects they have established to help their organizations manage tasks such as data clean up, generating reports, and collection management.
The deadline for purchasing computer and network equipment through MHLS this year is November 15th
. For more information and to find the form please visit http://bit.ly/2J4s01B
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Professional Development
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Finding Funds for Your Historic Preservation Project Webinar | Tuesday, November 27 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Finding funds to support preservation projects can be a challenge. The Preservation League of New York State (PLNYS) is here to help! The PLNYS invests in people and projects that champion the essential role of preservation in community revitalization, sustainable economic growth, and the protection of our historic buildings and landscapes. Presented by PLNYS, this webinar will provide a brief overview of available funding opportunities from state, federal, and foundation funding sources for your historic preservation projects.
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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MHLS Workflow Consulting available to member libraries
. 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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Library Director, Millbrook Library
The Millbrook Library is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. The Library is an active community center serving a vibrant, rural community. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations.
Minimum Qualifications: Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program preferred and 3 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.
Salary: $50,000+ commensurate with experience and benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Responsible for administering the safe and efficient operation of the Millbrook 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 adult collections; plans and implements programs and services for patrons of all ages in collaboration with the Youth Services staff;
- 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; grant writing and preparing the annual budget, state and local reports; and oversees the annual 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;
- Strong computer skills: knowledge of database, spreadsheet and word processing software, as well as familiarity with current and emerging technologies and their application(s) in a library setting.
Qualified applicants should submit cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references no later than October 26, 2018 to:
Kerry Weller, Chair Board of Trustees Personnel Committee
Millbrook Library
PO Box 286
Millbrook, NY 12545
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Full Time Librarian I, East Fishkill Public Library District
Reports to Director
Civil Service Library
Immediate opening for full time position.
Job responsibilities include, reference desk, collection development for adult materials, programming, scheduling monthly art exhibits, managing pages, patron instruction, scheduling reference coverage.
Must be good with people, flexible approach to hours, able to work collaboratively. Strong computer skills required; knowledge of Innovative Sierra a plus.
Master's degree in Library Science from accredited college or university and NYS professional certificate required.
Salary $43,000, benefits and paid leave.
If interested, email your
résumé and a cover letter to Library Director Gloria Goverman at
[email protected] with LIB 1 in the subject line.
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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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