Resource Sharing Standards Updated

The Director's Association has agreed to enact changes to the Resource Sharing Standards document just twice a year to make it easier for everyone to stay current with system-wide resource sharing policies. June 1st will mark the introduction of a number of updates and changes. It is important for all staff that work with Millennium to be familiar with this document. A copy of the document is in the delivery today with the Bulletin, and always accessible online through the Resource Sharing page at http://midhudson.org/resource/main.htm.

MHLS Announcements
MHLS will be closed Monday, May 29th. There will be no deliveries.

The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Thursday, May 18, at the Beekman Library and:
· thanked the Director and staff of the Beekman Library for hosting the meeting;
· announced the resignation of Board Vice President, James Hoover (Ulster County);
· reviewed the preliminary Plan of Service;
· authenticated the 2006 Summer Reading Program Grant;
· discussed the background and role of the Central Library.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 7th, at 10:00am in the MHLS Auditorium.

Number of Registered Borrowers on the Rise: Nearly two-thirds of Americans report owning a library card, according to ALA's recent report on The State of America's Libraries. This national trend is reflected locally with 62% of MHLS area residents being registered borrowers in 2005 - this number continues to rise…

MHLS is beginning to post the compiled data from the MHLS Statistical Annual Report 2005 on the web at
http://midhudson.org/annual_reports/2005/main.htm. Please note the information is in draft format, in preparation for the print version. Member library directors are encouraged to preview this information and report any discrepancies to Lena at x36. Reports and comparisons will continue to be developed and posted at this site.

MHLS Libraries
The Desmond-Fish Library of Garrison will be holding a Children's Book Signing & Author Reading with Jules Feiffer on Saturday, June 3rd at 4:30pm. Jules Feiffer is the author of many children's books, like The Phantom Tollbooth, The Main in the Ceiling, I Lost My Bear and Meanwhile… to name a few. This event is for ages 5 and up. Registration is required: call 845.424.3020.

Professional Development
Advanced Create Lists, Wednesday, June 7th, from 10:00am-noon in the MHLS Auditorium. If you love Create Lists, you won't want to miss this new addition to the calendar! If you have mastered Millennium Create Lists at the basic level and you want to know what else there is to know, this is the workshop for you. You will learn new tools, tricks, and tips, to create lists you never dreamed were possible. The workshop will cover:
· Viewing and using system generated reports.
· Advanced index searching.
· Regular Expressions using the "matches" condition.
Register online: http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp

Programming
The National Endowment for the Arts has created 'The Big Read,' a program that will sponsor community reading groups throughout the country. This new initiative is a response to the organization's 2004 study, "Reading at Risk," which reported a dramatic rise in nonreading." This program will engage libraries and other community and school partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. Approximately 100 organizations of varying sizes in all 50 states will be selected through two selection cycles to participate in The Big Read in 2007. The first round's applications are due September 12, 2006. View application at
http://www.neabigread.org/application_process.php.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
In the survey, conducted for the ALA and The Campaign for America's Libraries by the independent KRC Research firm, Americans named the four most important characteristics or services of public libraries:
· 79% Services are free
· 71% The library "is a place where I can learn for a lifetime"
· 65% "Enhances my education"
· 65% "Provides information for school and work"
Additionally, three-quarters of respondents strongly agreed that because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed. The full report can be found online at http://www.ala.org/2006state

Trustee Resources
2006 Trustee Success Story Award nominations are due to MHLS June 1st: http://midhudson.org/trustee/award.htm.

Resource Sharing & Millennium
The MHLS ILL Procedure Overview, presented as a flow chart to explain where to look, how to request and an explanation of the $6 ILL fee, is available at
http://midhudson.org/department/interlibrary/MHLSIllFlowChart.pdf.

Job Openings
Outstanding full-time opportunity for a Director: The Millbrook Library is an association library located 75 miles north of New York City. The newly renovated building serves a community of 6,500 with a total circulation of 61,550. The Board of Trustees seeks a director to develop programs and maintain services that keep the library an active participant in the cultural and educational life of the community. Requirements: MLS - 3-5 years administrative experience - budgeting and financial management skills - knowledge of library technology. Salary range $45 - 50,000. Excellent benefits package. For more information, see http://www.millbrooklibrary.org. Resumes should be sent in care of Susan Genova to Millbrook Library, PO Box 286, Millbrook, NY 12545, or email millbrook.nrogers2@verizon.net

The Grinnell Library Association, located in the Village of Wappingers Falls, NY (Dutchess County), has an opening for a full-time circulation clerk. The ideal candidate will possess strong computer skills and be able to work closely with staff to provide outstanding library services. Other duties assigned may include data entry, reference and technical services. Salary commensurate with experience. Evening and weekend availability a must. Eligible for fringe benefits including health insurance coverage, paid holidays, sick and personal time. Please send resume, cover letter and three professional references to Director, Grinnell Library 2642 East Main St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, fax 845.297.1506 or email grinsearch@gmail.com.

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.

The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries at bulletin@midhudson.org. The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.