| Vol.06-38 | 9.19.06 |
Two upcoming workshops are designed for the staff in your library that work with young people:
Sharing Library Programs that Work with Young People: Tuesday, October 10 in the MHLS Auditorium from 1:00 - 3:00pm. All library staff who plan and execute library programs for young people are invited to attend to share what programs have worked in their library and learn about new ones they might try. This will be a roundtable discussion with input from all in attendance. In addition to sharing programs that work, the discussion will cover publicity and partnering in the community.
Graphic Novels @ your Library: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 in the MHLS Auditorium from 10:00am - noon. All librarians interested in learning more about graphic novels, how they can be used as tools to pull teens into libraries and how to deal with age appropriateness in terms of content should attend this workshop. Presenter Trevor Oakley, the Teen Librarian at Guilderland Library, is an enthusiastic young librarian who will help you see the value of graphic novels in the library's collection. He will present a brief history of graphic novels, discuss collection development of this genre for all ages and provide time for Q & A and sharing experiences from those in attendance.
Other dates of interest for YS staffers:
· October 2nd: Columbia-Greene-Ulster Youth Services meeting @ the Palenville Branch of the Catskill Public Library from 10:00am - noon.
· October 12th: 2007 Battle of the Books Planning meeting @ MHLS from 2:00 - 4:00pm.
· October 26th: Fall Into Books Children's and Teen Literature Conference @ Stony Point Center, Stony Point, NY
· November 7th: MHLS Youth Services Department Open House @ MHLS from 1:00 - 3:00pm.Register for these workshops on the MHLS online calendar found at http://midhudson.org, Calendar. Or get there directly at http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp
MHLS Announcements
To update your library's contact information, including your hours and trustee roster, use the MHLS Member Library Contact Information Update Form at http://midhudson.org/forms/update_form.htm. Using this form updates your information not only for the MHLS online directory but also for your library's contact info page within the OPAC.Reminder: MHLS Action Memo #06-13: Construction Grant Application Intent is due to Rebekkah @MHLS by Friday, September 22nd. This form must be submitted by the deadline in order to be allowed to apply for this grant.
MHLS Libraries
Town of Esopus Library Director, Kelly Tomaseski was all wet after the success of their Summer Reading Program! The community was asked to read 2,000 pounds of books by August 22nd through the library's Read-a-ton program. The program was open to everyone, child or adult. The library had a weigh-in station set up at the Main Desk. The incentive? If the goal was reached, Kelly got dunked! (Photo: Kelly gets dunked!)
The Howland Public Library in Beacon will cut hours, reducing the hours open per week from 64 to 55, in response to the defeat of two budget votes
earlier this year:
Monday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 8:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 8:00pm
Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00pm
"[In addition,] the library has laid off one part-time librarian and will cut the work hours of clerical and
custodial staff members. Its free tutoring program has been eliminated after five years. The library will add a user fee for organizations that hold meetings in the library's community room and materials fees for certain programs, such as babysitter certification and computer classes. People who reserve books, but don't pick them up, will face new charges, the charge for an out-of-district library card will increase from $20 to $30." [From the Poughkeepsie Journal, 8.24.06]The Hudson Area Association Library was recently awarded $2,500 by Fingar Insurance to help with the planning process to preserve and renovate its historic building.
Professional Development
Internal Controls Best Practices Workshop, October 25, 2006 - Holiday Inn, Kingston
This workshop is appropriate for "small governmental organizations" and is a basic interactive exercise as to what internal controls are all about: "This full day workshop, includes an overview of the five core standards of internal controls developed by COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations), discussion of best practices developed by NYS GFOA members covering numerous aspects of internal controls at all levels of government, and an opportunity to apply these practices through interactive case studies." See the brochure at http://nysgfoa.org/seminars.shtml. Registration information is available at http://nysgfoa.org/cash_seminars.shtml.
Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
Do your patrons ask for the book that was talked about on the Today Show this morning? Or was it on yesterday? Last week? Can you tell customers what book the new hottest movie is based on? Consider subscribing to the GET READY SHEET! Published on the web by the staff of the Mid-York Library System, the Get Ready Sheet organizes answers to these questions in one easily accessible place. Accessed through a password protected website, Get Ready is updated bi-weekly. Program listings provide you with the help you need to identify your patrons' requests and the information you need to order the material before requests stack up. Other features keep you current on television and movie tie-ins. Access to the Get Ready sheet is helpful at the circulation desk and is also a great collection development tool. Info and sample at http://www.midyork.org/getready/info.htm Already subscribing to the Get Ready Sheet? Your subscription will be ending on 9.29.06. A one-year subscription is $45. To renew, contact the Mid-York Library System at 315.735.8328.
Trustee Resources
You can do it! You should do it! This was the theme of the recent 414 Panel discussion held in the MHLS Auditorium on Wednesday, August 23rd. Three library directors and one trustee experienced with the 414 process shared their experience, offered advice, and answered questions from participants. Some information highlights from the session:
On doing a 414:
· The strongest argument for doing a 414 is stabilizing your library's funding.
· Passing a 414 gives your library credibility and visibility.
· Citizens of your community deserve good library services.
· There are ways to take the onus off the library board to minimize their apprehension of doing a 414.
· A 414 is work, but not overwhelming. Organization is the key.
On dealing with negative news/comments about your 414:
· Determine if it is organized opposition or just somebody writing. Oftentimes, it is simply somebody writing, which is not a big threat.
· Recognize that you will never have 100% support in your community.
· Be prepared for negative comments and criticism ahead of time. Take potential negatives and spin them your way.
Visit http://www.midhudson.org/GTY/414-Panel.doc to view a script of this session. 414 is an option for association and municipal public libraries. If you are interested in pursuing or learning more about a 414 vote for your library contact Josh Cohen (x17 or jcohen@midhudson.org) to set up a consultation for your board.
Member Libraries are welcome to submit items of interest and job openings to the MHLS Bulletin: bulletin@midhudson.org. The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.