Small Libraries Roundtable

The Small Libraries Roundtable will meet at the Claverack Library on Thursday, January 18th from 10:00am - 12:00pm (snow date is 1.25.07). This users group is designed for the administrators of small libraries (3FTE or less). The purpose of the group is to discuss the issues surrounding running a small library.

This instance of the users group will be "Part II" of our discussion about personnel policies and employee handbooks for a small library:
· Bring your personnel policy (or a draft) for review
· Discuss solutions to the challenges of managing staff and volunteers in the small library setting.

Join us and share your questions, solutions and tips while learning from your peers. This group is facilitated by Josh Cohen, MHLS Executive Director, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Coordinator of Member Information and Merribeth Advocate, MHLS Outreach & Education Coordinator.

Register online through the MHLS Calendar by going to http://midhudson.org and clicking on Calendar OR get there directly at http://www.midhudson.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp.

MHLS Announcements
To the Director's Association:
"On behalf of all the staff at Mid-Hudson, thank you for the holiday lunch. The food was great and the desserts even better. Most of all thank you all for another good year of working together for better library service to our public. Happy Holidays."
-Josh Cohen

The next Directors Association (DA) meeting will be on Thursday, January 4th at 9:30am in the MHLS Auditorium. At that meeting the rest of the meeting dates for 2007 will be set. To learn more about the DA visit their page on the MHLS web site: http://midhudson.org then Contacts then Directors Association or get there directly at http://midhudson.org/MHLS/committee/main.htm.

Reminder: Please remember to attach the "Non-Bin Form" to any materials going through MHLS Delivery Service that do not fit in the regular bins. The form is available on the MHLS Delivery Department web site at http://midhudson.org/department/delivery/member_library_responsibilities.htm. Such items would be computers, children's department materials, audio-visual equipment, rotating collections, Book Club in a Bag kits, etc. that do not fit in the bin. Materials will not be picked up unless this form is attached. Questions can be directed to Tom Finnigan, Delivery Supervisor at x44 or tfinnigan@midhudson.org.

MHLS Libraries
Starting December 14th Tracy J. Priest will be the new manager at the Palenville Branch of the Catskill Public Library.

The Hudson Area Association Library has been awarded a grant of $6,550 by the Preservation League of New York State. Competition for these grants is "fierce." Lorraine Weiss, program manager for technical and grant programs for the Preservation League attributed Hudson's success to the effort that went into writing the proposal and the fact that the library is a part of residents' daily lives. The Hudson Library was placed on the Preservation League's "Seven to Save" list in 2005: http://www.preservenys.org/seventosave2005.htm.

The Roeliff Jansen Community Library, serving the communities of Ancram, Copake and Hillsdale, has created a web site to help keep their community informed about the progress of their building project. The site includes information like the needs analysis, the building program, the proposed building, Q&As and a section on the capital campaign. The site serves as a communication tool and invites questions to help people understand the project. Visit the site at: http://www.roejanlibrary.org/newlibrary/index.htm.

Resource Sharing & Millennium
If you haven't already…download the new Offline Client (OCIRC) for Millennium. Don't wait until you need it! Instructions for installation are available at: http://midhudson.org then Resource Sharing & Millennium then Offline Circulation or get there directly at: http://midhudson.org/resource/Millennium/Offline/Offline.htm.

Reference & Collection Development
New Databases for HomeACCESS: The MHLS Central Library / Collection Development Advisory Committee has recommended the purchase of two new databases to be included in HomeACCESS. One for Antiques & Collectables pricing and one for Chiltons automotive repair. Trial access to both of these resources is still available until the end of the year. Links to both trials are available at: http://midhudson.org/collection/main.htm. The password was sent through the MHLS Listserv. Please note: the password is case sensitive.

Youth Services
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is offering access to online resources from Rosen Publishing and Tutor.com to libraries who register for Teen Tech WeekTM by February 1, 2007: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teentechweek/ttw.htmTeen Tech WeekTM is a new YALSA celebration aimed at getting teens to use their libraries for the different technologies that are offered there, such as DVDs, databases, audiobooks, video games and more. Teen Tech Week will be celebrated for the first time March 4-10, 2007.

In more news from YALSA…The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is offering four online courses: "Making the Match: Finding the Right Book for the Right Teen at the Right Time"; "New Technologies & New Literacies for Teens"; "Reaching Teens Virtually"; and "YALSA Competencies Live," to run from February 5, 2007 through March 2, 2007. Registration opens on December 15, 2006. Registration for the course is available on line from December 15 through January 25 at http://www.ala.org/yalsa. The cost for each course is $135 for YALSA members, $175 for ALA members, and $195 for non-members. The course is the equivalent of a one-day face-to-face workshop. More tips on taking online courses can be found at: http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/onlinecourses/info.htm.

Administration & Management
An espresso and a free puppy…"Our library has an "Unattended children" policy posted in our children's room. We also have a sign in a much-traveled hallway off the room - "Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy. The Saugerties Public Library Staff thanks you for watching your children". It works. Everyone gets a chuckle out of it and it opens a dialogue with patrons about the importance of supervising their children.
- Stephanie McElrath, Saugerties

Job Openings
The East Fishkill Community Library has two immediate openings for Circulation clerks: a temporary three-quarter time position and a part time permanent position. The jobs include nights and Saturdays. The ideal candidates are friendly, professional, and hard working. Computer skills and effective communication skills are a must. Knowledge of Millennium, although not required, is a plus. The East Fishkill Community Library has a strong customer-oriented philosophy and is a busy and wonderful place to work. The library is also seeking applicants for Substitute Circulation clerks, may include evenings and Saturdays. Substitute assistants will fill in for regular library staff. Duties will include circulation functions. Submit resume either by mail, fax or email to: East Fishkill Community Library, 348 Route 376, Hopewell Junction, New York 12533; 845.226.1404 (fax); Staff1@frontiernet.net.

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.

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.