Reading History

Didn't I read this already? Ever since libraries in MHLS did away with the pocket cards to sign out books from the library, patrons have been searching for a way to track what they’ve read. A new option is now available in each patron’s online library account called “My Reading History.”

Once a patron turns on this feature Millennium will begin saving a list of what that patron has checked out and it will be viewable through the patron’s online library account. To begin storing reading history in an online library account (or to view your reading history once you’ve turned on this feature):

1. Visit your local library’s web page: http://midhudson.org/libraries
2. Click on “Public Library Catalog” then “Log Into My Record”
3. Log in with your library barcode and PIN
4. Click the "My Reading History" button to view your history or opt in.
· Once a patron has opted in, items checked out will be saved.
· Items can be removed from this list by selecting the item and clicking the "Remove Marked" button.
· A patron can delete their entire history by clicking the "Delete All" button.
· Patrons that decide to no longer store their reading history can select the "Delete All" button and then "Opt out" button.

Enclosed with this week’s Bulletin to each library:
· Reading History bookmarks
· 2 Patron Privacy posters
· Print out of the MHLS “Privacy in the Public Library” web page

With the implementation My Reading History it is important that patrons, and therefore all member library staff, understand the implications of this new service. Once a patron turns on My Reading History their reading habits are stored and therefore available to be subpoenaed.

Please take some time to review this new service, the enclosed materials and the privacy implications with staff. The importance of patron privacy and confidentiality in our libraries cannot be understated. For more information on Patron Privacy at the Public library: http://midhudson.org/patronprivacy.htm

MHLS Announcements
Help patrons connect with HeritageQuest with the new Genealogy database bookmark now available through the MHLS Online Material Request Form. (A starter pack of these bookmarks for each library is in today’s delivery.) HeritageQuest, now available through HOMEACCESS, is one of the most popular research databases for patrons interested in putting together their family tree. What’s included: U.S. Census images from 1790-1930; over 22,000 family and local histories; “Freedman’s Bank” (1865-1874), which was founded to serve African Americans; PERSI – over 2 million local history and genealogy articles; and selected records from the Revolutionary War Era Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files; and the Memorials, Petitions.

MHLS Libraries
Congratulations to Patti Haar, Director of the Patterson Library! Patti has been awarded a Dewey Fellowship through the Library Administration & Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA). Dewey Fellowships are awarded to three NYLA members, selected by designated Section, to attend the NYLA Annual Conference. Dewey Fellows are chosen on the basis of the following criteria: 1) five or more years of experience as a librarian; 2) record of accomplishment in the library profession, and 3) involvement in activities to advance the library community. More information on the Dewey Fellowship as well as other Awards and Scholarships are located on the NYLA web site at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=9

Resource Sharing & Millennium
The next Millennium Users Group (MUG) will be held on Tuesday, November 6th from 10:00am-12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium. Attending the Millennium Users Group meeting is beneficial to any staff member who works with any Millennium module. In addition to the discussion of the upcoming release, you will have the opportunity to meet others who do what you do and share ideas. Issues to be discussed include:
· Upcoming release 2007
· Outstanding calls
· Enhancement requests for future release
· Follow up discussion on recently implemented features and products
· Products for possible purchase
This is an important users group to attend as there is a new release of Millennium scheduled for December ‘07/January ’08 that will have lots of changes. Join the MUG to get a preview. Presented by Laurie Shedrick, MHLS Automated Systems Manager. 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

Reference & Collection Development
Accessing Central Reference Library Services: The 800 number for member libraries and their patrons to use to access Central Reference Library Services at the Adriance Memorial Library of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District is down for the month. Until October 29th please call the Arlington Branch of PPLD at 845.454.9301 for reference support. The 800 number will be operational at the PPLD temporary facility beginning in November: 1.800.804.0092

Job Openings
Temporary Part-time Library Clerk(s). Kingston Library. Seeking temporary Part-time Library Clerk(s) for the period of November 24, 2007 - January 5, 2008. $9.25 per hour and scheduled up to 20 hours per weeks, including some evenings and Saturdays. Knowledge of Millennium and circulation desk procedures required. Please submit a resume by October 29, 2007 to Bruce George, Library Director, fax at 845.331.7981; e-mail director@kingstonlibrary.org; or by U.S. mail to Kingston Library, 55 Franklin Street, Kingston, NY 12401.

Assistant, Health Information Project, Mid-Hudson Library System: The Health Information Project is seeking a part-time assistant for all aspects of grant project implementation, including word processing, data entry, Internet activity, and phone and email communications. High-level computer skills essential, interest in teen health issues a plus; 15 – 20 hours per week; $10.00 an hour. To apply, please send resume with cover letter by November 29 to Personnel Director, Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, or by fax (845) 454-5940 or email bclapp@midhudson.org. Further information about the Project may be found at http://hip.midhudson.org/.

The Pleasant Valley Library is looking for a part-time library cataloger who is comfortable with media materials and working independently. MLS preferred or previous library cataloging experience necessary. One night a week on reference desk necessary as well as one Saturday a month. 26 hours/week, $13/hour. Fax resume to 845.635.9556.

Part-Time Children’s Librarian Trainee for the Catskill Public Library: This is a 20-hour per week position, including evenings and weekends. The Librarian Trainee is responsible for Juvenile and Young Adult collection development; maintaining neatness and organization of the children’s room; assisting Library Director with children’s programming as assigned; maintaining library’s magazine collection; opening or closing the library according to procedure on assigned days; performing routine circulation desk duties daily. Circulation desk duties include, but are not limited to: greeting and assisting patrons; checking library materials in and out; shelving library materials; assisting patrons with the use of public-access computers, online catalog and Home Access databases; answering basic reference questions, and answering phone. Skills: Basic computer skills including MS Word and use of the internet; ability to provide courteous customer service to a diverse population; working knowledge of library methods and materials including online database systems; strong oral and written communication skills; enthusiasm for working with children and providing children’s services; knowledge of Innovative Millennium circulation software helpful, but not required. Minimum Qualifications: Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree and current enrollment in a Master’s of Library Science Program. Review of applications begins immediately. Submit applications by mail, fax or e-mail to: Jessica Maisano, Director, Catskill Public Library, 1 Franklin Street, Catskill, NY 12414; Fax: 518.943.1439; E-mail: catskill@mhcable.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.

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.