Happy Holidays From MHLS

2007 Highlights

Millennium & OPAC Enhancements
· New Kids OPAC interface & Kids Pick readers’ advisory page created
· “Pay Online” option launched (E-commerce)
· Reading History option launched
· Teleforms implemented, saving hundreds of hours of work for member library staff.
· WebPAC Pro initiated, adding spell check and relevancy ranking to the OPAC

HOMEACCESS
· New brochure and database bookmark suite introduced
· New databases added:
- HeritageQuest
- Chiltons Auto Repair
- Price IT! Antiques & Collectibles
- Rosetta Stone
- Practice Tests
- TumbleBooks

Continuing Education
· Reaching Out: Serving the Spanish-speaking Community (Spanish-language Outreach)
· Quarterly Director’s Series Launched
· 1st year for Tips & Tricks / Advanced Training for Front Desk Staff
· Black Belt Librarians Workshop*
[*REGISTER NOW: “Black Belt Librarians – Security that Works! Thursday, May 29th, 2008 @MHLS.]

Trustee Resources
· Over 80 library / board consultations
· Trustee Resources web page redesigned and enhanced
· Focus on “Smart Growth” for libraries through Advanced Trustee Education
· Across the Board two-part feature on fiscal responsibility

Public Library Vote Toolbox launched
· Product of the Getting To Yes Project: http://midhudson.org/vote/.
· Highlights of the toolbox: A sample Campaign Material Gallery; Explanation of “who does what”; Five Phases of the Campaign: structured, manageable segments; and Tools for developing effective messages, gathering statistics, creating a timeline and developing a public relations approach.

Quick Answers Web Site Launched
· Over 100 member library staff helped us create Quick Answers for Library Patrons on the Go! [http://midhudson.org/answers/], a repository of answers to questions patrons frequently ask library staff.

Battle of the Books
· The 2007 Battle saw 120 kids from 14 member libraries, representing all 5 counties served by MHLS, competing.

Hudson Valley Connections
· The MHLS Outreach Department produced this resource guide for ex-offenders – over 6,000 copies were distributed in 2007.
· "Thank you very much for providing this service to people in my situation. Remember, the best crime fighters are those people who make provisions to help people to have options other than crime. For that I tip my hat to you and your staff. Thank you." – Inmate request for the MHLS publication, “Hudson Valley Connections 2007”

EZ Library Program Database
· Over 100 programs were added to the database, bringing the total over 620, helping staff connect with relevant programming for their communities. [http://support.midhudson.org/ezprogram/ezprogram.htm]

Book Club in a Bag
· This program now boasts over 80 titles to choose from.

Advocacy Success
· One-time System Aid and Construction Aid increases included in budget.
· Enabled MHLS Board of Trustees to
- Suspend the $6 ILL fee;
- Partially underwrite Fall ’07 semester of Public Library Administrator’s Certificate Program for members; and
- Increase offerings available to members through the MHLS Incentive Program.
· 2008 Advocacy Message to Legislators: Make the increases permanent!
Save the Date: Library Lobby Day in Albany, Tuesday, March 11th