Safety Training for Staff

Register now for Library Security that Works! On May 29th from 9:00am – 4:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium, Warren Graham (nationally renowned "guru" of day-to-day library security procedures and author of Black Belt Librarians: every librarian's real world guide to a safer workplace) will be back by popular demand. If you missed his training before, you will want to register. If you attended last time he was here, you will want to attend again for a refresher and to hear new ways to increase your safety.

This program is targeted at library directors and all staff that work with patrons. It will increase your personal safety while working at the library.

Warren Graham knows what works - he has developed his realistic techniques for handling difficult situations and patrons through the years of facing myriad library security situations. Key points will cover:
· Essential elements of truly effective library security.
· How to advise customers of rules in a way that will most insure compliance.
· How to recognize the levels of emotion that a customer may be in & how best to respond.
· Ways to deal with hostile people.
· Ways to protect oneself and coworkers.
· Risk factors that cause or contribute to assaults.
· Ten maxims of security no matter the size of your library.

- Additionally this training will follow the OSHA Guidelines for Workplace Violence Prevention Act training and will satisfy the New York State Workplace Violence Prevention Act requirement for public employers to develop and implement programs that prevent workplace violence.

Register at http://calendar.midhudson.org/. Cost of the workshop is $35 for MHLS member libraries. Lunch is included. Please send checks, made payable to MHLS, to: MHLS Business Office, 103 Market St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Mark 'Black Belt' on the check. You will be officially registered when your check is received. Space is limited.


Resource Sharing & Millennium
Don’t Disappoint Your Patrons: There are items in each library that are not “holdable.” Some are reference, some local history, some are for in-library programs etc. Even the most popular DVD or book may be non-holdable if the library has purchased multiple copies beyond their requirement*. If a library has made an item non-holdable, do not place the hold with an override. If the reason for the non-holdable status is not obvious (call number doesn't indicate reference, or the library doesn't hold multiple copies) consider contacting the owning library. Placing a hold on something that won't be filled will likely end in your patron being disappointed. *View the Resource Sharing Standards at http://midhudson.org/resource/general/rsstandards.htm

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
Nearly all Americans (96%) agree that because public libraries provide free access to materials and resources, they play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.
-2007 study conducted for the American Library Association [http://www.ala.org/ala/ors/reports/2006KRCReport.pdf]

Hudson Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial (HFCQ) Explore NY 400 Programs:
Apply now for the 2008-2009 Community Mini-Grant Program developed to assist communities in the Hudson Valley with their plans for the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson, and Lake Champlain by Samuel de Champlain and the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s first steamship voyage on the Hudson River. Grants of up to $1,000 each, will be awarded to communities for projects, events and programs that embody the theme of “Explore 400 years of Progress in the Environment, Energy, Innovation and Education.” Deadline for Application: April 30, 2008. http://exploreny400.com/programs/programs.php


Programming
Local Author Listing: The Marketing & Program Advisory Committee would like to highlight the chance for libraries to share information about local authors with others through the MHLS web site. Add to the “Local Authors” list for both children’s/ teen authors and adult authors found in the Programming section of the MHLS web site [http://midhudson.org then Programming] by emailing Margaret Keefe at mkeefe@midhudson.org. Please include author name, county of residence and contact information.

MHLS Piggyback Performers Listing: Still looking for performers for your summer schedule? Check out the MHLS Piggyback Performers listing at http://midhudson.org/program/Piggyback.htm. There you will find all the performers your neighboring libraries have booked to date and you might piggyback with them to hire someone for the same day, thus reducing/sharing costs. If you have people booked and haven't sent them to us for the list, please do. Note the format of the info: name of performer, date, time of performance, cost and phone number for you and the performer.
[Both Youth and Adult performances are welcome for the list.]

Next week is National Library Week & National Library Workers Day (April 15th) – what is your library doing? Send your events and activities to MHLS Coordinator of Member Information, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich at rsmith@midhudson.org.

Job Openings
Library Director: The Catskill Public Library is seeking applications for a Director who is charismatic, organized, and committed to public outreach and service, with emphasis on children's programming. The successful candidate will build collaborative networks with local schools and other community groups, and will lead the staff and Board of Directors in a strategic planning process with intent to revitalize the library as the intellectual and cultural center of the community. The village of Catskill is characterized by beautiful historic buildings and is currently undergoing tremendous demographic change. Situated between the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, the area offers access to a variety of sports, leisure and cultural activities. The main library is in a carefully maintained Carnegie building, with one active branch library. Qualifications: MLS or equivalent from an ALA-accredited program, plus several years' experience supervising people in a library or other setting. Ability to unify and inspire a diverse staff and public a must. The Catskill Public Library is a school district library, and this position is subject to Civil Service requirements. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits. Applications accepted through May 1 or until filled. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to: Personnel Committee, Catskill Public Library, 1 Franklin Street, Catskill, NY 12414.

Library Director: The Gardiner Library is searching for a new Director to begin September 1, 2008. Gardiner, located in Ulster County, New York, is a dynamic, rapidly growing community of 6,000 people 1.5 hours from New York City. This will be a unique opportunity for a person of vision and vitality to oversee the transition from the existing library into our new building scheduled to be completed in fall 2008. The successful candidate will be someone with strong leadership skills who enjoys working collaboratively and is dedicated to public library service. Good oral and written communication skills as well as knowledge of library operations, reference work, library finance, personnel, technology, public relations, and fundraising are essential. A BA is required and an MLS from an accredited institution is preferred. Please send a cover letter indicating your interest in the position, a resume, and the names and contact information of three references to Gardiner Library Search Committee, c/o Fred Mayo, Post Office Box 878, New Paltz, NY 12561.

Part-time / Substitute Librarian: The Field Library of Peekskill, NY, is seeking Substitute Reference Librarians. Part-time hours include weekends, evenings and occasional weekdays. The successful candidate will have excellent customer service skills, Internet and database search proficiency, and some experience working in a public library. Qualifications: MLS or nearing completion of degree Preferred: Knowledge of SIRSI operating system. Salary Range: $15 - $20/hour. Please mail, fax or e-mail a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references with their contact information to: Bob Boyle, Head of Reference
The Field Library, 4 Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY 10566; 914.862.3292; fax: 914.862.9710; rboyle@westchesterlibraries.org.

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.