Millennium Upgrade

After much anticipation the upgrade to the Millennium software is taking place today. Information was sent to each library last week in preparation - please stay tuned to the Millennium List today for instructions from Laurie to ensure the server is not compromised. Do not log in until Laurie says it is ok - not even to "check and see"!

Here's what the upgrade has in store for us:
· New look and feel: More ability for customizing the "look" of Millennium
· High Demand Holds: A purchase alert system that can be viewed system wide or using custom parameters for each library.
· Custom Hold & Transit Slips that allow you to print any Millennium field with word processor-like formatting.
· Spine Labels: The ability to print spine labels from Millennium using a laser or desk jet printer.
· Renewal of items with bib-level holds where other items are checked in.
· Use of the 245 field for Title on notices, now the title is printed from the first "Title" tag that the system comes across. In cases where a foreign title is translated, the original title displays, which is very confusing for the patron.
· Ability to remove patron from email notice queue before printing.
· Streamlined multiple renewal process.
· "My Lists": A new "My Millennium" for patrons to save a "wish list" of material or titles of interest.

MHLS Announcements
Rowdy Rally in Albany! More than 400 library supporters traveled to Albany last week to protest the proposed cuts to library funding. Called to action in the Legislative Office Building by our very own Josh Cohen, chants of "no more cuts" and "libraries help communities" filled the LOB and then the capitol building as the crowd marched up to chambers to make sure legislators heard the message.

What was the result of the "special legislative session"? Not much. No action was taken for or against the proposed 20% cut to libraries. Legislators we spoke to last week agreed the proposed cut amount was disproportionate so there is hope that the cut will be reduced, but it will not go away completely.

Library advocates need to keep up the good work - keep calling, writing, visiting and inviting legislators into our libraries. We've got to keep library and system funding issues in front of them for the next five-six months as the '08-'09 cuts and the '09-'10 budget are negotiated.

TALKING POINTS:
· The proposed cut is disproportionate.
· Libraries have already done their fair share - two cuts already this year on top of no increase in over a decade.
· If the System didn't exist…every community with a public library would have to pay an estimated 33% more for the level of library service they currently receive.

Please watch for legislative alerts from the New York Library Association - we need every supporter - staff, trustees, Friends and patrons - to act when NYLA calls on us.

MHLS will be closed:
- Thursday, November 27th, there will be no deliveries
- Friday, November 28th, there will be deliveries

Thanksgiving Challenge: Can you find at least one supporter in your community - a trustee, friend or avid patron - to write a letter to the editor of your local paper explaining why they are thankful for your library, the online catalog or delivery system in the next week? We bet you can!

-It doesn't have to be a long letter - it can be short and sweet: "I'm thankful to my public library for (fill in the blank)."
-Help make things easy for your supporters by giving them the info about how to send in their letter: http://midhudson.org/funding/marketing/media_contacts.htm

Let us know how you make out: rsmith@midhudson.org

When MHLS is closed or you don't get an answer through the MHLS Tech Support Hotline (845.471.3440) please remember that you can call the cell phone of the MHLS Director of Computer Operations, Mohamed Toufali. Each library has this number in their library - if you've lost your print out of that information contact Mohamed at mtoufali@midhudson.org or x238 or visit http://midhudson.org/resource/millennium/millenniumsupport.htm

Professional Development
Reminders:
· Small Libraries Roundtable will meet on Monday, December 1st at the Heermance Memorial LIbrary in Coxsackie from 10:00am - 12:00pm
· Adult Programmers Users Group will meet on Wednesday, December 3 in the MHLS Auditorium from 10:00am - 12:00pm.
Register online at http://calendar.midhudson.org/

Reference & Collection Development
Database Update: The MHLS Central Library Collection Development Advisory committee reviews usage statistics on each of the databases that MHLS member libraries subscribe to as a group. This year again they have seen increased use in ProQuest, Chiltons, HeritageQuest, Gale Testing and PriceIt! - these databases are providing valuable information for patrons and patrons are using them. [Use of the Gale Practice Tests skyrocketed by over 40% this year!]

The usage statistics for the Bowker products (Book in Print Professional, Patron Books in Print, Fiction Connection & Non-Fiction Connection) were very low and these databases will not be renewed when they expire. Non-Fiction Connection will expire on December 18, 2008. Book in Print Professional, Patron Books in Print, Fiction Connection will expire on January 3, 2009.

For more information about the databases that all MHLS libraries subscribe to, including quick ways to get patrons started using the databases, order bookmarks from the MHLS Material Request Form at http://midhudson.org/forms/material_request.htm.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding
Save the Date: Best Practices & Tips for an Annual Report to the Community will be presented on Wednesday, December 17th from 10:00am - 12:00pm in the MHLS Auditorium.
Stay tuned to next week's Bulletin for more info.
Register online: http://calendar.midhudson.org/

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.