MHLS - Reference & Collection Development

Reference
- Copyright
- HomeACCESS (databases)
- Providing Reference
- Services offered by Central Library
Collection Development
Collections

Adriance Memorial Library (AML) is the Central Library of the Mid-Hudson Library System. It has the largest collection of books and audio-visual materials in the system, and provides a variety of services to other member libraries:

Reference Support
- Member libraries can call the AML reference desk for help with patrons' reference questions after you have exhausted the resources in your library
  - AML reference librarians are available Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday and Saturday 9-5, and Sunday 1-5. Call (845) 485-3445 x 3303, or 1 (800) 804-0092.
  - AML provides Stumped pads to member libraries with handy tear-off sheets that provide patrons directly with the contact information for the AML reference desk.
  - For more in-depth reference support, patrons may submit their request on a Subject Search Form, which is sent to AML by their home library.
  - The Central Library Bulletin:
    - 2008
      - Volume 2, Issue 1: Winter 2008
    - 2007
      - Volume1, Issue 3: Fall 2007
      - Volume1, Issue 2: Spring/Summer 2007
      - Volume1, Issue 1: February 2007
- Regional reference training opportunities are listed on the MHLS online calendar
- Librarians at AML will provide staff training and consultations on a variety of topics, in your library.
Virtual Reference Resources
- Useful Links in a variety of subjects are selected and maintained AML staff.
- Subject Guides list useful resources on specific topics, and include tips for improving search results.
System wide Electronic Databases
- Central Library funds help support several HomeACCESS databases and
  two collection development tools: Books in Print Professional and Wilson Catalogs Online.
Building a strong system-wide non-fiction collection
- Your library can ask AML to consider buying a non-fiction book that is too expensive or unusual for your library to add to its collection. Contact Susan Polikoff.
- AML may retain last system copies of fiction titles.

Member libraries should contact Sue Hermans for any of the services listed above.