eCommunications

The Mid-Hudson Library System is a cooperative of 66 member libraries and communication is key to cooperation. With hundreds of library staff and thousands of library trustees and Friends to keep up-to-date we offer a variety of ways to learn about MHLS news and exchange ideas with your peers. We also use online communication tools to facilitate material requests and tech support. Below you’ll find all the ways to stay connected with MHLS and the services your community relies on.

MHLS Communications

MHLS Alerts Email List – This email list is for the distribution of MHLS original information alerting MHLS member libraries of a pressing problem or concern regarding member libraries and/or MHLS operations, which may require immediate attention and/or action. Member library directors may add staff email addresses to this list by contacting techsupport@midhudson.org.

MHLS Notice Email List – This email list is for the distribution of MHLS original content/information notifying MHLS member libraries of an action(s) to be taken and/or preparation to be made and/or information to be shared which may not require immediate action or attention. Member library directors may add staff email addresses to this list by contacting techsupport@midhudson.org.

MHLS Bulletin – The Weekly Newsletter of the Mid-Hudson Library System

  • Subscribe  (Distributed via Constant Contact)
  • Access the archives
  • In the News –  The e-version of the weekly MHLS Bulletin includes “In the News” as a regular feature. “In the News” provides links to local  news coverage of MHLS Member Libraries as well as national news stories about current library issues and trends. Has your library recently been featured in the media? Send the direct link for the article/video to inthenews@midhudson.org.

MHLS Ticket System [Tech & Cataloging Support]

MHLS Discussion Groups

To Subscribe – Email techsupport@midhudson.org including a list of which Discussion Groups and any additional email addresses.

MHLS Main – A communication forum for MHLS libraries and members of other regional library organizations on general library topics of common interest including news and training opportunities relevant to the audience.

MHLS Sierra – A communication forum for MHLS libraries on the topics of circulation, cataloging (data entry), acquisitions, regional loan of materials, statistics, Create Lists, Web Management Reports, lost books, book club requests, other discussions related to circulation of materials among libraries and training opportunities relevant to the audience.

This electronic discussion group is not consistently monitored by tech support staff.  Sierra downtime, disruptions, and problems should be sent to techsupport@midhudson.org.  When system-wide issues are discovered, they will be reported on the midhudson.org homepage and the MHLS Alerts Email List – See MHLS Homepage Special Announcements and MHLS Alerts Email List under MHLS Communications.

MHLS Youth Services – A communication forum for MHLS libraries on the topics of library services to youth: infants, children, young adults and training opportunities relevant to the audience.

MHLS Programming – A communication forum for MHLS libraries on all aspects of library programming for patrons from birth to adult, including programming for families, communities, summer reading, early literacy, family literacy, digital literacy, outreach to the community through programming , piggy-back presenter opportunities and training opportunities relevant to the audience.

MHLS Friends & Fundraising – This electronic discussion group is devoted to helping Friends Groups, trustees and library staff learn about fundraising trends, ideas and best practices for Friends Groups and training opportunities relevant to the audience. This electronic discussion group is also a place to connect with others in the area working to raise funds and awareness for libraries.

MHLS Directors – The MHLS Directors Electronic Discussion Group was established to provide an electronic communication forum for current member library directors to raise issues, discuss and receive information exclusively of common concern and interest to library directors including the Directors Association meeting packet. This is a member-only service. It is a closed list and not open to the public. All MHLS member library directors, the MHLS executive director and select MHLS staff will be subscribed.

 

MHLS Request Forms

MHLS ILL Request Form – Please use the ILL Module within Sierra to send the request to the MHLS ILL Department to search through OCLC.

Member Library Contact Information Update Form – In order to effectively communicate with our members the Mid-Hudson Library System maintains a database of contact information for our member libraries. Member library directors can use this form to submit any changes to general library contact information and Board of Trustee information updates.

Workflow Consulting – The Integrated Library System is fundamental to the service and function of every public library.  These systems, however, are complex and ever-changing and can be used differently by each library to best facilitate their operations.  MHLS’ Workflow Consultations are designed to provide an evaluation of your ILS’ related procedures as well as best practice guidance for library directors and their staff. There is no charge to the member library for this service.

Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State Order Form – The 2023 Edition by Jerry Nichols and Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, is available for purchase through the Mid-Hudson Library System. If you prefer to download the document for free please visit the NYS Division of Library Development.

MHLS Social Media

Follow, Like and Engage with MHLS!

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Other Communication Lists of Interest
New York’s Libraries Information Network [NYLINE] – Join NYLINE for up-to-the-minute information about library developments in New York State, news from the New York Library Association, news from the New York State Library and networking with your colleagues.

PUBLIB – An electronic discussion list for public librarians and those interested in public libraries

PUBYAC -An Internet discussion list concerned with the practical aspects of Children and Young Adult Services in Public Libraries

American Library Association [ALA] Electronic Discussion Lists

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