Mid-Hudson Library System

This web site is provided by the Mid-Hudson Library System to help member library directors with various aspects of their job. This web site will not protect you from every mistake, just the big ones.

For New Directors

Support from MHLS for New Directors:
- Request an Orientation session: Contact Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director
- Staff Directory
- Delivery Services
- Tech Ops
  - Resource Sharing Standards – Policies and procedures for resource sharing in our consortium
  - Sierra / Encore resources – Instruction guides, links to support, management
  - Technology Operations – Summary of services and support
- Library Sustainability
  - Handbook for New Library Directors in New York State
  - Helpful Information on Minimum Public Library Standards [NYS Division of Library Development]
  - Resources for filling the Annual Report to the NYS Division of Library Development
  - Sustainable Funding
  - State Aid for Library Construction
- Continuing Education / Professional Development Opportunities
  - Public Library Director’s 101 series – On-demand webinar recordings introduce the many and unique facets of public library directorship. [Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)]
- MHLS Directors Association

Funding, Budgets & Fiscal Oversight

Funding
- Types of Libraries [ NYS Division of Library Development]
- “Increasing Sutonomy: Rechartering Your Public Library” by Ellen M. Bach & Robert T. Schofield, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP [NYS Division of Library Development]
- Creating Public Library Districts in New York State: A “How-To” Guide [NYS Division of Library Development]
- School Districts and Taxes for Public and Association Libraries: How the Relationship Works [NYS Division of Library Development]
- Municipal Ballot/”414 Vote” [NYS Division of Library Development]
  - “Inch by Inch, Row by Row: Implementing Chapter 414 of New York State’s 1995 laws, the “local votes law” for public libraries [MHLS]
- Public Library Vote Toolbox: Know-how for your library’s vote [MHLS]
- Fundraising [MHLS]
Budgeting
- Public Library Expense Checklist [NYS Division of Library Development]
- Helpful Information for meeting NYS Public Library Minimum Standards: #5 Written Budget [NYS Division of Library Development]
- Library Salaries Information [American Library Association]
- Minimum Wages [NYS Department of Labor]
- Living Wage Calculator for New York State [Massachusetts Institute of Technology]
- Benefit, Salary & Leave Survey Results, 2010 [MHLS]
- E-Rate (Universal Service for Telecommunications Discounts Program) for Libraries [NYS Division of Library Development]
Fiscal Oversight
- Internal Financial Controls [MHLS]
- Internal Controls and Financial Accountability for Not-for-Profit Boards [NYS Office of the Attorney General]
- Local Government Management Guides [NYS Office of the State Comptroller]
- Audits [MHLS]
- Records Retention

Human Resources

Personnel Policies/Employee Handbooks [MHLS]
What to Keep in Employee Personnel Files [Nolo.com]
For Association Libraries: “Employment-at-Will” in New York State [New York State Department of Labor]
For Municipal public libraries, School District Public Libraries & Special District Public Libraries: Summary of New York State Civil Service Law [NYS Department of Civil Service]
Independent Contractor or Employee? [IRS]
US Department of Labor — Find It! By Topic
- Disability Resources
- Employment Law Assistance
- Equal Employment Opportunity (see also: Job Accommodation Network)
- Health Plans & Benefits
- Hiring
- Leave Benefits
- Posters
- Retirement Plans, Benefits & Savings
- Termination
- Unemployment Insurance
- Wages o Workers’ Compensation
- Workplace Safety & Health
- Youth & Labor
NYS Department of Labor
- Wage/Breaks
- Safety & Health
- Labor Law
- Unemployment Insurance
- Recruitment Services
- Public Work (Construction & Building Services)
- Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy & Training
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Required Posters
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Employment Authorization
- Form I-9 – Employment Eligibility Verification
Jury Information for Employers [NYS Unified Court System]
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) A-Z Index
- Compliance Assistance
- Posters
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (see also: Oklahoma State University’s Online Safety Library)
- Ergonomics o Emergency Preparedness o Workplace Violence
Employee Evaluations for Public Library Staff [compiled by the Las Animas-Bent County Library District (CO)]