The temporary suspension of MHLS Delivery & ILL Services has been extended through April 19th, 2020.
The MHLS Leadership Circle webinar will take place on Tuesday, April 7th from 12:30-2:30pm. The topic will be Project Management 101 presented by Ron Kirsop, Executive Director of the Pioneer Library System. This event is open to all MHLS member Library staff.
COVID-19 has delayed field operations for the Census, but libraries’ key role in a complete count, to let people know about the importance of completing the questionnaire, is unchanged. The Census can be completed online and by phone whether you have received your Census ID number or not. Libraries can find electronic promotional materials and information on the Census at midhudson.org/Census.
Last week the Directors Association (DA) passed a policy to allow for business continuity in the face of the declared pandemic. This policy allows for the DA to meet online for their regularly scheduled meeting on April 7th as well as enables special meetings and online voting as necessary. Directors will need to register online for the April 7th DA meeting, instructions will be provided on the MHLS Directors list.
MHLS staff has compiled a list of ways to engage with your patrons online. This includes information on virtual storytime and copyright, online learning, live cameras and events, virtual visits, and ideas for online interactive programs. For instance, Red Hook Public Library has started an online community-wide craft project.
You can view the list at https://midhudson.org/covid19. This resource page will be updated regularly.
Check Out Your Community’s Response Rate
In response to efforts to increase social distancing to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 the Governor, through an Executive Order, has suspended the requirement for library boards to hold “in-person meetings.” Both videoconferencing and conference calls are allowable as long as:
Public notice measures, quorum requirements, minutes, executive session rules all remain unchanged.
