MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program deadline: December 15th is the last deadline to take advantage of the 2017 MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program. Reimbursement is contingent on member libraries providing their staff reimbursement at the IRS rate for travel to attend training or to participate in meetings sponsored by and located at MHLS headquarters in Poughkeepsie. For more information and to access the claim form directors should visit https://da.midhudson.org/
Monthly Archives: November 2017
ALA strenuously opposes FCC proposed order on net neutrality: American Library Association President Jim Neal released the following statement regarding the proposed order on net neutrality released by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai: “Preserving net neutrality is essential for equitable access to online information and services and thus a vital concern for our nation’s libraries. Now that the internet has become the primary mechanism for delivering information, services and applications to the general public, it is especially important that commercial Internet Service Providers are not able to control or manipulate the content of these communications. Libraries, our patrons and America’s communities will be at risk if the FCC repeals all protections contained in its 2015 Open Internet Order with no plans to replace with any enforceable rules. We strenuously disagree with the FCC’s actions and will continue to advocate for essential net neutrality protections.” The FCC Commission will vote on the proposed order at the December open Commission meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2017.
Concerned about the fate of net neutrality? EveryLibrary has provided a form to help you communicate with your federal elected officials: http://action.everylibrary.org/netneutrality
Nine brand new mini-webinars for Library Trustees are now available on the New York State Library’s website
- Libraries in NY: Origin, Oversight & Organization
- Open Meetings Law: Transparent and Accountable Governance
- Role of the Board President
- The Public Library Treasurer: Their Role and Legal Responsibilities
- Board Evaluation: A Key to Your Library’s Success
- Director Evaluation: A Key to Your Library’s Success
- Hiring Your Library CEO: The Future of Your Library Depends on It
- Strategic Planning Parts One & Two: Creating a Path for the Future
On December 12 from 3:00-3:30pm member library staff have an online opportunity to learn more about the new mobile app for the MHLS E-Magazine Collection (RBdigital). This overview will cover the following:
- Introduction to the new mobile app – RBdigital
- User Experiences – based on what RBdigital media collections your library offers
- Marketing Tools – what logos, marketing pieces, communication tools will be available for your local promotion
Guidance for Implementing Opioid Overdose Prevention Measures in Public Libraries now available from the New York State Library: To combat the continuing rise in opioid related deaths in New York State, laws were recently amended to allow New York State’s public libraries to administer opioid antagonists (naloxone) in library facilities by partnering with a New York State Department of Health Registered Opioid Overdose Prevention Program operated by another organization. This guidance document is the result of a multi-disciplinary agency collaboration to help all New York State libraries implement their own opioid overdose prevention programs
The Pleasant Valley Free Library has one of the most engaging library Instagram accounts in our System. With over 1,500 followers, their posts routinely receive over 100 engagements and local businesses and nonprofits tag them regularly.
Wondering what their secret to success is? Make some time to watch the latest MHLS Engage! Webinar Series installment and learn from social media maven Courtney Wimmers and her library director at the Pleasant Valley Free Library, Daniela Pulice as they explain their strategy and best practices. Watch this webinar at your convenience at https://midhudson.org/engage
Public Library Administrators Certificate Program This Spring in Middletown, NY: The challenges faced by today’s public library administrators require a solid foundation of training and experience. Long Island University’s Palmer School’s post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Public Library Administration is designed to develop and enhance the management skills and credentials of professional librarians working within the public library sector and to train the leaders of tomorrow.
This program is being held in Middletown, NY at the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) in Spring 2018. This first of 5 courses required for the certificate will be held over 4 days (March 15, April 19, May 24 and June 14, 2018) from 9:00am-5:00pm. This cost of this first course is $1,350. If you are interested, please contact Grace Riario at RCLS (griario@rcls.org) by November 17, 2017.
ILP Operations Supervisor Thomas O’Connell will offer a lunchtime webinar of training and conversation at noon on Friday, November 17th. The topic will be Circulation 101 and is intended for any new staff, or perhaps experienced staff wondering if there are more efficient ways to do things while covering the circ desk. This will be a good time to ask those questions that you have been wondering about…
The session will take place via a GotoMeeting session and last about 45 minutes. There is a 15 person attendance limit, and pre-registration is required. Log-in information for the webinar will be sent to your email address in advance of the event.
Four trustees were elected to the MHLS Board at the 58th Annual Membership Meeting of the Mid-Hudson Library System:
Rajene Hardeman, representing Dutchess County, was elected to a 5-year term
Robert Culp, representing Putnam County, was elected to a 4-year term
Priscilla Goldfarb, representing Putnam County, was elected to a 5-year term
Lynne Ridgeway, representing Ulster County, was elected to a 5-year term
To read the full Annual Meeting report check out this week’s MHLS Bulletin
