Category Archives: Director-Home Page

Sierra is scheduled to be upgraded to version 4.0 on August 14^th. This is a significant release, including new primary data tables. There will also be a minor upgrade to Encore, our online catalog, scheduled for August 16^th. This upgrade will correct an issue that currently returns patrons to the main patron screen after editing their holds, rather than back to the holds menu. More details about both upgrades will be sent via the MHLS Notices Email List. PLEASE NOTE: The Sierra offline client must be installed before 8/14. Please, open a ticket if you have not yet installed the new offline client. techsupport@midhudson.org

The Fall Into Books 20th Annual Children’s & Teen Literature Conference will be held on October 24th. Early bird pricing for this event ends on July 30th. Click here for more information and to register.

July 15^th is the first 2018 deadline to take advantage of the MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program. Click here for more info and related forms.

MHLS has negotiated another year of the 15% discount on New York Library Association (NYLA) Organizational Memberships [https://bit.ly/1QmL5qe] for MHLS Member Libraries! Instructions for taking advantage of this deal have been sent to all directors. Deadline: June 29th

Free Webinar: Taking Community Partnerships to the Next Level
May 29 from 3:00-4:00pm
Presented by Audrey Barbakoff, Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager, King County Library System

Register online

Sierra Lunchtime Webinar: May 17^th from 12:00-1:00pm

MHLS ILP Operations Supervisor Thomas O’Connell will offer a lunchtime webinar of training and Q&A on the topic of Basic Create Lists. Registration is required

Mini-grants of $1,000 each for up to 10 eligible member libraries are available to help develop and expand adult literacy programs (which will enhance workforce development services in public libraries, improve adult literacy on the job and in the home) and increase participation of adults in library literacy programs which will improve their career and educational opportunities.

Criteria, information & 2018-19 application available, due June 5, 2018.

$2,000 Outreach Mini-Grants from MHLS will be available later this year. Directors are encouraged to submit a simple “Intent to Apply” Form by April 9. For the ‘Intent to Apply’ Form, information, requirements and ideas of previous successful projects, please visit https://tinyurl.com/MHLS-outreach-intent

May 2-3, 2018 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and Albany Capital Center, Albany, NY. GovBuy is a statewide government buyers event, provides practical training that enables purchasing officials to stay informed about relevant procurement related issues and more effective ways to meet fiscal challenges. Registration is free but you must register to attend: https://online.ogs.ny.gov/GovBuyRegistration/

New Service from MHLS: Ever wonder if you are using the best process for regular tasks in Sierra? Ever wonder if there is a better way? When it comes to Sierra, we think we can help.

If you are a new director looking to make sense of it all, or a seasoned pro looking for a reboot, this service can help to realign processes, so staff make the most of their time and Sierra.

MHLS’ Workflow Consultations are designed to provide an evaluation of your Sierra-related procedures as well as the provision of best practice guidance for library directors and their staff.