Category Archives: Director-Home Page

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.

MHLS is pleased to announce that the Public Library Association’s Project Outcome training is coming to MHLS in April! Project Outcome helps you implement outcome measurement. Drive change, influence decision-making and demonstrate the impact of your library’s programs! Seats will go fast so learn more and register soon!

It’s time to update your library and trustee contact information with MHLS! Please keep an eye out for MHLS Action Memo #18-01 on the MHLS Notices List.

Advocacy Day Briefing: Friday, February 16^th from 10:00 – 11:00am. This online event is designed for all library advocates – library directors, staff, trustees, Friends, volunteers and patrons – who are interested in speaking up for libraries during the New York budget negotiation season. This webinar will be presented by Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director of the New York Library Association alongside MHLS Coordinator for Library Sustainability, Rebekkah Smith Aldrich. To learn more and to register: http://bit.ly/2FRsSES

MHLS Delivery Operations Reminders: To start the new year, please review the following page on the MHLS web site where you can find delivery schedules by day and library, holidays when there is no delivery, member library responsibilities, and general delivery FAQs: https://midhudson.org/topics/resource-sharing/delivery/

The next MHLS Sierra Lunchtime Webinar will be on Wednesday, January 17th. The topic will be Sierra 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. Please register online for this event

MHLS, working with L&S Energy Services, has developed a strategy to assist member libraries in making their buildings more energy efficient. L&S Energy, an approved New York State Energy & Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) vendor, is coordinating a Pilot Program that provides a simple entry point for MHLS members into NYSERDA’s FlexTech Program. Directors should respond to MHLS Action Memo #17-09 by January 31st to participate.

New MHLS Engage! Webinar tells the story of two libraries, Heermance Memorial Library in Coxsackie & the Hudson Area Library, who have found success in connecting with their communities at their local farmers markets!

How much do you know about the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and E-Rate? Are you receiving all the E-Rate dollars your library is entitled to? The State Library is providing a webinar to help you find out on Wednesday, December 13, from 10 am to 11 am. The presenter will be Robert Bocher, a nationally recognized expert on E-Rate and CIPA. Please register online

MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program deadline: December 15^th 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/