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Vol. 13-29                                                                                                                      7.16.13
Impact Survey Opportunity
Would your library benefit from knowing what your patrons think about the value of your library's technology services? Would you like to have this information in easy to read and easy to create reports, charts and graphs? If the answer is yes, the New York State Library is facilitating an opportunity that offers a solution.
 
The University of Washington is seeking public libraries to participate in piloting a free and easy to use online tool. The Impact Survey is designed for public libraries to better understand how their communities use public technology resources and services.

Participation is free and the benefits are numerous including:
  • Help with evaluation of your library's technological services;
  • Identification of areas that are working well or need improvement;
  • Data for improved resource allocation and long range planning;
  • Data for advocating for increased technology services and resources;
  • Easy to read reports, charts and graphs that can be shared to increased community support.
See the following links for more detailed information and to register your library to participate in the pilot: Pilot Registration Link: http://impactsurvey.org/contact
 
The Impact Survey is a result of research done by the University of Washington School of Information with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2009, the University of Washington Information School conducted Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries: http://bit.ly/12h4DIf. This survey yielded over 45,000 responses as to how and why U.S. library patrons use computers and the Internet at their public libraries.

Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Lynne Webb, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development at the NY State Library at lwebb@mail.nysed.gov or by phone at 518.486.4853.
MHLS Announcements

The Mid-Hudson Library System announces the retirement of Karen O'Brien. Karen has been a valued member of the MHLS staff for over twenty years as a cataloging specialist. She will begin her retirement after July 19th. As anyone who has used the MHLS online catalog knows, her work has been exemplary. Karen set eyes on every bibliographic record that entered our catalog (to date there are 646,868 records!) She sought out split entries, improper subject headings and incomplete added author fields to make sure staff and patrons could find their items. The "findability" of items in the catalog is at the core of the mission of libraries. If we own something but no one knows or cannot find it, what good is it doing? The work done by Karen has made the most of the local and collective investment in collections made by member libraries. Karen's work ethic and attention to detail will be missed. 

 

The MHLS Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, July 10, in the MHLS Auditorium and: 

  • Appointed Mark Wilson to the Board as a Columbia County representative;   
  • Approved the System's revised 2013 organizational chart;   
  • Approved the System's revised 2013 budget;   
  • Referred the reinstatement of mileage reimbursement for member libraries and the Mid-Hudson Library System Board to the appropriate committees for clarification;    
  • Approved the Central Library Program Budget;   
  • Accepted the appointments of Tara Stohr as full-time ILL/Cataloging Specialist and Nina Acosta as part-time Cataloging Specialist;    
  • Approved contracts with Ronco Communications and Amer Network for the purchase of networking equipment, contingent upon availability of e-rate funds.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, at 10:00am in the MHLS Auditorium.

Youth Services

The New York State Library is requesting that public libraries throughout New York State share pictures of displays, events, programming, along with written material about the wonderful summer reading programs at each library. This information will be posted on the Summer Reading News Blog: SummerreadingNYS.org and the Tumblr: SummerReadingNYS.Tumblr.com,with the goal of spreading the word about all of the great programs being implemented and materials that are being created throughout the state. Please email all contributions to kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov.

Job Openings

Chatham Public Library Director: Temporary, full-time position for a very active library in a vibrant community, starting immediately through June 30, 2014. MLS, Public Librarian Certification, plus three (3) years of library mgt experience required. Must be resident of Columbia County and qualify as Civil Service Library Director I. If interested, please submit letter outlining qualifications, resume and three (3) reference letters, no later than July 22, 2013 to Cheryl Nuciforo, Superintendent, Chatham Central School District, 50 Woodbridge Avenue, Chatham, NY 12037.

 

New Salary Range: The Saugerties Public Library is seeking a Library Director I who is an experienced leader in team building as well as a committed professional well aware of current trends and best practices in public library services. The mission of Saugerties Public Library is to serve as a multi-cultural, inclusive Library dedicated to enhancing the life of every member of the Saugerties Community. The library is housed in a building that was expanded and renovated through a capital project completed in January of 2011. It is operated with an annual budget of $600,000. The Library Director will work with a committed Board of Trustees to achieve this mission with the support of the community as well as an active and engaged Friends organization. Masters Degree in Library Science (MLS) from an accredited institution and two (2) years of professional full-time, or its part-time equivalent, experience in a library of recognized standing. Special Requirement: Possession of a NYS Public Librarian's Certificate at the time of appointment. Preferred: At least one year experience in an administrative capacity; and demonstrated ability in budget management, community outreach, progressive programming, library technology and equipment and facilities maintenance. Compensation:  Salary $55,000-$60,000, depending upon qualifications and experience; with medical benefits, vacation, personal time and health benefits. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter via e-mail to: spldirectorsearch@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2013, or until the position is filled. To view the full job ad please visit http://saugertiespubliclibrary.org/jobs-2/  

MHLS recommends that the minimum starting salary of a full or part-time librarian with an MLS degree be at least equal to that of a teacher with a master's degree in the same community.

 

Member Libraries are welcome to submit items of interest and job openings to the MHLS Bulletin: bulletin@midhudson.org. 

The MHLS Bulletin is available on line at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.