Deborah Weltsch, Coordinator of Central Library Services at the Adriance Memorial Library in Poughkeepsie has provided a great preview of the national movement to support libraries in responding to reference questions about the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) and the Health Insurance Marketplace:

October 1, 2013 marks the beginning of the enrollment period for health insurance plans for individuals and families under the new Affordable Care Act (ACA). The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) will be working together to help connect citizens to information about health coverage options, and to trained 'navigators' who will assist them with enrollment. They are developing online resources for public libraries so that we can help guide the public to needed information.

"We know that people rely on libraries to meet information needs, but ... like any service or resource a library offers, the decision needs to be made locally on how to respond to the types of questions and requests that will arise. It may be that a library only has the capacity to direct patrons to the healthcare.gov website or refer the patron to a local health services organization. Other libraries will partner with local organizations that are working on the ACA to offer information sessions for the public, using meeting room space in the library. And some may provide private meeting space and public access computers to help 'Navigators' and Assisters work with patrons on understanding their options and completing forms. Each library will need to decide how to approach these needs in the community." 

-"Libraries and the Health Insurance Marketplace,"
OCLC WebJunction, http://bit.ly/1a3zytn 

In addition:

• WebJunction has created a sign-up opportunity for anyone interested in receiving updates: http://bit.ly/14e6Hmt

• CMS encourages libraries to post the "info widget" to their websites, which will lead users directly to official info. Links to the widgets in English and Spanish:
  http://1.usa.gov/13OONHP
   
• HealthCare.gov is the primary tool for delivering information to Americans to go for general information about their healthcare options. Library staff should be familiar with this key resource! A brief, confidential screening questionnaire helps direct people to existing federal programs if they qualify based on disability, age and/or income (i.e.- Medicare/ Medicaid).    

• For those New York State residents who are not covered by existing federal health care programs, there is a specific site for New Yorkers to go to: The New York Heath Benefit Exchange. Most New Yorkers will use this website to identify the Health Insurance Plans available, compare the plans, and apply for coverage. Enrollment will begin October 1, 2013 - though libraries are already fielding questions!

Four MHLS Member Libraries have received Community-based Project Grants, funded through the New York State Council on the Arts (and administered through the Dutchess County Arts Council):

• Kingston Library, Teen Art Lab
• Millbrook Library, "Around the World in Three Nights"
• Stone Ridge Library
• Olive Free Library, West Shokan

NYLA Leadership and Management Academy Scholarship: The Leadership & Management Section (LAMS) of the New York Library Association is seeking candidates for a scholarship to attend NYLA's Leadership & Management Academy 2014. NYLA's Leadership & Management Academy is an educational program for mid-career library professionals interested in obtaining the practical knowledge critical to becoming a library leader. This award covers the $800 tuition to the Academy.

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have 5 years of library experience and a Bachelor's Degree ­or two years of library experience and an MLS or equivalent degree
• Be a LAMS member at time of application and during Academy enrollment

This will be a selective process based on leadership potential and demonstrated ability. To be considered for the award, all applicants must submit the following:

• A letter of support from his/her current employer or a colleague
• Current resume or CV
• A personal statement of no more than 2 pages single-spaced on leadership that addresses the following:
• What skills and abilities you consider most important for library leaders to possess?
• What additional knowledge/ skills/experience will you need to enhance your leadership potential?
• What is your goal in participating in this leadership program?
• An example of how you have demonstrated leadership.

To apply for this scholarship, submit all requested items via email to Jennifer Bollerman at jennifer@longwoodlibrary.org by August 15, 2013. All applicants will be reviewed by the LAMS' Scholarship Committee. The winner of this scholarship will be announced at the upcoming NYLA Conference in Niagara Falls.

Fall Into Books Conference: Early Bird reduced price registrations must be postmarked by July 26. The 15th Annual Fall into Books Children's & Teen Literature Conference will take place on October 17 at the Holiday Inn at Kingston. Steve Sheinkin is the author this year. Information at http://bit.ly/OePm63