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Vol. 13-33                                                                                                                     8.13.13
New Sierra "Knowledgebase"

New Sierra Knowledgebase: Guides and how-to manuals for working in Sierra are now accessible through the MHLS Knowledgebase, a new online interface built to facilitate easier access to the information member libraries need to work in Sierra. The new interface also will aid MHLS staff in keeping Sierra documentation more up-to-date.

 

The Knowledgebase was created by MHLS IT Coordinator Robert Drake, MHLS Automation Coordinator Eric McCarthy and with documentation update and conversion assistance from MHLS Communication Specialist, Liz Anastasi.

 

This new interface takes much of the information that had been linked within the Resource Sharing section of midhudson.org and makes it more accessible. Member library staff that work with Sierra are encouraged to take some time to get acquainted with the MHLS Knowledgebase to learn where things are located.

 

"The content management system behind the Knowledgebase has allowed us to recreate for Sierra over a decade of Millennium guides in just a handful of months and eliminated the necessity of certain software licenses," says MHLS IT Coordinator Robert Drake, "The backend workflow has similarly consolidated a number of duplicate documentation efforts and allowed us to concentrate increasingly on improving the content."    

The Knowledgebase can be found from the Resource Sharing page of midhudson.org or accessed directly at  http://kb.midhudson.org.

 

Like the Millennium guides, the Knowledgebase is password protected as per Innovative Interface Inc.'s requirements. The username and password are the same as the ones used for the Resource Sharing section of the website.

 

As always, feel free to request additional documentation or suggest improvements to existing guides. Suggestions can be sent to Eric McCarthy, MHLS Automation Coordinator at  [email protected].

 

The MHLS Resource Sharing Standards have been updated to reflect all changes voted on by the Director's Association. A printable PDF document is available within the new Knowledgebase:  http://kb.midhudson.org/resource-sharing-standards/. The latest draft includes updated documentation related to Resource Sharing Standards violations. Quarterly reminders of updates will be sent out on the Director and Sierra listservs.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding

Update from the New York Library Association:

The following three library-related items have been signed into law by Governor Cuomo:   

 

Library Card Info Distributed to Students  
S.2018 Farley / A.3560 Nolan

This bill will require school districts to disseminate informational materials about applications for public library cards to students, when such materials are provided by the public library. This item addresses the prohibition in some schools against distributing information for any outside group, and promotes access to publicly funded library resources by public school students. A guide with details about this new law will be forthcoming from NYLA. The guide will help you approach your local school district and request their help in getting the word out to local families about the importance of a public library card for students.

 

Library/BOCES Contracts for High-Speed Internet
S.5706 Valesky / A.1398 Gunther

Authorizes boards of cooperative educational services to enter into contracts with public libraries for high-speed telecommunications services.

 

Creation of the Reed Memorial Library District
S.5560 / A.6414 Katz

This bill paves the way for the creation of the Reed Memorial public library district in the town of Carmel, New York; giving local library patrons a voice in their library's budget.

 

"Have no doubt that your efforts in attending Library Advocacy Day and contacting your elected officials played a role in these victories. Thank you to all of NYLA's Library Advocates for your efforts in raising the profile of library related issues. It is your hard work that has allowed these items to gain the attention they deserve from the New York State Legislature. Mark your calendar for THURSDAY, February 27 for Library Advocacy 2014 Day in Albany!"

-Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director,
New York Library Association
Job Openings

The Town of Esopus Library is seeking a library director who is an experienced public library professional, and who is knowledgeable of current trends, committed to best practices, and an experienced leader. The historic Town of Esopus is a growing community of some 10,000 residents and located in Ulster County, New York. It borders on the majestic Hudson River and is situated approximately 50 miles south of Albany and 90 miles north of New York City. The mission of the library is to provide enrichment opportunities to people of all ages, and to meet local needs and address local trends. The library provides the community high-demand, educational and popular collections, as well as access to computers, WiFi and the Internet. It offers individuals and groups a welcoming, safe and comfortable environment to meet, work and learn. The library's success rests on a team of friendly, knowledgeable, and well-trained staff, volunteers, friends and trustees. The library is a new facility overlooking the Hudson River. It reflects the library's early adoption of green technologies with its geothermal heating and cooling, and solar panel arrays. Its facilities also include a storm water management system with a retention pond. Required Education and Experience: Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications pursuant to civil service requirements for the position of Library Director I: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Master's Degree in Library Science and two (2) years of professional full-time, or its part-time equivalent, experience in a library of recognized standing. Candidates with at least two (2) years supervisory experience are preferred. Special requirement: Candidate must have a New York State Public Librarian's professional certificate at time of appointment. Compensation: Starting salary is consistent with New York State Civil Service guidelines and may be negotiated depending on experience.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: [email protected]. Resumes received by September 18, 2013, will receive first consideration. Applications will be reviewed until a director is selected. All Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations apply.

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: [email protected]

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