Vol. 14-27 7.8.14

New Automation Coordinator Hired

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas O'Connell to the position of Automation Coordinator. Mr. O'Connell joins the Mid-Hudson Library System on July 7, 2014.

Mr. O'Connell has held positions since 2003 with VTLS Inc., a leading library automation company providing software solutions to a diverse customer base of more than 2,100 libraries in 44 countries. He served as User Interface Librarian since 2012, Lead Customer Support Librarian 2007-2012, and Customer Support Librarian 2003-2007. He has also worked as a public services librarian in Connecticut and Kentucky libraries. He was awarded a Master of Library Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Southern Connecticut State University.

"Thomas has outstanding expertise with the development, management, and evaluation of integrated library platforms," said Tom Sloan, MHLS Executive Director. "His passion for and experience with providing excellent customer service is a superb match for supporting the MHLS community," stated Sloan.

Mr. O'Connell's duties will include support of Innovative Sierra ILP and Encore Duet services for 66 libraries in 5 counties. The ILP provides access to more than 2.3 million items and annually performs more than 4 million circulation transactions. He will also supervise MHLS Cataloging Services, which provides copy and original cataloging, maintains more than 650,000 bibliographic records, and works with member libraries to implement local policy.

"We are excited to have Thomas as a member of our technology services team," said Robert Drake, MHLS Technology Operations Manager. "His knowledge of innovative and emerging technologies, in combination with his experience in meeting the information needs of library staff and patrons, will serve our libraries well," Drake stated.

MHLS Announcements

MHLS Member Library Mileage Equalization Grant Program: All MHLS member library staff are encouraged, urged, and supported to devote the time necessary to participate in MHLS professional development and continuing education opportunities, and to carry out their responsibilities associated with their position as MHLS members. Therefore, we are re-introducing the practice of reimbursement for mileage, in excess of the first 20 miles each way, associated with attendance at training or to participate in meetings sponsored by and located at MHLS. 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.

The amount of the MHLS match will be 75% of the IRS business rate paid semi-annually. As of March 22, 2014 the IRS business rate is 56 cents per mile.

Member library boards must pass a resolution* providing their staff reimbursement at 100% of the IRS rate for travel to attend training or participate in meetings sponsored by and located at MHLS. This resolution must be on file with the MHLS Business office before a claim can be paid. *Access the resolution template.

The first 20 miles each way between MHLS and member libraries shall be excluded from reimbursement.

For more details about this grant form and to access the Claim form please visit http://da.midhudson.org/ The Claim Form may be submitted twice a year:

July 15 & December 15.

Libraries & the NYS Nonprofit Revitalization Act:The New York State Library's Division of Library Development reports they are awaiting direction from the New York State Education Department (SED) regarding the impact of the New York Nonprofit Revitalization Act on libraries and systems. The State Library is hopeful this information will be provided soon.

MHLS Libraries

Two Libraries, One Town + One GREAT Idea!
The Philmont Library and the Claverack Free Library have joined with the Town of Claverack Summer Youth Program to establish a satellite library at the town park. Books have been purchased and donated, young volunteers are organizing the books, and "junior librarians" are being trained to check out the books and keep track of circulated items. There will also be at least one story time per week for younger campers. This program has been supported in part by funds from the New York State Library's Family Literacy Library Services grant program administered through MHLS.

Professional Development

Access to WebJunction's library-specific courses is available for free to all library workers and volunteers across the nation. Simply create an account at learn.webjunction.org, and then explore the catalog of library-focused self-paced courses and webinars. Certificates of completion will be available to you after you have completed any course or webinar that you enroll in from the catalog. Over the next year, WebJunction will continue to grow its catalog of learning content, and will add new resources on topics of high interest on www.webjunction.org. Happy learning!

The New York Library Association is now accepting submissions for the 2014 NYLA Pecha Kucha Presentations to take place at this year's annual conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. What is a Pecha Kucha Presentation? Pecha Kucha is a presentation methodology in which 20 slides are shown for 20 seconds each (6 minutes, 40 seconds in total). It is an opportunity for several presenters to share information about a research problem, project, or study with many colleagues by developing slide show presentations. Presenters may include printed materials or handouts, so long as the presentation remains under 6:40. A few minutes will be designated on either side of the presentation for set-up/break-down of materials. Dates/Location: The Pecha Kucha Presentations will take place at the NYLA Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY, on Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 12:00 - 1:30pm. Each presenter will be assigned a specific 10-minute segment during this time. If interested in participating in a Pecha Kucha presentation, please fill out the application form. The deadline for submitting an application is Friday August 29, 2014.

Marketing, Advocacy & Funding

New 1023-EZ Form Makes Applying to be Tax-Exempt Easier; Most Charities Qualify: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced a new, shorter application form, Form 1023-EZ, to help small charities apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status more easily. Most organizations with annual gross receipts of $50,000 or less and assets of $250,000 or less are eligible. The change will allow the IRS to speed the approval process for smaller groups and free up resources to review applications from larger, more complex organizations while reducing the application backlog. The new 1023-EZ form must be filed on www.pay.gov, accompanied by a $400 user fee. The instructions include an eligibility checklist that organizations must complete before filing.

Job Openings

Part-Time Clerk needed at Howland Public Library in Beacon. Required: high school diploma or equivalent and computer skills. Appreciated: customer service experience and residence in the Beacon City School District. Second language helpful. Work requires stamina (standing for long periods) and strength (lifting up to 20 lbs.). Salary starts at $9.50 per hour; up to 19.5 hours per week. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. Paid holidays and ability to join retirement plan. Email resume to director@beaconlibrary.org.

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 online at http://midhudson.org/bulletins/main.htm.