Announcing the inaugural session of . . .

STORYTIME BOOTCAMP

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Upper Hudson Library System

8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Are you brand new to presenting storytime? Do you have a little on-the-job experience yet would like to expand your knowledge and have your questions answered? Come learn the basics of delivering an early literacy storytime in this intensive yet fun training. We’ll cover:

For staff and volunteers of UHLS libraries.

Registration deadline: January 12, 2020.

To register: http://bit.ly/StorytimeBootcamp

CE credit: 4.5 hours

Presented by Mary Fellows and Amy DuBrey, UHLS

See the flyer here

Handouts:

Imagine Your Story . . . DISRUPTED!

Thursday, January 30, 9:30 AM - 3:45 PM

Schenectady County Public Library
www.scpl.org

Once upon a time, there was a day devoted to . . . Plan for your Summer Reading . . . Come learn about disrupting and then reimagining the key elements of . . . Take home ideas on making your program all ages and . . . Performer showcase will . . . Learn from your colleagues . . . Dress in costume (optional) if you’re . . . Hilarious jokes to . . . Learning and fun for all . . . You!

Registration deadline: January 23

To register: http://bit.ly/SummerReading2020Disrupted

CE credit: 5.5 hours

See the flyer here.

Search Deadline Extended

LIBRARY DIRECTOR, Part-Time
Grafton Community Library
Grafton, NY

Grafton Community Library, a small rural free association library located in eastern Rensselaer County, seeks an energetic, creative individual for the position of Library Director. This is a part-time position scheduled to work 24 hours per week, including some evenings and Saturdays. The position requires a candidate who is a team leader who can work together with an experienced staff, the library board, and local community groups. The position requires a candidate with excellent communication, interpersonal, and computer skills. Experience in library collection and program development, staff and volunteer supervision, and facility management is highly desirable. A degree in library science or a related field will be considered a plus, as will fundraising and grant writing skills. Starting salary is $20,000. A copy of the job description is available on the library’s website, graftoncommunitylibrary.org. Please send resumes to the Search Committee at graftonnylib@gmail.com by February 3, 2020.

Position Available: Part-Time Youth Services Librarian I

The East Greenbush Community Library is currently accepting applications for a part-time Youth Services Librarian to join a dynamic and dedicated team of professionals. Successful candidates should be creative, flexible, and enthusiastic about public service.

Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Providing reference and readers' advisory assistance to children, teens and adults.
• Planning and conducting storytimes, book clubs, and other programs for children.
• Assisting in all phases of collection development, including acquisitions and weeding.
• Maintaining awareness of current trends in children’s literature, child
  development, and library technology.

Schedule:
Position is approximately 8 hours a week, and primarily includes 1 evening per week and every other Saturday.

Salary:
$23.75 per hour

Minimum qualifications:
MLS from an ALA accredited library school
New York State Public Librarian Professional Certificate
Must be eligible for a provisional appointment as a Librarian I under civil service

Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, Rensselaer County Civil Service application and three professional references to:
Ms. Vicki Bucciantini, Business and Operations Manager
email: search@eglibrary.org
or mail: East Greenbush Community Library
10 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061.

Deadline:
Position remains open until filled. We will begin reviewing applications on
Monday, February 17th.

RCS Community Library is seeking a full time Librarian or Library Assistant. Primary duties include:

• Maintaining a network of 12 public computers and managing library technology.
• Providing technology assistance to the public, including teaching one-on-one classes.
• Designing and implementing public programming.
• Providing patron assistance, including circulation duties, at the front desk.

The best candidates for this position will be flexible and collaborative, with a willingness to learn new skills and experiment with new services. The position is FT and offers NYS Retirement System membership and health insurance, and starts at $40,000/yr. (Candidates eligible for appointment as a Library Assistant may be considered for a variant of this position at $35,000/yr.) Typical hours include one evening each week and one Saturday each month. Hiring is governed by Albany County Civil Service. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to director@rcscommunitylibrary.org by February 21st. References will be requested of candidates selected for interviews.

Job Opening: Library Aide, Castleton Public Library (Part-Time)

The Castleton Public Library is seeking a part-time Library Aide. The library is currently operating on reduced hours of operation, with this position being scheduled for three 5-hour weekday shifts every other week. When returning to normal mode of operation, the schedule for this position generally includes four 4-hour weekday shifts per week, plus an occasional 6-hour Saturday shift (once every 4 weeks).

Routine Duties:
Helping customers at the front desk, shelving library materials, operating the copier and fax machine, performing routine clerical tasks, assisting with program preparation, and answering the telephone. Full civil service position description is below.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate has strong customer service skills, is detail-oriented, and can efficiently use a computer for work tasks. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Prior library experience is preferred, but not required.

Pay Rate:
$12.22 per hour.

How to Apply:
Send a letter of interest, along with a Rensselaer County employment application (available here) by email to director@castletonpubliclibrary.org, or by mail to Castleton Public Library, 85 S. Main Street, Castleton, NY 12033, Attn: Melissa Tacke. Applications must be received by Thursday, September 3.

Rensselaer County Civil Service Commission Official Job Specifications:
Library Aide
Distinguishing Features of the Class: This position involves performing the duties of charging and discharging materials and related circulation duties at the circulation desk. Additionally, incumbents sort and reshelve library materials as necessary. Performance of related routine clerical tasks may be required. This work requires no prior knowledge of library work as employees are trained on the job. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Director, Librarian, or higher-level library employee. Does related work as required.
Examples of Work:
Charges and discharges library materials;
Sorts and reshelves books and library materials;
Logs in and processes all periodicals and prepares current magazines for shelving, maintains back number stacks and routing;
Maintains files of vertical file material and publisher's catalogs;
Maintains use and acquisition statistics;
Responds to routine questions regarding library rules, hours of operation and location of materials;
Responds to requests from library patrons to assist with research, interlibrary requests and the use of computers and audio-visual equipment;
Typing, filing, and data searches as requested by higher level Library Employee;
Assists in periodic inventory of library materials and AV equipment;
Maintains inventory of supplies and suggests items for acquisition;
Assists in preparation of lists of missing books and books to be discarded;
Oversees the general condition and appeal of the library and its displays;
Performs related routine clerical tasks, including changing books, filing cards, writing and forwarding of over-due notices.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics: Ability to acquire a working knowledge of library rules and procedures; ability to understand and carry out written and oral directions; ability to deal in a personable and friendly manner with library patrons; accuracy; tact and courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school or possession of high school equivalency diploma.
ADOPTED: March 25, 1992. CSC MTG. REVISED: March 18, 2004. CSC MTG.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR I COHOES PUBLIC LIBRARY, COHOES, NY

The Cohoes Public Library seeks an enthusiastic, energetic, community invested librarian to serve as Library Director. Working with the Board of Trustees, the City of Cohoes, and local stakeholders, the director provides leadership in providing high quality, 21 st Century library services to our diverse community.

Serving a growing population of more than 16,000, the Cohoes Public Library is a municipal public library and a member of the Upper Hudson Library System. The library has a collection of approximately 30,000 physical items, plus more than 64,000 digital items in a shared system-wide collection on the Overdrive platform. In 2019 library circulation totaled 31,800 items and had 37,500 library visits. A variety of programming for all ages is provided both inside the facility an at community sites. The library is located in a restored historic building, the former St. John’s Episcopal Church.

The Director reports to a nine member Board of Trustees and works closely with the City of Cohoes. The Director has primary responsibility for the operation and management of the library, collaborates with the Library Board on the annual budget request to the City of Cohoes, and serves as principle representative of the library in the community. Specific job activities include, but are not limited to: personnel administration; budget oversight; collection development; customer service; program planning and implementation, particularly for children; implementation of technology to enhance library services; and marketing/public relations. The library board encourages and supports the library director’s participation in regional and statewide professional activities.

The Library Director I is a Civil Service position. This is a provisional appointment pending Civil Service examination of training and experience. Prior to appointment, the successful candidate will be required to submit a completed Civil Service application.

Minimum qualifications include possession of a Master’s degree in librarianship from a library school accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the New York State Education Department as following acceptable education practices AND one year of satisfactory professional library experience. Eligibility for a New York State Public Librarian’s certificate at the time of application is required and possession of the certificate is required at the time of appointment.

The Library Director’s annual salary will be $40,000 - $48,000 based on the selected candidate’s skills and experience. The generous compensation package also includes health insurance and participation in the New York State Retirement System.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to the Search Committee via email to directorsearch@cohoespubliclibrary.org.

Application review will begin on September 15, 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

When “Learning” Becomes “School”: Supporting Parents Educating Young Children at Home

The pandemic has derailed the schooling plans for many Millennial parents with young children. How can libraries support parents who have suddenly become home- or hybrid-school teachers to their children?

You’re invited to register for one or more of a three-part series:

Session 1: Sept 2, 1:00-2:30

Webinar--Hear from an Expert

Join Deanna McGregor, Homeschool Liaison Librarian, to learn why some families choose the path of homeschooling, New York State requirements, available resources, and how libraries can meet multiple literacy needs of families homeschooling young children.

Session 2: Sept 9, 10:30-12

Webinar with a Panel of Peers

Hear from a varied panel of library colleagues sharing their unique perspectives as homeschool parents and library service providers.

Session 3: Oct 14, 10:30-12

Webinar Home- and Hybrid-schooling Library Idea Swap

Now that we have a month of the school year under our belt, what challenges are we facing?

Go here for more information and to register: https://spark.adobe.com/page/Cq7HKim8qw9eT/

Library Director, Robert A. Fahr Watervliet Public Library, Watervliet NY

The Robert A. Fahr Watervliet Public Library is seeking an energetic and creative leader with a strong commitment to public library service for the position of Library Director to continue growth and maximize the positive impact the library has in the community.

An Association public library serving a user population of approximately 10,000, the Library is governed by a seven-member board of trustees. In 2015 the Library opened a fully renovated and expanded 3,700 sq. ft. facility that boasts a dedicated space for youth collections and services, an adult reading room, and a digital learning center. With the newly renovated facilities the library experienced a significant increase in Library circulation, visits, and program attendance. Building on this success the Library asked the Watervliet community to vote on an annual funding budget of $150,000.00 which was overwhelmingly approved.

The Library Director reports to the Board of Trustees and holds primary responsibility for the operation and management of the Library. Duties include collection, service, and program planning and management; collaboration with the board on the yearly budget; daily budget oversight; supervision of staff and volunteers; customer service; marketing, public relations and community outreach; implementation of technology to enhance library services, fundraising and grant writing.

The position is scheduled to work 35 hours per week, with predominantly weekday hours and occasional Saturday hours to support library programs and events. The position requires an MLS or MLIS from an ALA-accredited university AND a minimum of 1-year post-MLS experience managing a public library or major library services. 

The ideal candidate will demonstrate flexibility, excellent communication skills, familiarity with current library technologies, and a positive and professional attitude. The candidate should show an aptitude to work alongside the board to reach agreed upon goals for the betterment of the library community and evolve programs and library collection based on what library patrons and the board views as important services to maintain in the library. Demonstrated experience in library collection and program development, staff and volunteer supervision, budgeting, and facility management is also highly desirable.  Fundraising and grant writing experience will be considered a plus.

The Library Director’s annual salary will be $40,000 to $45,000 based on the selected candidate’s skills and experience. The package also includes paid vacation and sick time and health benefits are negotiable.

All interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application. To apply please e-mail a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references to rafwpl.apply@gmail.com

The review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.

UHLS Libraries Get Mobile App

We've got a brand new way to access library resources! Public libraries in Albany & Rensselaer counties now offer an app called UHLS Mobile, available for free in both Android and Apple app stores.

The app features include the ability to search the UHLS catalog; check the status of a library card account; place physical items (such as books, CDs and DVDs) on hold so they can be picked up at the library; discover and access digitally distributed items like ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines; and connect users to other information such as library hours and program calendars. The app even can scan the ISBN barcode of any book to see whether our libraries own a copy of a specific title—and place a request for that book right away. Download UHLS Mobile today and take us with you wherever you go this summer!

Full press release is here.

 
Library Manager (full time) - Menands Public Library (Albany County, NY)

The Board of Trustees of the Menands Public Library seeks an enthusiastic and community-oriented individual to serve as Library Manager to oversee the library in the Village of Menands.

The Menands Public Library is a school district public library and is a member of the Upper Hudson Library System. The Library Manager reports to a five-member board of trustees and collaborates with the library board on a variety of activities related to delivering library service to our community. The Library Manager has primary responsibility for the operation and management of the library, including but not limited to: collection development, customer service, program planning and implementation, utilization of technology to enhance library services, written monthly updates to the board, public relations and community outreach. The Library Manager supervises a small staff of up to five part-time employees.

The position of Library Manager is provisional and permanent appointment is contingent upon passing the Library Manager Albany County Civil Service exam and being reachable on the eligible list for that title.

Minimum qualifications for this position include completion of sixty (60) credit hours from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university and one (1) year of professional experience in administering not-for-profit, government, education, human services, or library services. Equivalent volunteer work in a library can be substituted for professional experience.

The Library Manager’s annual salary will be $40,000 - $44,000 based on the selected candidate’s skills and experience. The compensation package also includes participation in the New York State Retirement System. The projected start date for this position will be February 14, 2021.

More information about the position and the library can be found on the library's website here: https://www.menandslibrary.org.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to the Search Committee via email to menandsdirectorsearch@uhls.org.

Application review will begin on 12/15/20 and continue until the position is filled.