Please keep in mind the following:

1. Because of budget cuts, the maximum award this year is $1,500.
2. A library may submit up to 2 applications, but there will only be one (1) award per library.
3. Submission of an application does not guarantee an award.
4. If you received a mini-grant award in 2008, you must submit a final report by December 19, 2008 to be considered for an award in 2009.

If you have questions, please contact Jo-Ann Benedetti at 518-437-9880 ext. 225

On January 26, the winners of the Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and a host of other awards honoring books and media for youth will be announced. In the meantime, we have our own discussions about the contenders! Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz discussion lists are now available. At the January 9th Youth Services Advisory Council meeting, we will spend part of the time discussing these books. We’ll also use the opportunity to deepen understanding of what high quality literature is and how we best reflect excellence and popularity in our youth collections. The meeting takes place from 10:00 – noon at UHLS offices, with book review from 9:00 – 10:00 and 12:00 – 1:00, and teen services discussion group from 12:00 – 1:00 as well.

Black Belt Librarians:

featuring Warren Graham

Date: March 4, 2009

Location: Guilderland Public Library

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Description: Warren Graham is nationally renowned as an expert of day - to - day library security procedures. He has been a security professional for twenty-five years, and he spent the last seventeen years as the Security and Safety Manager for the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, developing and overseeing their program. Some of the areas he will address are:

1. Essential elements of a truly effective security program;
2. How to inform patrons of rules in a way that will most ensure compliance;
3. How to recognize levels of emotion that a patron may be in and strategies on how best to respond;
4. Ten maxims of security no matter the size of your library;
5. Easy ways to document your security and safety matters.

Click here for flyer and registration form.

Contact: Jo-Ann Benedetti at 437-9880 x225.

Creating the 21st Century Library:
An Introduction to Building, Renovating, or Expanding Your Library

featuring Frank X. Craine, AIA and Diane Abate

Date: March 24, 2009

Location: Guilderland Public Library

Time: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Description: Frank X. Craine, AIA is a Partner, and Diane Abate is a Senior Architectural Designer at the firm of Peter Gisolfi Associates located in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Together they have over 30 years of collective experience working with libraries and academic clients in the private and public sectors. Mr. Craine was a key member of the design team for the new Darien Library in Connecticut, which is scheduled to be the first Gold LEED-certified library in New England. He and Ms. Abate are currently working on the feasibility study for expanding the Guilderland Library. Some of the topics they will address are:

1. What to consider when planning a library renovation or expansion.
2. Choosing the right design team for effective collaboration.
3. Finding funding sources for your project.
4. Finding cost-effective ways to incorporate Green building strategies.

Click here for flyer and registration form.

Contact: Philip Ritter at 437-9880 x222.

The guidelines are now available for the annual Awards: Trustee of the Year, Library Program of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Advocate of the Year. The deadline for submitting Award nominations is MARCH 16, 2009.

The Program, Trustee and Volunteer Awards recognize outstanding programs and people in the member libraries during 2008. The Advocate Award recognizes an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to library advocacy at the regional, state or national level.

The awards will be presented at the UHLS Annual meeting to be held at the Albany Country Club on Wednesday, June 10th

At your request we purchased credits for staff training with MicroKnowledge. Their website has descriptions of their course offerings, all of which are available to us as part of this arrangement. Your staff can take classes at MicroKnowledge or we can arrange for MicroKnowledge to come to your libraries or to UHLS for group instruction.

Rob Carle will manage this project. All requests for training should go through Rob, so we can distribute the credits as fairly as possible and keep track of the balance in the account. Although MicroKnowledge will be flexible, we should try to use all the credits during 2009.

Please contact Rob to schedule a class or if you have questions.

Rob: rob@uhls.lib.ny.us
Phone: 437-9880 x238

CPSIA and Libraries

No doubt you’re all aware of the Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) by now. This act, passed by Congress last August, seeks to decrease the levels of lead and phthalates in products intended for children under 12. It is scheduled to go into effect on February 10, 2009, and will be enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Currently, books are considered an unregulated product under similar laws. Under this new legislation, books, DVDs, CDs and other materials for children under 12 found in libraries will be subject to the same testing standards used for children’s toys and clothing.

We are watching this unfolding situation closely, as ALA, publisher groups, and others seek to make the CPSC aware of the huge impact this will have on libraries and the need to exempt books. We will send updates via email as we get new information.

In the meantime, here are a few statistics: around 450,000 items in UHLS libraries would be affected. Each of our 29 libraries would be obligated to remove all children’s materials from their shelves – essentially closing their doors to children – until the items could be tested. There are currently no mechanisms, and no certified testing sites, for books.

The financial and public relations costs for libraries would be huge. But the true impact would be felt by the thousands of children and families in Albany and Rensselaer Counties who depend on us for educational, informational, and entertainment needs. In these tough economic times, libraries have seen a major increase in users. How will parents explain to their children that they aren’t going to the library because the library doesn’t have books for them?

More information as it becomes available.

CPSIA stay of enforcement

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued a “stay of enforcement” on CPSIA, at least as far as having to test for lead in books. The one year stay gives CPSC time to create guidelines and decide whether libraries will be exempted. More information is here.

What the rules may be for the audiovisual materials, toys, games, and other non-book items we use to make our children’s departments kid-friendly is less clear. The best course of action right now is to follow the issue but not take drastic action. A "wait and see" approach, in this case, seems wisest. We’ll keep you informed.

Powerful Partnerships Workshop

Mary Fellows and Jo-Ann Benedetti, UHLS managers and veterans of many partnerships, present a workshop on the topic on Wednesday, May 13 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at UHLS offices.

Come learn to identify useful partners, cultivate effective partnerships, and detach from partnerships no longer serving you well. You will leave with three new partnerships to pursue and the know-how to develop them.

Free to UHLS members; register by emailing Mary Fellows at mary@uhls.lib.ny.us or call Mary at 437-9880 ext. 228. Non-UHLS members cost: $15; email registration request to Mary Fellows and mail check made out to UHLS to 28 Essex Street, Albany, NY 12206.

UHLS Annual Dinner Meeting

The UHLS Annual Dinner Meeting will be held on June 10th at the Albany Country Club. The Keynote Speaker this year will be Sister Anne Bryan Smollin. Sister Smollin is a very popular and well-known local celebrity and author who has given entertaining presentations all over the world on topics such as humor, laughter, joy, stress, interpersonal relationships, communication and motivation. The title of her presentation at the UHLS dinner will be “Finding the Joy in the Moment.” Five of her books are available in the member libraries: Jiggle Your Heart and Tickle Your Soul; Polish Your Soul and Spruce Up Your Heart; Tickle Your Soul; Live, Laugh and Be Blessed; and God Knows you’re Stressed. Invitations to the Dinner will be sent out to all member library directors and trustees at the beginning of May. Tickets for the dinner will be $30 per person. Due to Sister Smollin’s popularity and entertaining style, we are expecting a large attendance at the Dinner. For further information, please contact Heidi Fuge at heidi@uhls.lib.ny.us or 437-9880 ext. 221.

CPSIA Update

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has spelled out its enforcement policy for the new CPSIA law, as of February 6. Find it here: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09120.html

Terrific news is that the statement says CPSC will not impose penalties for distributing “an ordinary children’s book printed after 1985.”

The one year stay of enforcement is also still in place for manufacturers and importers of children’s goods.

What does this mean for you? My recommendations:

1. Time to weed. Any book you have printed before 1985 is 25 years old. It does not belong in your circulating collection. If your copy is still in good shape, then it hasn’t been out enough to warrant keeping it. If it is a terrific book, there will have been a reissue, likely with a more modern, appealing cover. Send an email request to support@uhls.lib.ny.us to get the statistics you need to weed.

2. Before you purchase any new games or toys, verify with the vendor that they meet the CPSIA standards. Keep records. You might consider having the conversation via email so that you have a paper copy. It seems unlikely that CPSA would target libraries or you specifically for enforcement, but it’s smart to be reasonably diligent.

3. Hold off on making decisions about old toys and games or about existing audiovisual materials. We just don’t have enough information yet on these and what the CPSC might actually exempt. I’ve been talking to our vendors, and they are working with the manufacturers (studios). This part of the adherence to the law will get worked out; it’s just all going to take time. In the meantime, in the absence of any concrete reason not to, I suggest continuing to purchase audiovisual materials as you usually do.

As always, contact us with questions.

Mary Fellows
Manager, Youth and Family Services
Upper Hudson Library System
28 Essex Street
Albany, NY 12206
518-437-9880 ext. 228
www.uhls.org

Watervliet Public Library – Director

The Watervliet Public Library is in search of a part-time library director who can work 20 hours per week. The candidate must possess a public librarian degree/certificate; grant writing and fund development are a high priority; be energetic, creative, and hard working; be tech savvy; and possess strong computer skills.

Candidate should also have strong communication skills to work with the library volunteers, who are vital to the day-to-day operations, as well as the patrons. Salary range is $22,000-$25,000 commensurate with experience.

Please contact Board President Beth McCarthy Capitula at aerobeth@nycap.rr.com if you have any questions or require additional information and to apply for this position.

Position available: Library Director - Rensselaerville, NY

The Rensselaerville Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated professional for the part-time position of Library Director beginning August 1st.

The Rensselaerville Library serves the township of Rensselaerville (located approximately 20 miles southwest from Albany), and is located in the historic hamlet of Rensselaerville. The township boasts a highly literate, community-oriented clientele with a rich historic tradition and a relaxed way of life.

Position Description:

Title: Library Director

Responsible for:

1. Programming/Book Services for adults, teens, and children. This includes Children’s summer reading programs, teen programs, and outreach book services to senior citizens in a nearby hamlet once per week.
2. Grants: responsible for writing and submitting grants to UHLS.
3. Supervision: responsible for delegating tasks to staff, prioritizing tasks, and supervising employees.
4. Publicity: coordination of publicity for all programming events.
5. Reports: submit monthly reports to the Board of Trustees, and some required attendance at trustees meetings.
6. Meetings and workshops: attend UHLS, NYS Library Association, and other meetings as required.
7. Fund-Raising Events: attendance and coordination with the Trustees on a variety of fund-raising events including the three-day Writers’ Festival, Poetry Workshop, and Lawn Party.
8. Customer Service/Circulation Desk/Computers: assist & advise patrons with books, videos, reference materials, and computers. Requires substantial interpersonal contact and public relations with patrons, trustees, and public.

Requirements:

1. Education: Bachelors Degree preferred.
2. Library experience preferred.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills. Capacity for and interest in enhancing and engaging young people and children in reading and library programs.
4. Articulate verbal skills, as well as strong writing skills.
5. The ability to organize as well as prioritize tasks. Ability to work as part of a team, meet deadlines and multi-task.
6. Supervisory skills: ability to delegate to and supervise staff effectively.
7. Literary knowledge: inveterate reader; enthusiastic appreciation of books
8. Computer-literate: working knowledge of basic computer system procedures.

SPECIAL NOTE: A New York State Driver’s License is required at the time of employment and for the duration of employment.

Hours of work: 20 to 30 hours per week in a combination of daytime, evening, and some Saturday hours.

Salary: Hourly wage commensurate with experience

To apply send resume, letter of interest, and 3 references by July 27th to:

David Weiss
P.O. Box 100
Rensselaerville, NY 12147
dnweiss56@yahoo.com

Control Is Not A Dirty Word:

Effective Meeting Management

Date: August 20

Location: Upper Hudson Library System

Time: 9:30 – 12:00 (refreshments and registration at 9:00)

Description: Meetings are a fact of work life. Meetings can advance understanding and informed decisions – or feed frustration and waste time. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:

• Determine when to hold a meeting
• Design a meeting to get the outcome you want
• Keep the meeting on track by managing difficult personalities, conflicts, and interruptions
• Positively influence productivity of meetings you are attending but not running

Whether you are a seasoned manager seeking to hone your skills, a rising star taking on more work or volunteer responsibilities that include chairing meetings, or a victim of painful meetings preparing to act, this workshop offers practical help.

Presenter: Mary Fellows, Manager of Youth and Family Services, Upper Hudson Library System

Free to UHLS member library personnel; others $15. To register, please email Mary Fellows @ mary@uhls.lib.ny.us. If a check is required, please make it payable to UHLS and mail it to UHLS, Attn: Mary Fellows, 28 Essex Street, Albany, NY 12206. Registration deadline: August 18th.

Love Those T(w)eens! Delivering Great Service Whatever Your Resources

Thursday, September 17, 2009

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (refreshments at 8:30 a.m.)

Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Avenue, Guilderland, NY (518) 456-2400

Presented in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Library System

Whether you work with tweens, teens, or both, you’ll want to come hear the latest on tween and teen services. Our experienced presenters will cover their topics using a minimum to maximum approach: how to achieve results with minimum resources, and how to go all out! Whatever the level, you’ll learn how to build the relationship, build the resources, and building the programming that makes your library a t(w)een-friendly place. As a special feature, we will have a t(w)een author join us for the last hour. Stay tuned to find out whose autograph you will add to your collection!

Workshop is FREE to MVLS and UHLS members; $35 for all others. Please register by emailing Mary Fellows at mary@uhls.lib.ny.us. If you are a non-UHLS member, follow up with a check made out to UHLS and mailed to: Mary Fellows, UHLS, 28 Essex Street, Albany, NY 12206.

For further information, contact Mary at 437-9880 ext. 229, or Sue Rokos, MVLS at 355-2010 ext. 226, srokos@mvls.info.

UHLS Trustee Workshop

Date: September 24, 2009

To: Member Library Trustees and Directors

From: Philip Ritter, Executive Director

You are cordially invited to attend our Fourth Annual Trustee Workshop on Thursday, September 24, 2009. The format and topics we are offering are based on suggestions from the attendees at our Workshop last year.

We will be returning to the popular Albany Marriott Hotel on Wolf Road and are very pleased to have Kathy Miller, Executive Director of the Rochester Regional Library Council, Jennifer Morris, Director of the Pioneer Library System, and Libby Post, President of Communication Services, as our presenters. All three are very well-known and well-respected in the library world. They will present two concurrent programs from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. Dinner will be one of the Marriott’s delicious Buffets and will be served at 7:30 PM with concluding remarks at 8:30 PM.

More information and registration form here (PDF).

Deadline for registrations is September 10th.

(For library staff and trustees)

Come.
Together. For Better Libraries.

We’re celebrating the strength of nearly 50 years of togetherness!
Join us at the Upper Hudson Library System on Wednesday, September 30th anytime from 9:30 AM to 4:00PM for an Open House.

We offer you an opportunity to meet our staff, sample great refreshments,
and win some PRIZES!

For directions to UHLS and a schedule of presentations go here.

Town of Berne Public Library

The Town of Berne Public Library, Berne, NY, a member of the Upper Hudson Library System, is currently seeking a part-time Library Manager. The position is 10-12 hours a week (evenings and alternating Saturdays). Salary is $13.00/hr.

A 2 year college degree or 60 credit hours is required. Applicant should have good interpersonal and organizational skills. Previous library experience and computer skills are desirable.

Duties include: selection and purchase of books, DVDs and library supplies; attending library-related meetings; preparing monthly and annual reports; writing news articles for local and Town newspapers, and arranging library programs.

A resume and names of 2 references (with their telephone numbers and addresses) can be mailed by Aug. 14, 2009 to :

Mary Kinnaird, Ed.D.
Town of Berne Public Library
1656 Helderberg Trail
Berne, NY 12023

CPSIA Update (4/10/09)

Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry has introduced a bill to exempt ordinary books from lead limits within CPSIA. ALA is encouraging libraries to ask their representatives to sign onto the bill. More information here.

Help Wanted

East Greenbush Community Library is looking to fill one full-time position for:

Library Clerk to work at the circulation desk

The position is for the following:

Monday - Friday 9am-5pm, 1-9pm and every other weekend.

Are you a detailed and service oriented person? Are you energetic and like working with people? Are you able to multi-task in a busy environment? Possess savvy computer skills and have a high school diploma or GED? Run right over to the circulation desk and fill out a job application, because East Greenbush Community Library is looking for you!

Beginning salary is $12.25 an hour. Contact Dawn Geurds, Head of Circulation, for further information. Applications due by Friday October 16, 2009.

To apply for any job with the library you need to fill out a civil service form:
Rensselaer County Civil Service Application

Thursday, November 5, 2009

9:00 – 1:00

(Refreshments and registration at 8:30)

Schenectady County Public Library

99 Clinton St.
Schenectady, NY 12305-2083

Come to our second annual round-up of tried and true storytime techniques! Develop new storytime techniques, hone your existing skills, or gather fresh ways to use your expertise.

Upper Hudson Library System and Mohawk Valley Library System bring the best outside and inside presenters together to demonstrate, and teach key storytime skills. A special focus this year is flannel board stories, presented by local maven Debbie Sternklar. You’ll leave the workshop with a flannel board and a story to tell with it!

As an extra treat from 12:00 – 1:00, we have Suzanne Bloom, author/illustrator of Geisel honor book A Splendid Friend Indeed. Suzanne will share information about her creative process and the ins and outs of making books. There will be books available for signing after her presentation. Find out more about Suzanne here: http://www.suzannebloom.com/

Please register for the workshop! It is free to MVLS and UHLS member library staff and volunteers. The cost for all others is $35. If you’re part of MVLS or UHLS, register by emailing Sue Rokos at srokos@mvls.info. If you are not part of either system, email Sue to reserve your spot and then mail a check for $35 made out to MVLS to: Sue Rokos, MVLS, 858 Duanesburg Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306-1095.

Click here for directions to the workshop.

For further information, call Sue Rokos at 355-2010 ext. 226 or Mary Fellows at 437-9880 ext. 228. Hope to see you soon!