Mohawk Valley Library System

Category: MVLS News

Job Posting – Public Services Consultant, Mohawk Valley Library System
The MVLS Public Services Consultant works with public libraries in Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady and Schoharie counties, and with community partners, contributing toward library public services supporting the following family, youth services and outreach goals:
- Members of all population groups recognize the public library as an asset for promoting the public good through education, recreation and collaboration
- Agencies that serve children, teens, families and specialized population groups recognize the library as a valued partner and ally
- Community leaders celebrate and advocate for the vital role that the library plays in serving all community populations
A complete position description can be found at https://mvlsdev.mvls.info/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Public-Services-Consultant-1.pdf

Apply by resume to: Eric Trahan, Director, Mohawk Valley Library System, 858 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady, New York 12306. email: etrahan@mvls.info

Deadline for Applications: Friday, February 24, 2023
January 30, 2023
Staff Development Resources – Updated 3/30, 12:30 PM

As we all learn to adapt to this ‘work from home’ environment, MVLS is committed to doing whatever we can to keep library staff at all levels engaged and learning. We’ll keep updating this list of options as we find them.

NEW! Colorado State Library’s Library Creation and Learning Site: https://create.coloradovirtuallibrary.org/

NEW! Ohio Reference Excellence Professional Development Training: http://oreonline.olc.org/

NEW! Staff at any level could contribute to Library of Congress transcription projects

Library 2.0 Pandemic Mini-Conference – Libraries Stepping Up : Serving the Needs of Communities in Crisis: https://www.library20.com/page/crisis

InfoPeople webinars (archived can be accessed on demand) – https://infopeople.org/training/view/webinar/archived

Webjunction (courses, webinars, articles) – https://www.webjunction.org/home.html

Overdrive training: https://resources.overdrive.com/library/how-to-videos/libby/

Tech Talk (technology training, access provided through CDLC – username and password included in each weekly e-newsletter, ask Sharon if you need the access info) – link to Tech Talk at very bottom left https://cdlc.libguides.com/continuing_education/upcoming_events

Remote work success courses from LinkedIn Learning (temporarily free through 3/27): https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/remote-working-setting-yourself-and-your-teams-up-for-success

For Ingram users, there is a suite of training webinars in iPage. Other vendors may have similar training opportunities on their ordering interfaces.

Lots of info on the Summer Reading NYS website, including re-activated free access to myON digital resources: http://www.summerreadingnys.org/online-and-e-resources-for-families-students-and-schools/

Library Journal has made all premium content available: libraryjournal.com (email: access@libraryjournal.com; password LJfullaccess1)

Booklist and Book Links have made all content freely available: www.booklistonline.com

Kirkus is providing free access to the digital version: https://cms.kirkusreviews.com/magazine/

Booklist also provides collection development webinars (archived webinars are accessible on-demand): https://www.booklistonline.com/webinars-archive

DLD: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/

DLD training videos: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/webinars/index.html

Explore the NOVEL database pages – professional journals like Horn Book, Library Journal and more are available full text to read as well (change the xxx to your library’s code): https://www.galepages.com/nysl_ca_xxx

If your library has additional databases, explore those or take a training webinar.

March 20, 2020
COVID-19 Information – Updated 3/20, 3:30 PM

MVLS is monitoring the quickly evolving COVID-19 situation and looking to experts such as the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization and New York State Department of Health for guidance. We advise libraries to also consult their local county health departments for additional information. We also advise libraries to refer to resources from the New York Library Association, Everylibrary and from the American Library Association regarding pandemic preparedness and continuity of operations planning.

MVLS will cease the loan of all program kits (Legos, Start with Science kits, etc) effective immediately.

Delivery between member libraries and SALS is suspended at this time.

A message has been placed on the PAC notifying library users that there may be extended wait times for requested library materials due to staffing issues or library closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of Friday 3/20 all MVLS member libraries have announced temporary suspension of normal service. Libraries may be providing limited service via phone or email. The length of closure varies and all are subject to change as the situation develops. Consult individual library websites and social media for the most current details.

The MVLS Service Center building will be very minimally staffed, with most staff working remotely. Email is probably the best way to reach us.

We will continue to communicate any changes to you as the situation evolves.

County Health Department links:
Schenectady: https://www.schenectadycounty.com/publichealth

Fulton: https://www.fultoncountyny.gov/covid-19

Montgomery: https://www.co.montgomery.ny.us/web/sites/departments/publichealth/importantinfo.asp

Schoharie: https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/departments/public-health/

March 12, 2020
Picture Book City

Over the next few months, children’s areas in Johnstown, Middleburgh and Schoharie will be transformed into Picture Book Cities! What is a Picture Book City? It’s is a collection of picture books and age-appropriate non-fiction arranged in ‘neighborhoods’ by subject. Color coded labels make it easy to identify books in the same neighborhood. Want books about fairies and princesses? Look for the pink labels. Animals? Head for the light green section. Organizing picture books in this new way helps develop young children’s pre-literacy skills by allowing them to easily find books they are interested in. (It’s great for staff and parents as well. Answering the ever popular “I’m looking for truck books” question has never been easier!) Check out the growing rainbow of color in Johnstown’s children’s room. We’re really excited about this project and thank our pilot libraries for being pioneers!

September 13, 2013