Mohawk Valley Library System

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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
Workshop – Other Duties as Assigned : A Library Unconference

Date: Saturday, March 07, 2020
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Place: Troy Public Library

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I didn’t learn this in library school!”? Or making air-quotes to a library colleague while saying, “Other duties as assigned.” At long last there is a perfect event to gain knowledge of non-traditional work duties with other information professionals! Whether you’re in library school, or a mid-career professional, you can always improve in your job, even at tasks that shouldn’t necessarily be part of your job.

Our Unconference agenda will include customer service, budgeting, and trauma-informed libraries. There will also be break-out sessions for participant-driven topics! Start thinking now about what you’d like to add to our agenda!

Don’t forget about the “After Party.” All participants will be invited to continue the conversation at an informal gathering in downtown Troy for networking after the official event.

Our Unconference is co-sponsored by Capital District Library Council and attendees will be eligible for Continuing Education credits. Please register here.

February 13, 2020
Free Webinar – The Future is Fine Free : How Libraries are Increasing Equity, Engagement and Access for their Communities

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Place: Online at https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=888&reset=1
Presenters: Panel listed below
Cost: Free

Join us on Thursday, February 13th @Noon Pacific for a webinar with Pines and Plains Libraries (CO) Director Tim Miller, Perry County Library (TN) Director Gail Spragins, Chicago Public Library (IL) Commissioner Andrea Telli, and Santa Monica Public Library (CA) Director Patty Wong as they engage in a big-picture conversation about becoming and being fine-free libraries. During this conversation, they will identify their libraries’ “why” for being fine-free, discuss how they strategically addressed their communities’ needs and local government priorities by eliminating fines, and describe the impacts of going fine-free on their communities.

While this webinar focuses on the “why” of going fine-free, we know that many people are also interested in the how-to’s. For those, we encourage you to check out the Infopeople webinar recording “Eliminating overdue fines: A win-win for your library and community” with Beth Crist, Colorado State Library and Meg DePriest, State Library Consultant at this link: https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?id=873&reset=1

Webinars are free of charge, you can pre-register by clicking on the Register Now button on the InfoPeople page. If registering with less than 30 MINUTES from the start of the webinar you can join directly from the thank you page by clicking the Join Now button. If you pre-registered you will receive an email with login link and a reminder email the day before the event. All webinars are archived for later viewing at http://infopeople.org/training/view/webinar/archived.

February 5, 2020
Free Webinar – Bringing Play to Adult Services Programming : It’s Not Just for Kids

Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Place: Online at https://tinyurl.com/y6ev75kz
Presenters: Erica Rose, Dr. Melissa Cast-Brede
Cost: Free

Work. Family. Groceries. Taxes. Dishes. Repeat ad infinitum…

Most individuals recognize that play is a critical part of a child’s academic, social, and emotional health, but grownups, stuck in the repetitive cycle of “adult-ing,” often forget that it is vital for their well-being as well. This program will outline the need for play in adult lives, types of play, and the benefits of prioritizing play for every age. It will examine and celebrate ways that Library programming is bringing play to the forefront in our patrons’ lives, and explore ways that libraries might expand this initiative.

Can’t make the date? No problem! Register now and you will receive an email post-event with the URL to access the on demand recording at your convenience.

October 7, 2019