PLS was mentioned

There is an article in Library Journal (April 1st) titled: The new frontier. The article is about where library ILS systems are headed. There is a section about Open Source vs. proprietary ILS systems. PLS is mentioned as a "major library system".
Check out the article in Library Journal, April 1, 2011.

Virtual Library Cards

There is a great (yet small) article in the Library Journal April 2011 issue about Libraries starting to accept virtual library cards.

From the 'News Desk"

LIBRARIES START TO ACCEPT VIRTUAL LIBRARY CARDS
Smartphone apps such as CardStar and KeyRing allow consumers to load onto their mobile devices all the plastic rewards cards dangling from their key chains, and more of these consumers are now using the same apps to load their library cards onto their phones.

This is presenting a growing challenge for the circulation desk, as library workers have to decide whether library policy acknowledges the virtual card and also whether a scanner can read it.

At Sacramento Public Library’s, CA, 28 branches, smartphone apps have been used only about 40 to 50 times to check out materials, but the library changed its circulation manual in October to make clear that “these are to be accepted as valid library cards.” The readers in Sacramento can scan the cards, and they work with most of the self-check machines, too.

“I think initially there was some concern about security, but we decided as an institution that...we wanted to make policy based on positive intent rather than expecting the worst,” Manya Shorr, the Central Library supervisor, told LJ.

Remembering our Troops with books!

Please remember our troops .....

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/how-to-share-books-with-troops-overseas_b29063

Does your library have a Facebook account?

Question of the day -
Does your library have a Facebook account??

NYSLAA conference!

Good morning Everyone!
Curious minds want to know......
Who from our member libraries will be going to the NYSLAA conference this year?

So far - PLS, Williamson and Newark will be represented.
Anyone else???

Stories from the cloud

Check out this story from School Library Journal.
It's great to hear that a Library Assistant can make such a big difference!


http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/printissuecurrentissue/889152-427/stories_from_the_cloud_books.html.csp

Go to the NYSLAA conference for free!

The Executive Council will present one NYSLAA member an Award to attend the 2011 Conference at SUNY Geneseo. The winner will receive full conference registration and one night’s lodging. (Tours, mixer and shirts are on your own.)

To qualify you must be a current NYSLAA member and NOT be receiving any funding from your Library to attend the Conference. Write a statement of 150 to 300 words on “What NYSLAA means to me and why I would love to attend this year’s conference at SUNY Geneseo.”

Please send your essay to me at the below address. Email would be preferred, but if you are sending via the mail, please let me know (phone or email) that it is being sent.

DEADLINE FOR ENTERING TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE IS APRIL 1^ST.

Sally McMaster

University of Rochester

Interlibrary Loan

755 Library Rd

Rochester, NY 14627

(585) 275-9502

smcmaster@library.rochester.edu

NYSLAA President

2011 Library Journal Paralibrarian.

Congratulations go out to a Library Assistant from New York!


http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/889093-264/ljs_2011_paralibrarian_of_the.html.csp

Library in Egypt

This is a great that was on NPR.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/02/24/134009161/egypts-jewel-of-a-library-reopens-thanks-to-demonstrators

Library of the year contest - sponsored by RRLC

Hello everyone,

Once again this year, RRLC will be sponsoring a National Library Week "Library of the Year" contest.

The contest, held during the late February - March time period, asks your patrons to tell us why your library is a "great" library and why they "love your library". Winners (announced during NLW) in each of three categories - school, public, academic/special - receive a $100 gift card, an engraved plaque and a 6' banner to hang in their library.. plus they are our guests and honored at our Annual Meeting in June. We also work with the library to ensure that the media, local funders, and others in NYS are aware of the winning libraries. Last year's winners were: Chili Public Library, Golisano Library at Roberts Wesleyan, and Barclay Elementary School Library.

People will be directed to our website to complete or download an online nomination form. The _number_ of entries doesn't matter as much as the _heart_ that is behind the nomination!

We will have 11 x 17 posters available for any library that would like one. See a sample of the 2011 NLW poster at: http://bit.ly/gvhvFY

Please let us know how many posters you would like for your library. NOTE: digital files will also be available.

Thank you!

Please respond by: Jan. 21.

Kathy --
Kathleen M. Miller
Executive Director
Rochester Regional Library Council
390 Packett's Landing
Fairport, NY 14450
585-223-7570 (phone)
585-223-7712 (fax)
585-472-6508 (cell)
kmiller@rrlc.org
AIM: kmmiller1863

Book returned after 65 years!

Sound and Symbol in Chinese by Bernhard Karlgren, checked out from Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1946, found its way back to the shelves after a 65-year absence. It was returned by John J. Wolfe of St. Louis who located the book in his private library. Wolfe, a soldier recuperating from surgery at Fort Meade in 1946 after World War II, visited the library and “thought it [the book] might be useful.” Library officials report that Sound and Symbol in Chinese is in pristine condition and has the original due date card in the back.

MCC position

The Libraries at Monroe Community College are accepting applications for the position of Library Assistant. Please refer to the attached job description for details. You must currently hold the Civil Service job title of Library Assistant, or be registered to take the exam in this title. To apply, please follow instructions at the posting link:

https://jobs.monroecc.edu/postings/487

US Instructional Support Associate

Instructional Support Associate (Technical Services Associate - Receiving and End Processing)
University Libraries Central Technical Services

The University at Buffalo Libraries seek an enthusiastic, energetic, highly motivated library professional for the position of Technical Services Associate in the Central Technical Services department. Staff in this area work with research and special collections library material using Ex Libris Aleph, the Libraries’ online integrated library system, and a series of locally-developed personal computer applications. Central Technical Services is responsible for the receiving, sorting, and distribution of internal and external mail, shipments, and freight. Receipt of print monographs, government documents, print periodicals and non-print formats is a high priority that requires dedicated staff hours. The Technical Services Associate receives and distributes incoming mail for all CTS areas assisting with opening/sorting of print periodicals, print monographs, government documents and non-print materials. The incumbent organizes and distributes outgoing material for CTS areas including processed monographs and periodicals, repaired and rebound materials, and materials headed to the Libraries Annex. He/she completes end-processing for all outgoing materials in print and non-print formats adhering to local standards; monitors the availability and extent of electronic journal holdings; assists in problem resolution. The Technical Services Associate creates order records for monographs and serials using print and online methods of ordering; receives and updates holdings records for continuing resources in the local integrated library system. The incumbent prepares material to be sent to the commercial bindery and processes returned materials. He/she performs copy cataloging of continuing resources when Library of Congress catalog records or catalog records created by other libraries are available in OCLC. The Technical Services Associate hires, trains and supervises student assistants to receive and process incoming materials. The Technical Services Associate works in a collaborative environment which is intellectually and technologically dynamic where staff are empowered to act independently. The incumbent supports the Libraries' mission statement which values open communication, respect for diverse perspectives and good working relationships. He/she will be expected to take advantage of opportunities for continuous learning and improve job-related skills by participating in available staff training and development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

An Associate's degree or successful completion of two years of college is required. Three to five years of academic library technical services experience can be substituted for the educational requirement. Demonstrated proficiency of working in an online environment is required. The incumbent must be able to problem–solve and provide analytical solutions using existing guidelines, policies and procedures. Must be able to work independently without day-to-day supervision and function effectively within a team setting. Excellent communication and organizational skills are required.

Preferred Experience:

Two to three years of library technical services experience is preferred. Supervisory experience with student assistants is preferred.

To apply: Visit https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu and search for posting number 1100032. All applicants must apply via the UBJobs Web site. Please provide contact information, including email addresses, for three professional references as part of your application. Applications will be accepted through March 3, 2011.


The University at Buffalo is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic University community committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment.

Why must a card be a card?

Check out this great article in the American Libraries Magazine.
The answer is simple - Customer service. What do your patrons want?

http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/columns/my-mind/why-must-card-be-card

RRLC Library Assistants Group at GENEVA!

The Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) Library Assistants Group is moving their February meeting to a different location. The Feb. 1 ,2011 meeting will be held at the Geneva Public Library! I hope everyone will set aside a few hours on the 1st to check out the RRLC Library Assistants Group meeting. Meeting starts at 9:15am.
Any questions....Please give me call.
Thanks!
Heidi

CONGRATULATIONS SUSIE!

Congratulations to Susan Flick.
NYSLAA has just sent a message that Susie has achieved a Level IV in Public Service from the NYSLAA Certificate of Achievement program.
Susie works at the Geneva Public Library and has been actively working on her Certificate for over a year.

Susie will be honored with this award at the June 2011 NYSLAA conference being held at SUNY Geneseo!

Congratulations again Susie!

Lorette Wilmot Library - Nazareth College

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

The following position is open at the Lorette Wilmot Library & Media Center, Nazareth College of Rochester.

Interlibrary Loan & Serials Weekend Supervisor

Brief Job Description: Interlibrary Loan/Serials Weekend Supervisor is responsible for processing Interlibrary Loan requests; stack maintenance of serials collection, including assigning shelf-reading areas to student assistants; general office filing; and general maintenance of office copier and microform equipment. On weekends, this position is responsible for opening the ILL/Serials department; direct supervision of student assistants; and answering questions pertaining to interlibrary loan and serials. This position reports directly to the Director of ILL & Serials Services

Work Hours:

Sunday 9:30am-6pm;
4.5 hours on Friday or Monday (to be determined)
Saturday 8:30am-2:30pm

For further details on this position, and how to apply, please visit the link below:
http://jobs.naz.edu:80/postings/238

Arnett Branch of RPL

There is a part-time Clerk Typist vacancy at the Arnett Branch of the Rochester Public Library. This position will assist the Librarian I assigned to the WOW bookmobile. Staff meeting the following qualifications are invited to apply:
1. Anyone who is currently a Part-Time Clerk Typist and would like a
transfer in grade; OR
2. Anyone possessing a High school diploma or GED.

DUTIES:

1. Register borrowers, issue library cards, charge/discharge materials;
Assist customers with financial transactions; operate cash register;
Provide directional assistance to customers, refer reference questions to
librarian, answer telephone when needed;
2. Process library materials;
3. Enter invoices into CARL Acquisitions module on the computer;

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Ability to work independently;
2. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel;
3. Ability to perform accurate detailed work;
4. Ability to multi-task and work under pressure at a busy Circulation Desk;
5. Provide basic assistance to and troubleshoot problems for customers on
public computers;
6. Ability to formulate creative solutions to customer service problems;
7. Ability to deal with difficult customers;
8. Strong and enthusiastic commitment to delivering excellent customer
service;
9. Enthusiasm for working with the Branch team to develop a vibrant
community library presence in the 19th Ward neighborhood.

HOURS: 20 hours per week; ability to be flexible for scheduling.

RATE OF PAY: $13.06 - $14.90 per hour

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Interested applicants should respond in writing, by submitting a resume and application to Kathy Fischer, RPL Personnel Office by Thursday – October 14, 2010.

Lyons Public Library

Library Clerk – Part-Time - $7.25 an hour
Mondays – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1 Saturday a month – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Works the circulation desk, checking materials
In and out, help patrons place holds, locate
materials, answer basic reference questions,
make phone calls, help with simple computer questions.
May include other duties. Answers to the director.
1 Paid Holiday
4 paid personals days after 1 year
Retirement and Social Security included.
Minimun Requirements:
18 years old or older
High School or GED, Some college preferred
Good computer Skills, Friendly demeanor
Ability to learn quickly and take instruction.
Able to bend and reach overheard for library materials.

Library Page – Part-Time - $7.25 an hour
8-12 hours per week
Maintains the library collection by shelving books
and other materials, reading the shelves
and organizing materials into their proper sequence.
Helps patrons locate needed materials and refers
patrons to other staff members when needed.
Also responsible for cleaning and repairing
books, magazines, DVDs and audiobook cds.
May include other duties. Answers to the director.
1 Paid Holiday
4 paid personals days after 1 year
Retirement and Social Security included.
Minimum Requirements:
18 years old or older
High School or GED, Some college preferred
Good computer Skills, Friendly demeanor
Ability to learn quickly and take instruction.
Must be able to lift materials overhead and shelve
down to shelve materials for extended periods of time.
Able to lift up to 30 pounds and move heavy wheeled carts.

Please call the library at (315) 946-9262 for more information.
Job applications can be picked up at the library at 122 Broad St, Lyons.


--

Sully Branch of RPL

There is a part-time Clerk Typist vacancy at the Sully Branch of the Rochester Public Library. Staff meeting the following qualifications are invited to apply:

1. Anyone who is currently a Part-Time Clerk Typist and would like a
transfer in grade; OR
2. Anyone that possesses a high school diploma or GED.

DUTIES:
1. Register borrowers and issue library cards;
2. Charge and dis-charge materials, assist patrons with title holds and claims returns;
3. Assist patrons with financial transactions, explain policies regarding overdue and lost materials;
4. Operate cash register accurately;
5. Answer telephone, receive and relay messages;
6. Check in new books, audiovisual materials, magazines and newspapers;
7. Prepare new materials for circulation and link them in the library database;
8. Sort and distribute mail;
9. Assist patrons with directional questions and title requests, refer reference questions to Librarian on duty;
10. Assist patrons with basic computer use;
11. Order library materials via electronic ordering system;

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
2. Ability to perform accurate, detailed work;
3. Interpersonal maturity and good judgment;
4. Good customer service skills and ability to remain poised in a busy setting;
5. Initiative, flexibility and good organizational skills;
6. Ability to multi-task;
7. Neat appearance;
8. Experience with Microsoft Office a plus:
9. Physical ability for the demands of the job, including but not limited to:
standing, kneeling, reaching and shared lifting of totes weighing up to 50 lbs.

HOURS: 20 hours per week; to include weekday evenings; Saturdays and Sundays (12 pm – 5 pm) in rotation; Flexibility a plus.

RATE OF PAY: $13.06 - $14.90 per hour

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Interested applicants should respond in writing, by submitting a resume and application to: Kathy Fischer – Library Personnel Office by: THURSDAY – OCTOBER 14, 2010.