Exciting paid internship opportunity at BECPL

Description:

Under the direction of the Special Collections Manager/Rare Book Curator, the intern will conduct research on one (or more) of the following B&ECPL Rare Book collections listed below. Research will include history and provenance of the collection, significance of the collection locally and beyond, and value and importance of the collection to the Library, monetarily and/or culturally. Items that would enhance or round out the collection may also be identified. The intern shall conduct two (2) public presentations on the completed research and the collection.  At least one of the presentations will be held at the downtown Central Library.   In addition, the intern shall submit a written report, for archival public information purposes.

Research and presentation(s) shall be completed over the course of June, July and August.  It is anticipated the intern will work 12 hours per week for a period of 10 weeks.    There may be some flexibility in the scheduling process.

Compensation: $2,000.

Collections:

• Oz Collection – Study of Baum’s Oz literature, examination of RBR’s holdings on Oz and related material, and recommendation of additions to collection.
• Little Harlem Club – Club on Michigan Avenue owned and operated by Ann Montgomery from the 1930s through early 1960s, where Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and others performed. Study would be of this club and other clubs of the time period, and the programs and photographs in the collection.
• Cuneiform – Study of Babylonian history, the tablets and cones themselves, and the Edgar Banks Expedition that procured them.
• Bruce Shanks Collection – Study political cartoons in the collections and Buffalo News, and the context of his work from 1930s through early 1970s.
• Zorah Berry Collection– Buffalo impresario who brought many important musicians, (Rachmaninoff, Heifetz, etc.) to Buffalo from the 1920s to late 1950s. Study would include the Zorah Berry Scrapbook Collection, Buffalo Programs and Zorah Berry Music Series and photo collection.

Requirements:

• Current Graduate student in a Humanities or Social Sciences field, such as Literature, History, Art  or Library Science
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent organizational and computer skills
• Detail oriented
• Excellent communication skills – oral and written
• Self motivated and ability to work independently

The candidate must submit a resume and an essay, not to exceed two pages, expressing their interest in an internship of this nature, which collection they would choose to research and why.

Please submit a resume and essay by May 17, 2013 to:

Jeannine Doyle, Human Resources Officer

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

1 Lafayette Square

Buffalo, NY 14203

Day 3 – Library Day in the Life 8 (#libday8)

Today was so disjointed for me.  As I previously stated, my commute to work is an hour and a quarter to an our and a half.  (In an area known for its 20 minute commutes, this is not the norm.)  I work in a library that is co central with another library in the neighboring county (about an hour away in a different direction). There was a system meeting at that library this morning.  So, I drove to my library in order to carpool to the other library.  I started my day by being in a car for about 2 1/2 hours.  At least we are having an unusually mild winter this year and there wasn’t any snow to deal with.

The meeting today was with a book vendor who was show casing the cataloging and processing services they could provide for our system.  It was interesting.  Call me a skeptic, but the thought of someone offering “collection development help” when they are not involved with your patrons everyday or even part of the community makes me a little nervous.  Right now it is just lists that suggest titles, but I feel that there is a potential there for nefarious and questionable practices there sometime in the future.  (Kind of like Amazon finally making their Kindle compatible with Overdrive but then finding out that they track what their users have read when using the public library check outs.)  No commitments or decisions were made, so we will see what the outcome is.

When I got back to work, I grabbed  a quick lunch at my desk while reading Library Journal.  I remembered half way through lunch that today was February 1st – the beginning of Library Lovers Month.  I have a box of bags to have the Circulation Desk hand out that state “I ❤ my Library”.  I set out with a handful of bags and was reminded that even though I wasn’t “officially” on Reference today, your Reference duties never end when you are a librarian.  I was stopped about three times before I got to the Circulation Desk with the bags.  The kids who were checking out books at the time when I brought the bags up were so excited to get a “special” library bag.

Today I also had to get books ready for delivery tomorrow.  Every Monday and Thursday a truck comes to pick up books that patrons have requested from other libraries and drop off books our patrons have requested or that are being returned from other libraries.  The truck usually gets there before we officially open in the morning, so we have all the boxes and bags packed on Wednesday nights.  We actually lend out a ton of material to other libraries.

We have a new videoconferencing unit that was part of the grant I am in charge of.  We haven’t been able to call out since they installed it in late December.  We have opened every port, allowed it through the firewall, etc.  Today the technician was suppose to come and check on it (finally!), but we received an e-mail that he had come down with the flu and had to reschedule.  (It took us weeks to get this appt. set up.)  So, we will see how soon he can make it and hopefully we will be able to use our new equipment soon.

One thing I can say for sure – working in a public library is never dull!

 

Two Job Opportunities in Allegany, NY

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF ALLEGANY, NY

CONGREGATIONAL ARCHIVIST

Overview

The Congregational Archivist is appointed by the Congregational Leadership and is responsible to the Associate Minister. The appointment is for a four-year term and may be re-appointed for consecutive terms.  Periodically, the Archivist meets with the Associate Minister to determine needs of the Archives.  The person appointed as Archivist must possess the following qualifications: professional archival training and/or equivalent experience; commitment to the task of preservation of materials; historical perspective and above average writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect, process and make available the records and historical manuscripts of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for use of those who have a legitimate need and present an authorized request to use the collection.
• Accept the records no longer needed in the Generalate offices; to examine such, arrange and process them; and to prepare finding aides to help in the use of these documents.
• Plan and arrange for the retirement of important, outdated records of the Congregation on a continuing basis.
• Act as a general resource person who assists with special studies and projects at the request of the Congregational Leadership, Generalate Staff and/or other organizations.
• Create a list of collections in the Archives and update new acquisitions, as needed.
• Ensure that the physical and environmental aspects of the Archives are such that the collections are preserved safely and in conformity with accepted archival standards.
• Periodically examine archival material for the purpose of repair and continued preservation.
• Formulate regulations for the internal and external use of the Archives.
• Maintain a record of research requests and archival services rendered.
• Report on archival practices and operations; maintain monthly reports to assist in the compilation of the Congregational Report to Chapter, which are submitted to the Council.
• Maintain data bases of Congregational statistics and prepare an annual Statistical Report.
• Prepare an annual budget and financial report.
• Negotiate with the various houses and ministries for the transfer of materials to the Archives and provide the necessary means for the transfer.
• Develop a standardized filing and record retention system for Generalate offices, local houses and sponsored ministries.
• Maintain the displays in the Heritage Room.
• Prepare a pictorial display of a Sister’s life at the time of her death.
• Provide tours of the Archives, give presentations, and use other means to promote and keep the Congregation and others aware of the Archives and its holdings.
• Attend meetings, workshops and/or conventions for personal and professional development, as well as representation of the Congregation.
• Respond to any requests of your immediate supervisor.

Skills

Candidate for the position must possess outstanding writing and computer skills.  She/he must be a self initiator and be open to new and creative ways to respond to the above responsibilities.

Budget and Finances

An annual budget will be prepared and submitted to the Associate Minister for approval.  All other financial requests are to be submitted according to the General Treasury procedures.

Salary and Benefits

Negotiable

Please send letter of application and resume by March 1, 2012 to:

Sister Mary Lou Lafferty, OSF

P O Box W

St. Bonaventure, NY 14778

 

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF ALLEGANY

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

 

Job Title:  Director of Communications

General Summary:  Responsible for managing the development, implementation, and coordination of internal and external public relations and communications strategies with the goal of promoting the charism and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, in accordance with the Mission and Vision Statements and Chapter decisions/statements.  Promote a positive image of women religious.

Reports to:  Congregational Leadership Liaison

 

Major Responsibilities:

Media Relations:

• Establish systems for disseminating information to the appropriate media in a timely manner
• Develop relationships with internal/external sources for the purpose of furthering the mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany
• Develop crisis communication plan
• Facilitate recognition of the Congregational mission in the media
• Write and submit announcements to appropriate media outlets

 

Communications:

• Edit and publish monthly newsletter – Allegany Connections
• Publicize community events when appropriate
• Maintain,  coordinate and update the Allegany website
• Photograph individuals/functions for archival or publication purposes
• Provide communication for committees/individuals as designated by Congregational Leadership
• Liaison between the Congregation and selected organizations
• Prepare an annual budget for the Communications Office
• Keep professionally updated through membership in appropriate professional organizations and continuing education
• Other duties as requested.

 

Qualifications:

• Understanding or willingness to develop an understanding of the mission of a religious congregation of women, in particular that of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany,  and the ability to support and accurately communicate the image and mission to internal/external constituencies
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, or related field
• At least two years experience in public relations, marketing, communications or related field
• Superior and creative oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with multiple constituencies
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Computer proficiency
• Photography experience desired but not required
• Willingness to attend/participate in public relations and related functions that occur outside normal working hours
• Willingness to travel, if necessary

 

Salary and Benefits

 

Negotiable

 

Please send letter of application and resume by March 1, 2012 to:

 

M. Avril Chin Fatt, OSF

P O Box W

St. Bonaventure, NY 14778

Day 2 – Library Day in the Life 8 (#libday8)

Today is day two of Library Day In the Life Round 8.  I started the day with a 3 1/2 hour Reference shift.  Reference shifts are always interesting.  My library is in the major city of the county and is surrounded by rural areas, a major university, a community college, and the state border.  So the questions run the gamut from basic to very scholarly.  In the  history of Olean it was a place where people would over winter before heading out west on the Allegheny river.  Also, it has a lot of oil history and there was mob activity during prohibition; it had the nickname of “Little Chicago” during that time.  Therefore, local history is also the source of many Reference transactions.

I am the director of our Public Computing Center.  We run classes and tutoring sessions.  We don’t have enough room to have a permanent teaching lab with the SMART board, so we have to set the lap up each time there is a class.  Today’s class was Organizing E-mail.  We have honed our skills that we can quickly set up and tear down the lab quickly.

While on the Reference Desk I entered names into the Winter Reading database.  Sign up for the program just started yesterday and we had 19 people signed up as of this morning.  Anyone who turns in a completed Winter Reading BINGO board will receive a prize along with an invitation to the Winter Reading party.  At that party we will have a drawing for a “Cozy Up and Read” basket.  I decided I am going to crochet an infinity scarf to include in the basket.  We are offering patrons a “Free” sticker for one space on the BINGO board if they fill out a short survey on the library.  The survey has questions about various services in the library and should give us some good feedback.

You never know what e-mail is going to bring when you are a librarian.  Today I received an e-mail that stated that I needed to make my reservations at the hotel in Geneva for a conference I have to go to at the end of April.  I start to call the number while I continue to read and there it is… “you will need to make a presentation to the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) program officer and be an available to answer any questions they may have.”  INSTANT HEADACHE.  I felt kind of ambushed.  I know, I have a few months to prepare it, but it still stresses me out.

Another job duty that I inherited is the Brown Bag Book Club.  We meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month to discuss a book.  I had the book list made up from Jan-June.  People have been asking for the July – Dec. list.  I read all the books before I put them on the list, so I was still trying to make decisions on what books I wanted to include.  Finally today, after many inquiries, I decided to just bite the bullet and make the list.

Right before I left, I made a quick visual tutorial for downloading eBooks to the Kindle.  The Kindle is different from other eReaders  and confusion seems to abound.  Hopefully this will make everything clearer.

My director and asst. director convinced me to go to a meeting with them tomorrow morning at System headquarters.  So, I will drive from my house to Olean (about a 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hour commute) to then get in a car and travel another hour or so to Jamestown, go to a meeting, and then travel another hour or so back to Olean.  Should be an interesting day.

Day 1 – Library Day in the Life 8 (#libday8)

Twice a year I participate in the Library Day in the Life Project.  Some years I exclusively use Twitter, but other years (like this one) I also blog and post pictures on Flickr.  The Library Day in the Life Project is designed to let library workers of all kinds share the joy and challenges of working in a library (while still maintaining patron privacy).  By sharing these experiences, I hope that others will have a fuller picture of what it is like to work in a library (it is NOT books and cats all the time).

A typical Monday schedule for me is working 10-6.  On Mondays I work on the Reference Desk from 3-6 which happens to be the busiest time for the Reference Desk and the Public Access Computers.  At our library many students as well as their tutors come to use the library right after school. Sometimes the wait time for our public computers can be up to 45 minutes.  Each patron is allowed 1 hour a day on the public computers and many patrons, not only young adults, choose the 3-6 period to use their 1 hour.

Even though today I felt like I was spinning my wheels, I did get a lot done when I think about it.  I am the director for our Public Computing Center – a BTOP project through an ARRA grant.  Also, at the end of last year we lost our Adult Programming librarian so I have also assumed that role.  On top of that I am the “techie” librarian and maintain all of our social networking sites.  I also am in charge of a nice chunk of the collection, including religion, medical, biography, literature, audiobooks, CDs, and video games. (I also have other Dewey sections such as Library Science, Social Groups, etc.)  I can tell you I am never without something to do.

Today consisted of responding to e-mails, suggesting a potential adult program to my director, updating the electronic sign and all the social media sites with Feburary’s calendar of event, sending out an e-mail blast reminding patrons that the Teen and Adult Winter Reading program started today and to sign up, ordering books and audiobooks, tracking grant related reference questions, working on my plan for the Technology Petting Zoo we are holding on February 25th, and of course my Reference Shift. Most popular category of Reference question right now? Taxes of course!

Since it is 2 in the morning and I have to get up in another 4 hours for work, I will leave it at that for Monday.  I will post later today after I work 9-5 with more details about my day.

And of course I had to add the obligatory cat picture:

Stop Internet Censorship

Part Time Librarian Job at Olean Public Library

Part Time Librarian

The Olean Public Library is seeking a part time librarian to provide reference service and computer instruction.

Duties:
• Provide reference and readers’ advisory service
• Provide instruction in both print and electronic resources
• Provide individual assistance and instruction, including one-on-one computer tutoring, to meet the needs and abilities of patrons using the library’s public computer center. Areas of instruction will include, but not be limited to, the following: basic computer skills; setting up and using e-mail; searching the Internet; and using Microsoft Office applications.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills Required:
• Strong public service orientation
• Tact and courtesy in dealing with the public
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to communicate library policies and procedures to the public
• Ability to handle many tasks simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Schedule:
Includes some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications:
ALA accredited MLS and NYS Public Librarian Certificate preferred, but will consider a student enrolled in an ALA-accredited library school.

Position available immediately. Resumes accepted until position is filled. Send resume and cover letter to:

Kim Mahar
Assistant Director
Olean Public Library
134 N. 2nd Street
Olean, NY 14760
716-372-0200
kmahar@oleanlibrary.org
http://www.oleanlibrary.org

Part Time Librarian Position at BECHS

Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Research Library

25 Nottingham Court

Buffalo, New York 14216-3119

http://www.buffalohistory.org/library/index.htm

bechslibr@bechs.org

August 31, 2011

Job Opening

Position: ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

Department: Library & Archives

Employment Category: Part time (20 hours/week)

Reports to: Director, Library and Archives

Overview:

The Assistant Librarian provides cataloging, archival arrangement and description, online catalog maintenance, and telephone, online, and in-person reference assistance with fulfilling of the research needs of scholars, genealogists, historians, students, museum staff, the media, and the general public. The schedule includes Saturday afternoons and occasional evenings. Wages are commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:

Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited library school
Desire to advance the mission of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society
Respect for the standards and protocols followed by accredited museums
Familiarity with OCLC, MARC21, AACR2, LCSH, and LC classification
Experience developing original records in OCLC for a variety of media
Training and/or experience in archival arrangement and description
Fluency with the Microsoft Office suite
Warm and welcoming approach to staff and the public
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing
Ability to tolerate moderate physical demands, including shifting books and boxes, lifting boxes weighing up to 50 lbs, climbing stairs, and using ladders to retrieve and reshelve library materials
Ability to function smoothly in a sometimes hectic and demanding environment
Available on Saturday afternoons

Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in history or related field
Previous library, museum, or gallery experience
Experience with hosted online library catalogs
Supervisory experience with volunteers or support staff
Knowledge of major people, places, things, and events in Buffalo history
Facility with the Google suite, including Google calendars, Google Docs, and Google Books
Comfort with occasional public speaking engagements, such as presentations on library collections and research techniques

Responsibilities:

Original and copy cataloging of monographs, serials, manuscript collections, image collections, and audiovisual media
Maintain online public access catalog
Arrange and describe manuscript collections & institutional archives
Assist with acknowledgement and processing of donations to library collections
Assist with transfer of deaccessioned library items to peer institutions
Provide courteous and accurate reference services in person and remotely, via telephone, email, and postal mail
Interact and communicate with a variety of clientele
Assist with shelving
Other duties as assigned

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and addresses of 3 references to the following address. We will accept electronic and hard copy applications until Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. Please, no telephone calls.

Cynthia Van Ness

Director of Library & Archives

Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society Research Library

25 Nottingham Court

Buffalo, New York 14216-3119

bechslibr@bechs.org

Library Job Openings at St. Bonaventure University

Reference & Instruction Librarian

St. Bonaventure University is looking for a public service-oriented librarian to perform general reference duties, library instruction, and collection development.

An MLS from an ALA-accredited school is required, as is experience working with electronic resources. Preference will be given to those having some experience with instruction. Experience working in an academic library is also preferred but not essential.

Candidates will be asked to make a classroom presentation as part of the interview. This will be either a 9 month or a 12 month appointment depending on the candidate. Application review will begin immediately, with the position to start August 22, or as soon after as possible.

St. Bonaventure University, which is adjacent to Olean, NY, is a liberal arts based university in the Catholic/Franciscan tradition, with professional programs in business, education, and journalism, along with masters level graduate programs. The library has nearly 300,000 volumes and a constantly growing number of electronic resources, along with important rare book and archival collections. The library’s website can be accessed at: http://www.sbu.edu/library.

Send resume, three references that can be contacted, and salary expectations to Paul J. Spaeth, Director of the Library, at pspaeth@sbu.edu. We are accepting electronic applications only. EOE.

Evening Circulation Supervisor opening: St. Bonaventure University

St. Bonaventure University is looking for a service-oriented person to fill the position of evening circulation supervisor in Friedsam Memorial Library. Responsibilities include overall supervision of the library building from 4:45 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Sunday-Thursday when school is in session, supervision of student assistants, oversight of evening circulation functions, oversight of book stack maintenance, and other duties as assigned.

A high school diploma is required, as is experience supervising employees. Preference will be given to those holding at least an associate’s degree. Experience working in a library is also preferred but not essential.

This is a 9 month appointment, with full benefits. Application review will begin immediately, with the position to start August 22.

St. Bonaventure University, which is adjacent to Olean, NY, is a liberal arts based university in the Catholic/Franciscan tradition, with professional programs in business, education, and journalism, along with masters level graduate programs. The library has nearly 300,000 volumes and a constantly growing number of electronic resources, along with important rare book and archival collections. The library’s website can be accessed at: http://www.sbu.edu/library.

Send resume, three references that can be contacted, and salary expectations to Paul J. Spaeth, Director of the Library, at pspaeth@sbu.edu. We are accepting electronic applications only. EOE