June 2010
Table Of Contents
Marc Boyer Is Honored For Excellence In Service
Changes To Professional Development Program
"Outstanding" Students Are Recognized For Achievements
NNYLN Spring Library Assistants Conference Is Successful
Searching For A Specific Newspaper By Date
News From The Annual Meeting
Technology Service Improvement Grant
Ogdensburg Public Library Reference Librarian Marc Boyer received the NNYLN’s 20th Award for Excellence in Library Service. He is shown with NNYLN Executive Director John Hammond.The winner of the 20th Annual Award for Excellence in Library Service is described as someone who "... always goes the ‘extra mile’ to help patrons find the information they need." Ogdensburg Public Library Reference Librarian Marc Boyer received the award during the Northern New York Library Network’s 45th Annual Meeting and Mini-Conference held May 20, 2010 at the Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid.
Each year the Network asks library directors/supervisors, co-workers or board members for confidential letters of nomination of a fellow colleague or supervisor they feel should be recognized for his/her outstanding service to libraries.
"Marc is not someone who seeks out the limelight, so we feel we are going to ‘toot his own horn’ for him," a letter of support stated. "Marc is knowledgeable about the OPL and can answer most any question - reference or not. He is cheerful and usually does library service with a smile."
A letter of nomination said, "Marc Boyer has maintained a steady, well organized, welcoming presence to patrons in the community, was instrumental in beginning the modernization and transformation of our library space, and has served (twice, now) capably as interim director of Ogdensburg Public Library."
"Marc is an extremely knowledgeable person who works tirelessly for the betterment of our library. He is not only friendly and willing to help, but will go the extra mile to make sure you get exactly what you want or need. Marc is a true gentleman whose personality traits, demeanor and intellect make him an excellent choice for the award," another letter said.
"Marc has a personality that allows him to get along with everyone. He is a staple to the reading community and is loved by patrons and staff alike," a letter of support said. "One of Marc’s many duties is ordering new books for the library collection, a tough job in this economy. He is excited with each new shipment that comes in. By the time a new box arrives we are all anxious and waiting as well. Marc brings joy and interest to his everyday job. There is nothing he can’t do, from picking out paint colors for the work room with five women who all want different things, to walking through a snow storm to get the library open in case others can’t make it in. Marc is a leader in commitment and responsibility to the job."
Yet another letter stated, "For several years, Marc has overseen the delivery of books to our local nursing homes. This gives many older folks who can’t physically come to the library access to our materials. He also gets patrons in contact with the State for materials for the blind. He has a calming influence with the staff and in dealing with difficult patrons."
Over 75 people representing 36 institutions were on hand at the annual meeting to help congratulate Mr. Boyer on his award and accomplishments.
Since its inception in 1999, the Professional Development Program has assisted the staff of member libraries in furthering their professional skills. Financial aid from this program enables staff to attend conferences, seminars, workshops and other educational activities which are not available locally and for which funds might not otherwise be available.The Network plans a few changes in 2010 to the program. These include:
Eligibility:
At present, eligibility guidelines state that applications for assistance may be submitted every two years. Effective July 1, 2010, applications may be submitted yearly, but not more than once per year.Application Schedule Deadlines:
At present, although applications for funds are accepted at any time, they are reviewed and awards made on a bimonthly basis. Effective July 2010, applications are reviewed and awards made on a monthly basis. Applications must be received by the first working day of each month.Maximum Amount:
At present, the maximum is $500. Effective July 1, 2010, this is increased to $1000.Information Sharing:
At present, the guidelines make suggestions for various activities that might be appropriate. Effective July 1, 2010, the program will require award recipients make a presentation of some kind (Poster Session, Presentation, Panel Discussion) at the Network’s Annual Meeting or Fall Conference.The Northern New York Library Network has made more than 100 awards through this program. With these revisions, it hopes to continue this assistance.
Please note that a specific amount is budgeted for professional development grants annually, and once that money is spent, grants are suspended until the following fiscal year.
More information, including guidelines and an on-line application, may be found at: www.nnyln.net/profdev.html.
In the spring of 2010, the staff of participating academic libraries were invited to nominate students to receive the 5th Annual Northern New York Library Network Award for Outstanding Students in NNYLN Member Libraries.These students exemplify the standards and professionalism that make them role models for all student workers in libraries. Award winners were Jennifer Adams of St. Lawrence University, Benjamin Lyons of Paul Smith’s College, and Wander Morrobel of SUNY Plattsburgh.
SLU student Jennifer Adams (R) with Archivist Mark McMurray.
Paul Smith’s College student Benjamin Lyons.
SUNY Plattsburgh student Wander Morrobel (L) with Library Clerk Darlene Strack.
People In The News
Debra Wilson is the new Business Manager at the North Country Library System in Watertown. She replaces Linda Lawler, who retired after 30 years.
Pat Wiley
Saranac Lake Free Library AssistantOver 30 participants from throughout the North Country attended the Northern New York Library Network’s Spring 2010 Library Assistants Conference on April 14 at the Saranac Lake Free Library.
Jane Carpenter from North Country Community College talked about "Time Management" during the first of three lively programs. She noted doing a job more efficiently reduces stress. Ms. Carpenter provided numerous tangible ideas for improving efficiency, including the A-B-C Priority System.
Amy Degnan of the North Country Library System then discussed "Genealogy." She explained where to start, how to be organized, and the meaning of genealogy lingo. Ms. Degnan talked about many reference sources, including Federal census records, various agencies, and Heritage Quest.
Library assistants were able to meet with peers and exchange ideas during lunch, which was followed by Ginger Tebo of the Flower Library presenting "Library Displays." She emphasized, "Think like a salesman." Ms. Tebo gave many ideas for capturing attention and highlighting collections and projects. "Use what you have creatively and make your ideas clear to the viewer," she said.
The conference ended with SLFL Director Betsy Whitefield giving a tour of the library, including the Dickert Wildlife Collection, and Curator Michele Tucker speaking about the Adirondack Research Room collection.
View more photos.What Attendees Had To Say Library assistants had the following to say about the 2010 conference:
- "Today I learned some handy tips about time management, and look forward to taking this advice back to my office and trying to make the most of it."
- "I am going to be more stress-free by giving other staff members more responsibility instead of doing everything myself. I am going to try and implement different strategies to make our library more appealing to the patrons, as well as getting the staff more involved in appealing to the public."
- "I loved the genealogy information. I knew little about it and it was very informative - ALL was a learning experience."
- "(I) will access genealogy sites to become more proficient in navigating the sites to better serve the public."
Searching For A Specific Newspaper By Date It is not possible to search the Northern New York Historical Newspapers site by date alone. It is, however, possible to narrow the search by knowing a couple of simple tips.
In this example the "Pulaski-Democrat" of Oswego County is being used for a search of barns in 1972. Start by going to the newspapers site and then select the desired newspaper.
Once on the paper’s page, type in barns and click "search" (Image 1). A listing of papers will appear. Scroll to the bottom of that column, and type in barns "Pulaski-democrat-197?" (Image 2) and click "search." Note the use of a ? in place of the final number of the year. This will allow for newspapers saved in a batch of years, say 1970-1979, to be displayed from the search.
(Image 1)
(Image 2)
