• Laurie sent emails to anyone who has a balance in OverDrive Marketplace before break. Karin has created some training (see below in SLS Resources and Tips) that can help you place your orders. Some schools have a sizable amount so please make a plan to purchase books before the end of the school year. Contact libraryservices@wswheboces.org if you have questions.

• NYLA-SSL Conference Registration is now closed. The conference sold out even before early bird registration was over. There is a wait list if you want to try to attend based on that.

• Now is a great time to begin the process of looking at your database statistics and beginning to think about any trials you may want to try. Database ordering season will be here before you know it. Information on current trials can be found below in the Vendor Demos and Database Trials section.

You know what they say: “A skimmed email is like a half-baked cake—looks good on the outside but is a recipe for catastrophe on the inside!” 🎂

So, let’s avoid any “wait, what?” moments. Take a few extra seconds to read your emails (including those from the listservs!) thoroughly and keep the surprises to a minimum!

Thank you!

Love, the SLS Team

SLS just purchased a whole bunch of new titles, including ALA award winners, and they're now available in Sora. Check out something new!

I have an updated OverDrive Marketplace slide deck/Nearpod to help you navigate purchases in OverDrive. Many of you received emails from SLS letting you know that you have funds in those accounts that you may not have known/remembered that you had. NOTE: Your district has more than one account, so ask Karin if you need more guidance (or use the links below).

I can virtually meet with you to help you, too!

If you want to go through the course and get 3 CTLE credits, click here to register.

If you just want the slide deck, here it is: Updated OverDrive slide deck

There have been subtle changes in OverDrive Marketplace, and the training materials guide you through that. Holler if you have any questions.

March 18, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Topic: Training Team Tuesday: Reports for Collection Development and Weeding

Description: Curious about what your collection has to offer? Is it time to weed out some items? In this webinar, we'll explore several reports that can help you identify what to remove and what to add next. We'll be using LS2 Reports and LS2 Staff’s Lists & Actions to guide you through the process.

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hDDOV1KOTB6g5wQ8s6tx7Q

Join us for an engaging and transformative professional development book study centered around the thought-provoking book, "The Let Them Theory." This five-session virtual series is designed specifically for school librarians who are eager to strengthen their library program, and integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into their practice. This book study is an excellent opportunity for school librarians to connect, learn, and grow their practice. Through engagement with this book, participants will leave with a renewed commitment to fostering an empowering library environment for all students.
*Book will be provided to participants who will attend the meeting. If you already own a copy, please contact Kerrie Burch (kburch@wswheboces.org) so we can share a copy with someone else.

Registration will close March 7th so books can be sent before the start of the book study.

Meeting Time: 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Meeting Dates: March 24, 31, April 7, 21, and 28

Register by March 10th: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=18589&I=5013614.

More information to come. Space is limited so register early.

As always, this workshop is open to all librarians regardless of being a CC.

Date: April 2, 2025

Time: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Ballard Road Conference Center

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=18589&I=4959110

Topic: TBD, but we will also celebrate our retirees and our School Librarian and Administrator of the Year Awardees.

Date: May 15, 2025

Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Ballard Road Conference Center

Register: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=18589&I=4959120

The Regional BOCES School Library Systems are collaborating to bring you multiple book studies this year. Please see the attachment below for information. These book studies are limited to 20 participants so you will want to register early.

As budgets begin to be developed for next year, now is the time to take a look at your current database stats (let us know if you need help) and see if any changes might be necessary.

As we have done in years past, we have asked our vendors to provide trials for our librarians so that you can begin to see if you want to make any changes to your databases for 25-26. You will want to start thinking about any new products you might want to purchase next year.

We have secured trial information from a number of our vendors to make it easier for you to try new products now when there is plenty of time to share with teachers and students and fully evaluate the resource. You can access trial information on this spreadsheet. If you want to see if a trial is available for something not on the spreadsheet, reach out to Laurie Doyle and she can try to secure a trial for you.

Upcoming: Be on the lookout in late April - early May for information on ordering.

If you need help or have questions, please reach out to libraryservices@wswheboces.organd we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Job Description:

Galway Central School District is now accepting applications for a Full-Time probationary Library Media Specialist. A Bachelor’s degree and valid NYSED certification as a Library Media Specialist is required.

Applicants must upload the following documents: (a) Cover letter; (b) Resume; (c) Three letters of recommendation; (d) Proof of NYS Certification; (e) Copies of College Transcripts. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants who have been chosen will be contacted by the District.

Job ID: GLWN0334540-0000

Job Type: Full Time (10 Month)

Salary/Pay Rate: Per Contract (GTA)

Application Deadline: 03/19/2025

Tentative Start Date: 09/01/2025

Job Description:

The Schuylerville Central School District has an anticipated vacancy for a Library Media Specialist (tenure track probationary appointment).

Minimum Qualifications: Valid New York State Certification as a Library Media Specialist.

Qualified candidates should apply though OLAS. Please include a cover letter, resume, copy of certification(s), and copy of college transcripts.

Job ID: SCYN0334277-0000

Job Type: Full Time (10 Month)

Salary/Pay Rate: Per Contract ( Schuylerville Teachers Association)

Application Deadline: 03/05/2025

Tentative Start Date: 09/01/2025

OLAS Posting: https://olasjobs.org/job-details/SCYN0334277-0000

Do you want to make a difference for libraries across the state? The New York State Library in Albany, NY offers a rare opportunity for a Library Development Specialist to join our team. This position allows you to make a real impact by providing services to public and association libraries, serving as state data coordinator and assisting in the management of the NOVELny statewide database program.

The New York State Library’s Division of Library Development provides statewide leadership and advisory services and administers over $100 million in state and federal aid for library services and programs. The City of Albany offers a vibrant and historic small-city atmosphere with a much lower cost of living than larger metro areas. Enjoy a mix of urban amenities and easy access to beautiful natural surroundings, all within a short drive to cultural hubs like New York City and Boston.

Candidates do not have to be on a civil service list to be eligible for this position. This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

The salary range is $88,639 to $111,897. The position also offers an attractive benefits package, including participation in the NYS Retirement System.

We encourage all interested candidates who meet the minimum qualifications to apply!

Job Specifics:

Under the direction of a Library Development Specialist 2, the incumbent of this position will perform a variety of activities in a team environment which includes assisting in planning, regulating, coordinating, and developing statewide library services and providing consultant and advisory services to localities, libraries, and library systems on library-related governance, funding, legal, and policy matters. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage aspects of a variety of state and federally funded library programs and services, including those funded by federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding, and State Aid and assist with related LSTA reporting;

• Serve as state data coordinator and oversee public and association library annual reports;

• Assist in management of NOVELny statewide database program and participate in NOVELny Internal Team;

• Manage special projects and assignments related to LSTA competitive grant program, GIS and data dissemination;

• Manage marketing and communications for a variety of statewide initiatives;

• Manage assigned procurements, aid disbursements, and areas of regulatory compliance;

• Serve as a regional liaison and provide technical assistance to two or more library systems;

• Assist in public policy development, including research and development of legislative and regulatory language for statewide library programs;

• Represent the NYSL/NYSED at programs, workshops, webinars and conferences by making presentations on State policies, plans, programs, and processes, and coordinate advisory groups; and

• Supervise the work of librarians, education program assistants, administrative staff, interns, and others, as assigned.

For more information about this position and how to apply, as well as details of the NY HELPS program, please view the job posting.

Kerrie Burch, School Library System Director

Karin Howansky, School Library Media Specialist

Laurie Doyle, Information Processing Specialist

Deb Massa, Information Processing Specialist