October 15, 2010: 1723

In this issue: 

• Hitchhiker editor retires 
• Health resources 
• USDA announces awards 
• “One World, Many Stories” 
• SLA meetings and workshops
• For information pros and data gatherers
• Art auction and fundraiser
• Another NM Craig Childs event
• People notes
• JOBS – Library director,  Library tech
   

HITCHHIKER EDITOR RETIRES 

Susan Oberlander, State Librarian, writes the following: 

“I would like to lead the staff at the State Library and all of you around the state in saying farewell to Robert Upton, both as the editor of the Hitchhiker and as an employee of the State Library.  He is retiring on October 29, 2010.  He arrived at the State Library in 1985 and began work in Interlibrary Loan. Then in 1989, he joined the Development Bureau as the editor of the Hitchhiker. Many of you will remember the Hitchhiker when it came in the mail to your desk.  It was 1 or 2 pieces of copied paper folded in two and stapled.  I became a subscriber around 1980 when there were virtually no technological communication channels to easily, quickly or continually share information among all the libraries in the state.  The Hitchhiker was the only professional communication tool that connected all of us working in libraries. Now, it is hard to grasp the importance of those 2 sheets of paper landing on our desks every week.  Robert, as the editor of the Hitchhiker, was, and is, a well-known and trusted member of the statewide library world.  He has a folksy, West Texas persona who always has a good homily or story based on country life to drop into conversations.  Some of the punch lines have become hardwired into my vocabulary and brain over the years even though I don’t quite remember the rest of the stories style worked very well, both in writing and talking with his readers – never judgmental, always genial and always punctuated with humor.
 
I am sure that you will join me in thanking him for all those issues landing on your desks and now in your e-mail boxes and wish him good adventures in retirement.  Send him emails until Oct. 29 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .”
 

Editor's note:  Obviously, the Hitchhiker will have a change in editor.  Please send your stories, announcements, and vacant positions to Renee Payne, Office of Marketing Communications, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  The Hitchhiker will also change its publishing schedule from bi-weekly to monthly.
 

BRIEFINGS

Health resources.  A comprehensive professional development resource for public librarians and library staff titled “Finding Health and Wellness at the Library:  A Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff” has just been released.  Its primary purpose is to assist public libraries in providing excellent consumer health services to their customers.  The Toolkit is divided into six sections which cover all aspects of consumer health information services, including:  Core Competencies, Health Resources, Consumer Health Information Services, Technology and Health 2.0, Workplace Wellness, and Resources for Health Care Professionals. 

Questions about consumer health resources can be directed to Barbara Nail-Chiwetalu, Distance Services Coordinator, UNM Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , (505) 272-0757.
        
 
                                                                                                                      
USDA announces awards.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) will create jobs by building and enhancing libraries in 129 rural communities in 30 states across the nation.  In New Mexico, Bayard is the only library to receive funds.   The City of Bayard will use the $221,250 loan and a $148,750 grant to expand the library .  Read the full USDA announcement .  

 
ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Tuesday, November 9, Alamogordo Public Library 
• Friday, December 3, United World College, Las Vegas
• Friday, December 10, National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque
   

For the first time, this workshop will also be offered online. The online workshop will be divided into two sessions:

• December 7, 2:00 to 4:00: Overview of the theme, manual and DVD (approx. 2:00 to 3:00), and One World, Many Stories: 2011 Children's SRP (approx. 3:00 to 4:00) 
• December 14, 2:00 to 4:00: You Are Here: 2011 Teen SRP (approx. 2:00 to 3:00), and Novel Destinations: 2011 Adult SRP (approx. 3:00 to 4:00) 

Attend all four hours, or pick and choose which sessions or parts of sessions you like. You only need to register once, though.  If there’s interest, this workshop will be offered again later in the winter or early spring.  If 2011 will be your first Summer Reading Program (or if you’d like a refresher), the online workshop can be offered just for you!  It's called SRP 101 and will be held on October 25 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. to introduce SRP basics and tips of the trade. It will cover planning, promoting, working with a theme, working with performers, counting reading time, awarding incentives, evaluating, and much more.  To learn more about this online opportunity and to register, go to Summer Reading 101 .  Participants in this workshop are encouraged to take one of the sessions specific to the 2011 SRP listed above.

Speaking of the SRP, please take the survey to complete the 2010 SRP Evaluation, if you haven't sent it to the State Library already. Your responses help the State Library to continue funding for the program, as well as provide valuable information that allows better resources and materials for future programs.

If you have questions about these workshops or the evaluation form, contact Beth Crist, Library Development Bureau Director, (505) 476-9753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

•  “Using the LinkedIn Networking Site in your Business,” presented by Andy Alsop of Deep Web Technologies and Nora Stoecker of NKS Information Services; 
• “Initiating an Institutional RIM and Archives Program:  A Look at NMSU’s Collaborative Efforts,” presented by Steve Hussman and Diane Madrid of New Mexico State University;
• “I’m not giving up my commodore 64 until they pry my cold, dead hands off of it!” presented by Marvin Procter, President of Improve Group. 

For more information and a registration form, visit the website http://units.sla.org/chapter/crio/documents/ARMA-SLA%20October%20event%20flier.pdf . 

Art auction and fundraiser.  The NM Tribal Libraries Fundraising Committee (TLFC) invites you to the 3rd Annual Tribal Libraries Native Art Auction and Fashion Show on Saturday, November 6, at the Hard Rock Casino Hotel in Albuquerque.  The (TLFC) consists of voluntary members from Tribal Libraries throughout the State of New Mexico who meet with the objective to raise money for their libraries not met by other funding sources.  Examples of ways funds will be used include staffing, building improvements, programming, collection development, and new computer equipment.  Current members include Tribal Librarians and staff from Acoma Learning Center, Jemez Pueblo Community Library, Isleta Pueblo Public Library, Laguna Pueblo Public Library, and San Ildefonso Community Library.  The event starts at 5 p.m. with an opening reception and preview of art items.  Tickets are $75 each or $500 for a table of eight.  

PEOPLE NOTES

JOBS 

Library director.  The City of Albuquerque announces a posting for Associate Director Library (Advertisement # 11167, Job Code: 800287).  Grade: E19 Starting $2,423.20 to Midrange $2,944.80 Bi-weekly; expires: October 29.  Duties:  to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Library Division of the Cultural Services Department including children's programs, reference support services, and implementation of automation; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Cultural Services.  Requires a Master's degree with major course work in library or information science from an American Library Association (ALA) certified institution, plus six years of full-time library management experience to include five years direct supervisory experience in a management and/or administrative capacity. Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License;  possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid City Operator's Permit (COP) within six months from date of hire.  Background check required.  Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities in operations, services and activities of a comprehensive library services program;  of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations;  assume full management responsibility for all library division services and activities;  analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments;  to identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs;  ability to develop and administer division goals, objectives and procedures;  ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;  and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work  All applicants must submit, by expiration date, a City Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application. An On-Line Application Process can be accessed at web site.  Applications are also available at the City of Albuquerque Human Resources Department 400 Marquette NW 7th Floor Suite 703, Albuquerque NM 87103. Copies of required certifications, registrations, and/or licenses, if not attached on-line, must be provided at the time of interview.  Your qualifications for this position will be determined on the basis of the information presented in your City application.  Vacancy listings may be obtained from the City's Jobline at 768-4636, the City's website  classified advertisements in the Sunday, Albuquerque Journal.  An Equal Opportunity/ Reasonable Accommodation Employer
 
 

Library tech.  The Joseph R. Skeen Library at New Mexico Tech in Socorro has an opening for Library Technician III, Circulation Supervisor.  Starting rate is $13.21-$16.38.  Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Circulation Supervisor plans and supervises the operations of the circulation department of the Library and interprets library policy concerning the circulation of library materials.  This includes planning for and supervising such functions as library opening/closing, patron registration, reserves management, materials check-out and check-in, over-dues handling, fine collection and related bookkeeping, library inventories, shelving of library materials, and maintenance of stack reading schedules.  The Circulation Supervisor is further responsible for the management of the library coffee service and library photocopiers;  coordinates with other library units to locate, distribute, and receive materials;  update forms and manuals;  hire, train, discipline, schedule, supervise, and evaluate circulation staff;  oversee collection and deposit of cash transactions;  monitor penalties assessment for overdue and lost materials;  collect and report statistical data;  coordinate meeting room reservation and arrange for peripheral equipment components;  assure building security after hours, coordinating with Campus Police;  serve on reference desk and answer directional questions;  and attend staff meetings.  Requires a Bachelor’s degree or a combination of higher education and experience (each three years of experience is equal to one year of college);  supervisory and management experience;  experience maintaining integrated computer systems and large databases;  proven ability dealing effectively with the public;  experience staffing and scheduling service desks;  ability to work collaboratively;  full competence using the internet browsers and databases, navigating subscriptions databases;  and knowledge of Microsoft Office software.  Desired qualifications include experience working in a library;  experience with remotely located and shared integrated library system;  cash management experience;  and skill in operating the full range of library service equipment.  Apply to New Mexico Tech, Human Resources, 801 Leroy Pl., Brown Hall Box 109, Socorro, NM 87801-4796;  (575) 835-5206, http://www.nmt.edu/hr-jobs-at-nmt .  See the website New Mexico Tech is an Equal Opportunity Institution.