November 2015 - Michlib-l

Employee Health Insurance Compilation
by Stanczak, Cindy 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

*Hello all!* *My sincere apologies to all in my delay getting this compilation out to everyone. I've included the responses and contact information I received to my original post.* *Albion District Library has in the past and will continue in 2016 to offer a Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan Silver $2,000 Plan to our 5 full-time employees at 80% coverage by the Library and to eligible spouses and dependents at **50% coverage by the Library**. By offering the plan, which meets the "affordable" guideline of the ACA, spouses and dependents without other coverage are obligated to take it or lose any available subsidy. This has proved upsetting to some of our employees, because it meant that they couldn't choose a less expensive plan that might be more affordable to them. We felt it was generous to offer 50% for non-employees. * *We offer a compensated opt-out plan, but only to employees who have insurance available to them by another avenue, usually a spouse'sinsurance, and who opt out their entire family. We do not offer an opt-out stipend to employees who only opt out their spouse or dependents. We have an spousal insurance verification form that we use, and I can make that available to any who would like it. * *We considered the BCBS Suite Option, which is new this year. The employer chooses one suite of four. Each includes four options. Your employees to choose which plan of the four in the suite that their employer has selected that they'll use for themselves and any covered spouses and dependents. You can use a percentage or dollar amount that you contribute, but it must be uniform. This was the element that broke this as an option for us. We have some employees that are very young and some that are near retirement. No matter which one we picked, it wouldn't be a cohesive and consistent an option depending on the employee or the plan they chose. * *Please note that I did receive feedback from our attorney that it is against the law for district libraries to opt out of the 80/20 rule for municipal employees contributing to their own insurance. If any of you are in that situation, it may be worthwhile to double-check that with your attorney to make sure your benefits are in line with the current law. * *Hope this helps. * *Cynthia Stanczak* *Interim DirectorHead of Adult ServicesAlbion District Library501 S. Superior St.Albion, MI 49224(517) 629-3993 <%28517%29%20629-3993>* *Albion District Library: Transforming Minds, Changing Lives. Online at www.albionlibrary.org <http://www.albionlibrary.org/>, or find us on Facebook! * ______________________ The library provides health, vision and dental insurance to FT employees -- FT is considered anyone over 30 hrs. (there are only 2 of us). No benefits to spouses or children. FT pay 20% of health only. $1000 deductible, employee pays first $250, library picks up the $750, We have Priority Health, Lincoln Dental (and Lincoln also for disability and life insurance) and VSP for vision. We've been using Creative Benefits out of Muskegon for years to negotiate the best deals for us. Susan Wess, M.L.I.S. Director 151 Wabash St. Milan, MI 48160 734.439.1240 734.439.5625 -- FAX _____________________ We offer a benefit credit of $5300 and take life insurance out of that, which leaves about $5000 for staff to pay for health insurance or put into a 457B. We currently still sponsor a plan- Gold level from BCN- and that amount of money covers staff differently depending on how old they are now that all plan are priced by age. It covers the whole cost for younger staff, only about half for older ones. We only have two staff persons still needing our plan so are considering just giving them the money to spend in the Marketplace next year. We would be interested in what others doing. -- Linda Ballard Interim Director Chelsea District Library 734-475-8732 _____________________ We've kept a decent BCBS plan for full time staff and their families. (Total went down .17% for 2016--woo hoo!) Staff used to pay 10% but we went up to the 20% a couple of years ago, and with the increase last year went up to 22.51% (the cost of the total increase for 2015). Vision is included with the BCBS, and we do have Delta Dental as well, with a 10% premium percentage for staff. The plan we have has an HRA component, so we pay $1500 for their deductibles. (It used to be the total cost of the out-of-pocket so this is great! And it's all we're allowed to pay by law, I understand.) If you get someone who moved to stipend-based, I'd like to hear about it as it's an option we're considering. And no, staff was NOT happy with our changes but we did keep a very good plan. It's just costing them more--well, those above a certain age. The younger ones are benefitting from the new method of calculating premiums. Melissa Malcolm <director(a)lib.lapeer.org> ____________________ We continue to look at this every year. We just got our renewal information last week. For this current year, we are on the 80/20. I don’t know what the board will decide for the coming year, but with the individual level pricing, 80/20 seems to be the most fair to everyone. Karen Knox Director Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 693-3000 x305 kknox(a)orionlibrary.org ____________________ We have 12 staff members and only 2 are full time and offered insurance. The library funds both plans at 100% and the plans cover the employee only- not family. We do not cover any deductibles. We also offer vision and dental-those rates are fairly reasonable. We opt out of the employee contribution rate. I think the higher the rates go, the response will continue to be to hire workers part time to avoid having to pay for insurance (as has been the trend in libraries for years now). And believe me I don't like that trend, I would prefer to have more full time staff with benefits because it undercuts the profession not to. That being said, the Branch Manager position does not require a college degree. Only my position requires the MLIS. Also, I don't think there is a requirement to pay for employees insurance at all even if they are full time? At least if you are under 50 employees. Not that I would go that direction but I don't think it is required. Thank you, Jami Cromley Director Community District Library 989-743-3287 www.mycdl.org ____________________ We have the 80/20 set up for insurance here. Library pays 80% and staff pays 20%. There is no buy out offered if you decline the insurance. Only those who are full time receive the option of health insurance and we only have 2 full time staff; all other staff will be part-time hours only. We get our insurance through the township’s plan but the Library Board does review the costs each year and review options but currently choose to keep it the 80/20 through township’s plan. BillieJo Bluemer Library Director Rauchholz Memorial Library 1140 N Hemlock Rd Hemlock MI 48626 989-642-8621 billiejo(a)rauchholzlibrary.org ____________________ Remember you cannot give a stipend and let staff buy health insurance on the federal exchange. That is against the law. See attached document. If you have less than 50 employees you do not have to provide health insurance. Of course it may be hard tor recruit new staff. I think what everyone has done is raise employee contribution to premium and decreased benefits to keep it affordable. Unfortunately as some point you have a pretty bad health plan. Some libraries may have gone around the law prohibiting stipends and gave staff raises instead for them to have more money to buy health insurance. This would be taxed though. And check with an attorney, if caught circumventing the law you could have big fines with raises. So this is iffy. Sandra Wilson Lakeland Library Cooperative Director sandra(a)llcoop.org 616-559-5253 x201 616-559-4329 FAX 4138 Three Mile Rd. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49534 ____________________ Canton Public Library does continue to offer insurance to our 16 full-time employees for single, two-person, and family coverage. We used to have several plans to choose from, but now we offer just one healthcare plan, Healthy Blue Living from BCBSM. The library complies with PA 152; we pay 80% of the premium and employees pay 20% through payroll deduction. Deductibles and copays are the employee’s responsibility, though we do offer an optional flexible spending account (125 plan) through BASIC that is funded through employee contributions (no library contributions). We have optical reimbursement for single, two-person, and families at a maximum of $200 per person per year (we are self-funded)—again, only for the 16 full-time employees. We offer dental to our 16 full-time employees through Canton Township’s Delta Dental Plan. The Township has a much larger group and so we get good rates as compared to doing it on our own. As an aside: We use Kapnick Insurance in Ann Arbor as our benefit consultant. Dave Huntzicker is our rep. He does an annual analysis and brings us the best options and rates for the medical plan, dental, vision, disability, and employee assistance program. He insures that we are in compliance with all laws and regulations and fills us in on anything coming down the pike. Dave does the open enrollment presentation for staff and answers any questions they have. He is able to explain complexities like the Affordable Care Act and put in context how the library’s healthcare plans stack up against what he’s seeing with other municipalities and governmental units. This helped a lot when we changed our plans. Kapnick has customer service staff who will work with individual employees as they navigate the healthcare coverage bureaucracy and mediate any issues with coverage; this has saved my HR person a ton of time and headache and is a great service. All of this costs us nothing directly, and we are very pleased with Kapnick’s service. I am happy to put you in touch with Dave if you’d like; let me know. Hope this helps, Eva Eva Davis, Director Canton Public Library 1200 S. Canton Center Rd. Canton, MI 48188 734-397-0999 x1065 davise(a)cantonpl.org __________________ We do provide health, vision and dental for our full-time staff and their dependents. The library pays the full amount. The employee is responsible for the co-pay costs. It is with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan. It is not fantastic insurance, but we are very grateful that the library pays for it for us. Lisa Lisa Poignant Waskin Director Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 906.632.9331 v 906.635.0210 f lisaw(a)uproc.lib.mi.us http://joomla.uproc.lib.mi.us/SDL/

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Position Available at the Orion Library - Network & System Administration
by Joyce Becker 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

[OTPLLogo_cmyk.jpg] Position Available Network & System Administrator Orion Township Public Library Position: Network & System Administrator 37.5 hours/wk, including evening and weekend hours Department: Information Technology Salary Range: $42,900 - $61,620 annually Primary Job Duties: Under the general supervision of the Head of Information Technology, manages the network and server equipment to support technology services at the library. This includes a Windows network with domain controllers, an Exchange server, a file and print server, and a web server, among others. The network is secured with Cisco network equipment and Aruba wireless technology. Works alongside the ILS Coordinator to support the Polaris ILS servers and Computer Technician to support Windows desktop computers and software systems. Required Qualifications: * Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field * Minimum 1-2 years experience in information technology * Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Windows server and client software, Active Directory, Windows domains, and networking * Skill in managing file/print servers, web servers, security (anti-virus) software, web plug-ins, email software, and related software * Skill in maintaining telephone systems, printers, copiers, and scanners * Skill in developing and documenting system operating procedures and training others in those procedures * Skill in evaluating and selecting hardware and software that best meets the needs of the library * Skill in utilizing, maintaining and troubleshooting computerized library catalogs and circulation software * Knowledge of library terminology, practices, services, and systems * Strong positive interpersonal skills, organizational, and time management skills * Ability to organize and prioritize changing tasks, while also following through on long-term projects * Ability to maintain confidentiality * Ability to use good judgment, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with other employees and the public * Ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing * Ability to work well with details * Ability to work both independently and as a member of a larger staff team * Previous library experience preferred, but not required Dates: Applications submitted by Monday, November 16, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. will receive first review. Apply To: Joyce Becker Orion Township Public Library 825 Joslyn Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 248-693-3000 Electronic submissions accepted, send to: jbecker(a)orionlibrary.org<mailto:jbecker@orionlibrary.org> Please submit a letter indicating your interest in the position and describe your qualifications for the job. This is an at-will position. Orion Township Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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FREE Princeton file boxes for peridocals
by Linda Pierce 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

We still have Princeton metal periodical boxes, most with a felt base to protect wooden book shelves. [image: Inline image 1] There are now two sizes from which to choose: Small: 5-5/8" H x 3-3/4" W x 7" deep Medium 8" H x 4-1/4" W x 8" deep Some are like new, but most are in good condition. We will send them through RIDES. Please contact Bethany Kozel-Emmendorfer off-list at bemmendo(a)kettering.edu with your code, sizes you want, and quantity, or if you have any questions. -- Linda Pierce Administrative Specialist Kettering Library Phone: (810) 762-9840 Fax: (810) 762-9744 1700 University Avenue ~ Flint, MI 48504 Kettering University

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Combating "Dark Store" Rulings in Michigan
by Steven K. Bowers 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

Please sign the petition Combat "Dark Store" Tax Rulings, Support HB 4909 and SB 524. With your help, we can reach 2,000 signers. But if we are going to have an impact, it's critical that we get 5,000 signatures before we deliver the petition to Senator Jack Brandenburg, Chair, Senate Finance Committee and Representative Jeff Farrington, Chair, House Tax Policy Committee. The entire State of Michigan is being drained, county by county. The result of the dark stores rulings reduces the stores' taxable value by 50% or more. This takes away local control of funding. Key services to citizens are being severely impacted: libraries, fire protection, search and rescue, sheriff/police services, roads, veterans, recreational, public transit, schools and seniors. It affects local budgets across the board. Our communities AND LIBRARIES are suffering and we need to convince Senate and House tax committee members to support all Michigan communities through solid tax legislation and updated Tax Tribunal policies. Our Upper Peninsula district legislators have been working on this problem since 2011-12, but previous legislation never got out of committee. Please don't let that happen to this new legislation. Can your municipalities afford it? With your help, we can reach our goal! Can you please share this link with five of your friends and relatives right now!!! http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/combat-dark-store-tax-3?mailing_id=31738&s…. Would you also contact your MI State Senator and Legislator <http://closemichiganloopholes.org/2015/10/contact-key-legislators/> to tell them you support 'Dark Store' legislation. If you have friends and relatives downstate, let them know they can influence/inform their legislators, too. For more information on this issue go to our Marquette County Citizens for Fair Share media sites: LIKE us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/Marquette-County-Citizens-for-Fair-Share-161804797…> AND visit our Website<http://mqtfairshare.org/> for information and resources. Thank you for taking a stand on and sharing information about this issue. Marquette County Citizens for Fair Share Marquette, MI 49855

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Apply now for ‘Thinking Money’ traveling exhibition
by Steven K. Bowers 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

ALA Public Programs Office ****** The ALA Public Programs Office, in partnership with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation, is accepting applications for Thinking Money, a traveling exhibition to U.S. public libraries. Money affects all Americans, but many of us lack the knowledge we need to make smart financial choices that will prepare us for whatever the future brings. Thinking Money strives to teach tweens, teens and their parents, caregivers and educators about financial literacy topics — like saving, spending and avoiding fraud — in a way that is not only understandable, but fun. Thinking Money is a museum-quality exhibition that will travel to 50 U.S. public libraries between 2016 and 2018. Through an adventure-themed storyline, interactive iPad content and other fun, hands-on activities, the exhibition explores themes like wants vs. needs, preparing for a rainy/sunny day, and imagining your future self. Each selected site will receive: - the 1,000-square-foot traveling exhibition — including two iPads preloaded with fun educational content and four low-tech activity stations — for a six-week loan; - travel and accommodations to attend an orientation workshop at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando; - online training modules for library staff; - tips and tools for related programs; and - a $1,000 programming allowance. For guidelines and to apply online, visit www.ala.org/thinkingmoney<http://www.ala.org/thinkingmoney>. Applications are due Jan. 29, 2016. Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of two informational conference calls about the exhibition on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 12 p.m. CST or Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. CST. To register for a conference call, please email Brian Russell with your preferred date.<mailto:brussell@ala.org?subject=Thinking%20Money%20conference%20call%20> ALA and the FINRA Foundation have partnered since 2007 on Smart investing @ your library<http://smartinvesting.ala.org/>, a program that funds library efforts to provide patrons with effective, unbiased educational resources about personal finance and investing. Now in its eighth year, the program has awarded over $10 million to public libraries, community college libraries and library networks nationwide. ALA and the FINRA Foundation are also working together on a research study of financial literacy resources and services available in U.S. public libraries.

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Libraries Transform Campaign Launched Nationwide
by Steven K. Bowers 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

ALA President Sari Feldman working with the DC Library Association launched ALA's new public awareness campaign, Libraries Transform, in Washington, DC, on October 29. The goal of the campaign is to increase public awareness of the transformation occurring in libraries, the role that libraries play in transforming communities and individual lives, and to ultimately increase support for libraries of all types. Libraries around the country are being asked to participate in this multi-year campaign. It is being promoted to the ALA membership via emails, videos and a website presence. More information at: http://www.librariestransform.org<http://www.librariestransform.org/> -Steve Bowers Steven K. Bowers Executive Director Detroit Area Library Network www.dalnet.org<http://www.dalnet.org> "DALNET is a community of libraries working together to provide access to information for research, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning opportunities."

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2016 ACRL Awards Nominations
by Steven K. Bowers 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

This year, ACRL once again seeks to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of its peers, honoring the very best in academic librarianship. ACRL urges members to nominate colleagues whose work has influenced their thinking and growth as an academic librarian, and whose contributions merit recognition by the profession. Member nominations will ensure that the pool of candidates for each award remains both competitive and distinguished. Nominations and supporting materials for most awards must be submitted by December 4, 2015. More information, including submission procedures, past winners, criteria and contact information, is available in the awards section of the ACRL website: http://www.ala.org/acrl/awards -Steve Steven K. Bowers Executive Director Detroit Area Library Network www.dalnet.org<http://www.dalnet.org> "DALNET is a community of libraries working together to provide access to information for research, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning opportunities."

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New ALA Library Support Staff Resource Center Website
by Steven K. Bowers 03 Nov '15

03 Nov '15

The newly-revised Library Support Staff Online Resource Center website is now available at: http://www.ala.org/offices/hrdr/librarysupportstaff/library_support_staff_r… The site is designed to provide resources of interest for library support staff, paraprofessionals and those interested in library work. -Steve Steven K. Bowers Executive Director Detroit Area Library Network www.dalnet.org<http://www.dalnet.org> "DALNET is a community of libraries working together to provide access to information for research, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning opportunities."

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Teresa Irish is coming to Parchment!
by Kristy Zeluff 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

We still have room for 17 more people to enjoy this show! Please share this with your patrons, southwest Michigan libraries. We would love to have a nice full house. Parchment Community Library Invites You to a Special Program November 4, 2015, 6:30 pm A Thousand Letters Home -- Author Teresa Irish Presents "The Journey of the Letters" Teresa Irish presents the entertaining, inspirational and life-affirming story of The Journey of the Letters. After the 2006 death of her father, Bud, recipient of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and two Bronze Stars, Teresa found the 1,000 letters he wrote home from WWII and 250 corresponding photographs. Visited only by him over the course of six decades, the letters were postmarked from Nov 1942 to Dec 1945. The fragile, yellowed pages were written to Bud's parents, and to the sweetheart who would later become his wife. These treasures are the basis for the book "A Thousand Letters Home". >From lonesome, moonlit nights listening to the Hit Parade, to the foxholes and front lines in Germany, to correspondence with the heartbroken mothers whose sons died by his side, this is a historic story of life & loss, hope & perseverance, unwavering faith & true love. The program is a heartfelt journey back in time, a tribute to our country's history, freedoms and family values, and a call to citizenship in today's world. Irish's storytelling, accompanied by 1940s photographs and music, has audiences laughing, crying, and reminiscing. This program reaches across generations with a little something for everyone. Hardcover and softcover books will be available for sale & signing. This event is free and open to the public at the Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Drive, Parchment, MI. Limited to 50 participants, call 269-343-7747 or visit parchmentlibrary.org to register. -- Kristy Zeluff, Adult Services Coordinator Parchment Community Library Ph. 269.343.7747 Kristy(a)parchmentlibrary.org www.parchmentlibrary.org

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Larry Martin's World War II In Their Own Words
by Smith, Donna 02 Nov '15

02 Nov '15

Larry Martin returns to bring our nation's history to the present and foster an appreciation for the hardships endured by our veterans. The final installment of the 4-part series, hosted at the First United Methodist Church (275 W. Michigan Avenue), features German citizen Hubert Lintz on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 am. Hubert tells of Hitler's rise to power and what it meant to the German people and his time in the Hitler Youth. He lived in Cologne, Germany (800,000 population), which was bombed over a two year period by about 1500 bombers at a time. He was a fireman during the fire raids and will tell about rescues and recovery of the victims. Lintz will be present at the program to answer any questions about his experience. Martin will also have a collection of World War II memorabilia on display so come early to view the artifacts. This presentation is free and open to the public. Martin can be reached at batt.chief(a)yahoo.com<mailto:batt.chief@yahoo.com> and more information can be found on his website: LMWW2.com Donna Donna Smith Marketing Officer [JDL Logo CMYK for print 300dpi small] 244 W. Michigan Avenue Jackson, MI 49201 Ph: 517-788-4099, ext. 1314 Fax: 517-788-6024 www.myjdl.com

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