Overdrive for Michigan Academics (OMiA) was born in 2021 when a group of four Michigan academic libraries decided to make a shared collection of eBooks and Audio books a reality. Today, OMiA consists of 10 libraries: 7 community colleges, 2 universities, and one private institution. As a collaborative endeavor, the key to OMiA’s success is the …Read more »

As you may be aware, the United States Department of Education is considering a proposal to discontinue the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) library survey. This survey serves a key role in the academic library community, documenting information on library resources, services, and usage. Its discontinuation would impact libraries’ efforts to quantify their work and …Read more »

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on libraries and their users is a major topic everywhere including at recent conferences and meetings. I’ll share some of what I’ve learned about AI recently. To keep up on current AI developments, Nick Tanzi at The Digital Librarian recommends the TLDR AI daily newsletter. Along with their March …Read more »

As announced last month, Stephanie Davis, Associate Director/Manager, eLicensing and Collection Resources, will retire Nov. 1, 2024. Stephanie has been at MCLS since February 2019. After 25+ years working in libraries, Stephanie looks forward to retiring as?she plans to spend more time with family, enjoy the great outdoors more, and head south for the winter!   The search …Read more »

It’s easy to think of a story of when a library’s services have made a difference in the lives of people in our communities, but how often do we consider the role those behind the scenes play in those impactful stories? This month, we invite cataloging and technical services staff of libraries of all sizes and types across Indiana …Read more »

Over 50 librarians joined together on Friday, April 12, for the annual MCLS Spring eResources Meeting. Vendors Sage and Wiley presented information related to the upcoming eJournal package renewals for Sage Premier and Wiley Online Library. There was robust discussion with vendors on issues ranging from renewal pricing to AI license language. Susan Bannwart, eLicensing …Read more »

MCLS will be sending out a membership renewal email reminder to key school library contacts (directors, billing contacts, and primary contacts) in early May. This email offers an opportunity to respond with any changes to your membership and to provide updated contact information ahead of our July 1 renewal date. Invoices will be generated and …Read more »

We are pleased to announce that East Lansing Public Library in East Lansing, MI has selected Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide consulting services for strategic planning this spring and summer. We are looking forward to spending time with their staff and community and helping to facilitate this important work!  Is your library looking for …Read more »

Did you know there is an Overdrive for Academics group at MCLS? Founded in 2021, the current group consists of 10 academic libraries from Michigan working collaboratively to bring a shared collection of diverse eBooks and audiobooks to their users. The group is a mix of community colleges, private colleges, and public universities. New members …Read more »

Dear Friends of MCLS, As you may be aware, MCLS is in the midst of our 2023-2024 strategic planning process. We are seeking broad community input and participation in shaping our vision for the future. We have hosted numerous focus groups and interviews in recent weeks and months, and are now launching this survey as a means …Read more »