We are pleased to announce that the Branch District Library in Coldwater, MI has selected The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to deliver consulting services to the board, staff, and community of the Branch District Library in developing a comprehensive strategic plan. Our full strategic planning service will include providing a data package, facilitating …Read more »

I will bet that in the very recent past a company representative who was trying to sell something to your library has said words like, “We have a stellar track record with our library partnerships,” or “If you partner with our company we can help you provide superior service to your community.” It seems like …Read more »

As a result of a successful Linked Data Summit held in March 2017, MCLS is facilitating the formation of a multi-state Linked Data for Libraries Users Group. The purpose of the group will be for libraries to discuss the latest developments in Linked Data for libraries, share experiences, explore new products, and raise awareness. A …Read more »

Are you planning to attend the Internet Librarian conference in October? If so, MCLS and Amigos Library Services can help you save money on early bird conference registration. Register for the conference using this embedded link, and your discount should automatically populate. If you need the discount code for any reason, it is 17AMI. Please …Read more »

MCLS has made an investment in Indiana Libraries by providing scholarship funds for staff from 28 libraries to attend ALA/Harwood Public Innovator training over the past two years.  We are committed to continuing to support these libraries in this important work. In this spirit, we have invited up to three people from each of those …Read more »

We are pleased to announce that Pam Seabolt is the new Indiana Community Engagement Librarian. Pam most recently worked at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library, where she managed the Clarksville Branch and led several community engagement initiatives. Pam comes to us as a Public Innovator, having participated in the ALA/Harwood Public Innovators Lab for Libraries.  …Read more »

The Library of Michigan and MCLS are pleased to announce a continuation of their partnership with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. There now will be a  third opportunity for Michigan library staff to participate in The Harwood Institute training. This opportunity will include a full 2.5 day Public Innovators Lab, followed by 18 months …Read more »

Last month, I wrote about several unsatisfying interactions with call center representatives and retail clerks. As I pondered these customer service failures and the lessons they held for MCLS, I also thought about the ultimate responsibility for the problems I experienced. In each of these cases, I believe the fault occurred long before I got …Read more »

“You will not read a more important book about America this year.”—The Economist Hillbilly Elegy, a memoir by J.D. Vance, has been selected as the title for Libraries Read: 1 Book 2017, capturing 40% of the votes. MCLS invited library staff across Indiana and Michigan to submit titles for consideration, then to place votes for …Read more »

This month’s featured trainer, Jessica Barnes, has spent her career working in and for Indiana public libraries. After receiving her MSLIS from the University of Illinois in 2004, she worked in and managed reference, circulation, teen, and technical services departments in three northern Indiana public libraries. As the northern Indiana regional coordinator for the Indiana …Read more »