A little more than two years ago, MCLS undertook a concerted effort to connect more effectively and engage more deeply with its members. We have held many conversations with members both in groups and individually, some in formal settings, others more informally. Our intent was to listen to our members and learn about the things …Read more »

Does your public library need to complete a strategic plan? MCLS is hosting a two-day series, scheduled for September 9 and October 21, where you will learn and practice do-it-yourself tools you can use to create your own plan. These will be highly interactive sessions in which you will be coached and advised throughout the …Read more »

Library staff throughout Indiana and Michigan read and discussed “Contagious: Why Things Catch On” by Jonah Berger this summer. The discussions, led and sponsored by MCLS, resulted in various ideas for how libraries can use the principles of marketing presented in the book to make library services and messages go viral. Berger presents six principles …Read more »

What is the intersection of space design and organizational culture? How do you design a library that is not only functional, attractive, and architecturally interesting but also a space that invites people to enter and speaks to them once they are there? How will libraries need to adapt to meet the changing expectations of current …Read more »

Libraries in Indiana and Michigan are using bicycles in unique ways. The Putnam County Public Library, in partnership with the DePauw University Office for Sustainability, both in Greencastle, Indiana, is loaning bicycles to patrons. The Traverse Area District Library in Traverse City, Michigan in partnership with Norte! Youth Cycling, has a “pedal-powered” library. Putnam County …Read more »

ALA and the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation have just announced the 2015 Public Innovators Lab for Libraries. This year’s training will be held October 14-16 in Detroit. See below for more info or register online. ALA, Harwood Institute announce Public Innovators Lab for Libraries community engagement training opportunity http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2015/07/ala-harwood-institute-announce-public-innovators-lab-libraries-community The American Library Association (ALA) …Read more »

Eight MCLS member libraries across Michigan and Indiana will embark on a journey of collaboration. The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is pleased to announce “Library Match”, a new project designed to facilitate communication among our members. During the six-month pilot phase, which has been generously underwritten by The H.W. Wilson Foundation, Library Match …Read more »

MCLS invites library staff of all types in Indiana and Michigan to participate in an exciting upcoming professional development opportunity! We will join together both physically and virtually to read and discuss the same book. With your help, we will select a book that is relevant to our profession, provides thought-provoking ideas for discussion, and …Read more »

Time is running out to register for this unique opportunity to learn how to establish relationships with your local media from the best in the business. The deadline to register is Tuesday, March 3. Library staff of all types need the skills to deliver a clear, consistent message to educate their constituents on the value …Read more »

Time is running out to secure a seat for this great opportunity to learn valuable tools to make your library even more visible in your community. The deadline to register is Friday, October 31. On November 6, 2014, the Cooperative Directors Association, the Library of Michigan, and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) will …Read more »