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 »

Indiana librarians are invited to attend 1 of 10 community conversations to be held around the state in the month of December.  The purpose of these conversations is to gather information about the needs of the Indiana library community and to explore your hopes, concerns and aspirations. We need input from libraries of all types, …Read more »

With less than a month on the job Michelle Bradley, MCLS’s new Community Engagement Librarian, took time out of her busy schedule to answer questions concerning her career and where she sees Indiana libraries going in the future. How did you become involved in libraries? I received my MLS from Indiana University in Bloomington, and …Read more »

Developing a relationship with local media promotes a better chance you will be included when promoting your programs. An added benefit is with this relationship, you and your library become a “go to” sound bite or quote when the reporter needs one. Opening and utilizing communication channels to the media regularly, and not just when …Read more »

On November 6, 2014, the Cooperative Directors Association, the Library of Michigan, and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services MCLS will co-host a program instructing and preparing librarians on interacting with the media. Head of the journalism faculty at Wayne State University and Michigan Radio’s senior political analyst Jack Lessenberry will present. For the low …Read more »