As we turn the calendar page from 2023 to 2024, I’ll focus on some of the changes happening at MCLS.  First, I thank the following MCLS Board of Directors members whose service ended in 2023:  Annie Bélanger, Grand Valley State University (Michigan Academic Library Representative)  Lisa Brakel, Airport Community Schools (Michigan School Library Representative)  Lauren …Read more »

We’re doing something new with our Virtual Dialogue series for 2024! We’ll be bringing together specific groups of library staff from across our two-state region to give space and time for those with similar challenges and opportunities to meet for dialogue on topics of interest to them. Our first Virtual Dialogue of 2024 will be …Read more »

Check your email on Dec. 4 for instructions on implementing FTE in your ConsortiaManager profile. This feature allows you to input your library’s user count information, which is used by vendors to determine subscription pricing. Different library types use different user counts; academics use full-time equivalent (FTE), medical libraries use bed count, public libraries use population served, …Read more »

Conferences and other events are a good means for building collaboration, engagement, and relationships, seeking innovative ideas, listening, and learning. Fall is a busy conference season for many, including us at MCLS. This month, I’ll touch on some conferences and events where I and other MCLS staff have been/will be this fall, and some of …Read more »

MCLS is steadily working on TALK’s transition from a fully IMLS grant-funded program to an MCLS subscription-based service. To facilitate setting up your account in our system, we need to know if you are planning to offer TALK to your patrons after the grant ends in July 2024. IMLS grant funds will cover the TALK …Read more »

MCLS joined the Project ReShare community in 2019, and as of September 2023, MCLS and Project ReShare have decided it is in the best interests of both entities to part ways. MCLS is the single largest financial contributor to date to Project ReShare’s effort to create new resource sharing software that is currently in use …Read more »

The final Virtual Dialogue of 2023 will be on Wednesday, November 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). Join us on Zoom as we continue discussing components of cultivating a growth mindset – this time focusing on choosing your mindset in building a trusting and collaborative environment. MCLS Virtual Dialogues are guided …Read more »

Michigan libraries select MCLS to provide staff day trainings We are excited that Gladwin County District Library in Gladwin, MI and the Lansing Community College Library in Lansing, MI have both selected MCLS to provide staff day trainings this month. MCLS can serve you, too! Our Engagement, Consulting, and Training team would love to come to your library and guide …Read more »

The Michigan Digital Preservation Network (MDPN), a program of MCLS, is making great progress toward establishing the first production LOCKSS 2.0 network thanks to efforts from MDPN Coordinator Chelsea Denault, MDPN’s members, and the extended LOCKSS community. This month I’ll offer a few updates on this impactful work that will benefit libraries, museums, archives, historical …Read more »

Our next Virtual Dialogue is Thursday, Sept. 14, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central) on Zoom. Join us as we continue discussing components of cultivating a growth mindset. We invite you to be part of this conversation with fellow library workers from different experience levels and library types about identifying and celebrating accomplishments. We …Read more »