Contents: Executive Director | News | Training | Special Offers | Vendor Spotlight | RIDES
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 and Arlene especially have provided critical leadership over their years on the MCLS Board, and have helped guide Board discussion through some challenging times. I am grateful for their efforts, including Arlene’s leadership as Board President in 2023.
Next, we welcome new faces to the 2024 MCLS Board of Directors (some of whom were appointed during 2023 to fill vacancies):
Please welcome our newest members!The following libraries recently joined MCLS:
Coleman Area Library, MI
Flat River Community Library, MI
Gladwin County District Library, MI
MCLS currently has 641 member libraries across Indiana and Michigan. Is your library receiving all the benefits of membership? Find out by checking our member list and learn more on our website.
Calling staff of small and rural libraries – come connect in a Virtual DialogueWe’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 on Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). We invite any staff member, of any role, in any small and rural library in Indiana or Michigan to join us on Zoom.
MCLS Virtual Dialogues are not courses or webinars, but rather guided conversations with fellow library workers of different experience levels from all over Indiana and Michigan. They are a time to share your experiences and learn from each other. We hope to connect you with others who might be facing similar situations and can relate to your struggles and joys.
We hope to see our small and rural library colleagues on Jan. 17. Watch the email lists and our website to see who our next invited group will be for March!
MCLS is implementing the FTE feature in ConsortiaManager for more accurate vendor pricing 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, and school libraries use student enrollment. Previously, MCLS relied on state and national reports for this data, not all of which is current. Allowing libraries to input this data directly in ConsortiaManager streamlines the pricing process as it is included in the information sent to vendors with each new order and renewal.
MCLS is asking libraries to complete implementation by Jan. 31. This will become an annual process to ensure MCLS has the most accurate data to facilitate your subscription purchasing.
If you have any questions, please email services@mcls.org.
Indiana library selects MCLS to provide consulting servicesWe are pleased to announce that Adams Public Library System in Decatur, IN has selected Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to offer a staff day on Dec. 1 on the topic of Community Engagement. We are looking forward to spending the day with their staff!
Are you looking for library-specific consultants, presenters, or facilitators? MCLS can help! Visit our webpage to read more or contact us to request a quote.
TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten toolkits make promotion simpleIf your library already offers TALK, you have likely spent time perusing the marketing materials and community promotion resources provided when you enrolled. For those who are new to TALK, we encourage you to explore and use this robust collection of FREE toolkits, conveniently presented in Google Drive format. Some of the many toolkit features include:
MARKETING TIP: Have you considered incorporating TALK into your current storytime programming to build your TALK usership? Try using one of the activities from the text message samples and display a QR code for parents and caregivers to sign up.
If you have any questions about TALK and how your library can sign up, contact talkhelp@mcls.org.
TALK is made possible in collaboration with Ypsilanti District Library and with support from the Library of Michigan and the Institute of Museum and Library Services [LG-246434-OLS-20].
New semester of trainings now available for registration! The workshop schedule for January-June 2024 is now available at the MCLS Store.
The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.
Staff from Indiana and Michigan libraries earn MCLS Certificates of Library Staff DevelopmentJoin us in congratulating the most recent recipients of our MCLS Certificates of Library Staff Development:
Basic Cataloging
Basic Essential Workplace Skills
Are you interested in working toward an MCLS Certificate of Library Staff Development? Learn about requirements and access the link for our online application forms on our website. For a list of our workshops with open registration, visit the MCLS store.
Questions? Contact Gwen at training@mcls.org or 517-220-9950.
The MCLS website has a full list of vendor partners and a searchable product list.
MCLS is offering members SpringShare, Library Market, and Communico options to replace DEMCOMCLS is striving to help its members replace their existing DEMCO software by developing new vendor partnerships and working on special offers with existing partners.
Reach out to Group Purchasing for more information and quotes at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382. Not an MCLS member? Join today so you don’t miss out on these deals!
American Psychological Association (APA) launches consortium deal for Academic WriterAcademic Writer is APA’s self-directed digital resource for supporting academic communities as they prepare students to meet the rigors of university research and writing. Unlike proofreading or writing tools, this revolutionary platform is designed to help users develop a solid academic writing foundation by combining pedagogical and self-paced learning tools with content management technology.
Reflecting the latest guidance of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), Academic Writer assures libraries provide students and educators a level of accuracy, consistency, and confidence not available from any other source. Institutions can prepare students across a spectrum of disciplines and subjects that use APA Style.
Free trials are available. Reach out to Group Purchasing for more information and a quote at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382.
MCLS enters agreement with AM (formerly Adam Matthew) to offer 20th Century Social Movements packageObtain discounted pricing on AM's digital archives and technology platforms, which provide rich and invaluable resources for primary source teaching and research. AM proudly collaborates with libraries, archives, and heritage institutions to digitize the world’s historical and cultural knowledge, making it easily accessible to all.
Geared toward the liberal arts, the AM 20th Century Social Movements package includes the following collections: American Indian Newspapers, Gender: Identity and Social Change, and Race Relations in America. Libraries can purchase either the full package or individual collections as one-time perpetual access purchases with discounts ranging from 15% for individual collections to 25% for the full package.
Learn more about these products and the AM platform by viewing the recent webinar, which features AM staff demonstrating the package.
Reach out to Group Purchasing for more information and a quote at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382.
World Trade Press is the world’s premier publisher of country-by-country information products for culture, travel, language, and food. WTP databases help students and teachers understand cultures of the world, learn languages, and become global citizens.
WTP employs a worldwide team of hundreds of professional researchers, writers, editors, database administrators, graphic designers, and web developers whose knowledge, experience, and expertise make their products possible.
MCLS members enjoy a 30% discount on annual subscriptions to products that support learners of all ages. WTP products are affordable for libraries of all types and sizes. Additional discounts apply when you subscribe to more than one product.
Visit our World Trade Press vendor page for a list of available products. To request a quote, reach out to MCLS Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382. Not an MCLS member? Join today!
Use our HotelPlanner link for member discounts on holiday travelTraveling over the holidays? Before you book your hotel, check out HotelPlanner, a discount lodging resource for MCLS members!
Contact Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382 to receive the MCLS Hotel Planner link. Not an MCLS member? Join today!
Please submit a RIDES Assistance form if your library will be closed on a scheduled day of service. Short closures should be reported no more than two weeks prior to closing. Extended closures of more than 30 days should be submitted at least two weeks prior to closing.
It is not necessary to report if your library is closed on a RIDES holiday as there is no service on those days; however, please fill out the RIDES Assistance form as soon as possible if your library will be closed due to weather on your scheduled day of service.
Upcoming RIDES holidays are
