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Executive Director | News | Training | Special Offers | RIDES
Following Kristin Fontichiaro’s recent presentation on mis- and disinformation, as Dr. Emily Knox’s lecture at WMU (and livestream) and workshop on intellectual freedom and book challenges approach on Feb. 7-8, and as I talk with libraries, I continue thinking a lot about diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and accessibility (DEIJA)—especially the pushback against these principles and how libraries work to practice and live them that I’ll call “anti-DEIJA” activity. Anti-DEIJA comes in many forms (including intellectual freedom challenges), sometimes despite best efforts to both serve everyone in communities and balance multiple needs. How can libraries respond? How can library consortia support libraries in doing so?
The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is looking for an energetic, creative, and collaborative individual to join our team as a MeL Support Specialist. As a member of the Shared Library Systems team, the person in this position plays a key role in the ongoing success of MeL.
The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as problem-solving skills. Experience with MeLCat is a definite plus! The ideal candidate is a resident of Michigan and able to work remotely. For more details about the duties and qualifications for this position, please see our full job ad 
.
The minimum starting annual salary is $48,000. MCLS offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and vision insurance. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and your resume by email to jobs@mcls.org by Feb. 6, 2023. We hope to hear from you!
Registration is open for the next in MCLS’s popular Virtual Dialogue series!
The next dialogue, which is about cultivating a flexible mindset, will be hosted by MCLS's Engagement, Consulting, and Training team on Tuesday, March 15, from 10:30am to noon Eastern (9:30-11am Central) via Zoom. The topic was chosen from feedback we collected about what is important to you.
Future dates are May 11, July 11, Sept. 14, and Nov. 15. All will be at 10:30am Eastern (9:30am Central), except for July, which will be at 7pm Eastern (6pm Central). These dialogues are designed to connect and engage librarians and library workers at all levels and in all library types. Because these are conversations and most learning will be done with peers in breakout rooms, sessions will not be recorded, so we hope you can join us live!
Register for one, a few, or all the dialogues on our website. Future topics will be announced closer to each dialogue date. We look forward to connecting with you!
As MCLS prepares to embark on a strategic planning process in 2023, we want to engage with the library community in both Indiana and Michigan through a series of Community Conversations. These conversations are fast approaching this month, so please register today!
This engagement process is an opportunity to hear from our community—staff from libraries and affiliated associations throughout Indiana and Michigan—about their aspirations and concerns. The knowledge gathered will help inform MCLS's future priorities as we plan how to serve you more fully over the next several years. We will facilitate 12 virtual Community Conversations via Zoom between Feb. 6 and 18. The conversations are open to any library staff in any type of library in Indiana and Michigan. You don’t need to be an expert; come share your perspective!
Registration links can be found on the event page on our website. Once you register, you will receive a link to join us. We look forward to engaging with you!
Register today to reserve your spot>>
We are pleased to announce that Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI and Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library in Zionsville, IN have both selected Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide consulting services for strategic planning this winter/spring. Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library has additionally chosen MCLS to provide Board Development for their Board of Trustees.
Our MCLS Engagement, Consulting, and Training team has been busy this fall and winter offering Board Training for Newburgh Chandler Public Library (IN) and staff professional development days for Adams Public Library System (IN), Indianapolis Public Library (IN), Lapeer District Library (MI), and LSC Libraries (Northeast Indiana Libraries Serving Communities) (IN).
Is your library looking for library-specific consultants, presenters, or facilitators? MCLS can help!
Visit our webpage to read more or contact us to request a quote.
For more information or to see all upcoming workshops, visit our workshop and event registration page. If you have any questions, please contact us at training@mcls.org.
Now through Feb. 17, Bloomsbury is offering MCLS members the chance to save an additional 10-15% off the standard 15% discount on the one-time purchase of select digital resources. From Feb. 18 through May 31, the member discount is 5-10% on top of the standard discount.
This offer applies to the following resources:
Bloomsbury Applied Visual Arts
Bloomsbury Architecture Library
Architecture Design and Practice
Bloomsbury Comparative and International Education
Bloomsbury Cultural History
Bloomsbury Design Library*
Bloomsbury Fashion Business Cases*
Bloomsbury Fashion Photography Archive
Bloomsbury Fashion Video Archive
Bloomsbury Food Library
Bloomsbury History: Theory and Method
Bloomsbury International Encyclopedia of Surrealism
Bloomsbury Medieval Clothing & Textiles
Bloomsbury Medieval Studies
Bloomsbury Philosophy Library**
Bloomsbury Popular Music
Churchill Archive
Human Kinetics Library**
Screen Studies**
Sound Studies
Theology and Religion Online (TARO)**
*Berg Fashion Library subscribers save an extra 5% on the one-time purchase of the Bloomsbury Design Library, Fashion Photography Archive, Bloomsbury Fashion Video Archive, and Bloomsbury Fashion Business Cases.
**Discount based on number of modules/updates selected
Contact MCLS Group Purchasing for your quote at services@mcls.org or (517) 939-1382.
Information Today, Inc.’s 2023 Computers in Libraries: Tech Partners for Community Sustainability conference will take place in Arlington, VA March 28-30 with pre-conference half-day workshops offered on March 27.
The conference program highlights novel examples of libraries innovating, taking advantage of leading technology, and making it happen in their communities. Hear from forward-thinking libraries, creative fablabs, and centers of information excellence; network and learn from leaders in the field; and definitely be an active participant!
To take advantage of this special offer, visit the conference website and use the code AMI23.
Contact Grace Boykin at boykin@amigos.org with any questions.
The RIDES courier adds a 10% fuel surcharge when the monthly average of diesel fuel hits $5.01 or more. This fuel surcharge is based on courier pricing. The monthly average of diesel fuel was above $5.01 for the months of July through December 2022. MCLS will invoice libraries that receive direct RIDES delivery from the courier.
For more information visit our RIDES FAQ page.
If you have any questions, please contact us via the RIDES Assistance Form.
