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Do you wish that your library had a learning plan in place for staff around technology and digital skills, but you are not sure where to start or how to organize it? Then this workshop is for you! Developing a Digital Learning Plan is essential in empowering staff to develop digital literacy skills. In this four hour interactive workshop, participants will learn the basics of creating a Digital Learning Plan for their library by learning how to incorporate technology competencies to help staff successfully achieve their digital literacy goals, and by creating activities to support the development of digital literacy skills for staff.
These workshops are designed for staff of public libraries, and are open and free to Indiana library staff. Each workshop is limited to 15 participants and to two participants per library, and priority will be given to participants from small- and medium-sized public libraries. Registration is now open.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.
First started in 2011, the Michigan Shared Print Initiative (MI-SPI) entered a new phase in the fall of 2019 as 14 academic libraries across Michigan committed to participate in an updated shared print endeavor. Known as MI-SPI 2.0, the project involves the analysis of collection data from participating libraries using the GreenGlass (OCLC) software. GreenGlass reviews collection information and assigns libraries retention commitments, which are lists of print books libraries agree to keep and not weed from their collections. With libraries purchasing more eResources and space for books in libraries decreasing, the important work of MI-SPI 2.0 makes sure print resources remain available for researchers and students.
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Starting in January 2020, MCLS will be transitioning to electronic delivery of all invoices and statements. This will get the information to you faster, and can be copied/forwarded to your staff as needed. If you need to update contact information or would like to have additional contacts added to receive these documents, please notify Nick at accounting@mcls.org.
We welcome the following libraries, who have joined MCLS over the past quarter:
Warsaw Community Public Library, Warsaw, IN
Lyon Township Public Library, South Lyon, MI
Roseville Public Library, Roseville, MI
Portland District Library, Portland, MI
White Lake Community Library, Whitehall, MI
Escanaba Public Library, Escanaba, MI
We are so glad to have you as members!
MCLS membership includes 658 libraries across Indiana and Michigan. Is your library receiving all the benefits of membership? Find out more on our website today!
MCLS is pleased to announce a new series of in-person workshops designed for supervisors. These workshops are a continuation of MCLS’s efforts to meet the needs of library staff. The workshops range from four to six hours, and lunch will be included.
If you have questions, please contact Pam Seabolt at seaboltp@mcls.org or (800) 530-9019 ext 123.
I hope this finds you well in this new year, 2020. For this month, I’ll briefly highlight some things we’re working on at MCLS that will be coming soon. I hope you'll read on for a list of just some of the initiatives, with links for those who would like to learn more.
The entire upcoming semester of training workshops, January - June 2020, is now posted on our website!
For more information or to see all upcoming workshops, visit our upcoming workshops and events page. If you have any questions, please contact us at training@mcls.org.
MCLS has negotiated discounts with several library supply and equipment vendors on behalf of our members. These vendors include Brodart, Demco, Ingram, The Library Store, Kapco, Office Depot, Barcodes, Inc., Watson Label Products, and Vernon Library Supplies. You can find more information on discounts and how to order on each vendor’s page.
MCLS members are invited to trial Omnigraphics’ Health Reference Series Online and the Teen Resource Center for free during the month of January. Through the Health Reference Series Online, users have access to high quality health-related eBooks containing authoritative consumer medical information on a variety of medical conditions, diseases, and disorders. The Teen Resource Center offers an attractive interface designed for today’s teen, providing links to articles and information on issues of concern and interest. It covers three keys areas: health and wellness, financial life, and personal growth. Resources on both platforms are downloadable and allow for access outside the library.
Contact MCLS Group Purchasing by phone, (800) 530-9019 ext 401, or by email, services@mcls.org for trial information.
Last February, a MeLCat Resource Sharing Policy Review Task Force was formed to examine the current policies and to discuss potential changes. Their work resulted in several suggestions for revisions that were sent to the MeLCat Advisory Committee for further discussion and revision. The proposed changes were available to all MeLCat participants for review and comments in late September, then submitted to Randy Riley, State Librarian, and he has approved all of them. To see all of the coming changes, visit mcls.org/melcatpolicies.
The MeLCat team has been working on the technical aspects of some of the new policies, which will go into effect the first quarter of 2020. Watch your email for upcoming instructions on the preparation phase for all participants. We will let you know what your next steps will be in plenty of time for you to complete them.
If you have any comments or questions, please let us know at melcathelp@mcls.org.
The MCLS MeL Engagement Specialists offer free training to help library staff learn how to use the MeL eResources to best serve their patrons and students. Contact Theresa Runyan (Public Libraries) or Ann Kaskinen (K12 Libraries) through the MeL Engagement/Training Request Form to schedule a session.
Support for the Michigan eLibrary program is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan, part of the Michigan Department of Education.
