Contents:  Executive Director  |  News  |  Training  |  Special Offers  |  Vendor Spotlight  |  MeL  

Notes from Executive Director Scott Garrison

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 societies, and stewards of Michigan’s cultural memory. We’re very proud of MDPN’s growing recognition as a leader in digital preservation and are thankful for the Library of Michigan’s and the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) support for MDPN’s work to establish a digital preservation network for Michigan. To learn more about digital preservation, the Digital Preservation Coalition has a helpful beginner’s guide.

News

Join us for our next Virtual Dialogue this month

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 will talk about how to determine and frame success and how to celebrate once we’ve achieved that success.

MCLS Virtual Dialogues aren’t your traditional webinar or online workshop experience. Instead, the MCLS team facilitates an engaging and supportive space where library workers from different experience levels and library types discuss the topic through guided questions that encourage participants to build on their strengths and find new ways of thinking about issues. We believe the answers are in the room, and we find that participants walk away feeling connected, inspired, and rejuvenated.  

We hope to see you on Sept. 14! 

MCLS selected to provide consulting services by both Indiana and Michigan libraries

We are pleased to announce that both Dowagiac District Library (MI) and Morgan County Public Library (IN) have hired MCLS to facilitate professional development staff day sessions. Additionally, the Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation (UPRLC) (MI) has contracted with us to facilitate a professional development workshop during the early bird session of their Annual Conference this fall. We look forward to spending time with so many library staff members soon!

Are you looking for library-specific consultants, presenters, or facilitators? MCLS can help!
Visit our Consulting Services webpage to read more or contact us here to request a quote.

Accessing your MCLS account

To access your MCLS account online, you can log in or retrieve your login information here. Once logged in, you will be able to view library account information and provide contact updates if needed.

For database subscription renewals, please continue to use ConsortiaManager.

If you have questions, please contact Gwen at membership@mcls.org or 517-939-1388.

MCLS Agreements group meets Sept. 21

The newly-revived MCLS Agreements group will hold its first meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Eastern (10 a.m. Central).

Through the Agreements Group, the MCLS Group Purchasing department seeks to hear from library members of all types about their needs and interests related to license agreements. During this initial session, participants will discuss the group’s purpose and develop a charter, outlining the group’s vision and scope.

Register now for MI OER Mini-Conference: Gather, Network, Learn

Join the MI OER Network on Oct. 6, 2023 at Wayne State University for an opportunity to connect with other P-12 and higher education educators to learn more about OER. This one day, in-person mini-conference aims to bring together OER advocates, users, and policy makers to dive into timely topics, network, and learn from one another. We will discuss topics such as AI, course markings, and other current, notable projects taking place in Michigan. 

Limited to the first 100 people, registration is $50 and includes both a continental breakfast and lunch. 

MCLS supports MI OER by serving as the organization's fiscal agent and holding a seat on the committee.

Training

Visit the MCLS Store for the full summer/fall 2023 semester of training workshops. Questions? Contact Gwen at training@mcls.org or 517-220-9950.

The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

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.

Special offers

The MCLS website has a full list of vendor partners and a searchable product list. 

Discounts on SAGE resources designed to enhance student learning this fall

MCLS and Sage are pleased to announce fall savings on key student learning products. Support students in their academic journey with Sage Research Methods. This tool helps students conduct effective social science research by providing step-by-step research guidance and equipping them to make maximum impact. Sage Skills empowers students for success in college and the work world. The Student Success product focuses on core learning skills like academic writing, critical thinking, information literacy, intercultural awareness, and study strategies. The Business Skills component looks at the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in the work environment.

Individual product and bundle discounts are available. See the flyer for more information and deadlines.Contact Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382.

MCLS announces a new partnership with the Directory of Open Access Journals

Through its partnership with MCLS, DOAJ offers libraries the opportunity to participate as either a basic or a sustaining supporter at discounted rates. Benefits of becoming a supporter include helping to secure a key part of the infrastructure for diverse and inclusive scholarly communication and keeping it library-aligned. With access to DOAJ’s logo and having your institution listed on DOAJ’s website alongside all other supporters worldwide, you show students, researchers, and faculty that you take a stand for their interests.

Morningstar is becoming Investing Center this September

Morningstar offers independent investment research your patrons can trust. One of the industry’s broadest securities databases, along with portfolio tracking and reporting capabilities and up-to-date financial news and insights, Morningstar is a powerful resource. To support your patrons’ investing skills, Morningstar offers more than 100 virtual educational courses on topics like understanding companies, funds, bonds, and building a portfolio.

Morningstar Investment Research Center is moving forward with a new name, the Investing Center! The Investing Center will continue to provide Morningstar’s top investment research in a modern interface with new financial tools and an expanded investment universe. The new platform will be rolling out starting Sept. 7, 2023.

Subscribing members will receive an email with the necessary details for a smooth transition. If you are interested in learning more about Investing Center or would like a quote, please contact MCLS Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or 517-939-1382.

Gale in Context offers supplemental resources for K-12 schools

Gale’s K-12 mission is to help students succeed in school and in life by connecting them to the curriculum-aligned digital content they need to become lifelong learners. Through an integral pairing of research and technology, Gale helps schools bridge the digital gap between the library, classroom, and home with trusted, accessible library and classroom resources.

With content for elementary, middle, and high school students, the Gale in Context (GIC) suite of databases uses eye-catching topic overview pages to bring together nonfiction materials in all digital formats. Users can read and/or watch to get the facts they need through GIC's articles, videos, charts, images, infographics, and more. 

If you are interested in learning more about Gale's resources for your student users or would like a quote, please contact MCLS Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or call 517-939-1382.

Demco offers supply and services discounts through MCLS

As a new school year begins, it is a good time to stock up on supplies. MCLS partners with a variety of vendors to provide libraries with product discounts. Through the MCLS partnership with Demco, you can fill your library's office and technology supply needs along with learning materials, furniture, and equipment.

Learn more on MCLS's Demco vendor page. For the discount code, reach out to MCLS Group Purchasing at services@mcls.org or call 517-939-1382.

MeLCat welcomes two new libraries!

MCLS staff has spent the last few months working with staff from two new libraries to get them up and running on MeLCat. We are pleased to announce that they went live in August!

• North Central Michigan College
• St. Clair County Community College

Is your library interested in joining MeLCat? Applications to join are always welcome, and you can find more information on our website.

Welcome back to our MeLCat libraries

MeLCat welcomes back all of the schools that suspended MeLCat participation for the summer. Make sure to check the MeLCat Participating Libraries list for the most current status.

The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.