Blog Feed

Insights from Executive Director Scott Garrison

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:38 EDT

This month, I’m sharing some data from our first annual member survey conducted this spring with the Indiana University Center for Survey Research (IUCSR). Our goal was simple: find out how well we’re delivering on the four key strategic priorities in our current strategic plan so we can use that feedback to help guide where we put our time and resources. Our key strategic priorities are Engagement and Collaboration, Invest …Read more »

Vendor Spotlight: see what’s new from the American Chemical Society

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:32 EDT

ACS Publications, a division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a leading provider of peer-reviewed journals, eBooks, and scientific content in chemistry and related fields, supporting researchers and advancing scientific knowledge. MCLS partners with ACS Publications to offer both subscription and one-time purchase resources that meet the needs of researchers. New in FY27, ACS …Read more »

Indiana Libraries: request a Data Axle vendor visit

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:59:58 EDT

Data Axle is an industry leader in business and consumer information. Reference Solutions, founded as ReferenceUSA in 1992, is an online tool to give library patrons and business owners access to data on over 17 million businesses and 320 million consumers. Ryan Atkins, Account Executive with Data Axle Reference Solutions will be visiting Indiana libraries …Read more »

MDPN Coordinator interviewed for international preservation publication

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:50:26 EDT

Last month, Michigan Digital Preservation Network (MDPN) Coordinator Dr. Chelsea Denault was invited by CLOCKSS Executive Director Alice Wise to share insights and reflections on the development of the MDPN to mark the Network’s release of the Statewide and Regional LOCKSS 2.0 Digital Preservation Network Implementation Toolkit. The Toolkit serves as the primary deliverable for the MDPN’s recent …Read more »

Coming soon: a new way to pay your MCLS invoice

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:49:50 EDT

This Fall, MCLS will begin rolling out a new online payment option through Bank of America’s Commerce Payment Portal, giving libraries a faster, more flexible way to pay their invoices. The new system will allow libraries to make credit card payments with no spending limits, removing the current $1,000 cap. Credit card payments will include …Read more »

You’re invited to the Journal Package Meetings

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:45:02 EDT

Several MCLS journal agreements end on Dec. 31, 2026, so we are working to negotiate new multi-year agreements. We invite you to join us for virtual meetings with the publishers who will present information about the journal packages and subscription models, which will begin in Jan. 2027. Each meeting will be recorded and includes time …Read more »

Register for the 2026 MI OER Conference

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:40:55 EDT

Registration is now open for the 2026 MI OER Conference, OER for the Long Haul: Building Sustainable Programs to be held at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. Registration is $30 and includes breakfast, snack breaks, and lunch; onsite parking is free. The keynote speaker for the 2026 …Read more »

Member Spotlight: the William Atkinson Library at Jackson College meets students where they are

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:40:52 EDT

by MCLS Engagement Strategist Laura Warren-Gross If you have not visited an academic library recently, you are missing out. They serve students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community. I visited library director Jen Fiero at the William Atkinson Library at Jackson College and was treated to a tour of the remodeled facility that offers a …Read more »

New member year, new members!

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:35:05 EDT

MCLS recently welcomed the following new libraries to our member community! Cedar Springs Public Library (MI) Center Line Public Library (MI) Manistique School and Public Library (MI) Thompson Home Public Library (MI) MCLS membership is exclusive to Indiana and Michigan libraries of any type and size. Learn more about the benefits of joining MCLS, a strong …Read more »

2026 Members Annual Event: Oct. 9, 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:49 EDT

Join MCLS for a day of hands-on learning and collaboration at the 2026 Members Annual Event! Event Details Presenters: Kate McDowell (keynote) and Thom Fladung (workshop) Date: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 Attendance options: In-person – full program: 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Virtual – opening remarks & keynote address: 9:45 – 11:30 a.m. Eastern Location: St. Joseph …Read more »

Insights from Executive Director Scott Garrison – July 2026

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:46 EDT

As usual, it’s a very busy time at MCLS as we close one fiscal year (FY) and begin another. Here are some updates about what’s happening as we move from FY2026 to FY2027. The MCLS Board of Directors met on May 15 at MCLS’s Lansing office. They discussed topics including our FY2027 operating budget and …Read more »

Snag discounts on Science Direct eBooks from Elsevier

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 08:00:05 EDT

We’re pleased to partner with Elsevier to support collection development needs and achieve savings on Science Direct eBooks, Reference Works, and eTextbooks. See here for more information about volume discounts, as well as subject collection and title lists. Are you interested in an evidence-based acquisitions model? Elsevier also offers their EBS (Evidence-Based Selection) program. How it works The library receives access …Read more »

ACM is offering eBooks discount to ACM Open subscribers

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:59:16 EDT

If your library subscribes to the ACM Open journals through MCLS, and/or is part of the ACM Open journals funding model on your own, you qualify for a 25% discount on perpetual access eBook collections. While most ACM content has moved to an open access model, books are an exception and must be purchased. ACM Books cover a …Read more »

In case you missed it: MLA Handbook webinar recording is now available

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:57:11 EDT

MCLS is exploring a partnership with MLA Handbook. If you had hoped to attend the webinar on June 4, but missed it, you can access the recording here. Modern Language Association representatives provided information about MLA Handbook Plus, a repository for not only the full text of the MLA Handbook but also companion guides and video courses from the …Read more »

How to get MeLCat and RIDES help

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:55:12 EDT

Just a reminder to all MeLCat participants that if you need help, email melcathelp@mcls.org and include your agency code in the subject line. Some examples of MeLCat questions include: If you have an item on a MeLCat report that needs clearing If your patron cannot request something on MeLCat You need to update your MeLCat contact information You need assistance processing a MeLCat item Complete the RIDES …Read more »