Two new libraries, Gary Byker Memorial Library and Croton Township Library, joined MeLCat in June, bringing the total number of MeLCat libraries to 414! Earlier this year, eight additional libraries joined MeLCat: Beal City Public Schools, Glen Lake Community Library, Houghton Portage Township Schools, Independence Township Library Mattawan School Libraries, Pentwater Township Library, Shelby Area …Read more »

On October 1, 2011, some of the current MeL Databases subscriptions will expire. MCLS is offering group subscriptions to Michigan libraries for some of the expiring databases. To assist our member libraries in making decisions about the group subscriptions, we have posted information on two web pages: Important News on New MeL Databases FirstSearch WorldCat …Read more »

MCLS Retains LTC to Develop Open-Source NCIP Component for Evergreen Lansing, MI – July 18, 2011. MCLS is thrilled to announce that we have entered into a contract with Library Technology Consultants (LTC) to develop an Evergreen NCIP responder to work with MeLCat, Michigan’s popular statewide multitype resource-sharing system.  The proposed programming will streamline resource …Read more »

The Midwest CONTENTdm Users Group Meeting will be held at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, on October 14-15, 2011.  The Call for Proposals deadline is August 15, 2011. Updated information will be posted on Ball State’s CONTENTdm Users Group web page.

MCLS Member Representatives approved two ballot issues at the special Membership Meeting on July 15, 2011. Issue 1:  By-laws Amendments Amend Article IV, Section 4.01(C). Strike “Indiana State Librarian (Ex-officio & voting). Insert “Optional Seat (Voting)”. Renumber Article IV, Section 4.01. Amend Article IV, Section 4.02(B). Replace current language with “The Optional Seat may be …Read more »

In response to the Library of Michigan’s announcement that EBSCO databases will no longer be part of MeL Databases, MCLS is working to put together a group subscription for NoveList.  If you are interested in joining the group subscription to NoveList, please contact MCLS at services@mcls.org.

In response to the Library of Michigan’s announcement that OCLC FirstSearch will no longer be part of MeL Databases, MCLS is working to put together group subscriptions for WorldCat and the Base Package.  OCLC is presenting a webinar (July 19; repeated on July 26) to answer Michigan libraries’ questions about WorldCat and Base Package databases. …Read more »

The “Planning the Future of Indiana Public Libraries Conference” is on August 9. This conference is especially for directors, trustees, management and reference librarians. It is co-hosted by the ILF, IPLA, and MCLS. Cathy DeRosa of OCLC will begin with a presentation, followed by break-out sessions to tackle concepts gleaned from Ms. DeRosa’s presentation. Experienced …Read more »

The July 2011 issue of MCLS News is now available online. See this issue for information on MCLS Board nominations, the July 15 membership meeting, RIDES, MeL, MCLS special programs and upcoming training, group purchasing offers, Michigan Evergreen, and more. For links to back issues of MCLS News and to subscribe or unsubscribe from MCLS …Read more »

There is still time for Member Representatives to register for the MCLS Membership Meeting scheduled for July 15, 2011, 10:00a.m.-12noon Eastern.  If you are the designated MCLS Member Rep for your library, please register at: http://www.mcls.org/surveys/index.php?sid=34364&lang=en MCLS is hosting this special membership meeting via teleconference for Member Representatives to vote on two issues: (1) revising …Read more »