This month, I’ll highlight just a few of the many things the MCLS staff are working on as we settle into summer 2023. If one or more of these initiatives strike a chord with you, let me know at garrisons@mcls.org.

1. We appreciated engaging with 58 library staff across Indiana and Michigan for our Community Conversations in February. Our Community Engagement Report is available now, and we will consider what we’ve heard as part of our upcoming strategic planning process. As usual, these conversations yielded a lot of food for thought, including some themes and topics we’ve heard in other recent conversations with libraries (some of which have become more heightened or taken a different shape given the recent pandemic, current political polarization, and other dynamics happening in the library field). The report’s Community Narrative includes the following Public Knowledge Summary:

The MCLS Community aspires to be open and inclusive; to build collaboration and relationships and share knowledge freely to remain relevant to our communities; to promote professional integrity with plenty of opportunities for professional development; and to create thoughtful, future-thinking strategies that support all staff in all types of libraries.

To me, this summary is what MCLS is all about, and where we’re headed.

2. The MCLS Board of Directors nomination process for 2024-2026 is open through July 21 for three Michigan seats (At-Large Library Representative, Research Library Representative, and School Library Representative). Consider nominating yourself or sharing the nomination form with a colleague. Speaking from my own experience, serving on the MCLS Board of Directors is a singular professional experience. If you have questions about our Board, please feel free to ask a current Board member.

3. TALK:Text and Learn for Kindergarten is transitioning from an IMLS-supported project to an MCLS subscription-based service starting this fall. Libraries that currently use TALK can learn more about the transition, including current development, pricing, and more at two information meetings we’re hosting via Zoom on July 13 at 11am Eastern and July 19 at 2pm Eastern. Check your inbox for the meeting agenda and registration links we sent on June 30. If you did not receive this email, please contact talkhelp@mcls.org.

4. We’ll begin an MCLS website redesign in coming months. I encourage you to watch the MCLS website and our newsletter for ways to get involved in helping us craft a new website.

I hope your summer is off to a great start and will include some time to relax and recharge. As always, if you have questions or comments, let me know at garrisons@mcls.org.