Many academic libraries are struggling with two separate yet related problems: continuing the transition from print to digital and handling legacy print collections that receive less and less use. As more and more resources are available electronically and contention for space in the library is increasing, academic libraries no longer have the luxury to retain …Read more »

See the full August edition If you aren’t already on our email newsletter list, click here to sign up Products & Services LibraryAware – an awesome new tool for promoting your library. Sign up for a guided, online demo! Special offer from Wiley-Blackwell, just for community colleges Webinars to learn about ProQuest Statistical Abstract, the …Read more »

The July edition is out. Some highlights include: •  Lower minimum order quantities on 3M RFID tags •  Plunkett and MarketLine business databases •  Free MeL Database classes focused on kids’ information needs •  MeLCat Reports webinar, as well as MeLCat Do-It-Yourself Data Analysis •  July–December 2012 training calendar, featuring our 6-part eBooks and Libraries series •  New group rate for …Read more »

The MCLS Nominating & Leadership Development Committee seeks nominations from the membership for the following openings on the MCLS Board of Directors: Public Library Representative (Michigan) Research Library Representative (Indiana) School Library Representative (Indiana) At-Large Library Representative (Michigan) At-Large Library Representative (Indiana) Deadline for submission of names is 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2012. For …Read more »

The OCLC Research report Seeking Synchronicity found that one of the biggest obstacles to a successful virtual reference service was getting users to simply know the service existed.  Virtual customer service has become increasingly familiar for commercial business however odds are that most users won’t even know what “Ask a Librarian” means. Many users of …Read more »

MCLS extends its best wishes to Anne Donohue as she departs to take on her next adventure. Anne joined then-MLC in 2001 as OCLC Network Support Librarian and went on to perform a number of sales and service roles. In her most recent position as MeL Catalog Librarian, Anne assisted with planning for new MeL …Read more »

The May edition of MCLS News is now available online. Take a look and see how classic March of Time newsreels are coming back to life as streaming video. See details on Project MUSE’s latest academic ebook collections. Also get an update on MeLCat’s NCIP progress, learn about new workshops, and more. For back issues …Read more »

Branch District Library in Coldwater, MI has announced its selection of MCLS’ Evette Atkin as its new Director. A graduate of Wayne State University’s Library and Information Science program, Evette joined MCLS in 2004 as Network Librarian and Training Consultant. Since then, Evette has taken on many educational and technical roles leading to her current …Read more »

The statistics are sobering: 57 percent of librarians are more than 45 years old, which is 75 percent higher than comparable professions. Almost half of librarians working today could retire in the next five years. In short, librarianship may be facing a severe personnel shortage at all levels in our libraries. Not only that, but …Read more »

Results are in for the MCLS Board of Directors’ recent survey of member libraries. More than 300 member institutions were asked for their input on a range of issues affecting libraries in Indiana and Michigan. Next, the compiled feedback will be used by the Board to help in developing strategic plans for MCLS in the …Read more »