We are pleased to announce that Butler University Libraries in Indianapolis, IN has selected Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide consulting services for strategic planning this spring. Our Engagement, Consulting, & Training staff will also be facilitating professional development days for the staff of Manistee County Library (MI), David L. Rice Library at University of Southern Indiana (IN), and …Read more »

Gather with fellow librarians and library workers at the next MCLS Virtual Dialogue on Thursday, May 11 from 10:30am-noon Eastern (9:30-11am Central). Come share and learn from each other as we discuss big-picture thinking and its role in cultivating a growth mindset. Our Virtual Dialogues aren’t webinars or workshops; instead, they are opportunities for library staff …Read more »

Join library colleagues for this year’s virtual Spring eResources Meeting for academic and medical libraries** featuring visits by vendors and a dialogue among members. The Friday, May 5, 9am-1pm Eastern (8am-noon Central) academic/medical meeting includes a discussion with Clarivate representatives about the Web of Science renewal as well as a conversation with SpringerNature representatives about …Read more »

I’m taking a pause this month to share that we at MCLS continue to hear loud and clear how hard things are for many in libraries across our region, and that we’re here to help however we can. Book challenges and other intellectual freedom issues, enrollment declines and other things driving budget problems, staff and …Read more »

If your staff development plan includes in-service days, MCLS can bring half-day or full-day training to you. Our customized staff day trainings apply to staff at multiple levels of the organization. We currently offer the following training and facilitation topics: Community Engagement Identifying Excellent Customer Service Through Facilitated Staff Discussion Critical Thinking Skills Emotional Intelligence …Read more »

Gather with staff of Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, librarians, and library workers from around Indiana and Michigan for our next Virtual Dialogue on Thursday, May 11 from 10:30am-noon Eastern (9:30-11am Central). Come learn and share with us as we discuss big-picture thinking and how it relates to a growth mindset. Registration is open now …Read more »

MCLS is sending out a membership renewal email reminder to key contacts (directors, billing contacts, and primary contacts) in early May for schools and early June for all other libraries. This email offers an opportunity to respond with any changes to your membership and to provide updated contact information ahead of our July 1 renewal date. Invoices …Read more »

Susan’s first day with MCLS was Feb. 27. Having most recently worked at Rolling Prairie Elementary School (IN) following 15 years in various roles at La Porte County Public Library (IN), Susan brings both a strong understanding of K-12 and public library eResource needs and a commitment to innovative service in support of library users. In …Read more »

This month, I’ll reflect on Dr. Emily Knox’s thought-provoking Feb. 7 lecture on intellectual freedom, book banning, and more that MCLS co-sponsored with Western Michigan University (WMU). Dr. Knox’s books include Book Banning In 21st Century America and Foundations of Intellectual Freedom. Her events drew a wide audience of academic, public, and school librarians and …Read more »

Did you know our Essential Workplace Skills on-demand tutorials are FREE to all staff of MCLS member libraries? That is a $720 value, per person! There is no limit to the number of staff from your library who can participate. We have already had 294 registrations for the on-demand tutorials since rolling them out in …Read more »