Page last updated Wednesday, July 29, at 12:55pm. During the current global coronavirus pandemic, MCLS is open and as responsive and supportive as possible through any restrictions your library may face. At the same time, we are also being as conscientious as possible about not putting our staff or others at risk for virus transmission. …Read more »

In our November/December newsletter, I provided a few data from our 2019 engagement survey designed to create a baseline understanding for our Board of Directors about member libraries’ awareness and usage of MCLS’s services. This month, I’ll present more data (and you may also view the full report). Our Board plans to engage with you …Read more »

MCLS will again be offering, in partnership with the Library of Michigan, several training sessions on developing essential skills for library staff to facilitate effective conversations and meetings. These skills can be used in a variety of settings including staff and work meetings, strategic planning sessions, one-on-one interactions with library patrons, library sponsored community conversations, …Read more »

MCLS was saddened to learn of the passing earlier this month of former Michigan Library Consortium Interim Executive Director Julie Herrin Laliberte. Julie assumed the role of Interim Executive Director after then-Executive Director Kevin Flaherty was unable to continue due to illness. Former MCLS Associate Director Ruth Dukelow recalls that, “Julie was an innovative force …Read more »

February 15, 2020 marks the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services’ (MCLS) tenth anniversary as an organization. To mark this month’s anniversary, I’ll cover some of the many changes that have happened since the Indiana Cooperative Library Service Authority (INCOLSA) and the Michigan Library Consortium (MLC) came together to form the organization we know today as …Read more »

We are excited to announce that Lissa Krull is the new MCLS Library Strategist. Lissa most recently worked as the Director of the Nappanee Public Library in Nappanee, Indiana. In addition to her experience as a successful library director, Lissa brings experience in consulting, strategic planning, and trustee training through her past work at the …Read more »

First started in 2011, the Michigan Shared Print Initiative (MI-SPI) entered a new phase in the fall of 2019 as 14 academic libraries across Michigan committed to participate in an updated shared print endeavor. Known as MI-SPI 2.0, the project involves the analysis of collection data from participating libraries using the GreenGlass (OCLC) software. GreenGlass …Read more »

I hope this finds you well in this new year, 2020. For this month, I’ll briefly highlight some things we’re working on at MCLS that will be coming soon. I’ve included some links below, for those who would like to learn more about these initiatives. Stay tuned for more information at our website. Creating one …Read more »

MCLS is pleased to announce a new series of in-person workshops designed for supervisors. These workshops are a continuation of MCLS’s efforts to meet the needs of library staff. The workshops range from four to six hours, and lunch will be included. Learning to Manage for New Managers, Feb 27, 9:30am – 2:30pm Eastern, Lebanon …Read more »

Do you wish that your library had a learning plan in place for staff around technology and digital skills, but you are not sure where to start or how to organize it? Then this workshop is for you! Developing a Digital Learning Plan is essential in empowering staff to develop digital literacy skills. In this …Read more »