It’s no secret that libraries everywhere are making difficult choices due to the current economy.  Newer programs, like virtual reference, are often the first to face the chopping block.  Making the case for funding virtual reference might be easier than you think. Susan McGlamery works with libraries on a regular basis as they secure funding …Read more »

Join OCLC for this free 3-hour interactive workshop examining the impact of the Web on our rapidly changing information landscape. The quick-fire session will share highlights from OCLC’s research (including Libraries at Webscale and Perceptions of Libraries) on today’s increasingly empowered information consumer and present ideas from technology and business thought leaders. OCLC will explore …Read more »

The April issue of MCLS News is now available online. Take a look for information about our upcoming Black Belt Librarian special program, plus important OCLC billing changes, special offers for online databases, the latest on our new RIDES task force, and more. For links to back issues of MCLS News and to subscribe or …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 »

If your library is billed for OCLC services through MCLS, this affects you. Starting with July 2012 OCLC usage, your billing and account management for OCLC services will transition from MCLS to OCLC. Your final invoice from MCLS will be for June 2012 activity and will arrive in July. The following month, your bills will …Read more »

Associate Director Ruth Dukelow shared stories and happy memories with a large number of friends and colleagues at Thursday’s farewell open house. Though we are sad to see her go, we couldn’t be happier with the myriad ways Ruth has helped Michigan and Indiana libraries during her career here. Ruth will soon take the lead …Read more »

The March issue of MCLS News is now available online.  See the March issue for information on upcoming special programs and workshops and updates on group purchasing, NCIP for Evergreen, and more. For links to back issues of MCLS News and to subscribe or unsubscribe from MCLS News email list, see our MCLS News page.

In July 2011, MCLS began working with an independent software developer, Library Technology Consultants, to create an NCIP responder for the Michigan Evergreen system. This development is designed to provide several benefits to MeLCat libraries using Evergreen. The LTC team has successfully implemented patron authentication via NCIP. Once moved to the production server, patron authentication …Read more »

The Shared Monographic Print Storage Pilot Project continues with seven academic libraries. Currently, retention and de-selection title lists are being generated for each library by Sustainable Collection Services (SCS). The lists will be delivered to participating libraries within one to two weeks. Discussions are ongoing, and focus on developing requirements and guidelines to collectively preserve …Read more »