by Randy Riley
One of my favorite things about
events like the American Library Association's (ALA) recent annual conference is that it provides me with an
opportunity to brag about the great libraries found in Michigan. I admit I am
biased, but our state is truly blessed with some of the best and most
innovative libraries in the country. The State Librarian’s Excellence Award
(SLEA) is just a small vehicle that helps the Library of Michigan (LM) to officially
recognize great library service in Michigan.
The LM and the Library
of Michigan Foundation are pleased to announce that nominations for the 2017
State Librarian’s Excellence Award are now being accepted. SLEA recognizes a Michigan library that best
exemplifies excellence in customer service. The selection panel consists of the
state librarian, the director from the winning library from the previous year
and a representative from a public, school, academic and special library. A $2,000 cash prize made possible by the Roger and June B. Mendel Fund is awarded
to the winning library. Also, two $1,000 Citations of Excellence made possible by
a donation from Martin L. Gibbs in memory of his wife Carole Sorenson and by
the Library of Michigan Foundation in honor of past Executive Director Carolyn
“Sparky” Mowery are handed out to three worthy libraries. All three recognized
libraries will receive a handsome trophy for public display and bragging rights
for the next year.
Please take a few moments to
nominate your library or your favorite library for this year’s award! The
criteria are described on the nomination form.
The deadline for nominations is August 18, 2017. Winners will be celebrated at
the State Librarian’s Luncheon during the 2017 Michigan Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference in Lansing. Library
directors, trustees, library users, or administrators can all nominate a
library for the SLEA. If after reviewing the full criteria, you have questions
or want additional information, please contact the Library of Michigan
Foundation office at (517) 373-1297.
|
by Mitch Shapiro
Over the years, public libraries have carved out a vital role
in bridging the nation’s “digital divides” by providing free in-library Internet
access. For example, according to a 2015 Pew
study, 31% of library users with household income below $30,000 used
library-provided connections to access the Internet.
This year, nine
U.S. library systems, a third of them in Michigan, will be exploring new ways
for libraries to extend this role more deeply into their communities.
The three Michigan projects, undertaken by Lansing’s Capital
Area District Libraries, Otsego County Library, and the UP’s Superiorland
Library Cooperative, are part of a Gigabit Libraries Network initiative
appropriately entitled “Beyond
the Walls.” All nine projects will use unlicensed spectrum known as “TV White Space” (TVWS) to
extend free Internet access and library online services to Wi-Fi hotspots at
undeserved locations, including parks, community centers and township halls. Some
will also work with local public safety officials to explore how TVWS can
support disaster response.
TVWS consists of television channels left unused to avoid
interference between stations operating in the same or adjacent markets. In
recent years, as technology has improved and demand for spectrum has increased,
the FCC has decided to allow unlicensed use of some “white space” channels as
long as this use doesn’t interfere with broadcast signals.
One important characteristic of TVWS is that it tends to be
most plentiful in smaller and more rural communities, which also happen to be
where the need for improved broadband connectivity is most acute. Another is
that, compared to other spectrum bands, TVWS does a better job penetrating
through obstacles, which makes it especially well-suited to reach remote
locations in Michigan’s tree-filled environment. And the equipment is
increasingly affordable, relatively easy to deploy, and less dependent on very
tall and often expensive antenna installations.
The three Michigan projects are supported by Library
Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provided through the LM, and by financial and technical support from Microsoft, which has been
a leader in exploring socially beneficial uses of TVWS spectrum through its Affordable
Access initiative.
With lots of TVWS spectrum
available to improve connectivity in its most rural and hard-to-reach areas,
and three of its members stepping up to explore how TVWS can help extend library
online services “beyond the walls,” Michigan’s library community is poised to
play an important role in bridging the state’s remaining digital divides.
|
by Emily Ketchum Campbell, Resource Sharing and Assessment Librarian, University of Michigan Libraries
After many years
and a lot of work the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Library joined MeLCat as
a lending partner on May 15, 2017. We
are very happy to have this opportunity to share our books with our fellow
Michigan libraries. We have added around 5 million volumes to the MeLCat
catalog and are already seeing material flying off the shelves to libraries
around the state. Our collections are particularly strong in International
Studies and we have over 400 languages represented.
For over 150 years
the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Library has been collecting material from
around the state and the world and we have built one of the finest and most
comprehensive collections of any academic research library. We were one of the
first libraries to work with Google and our digitized material became the core
of the HathiTrust Library. The library is an international resource in support
of virtually all fields of scholarly endeavor and now much of the print
collection is available to Michigan via MeLCat! We are thrilled
to see our collections used in new and exciting ways by Michiganders. You can read more about our collections and
our fields of specialty.
As we
settle into being lending partners and the increased workflow that it brings,
we will look at taking advantage of the other services that MeLCat offers.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible at MCLS and the University of
Michigan-Ann Arbor Library!
If you have any questions about our collections or our
participation in MeLCat please contact Emily Campbell at ekflanag@umich.edu.
|
by Gail Madziar, Executive Director, Michigan Library Association
Recently the MLA Board of Directors launched
informal Interest Groups to foster member engagement and provide an additional
opportunity for both online and in-person connections. MLA Interest Groups
connect members with mutual goals and interests, providing a platform to
network and participate in knowledge and resource sharing among peers. These
groups are member driven and can be structured in a variety of ways to
accommodate the communication styles and availability of the participants. By
participating in an Interest Group, MLA members can:
- explore networking opportunities with colleagues
- engage with others to discuss problems and find
solutions
- keep current on trending topics
- share resources and materials with
colleagues
- develop leadership skills
- create knowledge resources
- lead MLA into the future.
Interest groups can be established by a volunteer
coordinator who submits the MLA
New Interest Group Application form to MLA@milibraries.org.with
a topic description and the names of 10 or more individuals with a common
interest within the scope of MLA
Interest Group Procedures.
To join a current MLA Interest Group, a member visits the MLA website and
selects the name of the interest group and submits a request. Currently the Youth
Services group is active and is designed to share ideas and focus on
issues that are directly affecting Youth Services Librarians in Michigan.
Members have indicated an interest in additional groups and are currently
collecting member names to build their group. Some potential groups currently in
process are:
-
Academic
Libraries: To discuss items of interest relevant and useful to those
working in academic libraries. To promote the role and work of libraries on
college and university campuses. To offer professional development
opportunities and support to professional and support staff.
-
Intellectual
Freedom: To educate library staff throughout Michigan and the
communities they serve about intellectual freedom issues, and the role of the
library in protecting, defending and advocating for intellectual freedom.
-
Library
Administration: To discuss topics of concern to current and future
library directors including best practices, community engagement and advocacy.
This group will encourage the sharing of ideas and help engage upcoming library
leaders.
-
Public
Programming: To create a space for librarians and library staff who
provide public programming to share ideas, keep up with new trends, and
strategize innovative program planning and community partnerships.
-
Rural
Libraries: To create a space for rural libraries to discuss topics of
interest and focus on issues that directly affect these libraries.
If you are ready to establish a new interest group start here.
|
by Karren Reish, Library Consultant, LM
Kathy Lester, the School Library Media Specialist at East
Middle School, is an outstanding proponent of quality school library programs
in Michigan. She recently requalified East Middle School as an Exemplary
library in the LM School Library 21st Century (SL
21) benchmarks program. She actively collaborates with teaching colleagues in
her building and district and is dedicated to educating professional colleagues
across the state about the impact that a quality school library program can
have on students. When the LM began reviewing nominations for
the 2017-2018 Model School Library program, Kathy’s application stood out. Her
passion for her profession and her students is exemplary, and has led her to
develop a school library program that truly achieves for East Middle School.
Kathy comments on the teaching about the role of technology
in the library program. “At East Middle School, it is important to me that
students use technology ethically to enhance their learning and to create,
communicate, and collaborate while using critical thinking. I enjoy
working with teachers and students on a wide variety of projects such as creating
digital videos or evaluating websites for research or using high quality
resources such as Michigan eLibrary (MeL).”
East Middle School is part of the Plymouth-Canton Community
Schools in northwest Wayne County. The school library won the Model SL 21 honor
for collaborative teaching efforts, creative use of technology from one to one
program support to Maker groups, and professional outreach at the community and
state level. Kathy Lester and school principal Scott Burek are to be commended
for their efforts to provide excellent support for their students through the
school library program.
Those interested in the SL 21 program and the annual
selection of the Model SL 21 library can go to www.michigan.gov/sl21 for more
information. The program and benchmarks recognize high-quality schools and
library media specialists and promote the development of similar initiatives in
other schools. East Middle School Library holds Exemplary status in the SL 21
program through July 2019. Its designation as Michigan’s Model 21st School
Library is for the 2017-2018 school year.
East Middle School Library staff are available
for consultation with and visits from other educators who want to learn more
about the successful program. Interested persons may contact Kathy Lester at katherine.lester@pccsk12.com or
Karren Reish at reishk@michigan.gov.
|
by Brigette Felix, Shared System Librarian, the Library Network
May
24 marks the 10-year-anniversary of the Michigan Activity Pass
(MAP) program.
Beginning
May 24, 2017 through May 23, 2018, public library cardholders can print a pass
for free or discounted access, either at home or at their local library. It can be used at 435 participating destinations.
The destinations are a wide ranging mix of: cultural institutions, state
parks, recreation areas, historic sites and campgrounds across the state. This year, nine new destinations have been
added to the program’s already inclusive list of institutions and parks across
the state.
Patrons
can check out one pass every seven days with their library card. Once you reserve and print out a MAP pass,
you have seven days to use it.
The
program is administered by The Library Network (TLN). TLN is proud to say it has actively supported
the program since the beginning. In 2009
TLN took over administration of the program and changed its name from the Museum Adventure Pass to the Michigan Activity Pass. Under TLN’s guidance the program went
statewide in 2013.
“The Library Network is pleased to continue support for
the highly popular Michigan Activity Pass. From humble beginnings in southeast
Michigan, featuring a partnership with 30 museums and cultural institutions,
the program, with its destination partner, the Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, now features 435 sites statewide,” said Library Network Executive
Director Jim Pletz. “With all 11 Michigan Library Cooperatives participating as
contact points with more than 367 public libraries across the state, library
patrons are empowered to visit these sites. Last year, the Michigan Activity
Pass program returned $50,000 in value to over 10,000 patrons who used their
library card to secure admission to a featured site."
For more information on MAP
including brochures of participating institutions, directions on how to reserve
a pass and more visit: http://michiganactivitypass.info
The direct link on how to reserve
a pass is: http://tln.lib.mi.us/map/files/MAP-HOWTO.pdf
Celebrate MAP’s anniversary by
checking out a MAP pass to explore the great state of Michigan!
|
by Denise Hooks, Director, Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative
Library safety and security have always been at the
forefront of customer service goals in libraries. With shifting library patron demographics,
service populations, and other daily challenges, libraries must continue to provide
a safe environment and also a welcoming presence for patrons and library staff of
all ages, ethnicity, gender, and religion.
Recognizing a need for information sharing, implementing new strategies
for accomplishing our objectives, and reaching a greater understanding of the
library’s expanded role in our individual communities are topics that must be explored as plans developed for the future success of our libraries.
The Collaborating Partners – Michigan
Cooperative Directors Association, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services,
LM, Michigan Library Association, and Michigan Academic
Library Association – have scheduled two fall workshops for the library
community with a focus on those issues.
The first day in Gaylord is at the University Center on September 6,
2017 and features Dr. Steve Albrecht, author and security expert, who will speak
on "Library Security: A Safer
Place." The second day workshop is at
the Dearborn Public Library on September 7, 2017 and includes three speakers
who will present on safety, empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Albrecht is again the keynote speaker;
Jodie Layne, founder/director of Safer Spaces Winnipeg, and Eva Davis, director
of the Canton Public Library, with join Dr. Albrecht the second day. That workshop is titled: "Creating a Culture
of Safety and Security in Your Library."
With funding through LSTA dollars and
sponsorships by the Partners, the cost of attendance has been made affordable
so that more than one library staff member may attend. Registration is now open
through MCLS. The Collaborating Partners are excited
to offer these opportunities and encourage you to be a part of this important discussion.
|
by David Votta, Community Engagement Librarian, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services
August kicks off a new semester for Michigan students, and
professional development opportunities for library staff. A fresh series of live
webinars will be freely available to anyone interested in learning more about
the robust resources in MeL Databases. These 30-minute sessions will all be recorded
and made available on-demand. You can view our current group now.
http://mcls.org/mel/mel-training-events/
The presenters are mostly Michigan library staff who are
content experts in the subject areas covered in each webinar.
I am very fortunate that I get to travel throughout our
state, and meet so many dedicated staff working in all levels and positions in
libraries. One commonality I often hear, no matter the type of library, size, or
position the staff holds, is they want to make positive impacts on their
community. I also hear staff talking about the challenges of scarce resources,
both in their libraries and communities.
This webinar series addresses both challenges, and works to enhance
the positive impacts libraries make on our state. Any Michigan resident can access these vetted databases covering business,
education, health, and more, at no direct cost. When library staff are more
knowledgeable about the resources, and able to more efficiently answer their
communities’ questions, they make deeper positive impacts. Directing
entrepreneurs to market research builds stronger local businesses. Educators
with better resources can produce more academically proficient students. Guiding
residents through health and legal resources develops more well-informed
citizens, who then make better choices.
Take a look at our upcoming semester and register now. All
webinars are 3:30-4 p.m. Eastern time.
|
by Evette Atkin, Continuing Education Coordinator, LM
It’s almost that time again. Are you a library director for
the first time or have you recently accepted a director position in Michigan
for the first time? In order for your library to be eligible for state aid, all
new public library directors and all newly appointed directors in Michigan must attend one or both of these workshops dependent on library class.
- New Director Workshop (September 14, 2017) –
required for all new library directors within 12 months after appointment.
- Advanced Director Workshop (September 15, 2017)
– required for all new Class IV-VI library directors within 24 months of
appointment.
The New Director Workshop is an annual one-day event that
provides a wide range of essential information for new public library
directors. Attendance at these workshops is mandatory for new directors as part
of the qualification criteria for state aid to public libraries.
The Advanced Director Workshop is a one-day event that
provides in-depth information on specific topics for new and experienced
directors. Attendance at these workshops is mandatory for new directors as part
of the qualification criteria for state aid to public libraries.
All library staff is welcome to attend, even those not seeking certification. Topics presented include Library
Law, Human Resources, EveryLibrary, Budgeting for Libraries, Community
Engagement, Organizational Health and much more.
Attendees also will be presented with numerous resources
available to public libraries. Registration is $30 for the New Director
Workshop and $35 for the Advanced Director Workshop. The deadline to register
and also to cancel with a full refund is 5 pm on Wednesday, September 6th.
These workshops will be held at the LM. For more information, please contact Evette Atkin at atkine@michigan.gov.
The New Director Workshop is supported with funds from
the Library
of Michigan Foundation.
|
|
|