March 2017 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

Computer/ Technology Classes
by Marion Beard 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

I am curious has to what type Technology classes are offered and how often they are offered at your library. Please respond to me at: mbeard(a)ntal.org Marion Beard Assistant Director Northfield Township Area Library 125 Barker Road Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 734.449.0066 x24

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Responses to
by Dave Ewick 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Below are the responses I received answering my question about eliminating overdue fines. Discussion on Removing Overdue Fines Colleagues, I read with interest the recent Slate article on eliminating overdue fines and wondered if any local libraries have taken this step? If you have, please respond to me off list. I will compile the responses I get and repost them. Here's the link to the article in case you missed it: http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2017/02/librarians_are_realiz… While I'd like to take the plunge and eliminate fines, I'm worried about 1) sending a message to patrons that we don't need the revenue; 2) the actual loss of revenue it could cause; and 3) whether it would cause issues with our neighbors if we removed fines from residents but kept them for reciprocal borrowers and other non-residents. I welcome any thoughts on the issue, even if you haven't done it. Thanks, Dave Cromaine: We have never charged fines. It is highly unlikely we would. As our trustees have explained (and me, and our staff), the labor cost of counting nickels & dimes is absurd. Because we never have, it isn't a loss, although some patrons have told us that we should. These, I suspect, are patrons who either do not use us or who are OCD on returning on time. I have seen a fines budget of $90,000 per year (Bloomfield, I think?). And, as a relatively new (one year) member of SAS, you bet it causes our neighbor libraries problems. But those are their problems and not ours. We have not seen a big uptick in patrons driving out of their way to northeast Livingston County in order to return their materials at a library that does not charge fines. Having fine structures that differ by "class" of library cardholder? Ick, both in communications and the actual day-to-day attempt to deliver positive service. Highland: Thanks for raising the question. The article had caught my eye, too. Part of what was of interest is that cards are blocked for those with items "more than three weeks overdue." So, it's not that there's no consequences - in fact, I think the blocking of the card happens a little sooner in this scenario than our current time frame for billing for an item as assumed lost. Lost/damaged fines still apply. So, emphasis falls on materials recovery not on due date rules. Don't think we're ready to take the leap - concern for lost revenue - but I made sure my Board saw this article, with the line about empowering staff to use good judgement in waiving fines highlighted. Weigh lost revenue against good will, time spent in haggling over fines and negativity that generates and I'm honestly not sure how that would fall out. When Cromaine/Hartland (Highland's neighbor) joined the Shared Automated System I was initially worried because they are fine free and I didn't know how that would affect us. But at this point, without really digging into it, I can't see it's been a major problem. Independence: We did not eliminate fines but we did turn on the auto-renew feature on our ILS. It has reduced late materials, increased circulation, and made for happier patrons. We have a max of 2 renewals on most items. Some would say that the increased circulation is a false inflation of the stat but in my opinion, if the patron keeps an item past the due date we should be counting that as an additional circulation. We did have a campaign to educate patrons about the importance of holds when you need an item and how that prevents auto-renew. Auto-renew has reduced revenue somewhat but fine revenue has always been less than 1% of our budget anyway so we decided it was a positive feature for patrons without giving the impression that we don't need the money at all, as you said. I remember that Capital Area District Library used to be fine-free when I was working in Lansing about 11 years ago, but reinstated fines shortly thereafter...I'm not sure of the exact reasoning. I believe that while Lance Werner was their director he increased the fine rates in an effort to improve revenue but it backfired in that regard and resulted in patrons getting better about returning their materials on time which, as he said when he was telling me about it, is really the point of fines in the first place. If you want an accurate account you should really contact him about it. It will be interesting to hear what you find out. Gross Pointe: It is something we are thinking about in Grosse Pointe, although still in a very conceptual way at this point. I am eager to hear the results of your query from other TLN libraries! Flat Rock: Interesting read. I would not completely eliminate fines because the materials we have are for everyone to use and the fines are for several reasons, including patrons feeling more compelled to return the item they checked out. More importantly, patrons are at a disadvantage when item isn't returned at the due date. That being said, overdue fines can be waived or payment plans can be created for those who are unable to pay the full amount or if the patron doesn't have a "history" of overdue/lost fines. These are case by case scenarios, of course. Garden City: My initial thought was "what about the revenue?" But then I considered what a small percent of our revenue that is. In Garden City, as with the libraries in the article, overdue fees amount to only 1% of our revenue. I think that might be a fair exchange for the good will and positive PR. (I am less confident my Board would see it this way.) I do not think the public will see it as "we don't need the money". Especially if your staff have a consistent Message with which to respond. Something akin to "Fines were never about generating revenue." If I were to eliminate overdue fines, I would do so equally for all my users (resident or not). My question would then be, what about other library's materials borrowed here, or returned here? My users might be confused as to why they owe a fine for this book but not that when they are both late. On the other hand, should I be waiving fines on your library's materials as a standard procedure, just because the book passed through my library to the user? David L. Ewick, MLS, MS City Librarian Southfield Public Library 26300 Evergreen Southfield, Michigan 48076 248 796-4300 dewick(a)southfieldlibrary.org P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

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SEMLOL Spring Meeting, March 31st, 1-4pm
by SEMLOL Executive Board 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Good afternoon, Please join us for the SEMLOL Spring Meeting, which will take place on Friday, March 31st, 2017, from 1-4pm at Oakland University. The meeting program consists of three presentations that focus on the theme of Special Collections. "Rare Books Preservation on a Shoestring" Dominique Daniel and Emily Spunaugle, Oakland University Libraries "Collecting with a Plan" Alison Greenlee, Wayne State University Sarah Andrua, The Henry Ford "Access and Outreach at the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs" Kristen Chinery and Meghan Courtney, Wayne State University Registration is available online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/special-collections-registration-32454295672 Registrations received before March 26th will secure the early bird rate of $15. Registration on or after March 26th is $20. Parking is free and light refreshments will be served. Please see the attached flyer for more details. We look forward to seeing everyone! Katrina Rouan :-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-: SEMLOL Executive Board, Chair Southeastern Michigan League of Libraries www.semlol.org

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Wanted: Microfilm Cabinet
by Darwin McGuire 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Hi, everybody. Before spending a significant amount of money on storage for a declining format, I'll ask the question-does anyone have a microfilm cabinet that they would consider parting with? Ideally, it would be a vertical cabinet with 9 drawers configured for 4" square boxes of 35 mm film rolls. If not, do you have a good source for such a cabinet at a reasonable price? I've checked ebay, Craigslist, Amazon, Demco, Gaylord, Brodart, Staples, etc. Any thoughts, comments and/or information would be appreciated. Thanks! Darwin McGuire Technical Services Manager Genesee District Library 4195 W. Pasadena Ave. Flint, MI 48504 Tel. 810-230-3329 FAX 810-732-1161

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FW: Britannica Listserv Announcement: Spotlight Webinar: Poetry!
by Biggs, Deb Renee (MDE) 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

________________________________________________________________________________________ Subject: Spotlight Webinar: Poetry! April is National Poetry Month! Please join us for this 30-minute webinar as we put a spotlight on Britannica resources that you can use in the classroom and the library with your students. We will also share some poetry-themed lesson plans and project ideas, using Britannica School. Sign up today! Certificates provided! Thu, Mar 16, 2017 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/7892514745322467586 D. R. Biggs, MA AMLS Library Consultant & Michigan eLibrary Coordinator Library of Michigan/Michigan Department of Education 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48915 Phone: 517-373-4466 http://mel.org<http://mel.org/> Like MeL on Facebook - http://facebook.com/mel.org

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Word Games on the River Event
by Steven Bowers 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

If you'd love to have a great time and would also like to support adult literacy, please consider attending the 33rd Annual Fundraiser for Pro Literacy Detroit. This year's theme for "Word Games on the River" sounds like a fun evening with friends, at the Detroit Yacht Club! More information in the attached flyer and at the link below. https://proliteracydetroit.org/event/ I can personally say that PLD does great work to changes lives, one learner at a time. It is my pleasure to support their efforts. Sincerely, -Steve Steven K. Bowers Executive Director Detroit Area Library Network ALA Councilor for the Michigan Library Association MLA Board of Directors, President Elect www.dalnet.org<http://www.dalnet.org/> "DALNET is a community of libraries working together to provide access to information for research, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning opportunities."

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2 youth services surveys, 2 chances to win a prize!
by Lancaster, Catherine (MDE) 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

I have 2 surveys up this month, so to thank youth services staff for taking the time to complete them I'll do a drawing for each! See both surveys for details: The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) is looking for the best of the best slogans for our 2019 theme Space. We are also looking for general themes for 2020. These suggestions should be thought provoking, exciting, and accessible to all libraries! Put on your thinking caps & share your suggestions by completing this form by Wednesday, March 8: https://goo.gl/forms/iRoXNmZd1O0RjNa82 By completing this survey ou will be entered to win a random drawing for a set of "Adventure Blocks," perfect for a SRC prize or a passive program this summer. Michigan Reads! is off to a wonderful start! Be sure to check out our #MiReads pictures from kick-off events up on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/pg/libraryofmichigan/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10…> and share your own with us. After your events/programming is wrapped up, please be sure to fill out the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2017MIReads for your chance to be entered in a drawing for a small set of picture books! This survey will close in mid-April. Thank you, Cathy Lancaster Youth Services Coordinator Statewide Library Services Library of Michigan 517-335-8129 517-373-5700 f LancasterC5(a)michigan.gov<mailto:LancasterC5@michigan.gov> www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan>

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Project Outcome Training is Coming to Michigan!
by Atkin, Evette (MDE) 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Have you heard about the Public Library Association's performance measurement initiative, Project Outcome? Check out PLA's on-demand webinar, Outcome Measurement Made Easy with PLA's Project Outcome<http://www.ala.org/pla/onlinelearning/webinars/archive/projectoutcomeeasy>. This Spring, the Library of Michigan will be offering a day long Project Outcome training in four different locations throughout the state. April 17 - University Center, Mt. Pleasant April 27 - Redford Township District Library, Redford April 28 - Portage District Library, Portage May 3 - Peter White Public Library, Marquette For more information or to register for this intensive, full-day program, visit http://tinyurl.com/LMProjectOutcome. Project Outcome is a free toolkit designed to help public libraries understand and share the true impact of essential library services and programs by providing simple surveys and an easy-to-use process for measuring and analyzing outcomes. Project Outcome also provides libraries with the resources and training support needed to apply their results and confidently advocate for their library's future. While many public libraries collect data about their services and programs, what is often lacking are the data to support what good they are providing their communities, such as programs serving childhood literacy, digital and technological training, and workforce development. With Project Outcome, patron attendance and anecdotal success stories are no longer the only way libraries can demonstrate their effectiveness. Developed by library leaders, researchers, and data analysts, Project Outcome is designed to give libraries simple tools and supportive resources to help turn better data into better libraries. Measuring outcomes helps libraries answer the question, "What good did we do?" An outcome is a specific benefit that results from a library service or program. Outcomes can be quantitative or qualitative, and are often expressed as changes that individuals perceive in themselves. Project Outcome helps libraries measure four key patron outcomes-knowledge, confidence, application, and awareness-in seven key library service areas: * Civic/Community Engagement * Digital Learning * Economic Development * Education/Lifelong Learning * Early Childhood Literacy * Job Skills * Summer Reading The Project Outcome toolkit provides libraries with free access to quick and simple patron surveys, an easy-to-use Survey Portal to collect their outcomes, ready-made reports and visually interactive Data Dashboards for analyzing the data, and various resources to help move libraries from implementing surveys to taking action using the results. Libraries are encouraged to use their data to support and promote future action - from allocating resources more efficiently, to advocating new resources more effectively, to providing support for future library funding, branch activity reports, and strategic planning. Project Outcome provides three tools for libraries to measure their outcomes: * Immediate Surveys: Measure patron-reported learning * Follow-Up Surveys: Measure patron-reported adoption/application * Outcome Measurement Guidelines: Measure long-term impact (coming soon) Evette M. Atkin Continuing Education Coordinator Library of Michigan atkine(a)michigan.gov<mailto:atkine@michigan.gov> 517.373.3746

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Library Director position-Kalamazoo Public Library (MI)
by Jobeth Bradbury 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Library Director-Kalamazoo Public Library (MI) The award-winning, highly successful Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library<http://www.kpl.gov/> seeks its next Library Leader-a leader who will serve both the Library and the community as an engaged, active participant and contributor. The seven-member elected Board of Trustees and the staff (81FTE) are pledged to core values<http://www.kpl.gov/about/mission.aspx> and social justice principles through its strong programs and services supporting 116,000 community residents. The library has an $11 million annual operating budget, with a Central Library, four neighborhood branch locations, and a supportive Friends of the Library organization. The Library emphasizes preschool literacy as a Family Place Library and with a Ready to Read program and hosts innovative services including ONEPlace-a management support center for nonprofits; the County Law Library; and a comprehensive Local History Collection (2011 State History Award). In addition to being Library Journal's 2002 Library of the Year, the Kalamazoo Public Library also received the 2012 State Library's Citation of Excellence Award for superior customer service. Kalamazoo voters have a long history of support and love for their Library culminating in successful twenty-year levy elections in 2009 and 2014. Key opportunities for the new Director include leading a new strategic planning process, innovating through digital technologies, enhancing staff development through coaching and mentoring, developing new programs to serve underserved populations, and upholding the Library's commitment to social justice. Kalamazoo<http://www.kalamazoocity.org/>, a medium sized city equidistant from the metro areas of Chicago and Detroit, is home to the nationally recognized Kalamazoo Promise<https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/>, Kalamazoo College, and Western Michigan University with a new School of Medicine, outstanding healthcare systems, and many recreational and cultural amenities. Kalamazoo also recently recognized a new partnership-Foundation for Excellence-between private philanthropy and the City to provide a forward-looking community benefiting everyone. Kalamazoo has a lively theater and music scene, including the Gilmore Keyboard Festival and Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra; microbreweries, restaurants, and specialty retail create a vibrant Downtown energy. Recreational amenities include stellar parks, inland lakes, bike trails, and proximity to Lake Michigan. Equally enticing is Kalamazoo's low cost of living and affordable housing. For more information on the Kalamazoo Public Library and Kalamazoo, visit Kalamazoo Links<http://www.bradburymiller.com/KPLlinks.htm>. Responsibilities. The Director has overall responsibility for the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of all Library operations and works successfully with staff, Board, governmental officials and community stakeholders. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, implementing Board policies and program decisions; developing the annual budgets tied to Library goals; implementing and evaluating the strategic plan; hiring, developing and retaining Library personnel; developing and implementing long-range capital improvements plans; and advocating for the Library in the local, state and national community. For the complete position description, see Kalamazoo Public Library Director<http://www.bradburymiller.com/KPLjobdesc.pdf>. Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master's in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, the ability to obtain or already hold a Michigan Librarian's Permanent Certificate<http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Librarian_Certification_Approval_form…> (requires four (4) years of full-time employment or an equivalent time period of paid professional library work following the completion of the MLS degree), and five (5) years professional library experience at a management level. Preferred qualifications include sound fiscal management skills; the ability to mentor and inspire a strong, creative staff; knowledge of best practices and trends in library technologies; and proven success in community engagement and partnership development. Prior Library Director experience reporting to a governing Board in a multi-branch environment and experience working with collective bargaining units are also desirable. Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $105,000-130,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates <http://www.bradburymiller.com/contactus.html> via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury<mailto:DanBradbury@BradburyMiller.com>. This position closes April 23, 2017. Jobeth Bradbury Bradbury Miller Associates<http://www.gossagesager.com/> 4545 Wornall Rd, Ste. 805 Kansas City, MO 64111 816-803-7087 (cell); 816-531-2468 (office) Sign up for our newsletter<http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=myy6mkoab&p=oi&m=111489311…> to get the latest updates!

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Special Needs Services Roundtable (SNSR) spring meeting
by Jen Taggart 07 Mar '17

07 Mar '17

Please join us for our Special Needs Services Roundtable (SNSR) meeting next month. If you have not attended a SNSR meeting before and you would like to discuss library services for patrons of all ages with special needs in an informal setting, consider adding this spring meeting to your calendar! Library science students are welcome too! * Share programming and collection ideas * Updates on resources and assistive technology, including Apps * Discuss accessibility and inclusion in the library Our afternoon presentations include staff from the Wing Lake Developmental Center talking about using multi-sensory tools and activities to engage youth, teens, and adults with multiple disabilities, that can be applied to story times and other programming. Lori Morris from the Orion Twp Public Library will also be talking about their Library Volunteer Program for people with special needs. For more info, see attached agenda. Meeting: Thursday, April 13 Time: 12 - 3 p.m. (You can purchase an optional pizza/salad lunch from Buddy's Pizza, or you may bring a lunch with you.) Place: Bloomfield Township Public Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302 RSVP: Jen Taggart taggartj(a)btpl.org<mailto:taggartj@btpl.org> or (248) 642-5800 by March 27. Jen Taggart Assistant Department Head, Youth Services Bloomfield Township Public Library 1099 Lone Pine Road Bloomfield Township, MI 48302 (248)642-5800 www.btpl.org<http://www.btpl.org/> [cid:image001.png@01D29722.F7EA85F0]

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