March 2025 - Michlib-l - liblists.org

FREE Cassette Tape
by North Adams Library 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

Hello Everyone, Do any of your libraries still have a cassette tape collection? We received a donation of a never-used, like-new cassette program from Midwest Center that is on battling anxiety and depression. If any library can use it, I will be happy to ship it your way. Thank you, Mariele Mariele Busch Library Director North Adams Community Memorial Library 4695 Knowles Rd, North Adams 517-287-4426 northadamslibrarian(a)gmail.com

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Job Posting / Library Assistant III - Student Supervisor / Oakland University Kresge Library
by Erin Smith 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

Oakland University’s Kresge Library is currently seeking candidates for a Library Assistant III position in the Access Services department. This position will be primarily responsible for supervising and overseeing student assistants at the Library Service Desk. For detailed job description, to learn more about position requirements, and to apply, please visit https://jobs.oakland.edu/postings/34103. For more information on Kresge Library, please visit https://library.oakland.edu. Thank you, Erin -- Erin C. Smith, MLIS Manager of Circulation Services and Resource Sharing 200 B Kresge Library Oakland University 248-370-2494

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Free Glass Pint Jars
by Carrie Fairbanks 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

Hello, We have 140 glass pint jars with tealight candleholders that were purchased in bulk for a craft project. We have exhausted our ideas for how to use them (multiple luminaries and flower arranging), and are now offering them up for free to other libraries for your own creative and crafty uses. If interested, please send me your desired quantity and rides number. Happy crafting! [image: Mason Jars.JPG] Carrie Fairbanks she/her/hers <https://pronouns.org/> Reference/Adult Services Howell Carnegie District Library T: 517-546-0720 fairbanks(a)howelllibrary.org <purdue(a)howelllibrary.org> www.howelllibrary.org Currently Reading: [image: Book Cover] <https://www.goodreads.com/user/email_signature_destination/10853660?utm_med…> <https://www.netgalley.com/badge/7ede77b52701123ea9be2772de42ac23280888a8>

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Thoughts on Future Computer/Laptop Configurations and Study Pod Purchases in Small, Rural Public Libraries
by Alicia Ford 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

Hello, My library has been entertaining different ideas lately about: 1) Adding small study pods within our existing library space to accommodate the growing need for more study/private work spaces (for reference, we have one main study room that cannot be reserved ahead of time, and a local history room that has become a second study room when not otherwise occupied; and 2) Re-imagining our future public computer setup. We currently have 8 public desktop computers (recently having decreased from 10 total desktops) that are rarely all in use at once, and are most heavily utilized by those needing to print specific documents. All our computers are starting to show their age, having been last replaced/updated in 2019. My director has wondered aloud if we might be better serving patrons by moving completely to laptops with wireless printing capabilities, and having a smaller number of overall computers moving forward? I wondered if anyone has moved to solutions that they have loved (and what companies you've purchased with, if willing to share vendor info); and, if there are down sides to study pods versus more traditional study rooms, and to laptops versus desktop computers in libraries. I'm interested in these from both a staff and patron viewpoint, as well as whether these would be more expensive to undergo these changes. Any advice and info can be sent to me off-list at alicia(a)colomapubliclibrary.net<mailto:alicia@colomapubliclibrary.net>. I'm happy to compile responses with anyone else wanting this info as well. Thanks, Alicia Ford, Assistant Director Coloma Public Library 151 W. Center St. P.O. Box 430 Coloma, MI 49038 (269) 468-3431 Click Here To See a Virtual Tour of Our Library: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqqmfuVbnZ96eeht9<https://u1340922.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.nRxjRkb4YmXg-2F-2FuE3D-2…>

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Employment opportunity
by James B Lenze 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

There is still time to apply! The Garden City Public Library is expanding our staff! We have immediate openings for a part time Adult Librarian, and two part time Library Aides. Information about these opportunities and the application form can be found here: Employment Opportunities <https://www.gardencitylib.org/index.php/employment/> Interested persons should send a completed application, a resume, and 3 references to: apply(a)gardencitylib.org Applications received by March 14, 2025 shall be given first consideration. The Garden City Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer which values diversity. James B Lenze (he, him, his) Library Director Garden City Public Library 31735 Maplewood St Garden City, MI 48135

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MeL Minute: Demonstrate Your Library's Value with Data
by Laura Warren-Gross 13 Mar '25

13 Mar '25

[cid:image002.png@01DB93EF.F73DC950]I recently attended Michigan Library Association’s webinar “Data Storytelling for Libraries.” It made me think about how in libraries, like many other places, progress and success are measured by data. We are often asked to provide evidence of library value. How we obtain, interpret, and share our data can demonstrate this value to our communities. The Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL) includes eBooks and articles that can help library staff members learn how to gather and utilize data. How do I gather data? Being able to communicate effectively and convey the story of the library through data is one of the best ways to engage a community and get them excited about your mission. Say it with Data: A Concise Guide to Making Your Case and Getting Results<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=8d23fe68-683a-3d93-af32-9…> in the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> is a good place to start when learning about data and libraries. It includes methods used to gather, measure, and present data including communication strategies and checklists to help prepare for surveys, focus groups, and presentations. There are also sample surveys and results analysis. Which chart would work best? Another eBook in the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> can help us understand the principles of data visualization and which type of chart will work to best convey our data. Better Data Visualizations: A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=3025b294-e3dc-3f57-8981-f…> also includes information to help decide which colors and symbols will make a chart most readable and examples of tools that can be used to create graphs and charts. Show me examples! If you’re looking for examples of how a library has carried out successful data collection to make decisions, Jane Martel’s article "Creating Value From Data: Informing Decisions & Improving Public Library Services<https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=67a7742c-3aee-31b2-a3f8-8…>" from American Libraries<https://auth.mel.org/newera/check-direct?url=https://widgets.ebscohost.com/…> in Library & Information Science Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…>, provides examples of how different departments in her library system have used data to make decisions about their purchasing, programs, and services. Reviewing data across departments helped to better understand how to improve vital areas of the library including summer reading, facilities, outreach, and resource allocation. As libraries are asked to demonstrate their value in communities, use the eBook Academic Collection<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> and Library & Information Science Source<https://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=e…> from MeL<https://mel.org/welcome> to locate additional helpful content and learn best practices in data collection and sharing methods to make clear and convincing points about the materials, services, and programs the library provides to its patrons. If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> for help. Brought to you by Laura Warren-Gross from the MeL Team. Supporting Michigan Libraries by Putting You First. Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs, visit http://mel.org<http://mel.org/>, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MILOM/subscriber/new>. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks. MeL eResources are available to Michigan residents or for Michigan library or school access only. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Laura Warren-Gross MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-481-2022 warren-grossl(a)mcls.org [cid:image003.png@01DB91DE.0AA7D4E0] mcls.org<https://www.mcls.org/> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | X<https://twitter.com/mclsorg> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services> [cid:image004.png@01DB91DE.0AA7D4E0]

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CivicPlus Experiences
by Kimberly Schaaf 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

Greetings from Oak Park, Do any of you have any experience with the company, CivicPlus (regarding web design / maintenance)? Greatly appreciate any and all commentary on your experience! Thanks so much! Kimberly Schaaf Director, Oak Park Public Library 14200 Oak Park Blvd. Oak Park, MI 48237 Office: 248-691-7566 Work Cell: 248-914-3318

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Join us TOMORROW for Digital Collections Office Hours!
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

Please join us for Digital Collections Office Hours, Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 10:30-11:30 am. Do you have questions about creating digital collections? Do you have material that you want to digitize and share with your community, but don't know where to start? Are you interested in preserving your digital content and need tool recommendations? Join experts from the Library of Michigan<https://cms.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/digitization/>, DPLA Michigan Service Hub<https://michmemories.org/>, and the Michigan Digital Preservation Network<http://mipres.org/> for free advice during new monthly open office hours! Come with questions, like... * What grants are available to support digitization of my collections? * What file format should I be scanning to for long-term preservation? * What platforms can I use to publish digital collections? * How do I work with volunteers to create a scanning program? * And much, much more! Office Hours will be held virtually the secondThursday of every month from 10:30-11:30 am and are open to any staff or volunteers at libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, or other cultural memory organizations! Use the link below to register for office hours and receive the Zoom link. Come for a question, stay to join the discussion! Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lce-upj8oG9XI77qeMfLkRc_04ehDFp… Biz Gallo Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48915 GalloB(a)michigan.gov<mailto:GalloB@michigan.gov> | mi.gov/LMdigitization<http://mi.gov/LMdigitization> | 517-335-1402 she/her/hers Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan<https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigan-top-10-strategic-education-…> provides focused direction to drive educational achievement in support of all learners. [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] [Michigan.gov/Vote logo Description automatically generated]<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/> Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at Michigan.gov/Vote<https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/>.

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Book buy back program
by Erin Zabonick 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

We used to use better world books and now we use B&T sustainable shelves, but out of the 722 books they are only buying 38 for $29. Wasn't sure if anyone does this or could recommend some other company? Thanks in advance. Erin Zabonick Director Three Rivers Public Library - READ. LEARN. DREAM. - 88 North Main St. Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-273-8666 [cid:05f9ff16-6b82-4225-8465-02384191890a]

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Hoopla
by EMAIL TEAM 12 Mar '25

12 Mar '25

Dear Librarians, Are any of you discontinuing Hoopla due to unsustainable costs per month? We seem to be experiencing large increases. Stephanie Daniels, DirectorVanderlyn Community Center & Hartford Public Library 12 Church Street Hartford, MI 49057(269)588-5103http://www.hartfordpl.michlibrary.org/

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