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Board Meeting Recordings
by Kristen Getzin 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Hi everyone in library land! I have an unusual request this morning. Our library board would like to start recording all of their meetings and posting those online for the general public to view. This is something that our city council does, and they want to follow suit. However, I don't think this is something that most (or any) other library board's do throughout the state. So I decided to take a small survey of the libraries here on Michlib-l. Could you please let me know if your library board video records their meetings, and if those then get posted online for the public to view? Thank you!

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Audiobook cases claimed
by Sara Ault 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Thanks! -- Sara Ault Circulation Manager & Adult Collection Development Brandon Township Public Library 304 South St. Ortonville, MI 48462 248-627-1460 *ENGAGE **•** EDUCATE **•** ENRICH **•** EMPOWER*

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Audiobook cases up for grabs
by Sara Ault 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

We are gradually phasing out our audiobooks and have 25-30 new cases that we are not using. All sizes. If you need them, send me a note and your Rides code. Thanks Sara -- Sara Ault Circulation Manager & Adult Collection Development Brandon Township Public Library 304 South St. Ortonville, MI 48462 248-627-1460 *ENGAGE **•** EDUCATE **•** ENRICH **•** EMPOWER*

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MCLS scheduled December closings
by Mary Ruthko 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Hello library community, Please note that MCLS offices will close for various year-end activities as follows: Staff Event Friday, Dec. 19: closing at 1 p.m. Eastern (noon Central) Christmas Tuesday, Dec. 23: closing at 1 p.m. Eastern (noon Central) Wednesday, Dec. 24 Thursday, Dec. 25 New Year Wednesday, Dec. 31: closing at 1 p.m. Eastern (noon Central) Thursday, Jan. 1 Have a safe and happy holiday season! MCLS SERVICE AND PROGRAM CONTACTS Accounting: accounting(a)mcls.org<mailto:accounting@mcls.org> Engagement and Consulting: engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org> eLicensing and Collection Resources: services(a)mcls.org<mailto:services@mcls.org> Training: training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org> Membership: membership(a)mcls.org<mailto:membership@mcls.org> TALK (Text and Learn for Kindergarten): talkhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:talkhelp@mcls.org> RIDES: https://mcls.org/rideshelp MeL eResources: melerhelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melerhelp@mcls.org> MeLCat: melcathelp(a)mcls.org<mailto:melcathelp@mcls.org> MDPN (Michigan Digital Preservation Network): MDPNsupport(a)mcls.org<mailto:MDPNsupport@mcls.org> —The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. —Support for the MDPN is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Michigan. Mary Ruthko Marketing and Communication Coordinator 517-507-4149 ruthkom(a)mcls.org Schedule a meeting with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/82504839b07649009896aaa10a3d2395…> [cid:48ce6751-6301-4e18-a5a3-a8a37595c2a5] Website<https://www.mcls.org/> | Newsletter<https://www.mcls.org/news/enewsletter> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/mcls.org> | LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwest-collaborative-for-library-services>

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Is your new year resolution a new job?
by Carol Dawe 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

Suburban Library Cooperative is hiring a new director here in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Deadline is January 5th. *EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY * *SUBURBAN LIBRARY COOPERATIVE* *DIRECTOR * Are you an accomplished leader with excellent communication and teambuilding skills? The Suburban Library Cooperative Board is hiring a director to manage and empower a staff of 11 and advocate for, collaborate with and support a membership of 22 diverse public libraries in the Macomb County area, northeast of Detroit, Michigan. The ideal candidate will be open, approachable and forward thinking, and have considerable experience with library management and technology that will not only help sustain the organization and its member libraries but allow them to grow and flourish. Located in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Suburban Library Cooperative (SLC) is one of eleven library cooperatives in the state. It is operated under the requirements of the Michigan Library Cooperative Law (PA 89 of 1977), the certification and state aid requirements of the Library of Michigan and the Plan of Service, bylaws, strategic plan, policies and procedures of the organization itself. *GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES* The Director reports to the nine-member appointed Cooperative Board and chairs the Suburban Library Cooperative Advisory Council which is composed of the directors of the member libraries. This proven leader is responsible for the operation and direction of all staff, services, programs and planning including all budgets and financial activities, the shared integrated library system (ILS) and group purchases of digital and other resources. This individual also collaborates closely with government officials, community groups, and state, local and national organizations to advocate on behalf of libraries. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ● Submits recommendations to the SLC Council and Board on policies and services, personnel utilization, budgets and finances and other projects and management areas. The director also works with the Council and Board to establish priorities, and reviews the progress of the annual strategic goals. ● Analyzes and coordinates the cooperative general and automation system budgets while estimating and controlling expenditures to administer approved budgets. Manages cooperative investments. Completes the annual state aid report. ● Administers established, personnel policies. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff. Provides staff with the tools they need to succeed including training and professional development. ● Oversees the shared integrated library system. Acts as liaison between participating member libraries and the automation system vendor and cooperative technology staff. Participates in regional and national user groups. ● Communicates regularly with all member libraries, including site visits. Assists and advises member libraries as needed on topics such as human resources, board development, policies and procedures, intellectual freedom, advocacy and technology. ● Writes, administers, and reports on grants for cooperative-wide projects. Coordinates the MiLibraryCard and the Virtual Library Card programs. ● Establishes positive relationships with national, state and locally elected officials, school representatives, non-profits, community organizations and businesses that partner with the Cooperative and its member libraries. ● Represents the Cooperative at professional meetings, including the Library Cooperatives of Michigan, Michigan Library Association and the Library of Michigan to advocate on behalf of the member libraries. ● Maintains knowledge of new developments in the library profession through professional development opportunities. The statements contained in this position description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed. EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS) ● Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution. ● Possession of a Librarian’s Permanent Professional Certificate issued by the Library of Michigan, or ability to obtain. ● Minimum of six years of management or director experience in a library cooperative or library with a minimum of six direct reports. ● Experience with team building, active listening, collaboration, advocacy and library automation systems, digital resources, and other forms of library technology. ● Experience collaborating with partner organizations such as other public libraries, cooperatives and consortia, schools, and local community groups on a variety of projects. The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Other combinations of education and experience, which could provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job, may be considered. Please consult https://libcoop.net/slc-director-job-posting/ for further information including: ● List of Member Libraries ● Organizational Chart ● Plan of service/Bylaws ● Strategic Plan ● Budget and Audit ● Library of Michigan Certification Requirements ● Michigan Library Cooperative Law PA 89 of 1977 *SALARY AND BENEFITS*: ● This is a full time, on-sight position at our 4,312 sq feet building in Sterling Heights, Michigan. ● Starting salary range: $95,000 - $105,000. ● Benefits include Blue Care Network individual health, dental and vision insurance, employer paid Simplified Employee Pension plan, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, paid vacation, sick, holiday and personal business days. Reimbursement for full or partial moving expenses is negotiable. *TO APPLY*: Please send a detailed cover letter, resume and three references via e-mail to Carol Dawe, SLC Search Committee Liaison, at carol(a)llcoop.org. Qualified applicants will be required to submit written responses to questions developed by the search committee. DEADLINE: January 5th, 2026 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER *Carol* *Carol Dawe* *630-207-1205 (Cell is preferred.)* *Director* *Lakeland Library Cooperative* *4138 3 Mile Road NW* *Grand Rapids, MI 49534* *616-559-5253 ext 2001*

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Reminder: Call for Presentation Proposals (MiALA Annual Conference)
by dicki1te＠cmich.edu 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

The Michigan Academic Library Association's (MiALA) Conference Planning Committee is accepting presentation proposals for its annual conference, which will be held May 6-8, 2026, at the Park Place Hotel and Conference Center in downtown Traverse City, MI. This year’s theme is "Finding Our True North: Creating Connections to Light Our Way." Amid an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education, Michigan’s academic libraries remain vital centers of integrity, inquiry, and connection. Committed to upholding intellectual freedom, access, inclusivity, privacy, and the pursuit of truth, our “True North” is the shared compass that guides our work and keeps us grounded. We invite the academic library community to reflect on how it can embody our profession’s enduring core values, even when external pressures threaten to pull us off course. This year’s conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values. We welcome proposals on topics covering any aspect of academic libraries. We are especially interested in those proposals that explore how academic libraries are reaffirming their “True North”—the guiding principles that sustain and inspire our work. Presentation proposals are being accepted for the following formats: Presentations, panels, or moderated discussion sessions (45 min.) Interactive workshops (105 min.) Lightning Talks (10 min.) Please submit your presentation proposal using the application form (https://tinyurl.com/49rpczhv) by January 12, 2026. There is also a Breakout Session Collaboration Sheet available (https://tinyurl.com/mr3d6n7e) to find potential collaborators around a topic or idea. Questions about presentation proposals can be sent to Stephanie Swanberg, sswanberg(a)msp.edu. Questions about the conference in general can be sent to the Conference Planning Committee, conference(a)miala.org. Join us as we come together in Traverse City to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover our collective direction. Let’s amplify the stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us of who we are and why our work matters.

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The Fresh Coast Bookshelf 2026 from the Library of the Great Lakes
by Elizabeth Hartig 16 Dec '25

16 Dec '25

*The Fresh Coast Bookshelf 2026 *from the Library of the Great Lakes -- Starting January 28th, all Great Lakes region public libraries will have the chance to apply for a “Bookshelf in a Box” – a curated selection of 12 books across age range and genre that celebrate the Great Lakes, plus a full-color display kit to help promote it! Visit the Library of the Great Lakes website for more info and *for the title reveal of the next four books!* Fresh Coast Bookshelf by LGL <https://libraryofthegreatlakes.org/news-2> *Happy Holidays from the Library of the Great Lakes!*

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LIBRARY LAW OFFICE HOURS REMINDER AND TIME CHANGE!
by Membiela, Clare (MDE) 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

DECEMBER'S LIBRARY LAW OFFICE HOUR WILL MOVE TO 11:00 am EST on THURSDAY DECEMBER 18, 2025 THE MEETING LINK REMIANS THE SAME! Please join me and other library colleagues as we discuss the legal implications and possible options for questions like: A patron reserves a library computer for purposes of holiday shopping- specifically the attempt to snag a highly desired collectible from his child's favorite card game company. The merchandise drop is slated for 12:00 Noon, EST (9:00am PST). The patron logs on at 11:30am and is 5th in line in an online queue , and at 12:00pm is permitted entry into the vendor's online store to claim the desired merch- but just as the patron gets to their shopping cart to pay, the library's fire alarm rings as a result of the unfortunate miscalculation of the baking time for a tray of cookies that are part of a holiday baking demonstration program in the library's event room. As a result of the ensuing fire evacuation, the patron is forced to abandon the computer. When they can return 20 minutes later, the much sought after item is sold out. The patron is so frustrated and upset that they have heart palpitations while complaining to library staff and must be taken from the library in an ambulance. The patron subsequently bills the library for the cost of the ambulance ride, AND the difference between the retail price of the desired item and the "secondary market" price they paid on EBay because they were unable to complete their purchase on the computer. What, if any is the library's liability here? To attend Library Law Office Hours, participants must REGISTER<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqdO6uqD8pEt31yRiFFRZkHDc96mWbdi…>. Once registered, a link will be e-mailed to you. I look forward to seeing you there! Sincerely, Clare Clare D. Membiela, MLS, J.D. Library Law Consultant Library of Michigan MembielaC(a)michigan.gov<mailto:MembielaC@michigan.gov> 517-335-8132 The research and resources above are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. "the State may not, consistently with the spirit of the First Amendment, contract the spectrum of available knowledge." Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479, 482 (1965). [Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan] <https://www.michigan.gov/mde/resources/michigans-top-10-strategic-education…> [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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Job Posting - Baldwin (Birmingham) Public Library Idea Lab, FT
by Jaclyn Miller 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Hi everyone, We are currently seeking applicants for the position of Technology Assistant II in the Baldwin Public Library’s Idea Lab (makerspace). This is a full time position, including day, evening and weekend hours. You can view the posting at baldwinlib.org/employment. Applications should be submitted by January 4, 2026. Have a great day! Jaclyn -- *Jaclyn Miller* (she/her) *Associate Director* Baldwin Public Library 300 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI 48009 248-554-4682 www.baldwinlib.org

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Clinton-Macomb Public Library is hiring! FT Librarian.
by Lisa Hernandez 15 Dec '25

15 Dec '25

Clinton-Macomb Public Library is seeking a Full-time Adult Services Librarian (37.5 hours per week, including some evening & weekend hours) to provide professional library services specifically for adult patrons but may assist all ages. Based at either the Main Library or South Branch, this position requires flexibility to work at all three library locations as well as in the community. Some of your responsibilities will include staffing a reference desk, offering reader's advisory services, and developing and leading adult programming. For a full job description and how to apply, please visit our employment page at: https://cmpl.org/about/employment.php

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