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You are invited! Celebrate 20 years of MeLCat!
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 13 Oct '25

13 Oct '25

You are invited! Celebrate 20 years of MeLCat! The Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat), the statewide shared catalog and inter-library loan component of the Michigan eLibrary,<https://mel.org/welcome> is celebrating 20 years of service to Michigan libraries and their communities in 2025! Growing from 12 member libraries in 2005, MeLCat now boasts over 435 libraries-public, school, academic and special-using different automation systems. Since 2005, MeLCat has built a database with over 34 million holdings with an average request fill rate of over 90%. The goal of the Michigan eLibrary is to provide equitable access to a comprehensive array of high-quality information resources for Michigan residents. Using MeLCat as a discovery tool fosters collaboration among libraries and other organizations to enhance knowledge-sharing and ensure resources, including special, unique, or historical materials, are available to all, regardless of geographic or economic barriers. To mark this amazing anniversary, we invite you to join us in-person or virtually to celebrate. In-person: At the Michigan Library Association conference reception, which will take place at the Library of Michigan on October 30th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. You'll find MeL team staff from the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) in the Lake Erie Room on the 2nd floor. Stop by to win prizes, take a selfie with a life-sized "Mittens, the MeLCat Kitten," taste the MeLCat signature cocktail or mocktail, "Mitten's Harvest Potion" brought to us by American 5th Distillery and MCLS, and pair it with a MeLCat cookie. (You must be registered to attend the MLA conference to attend.) Virtually: Join the MeL team staff from the Library of Michigan and MCLS on Zoom, November 20th from 3-4pm. We'll share some MeLCat stories, follow the travels of Mittens, the MeLCat Kitten, throughout the state, and give away MeLCat prizes. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87180144825?pwd=8hl4aux57IvsnfM6vncRzCNLNEdIh9.1 MeLCat was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. Michelle Bradley Library Development Manager Library of Michigan 517-335-1507 [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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Upcoming cataloging workshops from MCLS!
by Gwen Haviland 13 Oct '25

13 Oct '25

Register soon for the following workshop from MCLS! Authorities<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/682cbdb6df7c71eadd5c4dbc> 3-day class, October 21-23, 10 a.m. - noon Eastern (9-11 a.m. Central) Qualifies for 6 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! Serials Cataloging<https://mcls.corsizio.com/event/682cbe77df7c71eadd5c704d> 3-day class, October 21-23, 2-4 p.m. Eastern (1-3 p.m. Central) Qualifies for 6 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! For these and other great workshops please visit our Training Store here store.mcls.org<https://store.mcls.org/> To learn about our Essential Workplace Skills and Cataloging Certificate programs, click here mcls.org/training-events/certification<https://www.mcls.org/training-events/certification/> Gwen Haviland Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 517-455-7612 havilandg(a)mcls.org<mailto:havilandg@mcls.org> Connect with MCLS 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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change of email address
by Wood, Jennifer 11 Oct '25

11 Oct '25

Hello, Sadly I am being laid off from my current library position, but I would like to be able to remain on Mich-lib via my personal email address as I begin my job search. May I do this? If so, the new email is jennifer2022w(a)gmail.com. Thanks for your help, ~ Jennifer *Jennifer Wood* *Interim Local History ArchivistAlb**ion District Library Local History Room* *501 S. Superior St.Albion, MI 49224(517) 629-3993 <%28517%29%20629-3993>, ext. 210* *jwood(a)albionlibrary.o <history(a)albionlibrary.org>rg <history(a)albionlibrary.org>* *Pronouns: she, her* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Digital Image Programs Available for Public Libraries & Community Groups - Scheduling Winter, Spring and Summer 2026
by Corey Seeman 11 Oct '25

11 Oct '25

Hi everyone - I wanted to share information with Michigan Libraries about my photography programs as I am scheduling for Winter, Spring and Summer 2026 right now. Though this seems very optimistic as I type this! I currently have four different programs on digital photography that are available to your public libraries and community groups. I can present these sessions both in-person or virtually for libraries and cultural/community organizations in Michigan and elsewhere. For more information, please visit my program page at: https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs The four presentations are listed below. If you follow the links, you can see the updated slides that I use for the program: Managing Digital Images: Finding, Saving, Sharing and Organizing The Pictures of Your Life! https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/managing-digital-images Seems that everyone is a photographer these days. We use our smartphones, our tablets, and even some people even use cameras. With the ease of taking pictures, we find ourselves with a new concern. How do we manage, save and share these pictures? This program will introduce you to photo sharing services that are available from companies such as Google, Apple, facebook and flickr (among others) and how to organize them for easy retrieval. We will look at ways to organize, backup and share pictures with friends and family. We will also explore how images are found by others (using tags or search terms), if you want to share more broadly. This could be the perfect session if you want to do something with all those pictures on your phone or clogging up your SD card! The Ever-Present Camera: Understanding Photography On Your Smartphone https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/ever-present-camera The smartphone has revolutionized photography by enabling almost everyone to have a camera with them at all times. With the introduction of the iPhone in 2007 and Android phones a year later, the number of photos taken with phones far outnumbers the ones taken with digital cameras of any kind. This program is designed to provide an overview of smartphone photography, storage and some best practices so you can make the best use out of this amazing tool. The Bag on the Beach: Artificial Intelligence and Photo Organization - Opportunities and Limitations https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/bag-on-the-beach While we have benefited from artificial intelligence (AI) for years, the development of using Generative AI over the past few years has potentially transformed our interactions with technology. Long since the days of predictive text that guesses what you might type next, AI now creates content, pictures and just about everything else. The power of AI can also be a very attractive tool when it comes to making life easier, but it may not be the cure-all that people are hoping for. In this fast-changing environment where AI is being used everywhere, we will learn about the benefits and drawbacks of AI as an organization tool for your digital pictures. Into the Wild & Back Home Again: Park, Wildlife, and Landmark Photography in Michigan https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/into-the-wild-michigan We tend to think about vacations and travel as a reason to break out the cameras. However, we can get amazing pictures right around the corner from where we live. A walk in the park can reveal plants, trees, birds, squirrels and other elements that make for a great photograph. The more we visit and photograph these local spots, the richer the possibility of capturing life during each of the four seasons. Using the state of Michigan as both my muse and my subject, I will share some of my favorite locations for photography and day trips. A local spot for photography is fantastic because you can capture at different times of the day or during different seasons. I am also working on some new programs - they will likely be ready during the summer 2026: - *Managing Your Vacation Photos from Capturing the Cruise to Relishing the Reunion* - *Wish You Were Here: The History of Postcards* - *The World Around You: Improving and Growing as a Wildlife Photographer* - *By the Numbers: The Confluence of Math and Photography* These are sketched out - but will take some time before they are ready to go. Once they are scheduled, I will ask for approximately six months before the first program. More information is available here - https://www.squirreldude.com/photography-programs/future-programs. I am continuing to offer these programs to libraries and community groups at no charge for both in-person or virtual programs. For in-person programs that are greater than 45 minutes from Ypsilanti, Michigan, I am asking for mileage assistance. My current policy is to request 50% of current federal mileage reimbursement (or there abouts). Additionally, the mileage may be split between two libraries if we do an afternoon-evening double-header. I've had lots of fun presenting on this topic and the programs have been well received. I would be happy to do it again for your community. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Please also share broadly to any parties that might be interested in these presentations. Best wishes Corey Corey Seeman Director, Kresge Library Services & Librarian ( http://www.bus.umich.edu/kresgelibrary/) Stephen M. Ross School of Business University of Michigan 700 East University Avenue Kresge Hall, 4th Floor East, Suite K4511 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1234 734-764-9969 (office - softphone via Zoom) 734-717-9734 (cell) cseeman(a)umich.edu If you would like to meet with me, please feel free to see if there are open time slots here (they are 30 minutes long) - https://calendar.app.google/kjAV9GmRWscvgc9e8. Please contact me for longer slots or if you want to meet during non-'normal' business hours (evenings or weekends). I will follow up with zoom links. ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8205-1255 Corey's Web Home: https://www.squirreldude.com/ [image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ][image: ]

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Help desk options (for internal workflow)
by Andrea Ingmire 11 Oct '25

11 Oct '25

Hi everyone! I am looking for ways to better manage our internal workflow... especially in terms of website updates, social media requests, promotions/publicity in general. Does anyone have a great system for this? Maybe like a helpdesk ticketing system? Unfortunately, our budget doesn't currently allow for a full-time communication coordinator, even though the workload is certainly that of full-time. I'm trying to find efficiencies to help streamline what needs to get done, especially while I'm trying to fill the turnover gap. Thanks!! Andrea [cid:a606964e-21ce-4248-a859-90cfa945f8ba] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Andrea Ingmire Library Director Peter White Public Library 217 North Front Street Marquette, MI 49855 906-226-4303 Office 906-228-9510 Library Main Number 906-226-1783 Library Fax [cid:36cbe56f-f3ea-49b4-801c-29cfaa6c70f4]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3193da10121b499fb20ea87e1c89c361…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/3193da10121b499fb20ea87e1c89c361…>

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Question about teen programming
by Amber Sheerin 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

MLA is hosting a Youth Summit for the Right to Read next month. (Registration to this week!) This is the first time we have hosted an event geared towards high school/college students and I have a question for those in teen/youth services. Do you require parental permission for teens to participate in library programs? Thanks in advance! [A picture containing text, clipart Description automatically generated] Amber Sheerin, CMP, DES (She/Her) Program Director Michigan Library Association PO Box 27337 Lansing, MI 48909 Direct: 517-881-3194 Office: 517-394-2774 asheerin(a)milibraries.org<mailto:asheerin@milibraries.org> www.milibraries.org<http://www.milibraries.org/> Follow MLA on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/MichiganLibraryAssociation> and Bluesky<https://bsky.app/profile/milibraries.bsky.social>!

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MLA Conference Silent Auction
by Lisa Waskin 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

Donations for MLA's Conference Silent Auction I just saw the countdown to conference on the webpage, and we are down to 18 days/18 hours until it begins. Will we see you there? Did you know... Every year, MLA offers scholarships for attendance and workshops, conferences, and other events. This money comes from donations from all of you! How can you help? Vendors and attendees are asked for donations of any kind to this auction: library bling, vendor give-a-ways, new books, posters, a weekend stay in a fabulous location, anything which could either stand alone as an auction item or could be combined with other items to make a great gift basket! Proceeds from the auction will benefit MLA's Educational Scholarship Fund. Please consider donating an item to this year's Silent Auction. And I hope to see you there. Lisa Waskin, District Director and MLA 2025 Conference Chair Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 Ph. (906) 632-9331 lwaskin(a)superiordistrictlibrary.org<mailto:lwaskin@superiordistrictlibrary.org>

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comics/graphic novel reviewers needed for website
by Elyse Malnekoff 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

Hi all, Happy Friday! I used to write comics and graphic novel reviews for a great website called No Flying No Tights <https://noflyingnotights.com/>, headed by Robin Brenner. I have also used the site as a selection tool and find it really helpful and well-rounded. If you are a library worker at any level, and are interested in writing reviews for the site, they are seeking new reviewers! The requirement is one review per month. More information here: https://noflyingnotights.com/blog/2025/09/29/join-no-flying-no-tights/ No need to reply all on this. You can reply directly to me with any questions. Cheers, -- Elyse Malnekoff (they/them) Head of Circulation Services Comstock Township Library (269)-345-0136 zv079

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BTBL : New Promo Materials!
by Wambaugh, Stephanie (LEO) 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

We are so excited to share some newly released promotional materials that you can print off as flyers or use for digital displays to help promote the Braille and Talking Book Library service to your patrons: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Uc0qGD-flejFRP9kTTqytKZ18BGBvYDb?us… Remember - individuals do NOT need to be legally blind to use our service, and Librarians CAN certify our applications. Offering our service as a supplement to the large print or audio books you have available can open up hundreds of thousands of additional reading opportunities for your patrons in accessible formats. Our large collection of audio and braille books can be mailed on cartridge and played using our (free) digital talking book player OR patrons can download the free BARD mobile App to get books directly on their personal devices. The best part, no wait lists or check out periods. All our patrons can access any of our materials at any time- all free of charge. Thank you for making a difference in your communities by spreading the word about BTBL! #ThatAllMayRead Learn more at: www.michigan.gov/BTBL<http://www.michigan.gov/BTBL> Stephanie Wambaugh, Librarian 12 Team Lead and Outreach Services Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL) Bureau of Services for Blind Persons P.O. Box 30007 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: 1-800-992-9012 Fax: 1-517-284-2885 wambaughs(a)michigan.gov<mailto:wambaughs@michigan.gov> LEGAL NOTICE: This email is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain privileged and confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or duplication of this email is expressly prohibited. If you are not an intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately, delete the email from your computer, and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable legal privilege and does not constitute an electronic signature or provide consent to contract electronically.

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2025 summer reading
by Diane Willick 10 Oct '25

10 Oct '25

Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone had any of the square label pins from Color our world that you would be willing to share. I only need one. Was gifted the large one. By the time we got to ordering they were sold out. If you could send it to zv174 att Diane. Thank you Diane Willick Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library 211 N. Almont Ave Imlay City, MI 48444 810-724-8043

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