- Michlib-l - liblists.org

January Digital Collections Office Hours Canceled
by Gallo, Biz (MDE) 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

This week's Digital Collections Office Hours<https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lce-upj8oG9XI77qeMfLkRc_04ehDFp…>, which normally takes place the second Thursday of every month, is canceled. Digital Collections Office Hours will resume in February. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 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/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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Found Book
by Trixie L. McMeeking 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Good afternoon, The book "I Am Billie Jean King" by Brad Meltzer barcode #44160 from Emerson School was returned to the school library in town. There appear to be numerous options for Emerson School in Michigan, so if you recognize this title and barcode, please contact me and I will send it on its way back to you. Thank you! Trixie L. McMeeking Homer Public Library 141 W. Main St. Homer, MI 49245 517-568-3450 Fax 517-568-4021 hpl(a)wowway.biz homerpl.michlibrary.org

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Fwd: NEW Library Makers Roundtable Series: Share your solutions and hear from others!
by Cindi Place 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Cindi L. Place, MLIS (she/her) Why pronouns <https://pronouns.org/what-and-why>? (231)675-3855 Managing Director - Crooked Tree District Library Alpha Sigma Alpha Region 8 Finance Leader Leadership Team, Library Makers cindiplace(a)gmail.com “Doctor Who: You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room’s the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!* – Russell T. Davies* ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Library Makers <info(a)librarymakers.org> Date: Mon, Jan 5, 2026 at 9:54 PM Subject: NEW Library Makers Roundtable Series: Share your solutions and hear from others! To: <cindiplace(a)gmail.com> Lets talk about our common program challenges, and practical strategies and solutions! ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/librarymakers/new-library-makers-roundtable-series-share…> *Starting soon! A Roundtable Discussion Series that you don’t want to miss!* [image: graphic with schedule for roundtable series] <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> *Roundtables will be open discussions for sharing good ideas! Facilitators will share some findings, but most of all we invite all participants to be ready to share their own creative approaches!* <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> RSVP for Jan 14 <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> It’s a challenge to build authentic engagement and design outreach that deepens understanding of local needs, fosters and grows inclusive participation, and intentionally elevates the creativity and skills already present within the community. Let’s talk! Bring your best ideas about outreach and engagement for library makerspaces! We will discuss what is most challenging and seek input on how to successfully bring in new audiences and invite authentic engagement. <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> RSVP for Jan 21 <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> It’s not easy to communicate a clear, evidence-based narrative that describes the value and impact of your maker program, while also addressing the ongoing challenge of identifying and securing the resources needed to sustain high-quality services. We will offer some ideas we recently collected from the field, and then we will want to hear from you about how your library is addressing this challenge and advocating for your maker program. <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> RSVP for Jan. 28 <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> Designing makerspaces/programs that intentionally remove cultural, socio-economic, developmental, and physical barriers so all community members can fully participate and feel a sense of belonging is a challenging goal, but so important! How are you finding ways to do it at your library? What’s happening at your library? Are you working to increase accessibility? How do people know that they are truly welcome in your spaces? We will talk about the most challenging things you deal with to provide programs for audiences of different abilities and backgrounds, and seek input from participants about how to successfully offer a program that community members can fully participate and feel a sense of belonging. <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> RSVP for Feb. 4 <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> It is no small task to develop resilient maker services that can evolve with community needs. This often involves strengthening the financial, operational and structural systems required for long-term stability. But library people are creative and resourceful and at this event we will share a few great approaches we have discovered! Bring your best ideas about sustainability strategies for library makerspaces and we will compare notes on how different libraries are keeping their systems up to date and be ready for what comes next. Share you input about what works, and what you might have tried that didn’t work, too. <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> RSVP for Feb. 11 <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> Having the capacity to invest in staff through recruitment, comprehensive training, and ongoing professional development. Ideally, staff would be empowered as a knowledgeable and confident workforce ready to meet changing community needs and advancing technologies. We want to hear how your library handles recruiting, developing, and retaining staff in library makerspaces! Come and listen to get some new strategies, too. Attend this roundtable to discuss how libraries might create a culture where staff can grow in their skills and become leaders in the field of maker services. About the Problems of Practice Project *and how you can participate as a researcher or contributor!* Maker Programs, no matter the size, type or location, generally share a common set of challenges, or Problems of Practice. But library people are very creative and resourceful. Our team at Library Makers (who are a diverse mix of library people like you!) are working to research and document how libraries around the country are working to address these Problems at their libraries. Once we complete a few months of research, we will publish these results in a free online publication. *1. SUBMIT EXAMPLES TO THE PROJECT RESEARCH TEAM* *Use this form to send us your examples* <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> *2. ATTEND AND ENGAGE WITH OUR SERIES OF **FIVE WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS* <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…>* ON WEDNESDAYS. Jan 14 - Feb 11* *3. JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER RESEARCH & WRITING TEAM* READ MORE on our website and find out how to be involved in the project! <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> LIBRARY SCIENCE STUDENTS are encouraged to join the reseach project, too! [image: graphic matrix] <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> *In case you missed it…* Check out the recording of our December 10 event: *Making It Work: Defining Our Shared Library Makerspace Challenges* <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> Library Makers has been digging into the real-world challenges - or “*Problems of Practice*” - that many libraries encounter when running maker programs or operating makerspaces. At the same time, our partners from the National Library Makerspace Forum have been gathering insights from across the country to better understand the shared values, vision, priorities, and resources that can strengthen the library makerspace movement. In this webinar recording, we share highlights and key takeaways from the Forum’s research, reflect on what we’ve learned together so far, and introduce the five core Problems of Practice that we are inviting the library community to help tackle in the months ahead. *Presenters in this recording include:* Rebecca Teasdale, Associate Professor, University of Illinois, Chicago Kyungwon Koh, Associate Professor, School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Director, Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab Emilie N. Butt, Fab Lab Instruction an Engagement Coordinator, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Cindi Place, Chair, Library Makers Leadership Team Lisa Regalla, Library Makers Leadership Team Pamela Van Halsema, Library Makers Leadership Team *Please share this message with your professional network!* [image: Facebook icon] <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> Share <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> [image: LinkedIn icon] <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> Share <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…> [image: Email icon] <https://us5.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84d7f23a23661&id=b4…> Share <https://us5.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84d7f23a23661&id=b4…> *Copyright (C) 2026 Library Makers | Makers in the Library Toolkit. All rights reserved.* You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. or registered for one of our events. Our mailing address is: Library Makers | Makers in the Library Toolkit 1730 Kerry Ln Santa Rosa, CA 95403-8631 Add us to your address book <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/vcard?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84d7f23a…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/profile?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84d7f2…> or unsubscribe <https://makersinthelibrary.us5.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=bd13f1ad8a8f84…>

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auto door responses
by Stacy Pasche 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

Thank you to all who responded to my inquiry regarding auto doors. Responses below: OG email: We need to replace our exterior door. It currently has an automatic door opener that is the push button style. We're not very happy with that style- it makes the door difficult to open if you don't use the button. The button is slow. The button is also at toddler level and takes a lot of abuse. I would love to have a "Star Trek" door that just slides open when you walk up to it. If your library has one of these types of doors, please let me know if you like it. What are maintenance costs? What do you do if they stop working? Do they handle wind/snow well? I would love any advice you have to give. Responses: We had Assa Abloy automatic sliding doors installed several years ago and they work very well. Very little issues or maintenance over the years, nothing our DPS department wasn't able to take care of. We have two sets of those. My observations: - It's about once or twice a year that we have to have the exterior door serviced and the service techs come from Grand Rapids. It's never less than $100 for the service. Though honestly, I wish my plumbing and electrical issues were that cheap. - When you first turn them on in the morning they run slow for the first couple of open/closes but then they are fine. People will sometimes run into them in the morning though because they expect them to move faster and that can throw them off the track. - We don't seem to have any trouble with wind or snow. Our door is perpendicular to the lake like yours is to the water, so the wind doesn't generally blow straight into the door. - Occasionally mom's will complain because their kids can run right at the door and it doesn't stop them but it's so infrequent I don't really worry about it. - You have to keep the track clean, but sweeping works fine. - We have the push pads at our Manton location and I prefer the automatic open. We have the same kind of push button door. There is a way to reprogram the computer component of the door to different opening intervals that may solve part of your issue. We changed ours to stay open max to accomodate a specific customer. Though I have nothing for the toddler abuse. I've had the slide open doors in other libraries and they do tend to struggle the colder the weather is, but maybe if they are brand new that won't be the case. Good luck! Mary We have a new exterior door and added an automatic opener to both the outer and inner doors. We haven't had them before but I'm really happy about the speed and "resistance". Since this is new it is hard to judge but these openers seem a lot easier to pull open than others I've experienced, maybe it's new technology? The open buttons are also wireless so we didn't have to run cables. We have the same situation that you currently have and like it as much as you do, lol. But my previous library has a "Star Trek" door and it is great! Since I'm no longer using the staff door, I used it much more often now that I'm just a visitor and it's super easy, never fails (that I'm aware of), and does a better job of keeping the cold/heat out than our current push button door. This is because it closes faster although I'm guessing that if you take a long time to go through it, like with a wheelchair or something, it would stay open as long as it takes you to go through. At least I never heard of anyone getting caught in the door. Actually, now that I think of it, they replaced the push button door at their branch library with an automatic door, so I think that means they were happy about it. You can reach out to the Farmington Community Library if you want more specifics, but I think you'll be happy with an automatic door.

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New Year, New Conversation – Register for MCLS January Virtual Dialogue!
by Jenny Kobiela-Mondor 06 Jan '26

06 Jan '26

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services will kick off a new year of Virtual Dialogues on Thursday, January 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central). We will discuss how we’ve survived amid uncertainty, and how we can use our strengths and the lessons we’ve learned to continue to serve our communities during unpredictable times. MCLS Virtual Dialogues are designed to provide those in the library industry opportunities to connect and engage around topics that impact the way we work. These dialogues are not workshops or webinars; they are a way to engage with others in the profession through facilitated dialogue. Please plan to have your microphone enabled and camera on to participate. Registration is open at https://www.mcls.org/training-events/events/virtual-dialogues. If you have any questions, please reach out to engagement(a)mcls.org<mailto:engagement@mcls.org>. We look forward to connecting with you! Jenny Kobiela-Mondor (she/her) Library Strategist 517-481-2013 kobielamondorj(a)mcls.org<mailto:kobielamondorj@mcls.org> [cid:abbc8c05-873e-4b92-bd1d-c8895ca1fab2] 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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Bookclub leftover books are gone
by Vicki Mazure 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

All of the books on this list have been spoken for. I am glad we could share them. Vicki Mazure, Director Harbor Beach Area District Library 989-479-3417 From: Vicki Mazure via Michlib-l <michlib-l(a)liblists.org> Sent: Monday, January 5, 2026 3:25 PM To: michlib-l(a)liblists.org Subject: [Michlib-l] Bookclub leftover books available Hi, Our bookclub has read these books. The leftover books are available if any library is interested in them. We would appreciate it if you would send your RIDES code with any request. This is the first half of our list ( Some titles have "the" in front of them, but I left that off of my spreadsheet). Title Author Number of copies Beneath a Scarlet Sky Mark Sullivan 5 Bunker Hill Nathaniel Philbrick 3 Christmas Bells Jennifer Chiaverini 6 Dog Named Christmas Greg Kincaid 4 Emerald Mile Kevin Fedarko 6 Exiles Christina Baker Kline 2 Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Robert Dugoni 5 Golden 13 Dan C. Goldberg 6 Great Alone Kristin Hannah 6 Heaven & Earth Grocery Store James McBride 4 Honor Thrity Umrigar 3 I Am Watching You Teresa Driscoll 8 Vicki Mazure, Director [Logo1.book.lighthouseA.extra small] Harbor Beach Area District Library 105 N. Huron Ave. Harbor Beach, MI 48441 989-479-3417 vicki(a)hbadl.org<mailto:vicki@hbadl.org>

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Bookclub leftover books available
by Vicki Mazure 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Hi, Our bookclub has read these books. The leftover books are available if any library is interested in them. We would appreciate it if you would send your RIDES code with any request. This is the first half of our list ( Some titles have "the" in front of them, but I left that off of my spreadsheet). Title Author Number of copies Beneath a Scarlet Sky Mark Sullivan 5 Bunker Hill Nathaniel Philbrick 3 Christmas Bells Jennifer Chiaverini 6 Dog Named Christmas Greg Kincaid 4 Emerald Mile Kevin Fedarko 6 Exiles Christina Baker Kline 2 Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell Robert Dugoni 5 Golden 13 Dan C. Goldberg 6 Great Alone Kristin Hannah 6 Heaven & Earth Grocery Store James McBride 4 Honor Thrity Umrigar 3 I Am Watching You Teresa Driscoll 8 Vicki Mazure, Director [Logo1.book.lighthouseA.extra small] Harbor Beach Area District Library 105 N. Huron Ave. Harbor Beach, MI 48441 989-479-3417 vicki(a)hbadl.org

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Sharing Sad News from the Library of Michigan
by Bradley, Michelle (MDE) 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Dear Michigan Library Community, We are greatly saddened to share that we received news over the weekend of the passing of State Librarian Randy Riley. Randy was well-known and respected around the state for his advocacy for libraries, books and reading. He became state librarian in 2014 and was a Library of Michigan staff member since 1989. Before being named state librarian, he was a key member of the team responsible for oversight of the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) and promoting its resources to school and public libraries and government agencies statewide. He helped coordinate outreach to educators, state employees, and librarians to ensure that they have easy access to information. Under his leadership the Library of Michigan redesigned the MeL website and installed discovery search capabilities for MeL. He oversaw statewide database contracts and vendor relations, coordinated the Michigan Notable Books program. He was integral in creation of the SeekingMichigan website and was the editor of the Michigan Genealogist e-newsletter. Randy worked as a reference librarian, Michigan Selector, Michigan, and Genealogy Special Collections coordinator and as Special Collections supervisor at the Library of Michigan. He was an influential leader in statewide and national library organizations, including Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. Randy earned a bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University with a dual major in history and political science and a master's degree of Information and Library Studies in the Archives and Records Management Program at the University of Michigan. We will share the obituary and information about any funeral arrangements as they become available. Randy is survived by his wife, Lori, a son, Sam, a daughter, Madeline, and his dog, Louie. Randy will truly be missed. Please keep his family, friends, and Library of Michigan staff in your thoughts. 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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MiALA Conference: Call for Presentation Proposals ends Jan. 12
by Dickinson, Thad 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

A gentle reminder from the MiALA Conference Planning Committee that the deadline to submit presentation proposals for the upcoming conference is right around the corner, and you don't want to miss it! This year's conference seeks to illuminate how academic libraries across Michigan are building resilience, fostering collaboration, and staying true to our values during an era of rapid and often unsettling change in higher education. We welcome proposals on topics covering any aspect of academic libraries, and we're especially interested in those that explore how academic libraries are reaffirming their "True North," the guiding principles that sustain and inspire our work. Let's amplify the stories, strategies, and sparks of inspiration that remind us of who we are and why our work matters. Presentation proposals include 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 Monday, January 12, 2026. There is also a Breakout Session Collaboration Sheet (https://tinyurl.com/mr3d6n7e) available to find potential collaborators around a topic or idea. Questions about proposals can be sent to Stephanie Swanberg, sswanberg(a)msp.edu<mailto:sswanberg@msp.edu>. Questions about the conference in general can be sent to conference(a)miala.org<mailto:conference@miala.org>. Don't miss out - submit your proposal soon! [cid:image001.jpg@01DC7E4F.FC41A930] Thad Dickinson, MSLIS, MALDT (he/him) Distance & MSA Librarian | Library Research & Instruction Services 900 Tower Dr., Suite 100 | Central Michigan University | Troy, MI. 48098-2834 E: dicki1te(a)cmich.edu | P: 248-526-2638 | F: 248-526-1585 | Webex<https://cmich.webex.com/meet/dicki1te>

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Council Member Conflict on Board
by Sharon Crotser 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Greetings to you all! We are a City library, and as such are a department of the City of St. Ignace. We have had a City council member recently join our board as a non-voting member of the library's board of trustees. We've since had a library board opening, and the individual in question has requested to be the replacement. The rest of the library board has been under the impression that this occurrence will create a conflict of interest. The City's attorney however has ok'd it. I would dearly love more information. If you have any knowledge of the legalities of our situation, please respond. I'd love to hear from you. Many thanks in advance, -Sharon Sharon Crotser Director St. Ignace Public Library 110 West Spruce Street St. Ignace, MI 49781 (906) 643-8318

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