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iPads, AWE, or something else responses
by Killian Weston 31 Oct '23

31 Oct '23

Hi everyone, Thank you so much to everyone who responded! We haven't made any decisions, but definitely have some other options to look into. So many people were curious about the responses, so here they are! Killian Weston Youth Services Librarian Bloomfield Township Public Library ---- *Oak Park:* Auburn Hills has a great AWE-alternative, that frankly we would have probably purchased had we known about them. I don't recall the brand, but they tell us it's better than AWE. Give them a call [image: 🙂] We don't care for our AWE machines - even the new one we have is far too complicated to use and service. *Berkley Public Library (2 responses):* We replaced our AWE with a new AWE about a year ago and it has been pretty horrible. Very glitchy, lots of games that you can't get out of to get back to the main menu once you're in them, lots of freezing and crashing, decreased options/functionality for reports of usage statistics, troubleshooting, etc. We're currently planning to limp along with it long enough to not make the donor feel like it was a waste, and then replace it with something else. I had been thinking iPads might be next but based on your experience maybe not, so I'd definitely be interested in any other options you hear about from other libraries. We haven't been too impressed with the AWE machine we bought a couple of years ago. We liked our older machine but this new one is pretty clunky and glitchy. I think it will be our last. *Northville District Library:* We just went through the same considerations, but I found that if we deployed ipads, it was going to take up a ton of time that our IT Department simply does not have to spare. Therefore, we did invest in new AWE systems, and our patrons have been extremely happy with the updates that AWE has made to their systems. I'm also finding the systems MUCH easier to work with on the back end as well. *Salem Township Library:* We just started using a program called Magic Desktop and our patrons love it! We've only had it for a couple of months, so I can't comment on the service/experience with the company just yet. But so far, so good. We have two touch screen computers, so no mouse and keypad are needed; but you can have that as an option as well. It's geared for ages 2-12. It's also set up with parental controls so we can set what the kids have access to with one master password. We turn the computer on and it loads the program automatically. (It runs like a kid's desktop.) It's full of games and activities, and like I mentioned, our patrons are loving it so far. Besides the initial cost of the computers, the only fee is the annual subscription. *Muskegon Area District Library:* I would stay away from the AWE computers. We have 13 of them (desktop all-in-ones) across 11 locations and we just purchased new ones last year. They have been nothing but problems for us. They constantly freeze, go to blue screens, get stuck in games, crash, etc. We have worked directly with the techs and CEO of the company and they constantly just keep saying that they have a new update that will fix them. After applying roughly 10 updates now, they continue to have the same issues. They claim that the new V3 they are working on will fix everything but I am not holding my breath. At $6,000+ a piece I cannot in good conscience recommend these to anyone any longer. 5 years ago they had a solid product that we never had issues with but for some reason with the new ones they are selling it is nothing but issues. My staff have gotten tired of calling me to fix them now so when they have issues the just unplug them and plug them back in which is usually a couple times a day. If you get any other recommendations from other libraries please let me know because we would like to switch to something else in the future. *Redford Township District Library:* We took away our iPads/Awe computers during Covid and never replaced them. We now have more manipulatives/toys in the department and no one seems to miss the screen time! *Baldwin Public Library:* We had 4 Ipads pre renovation and after the renovation we went with a play table. they're expensive (like $6500) but staff (and patrons) love it.. We went to another library to play with theirs before purchasing since the vendor was confused and thought we were in Baldwin, Mi and cancelled our demo last minute. https://libraryplaytable.com/ *Cromaine Library:* Cromaine currently has a mix of AWE and home-brewed computers that point to certain sites, like PBS kids, ABC Mouse, etc. *Petoskey District Library:* We updated our older AWEs with a new version and they’re really crappy. There’s supposedly an update that AWE hasn’t sent yet. The screens turn black at random, they don’t turn on, the speakers/headphones seem to stop working at random. The kids love the games when the computers work, but it’s just been weird glitches over and over. I hope the update solves a lot of the issues. *T.A. Cutler Memorial Library:* My current feelings towards the AWE company are not favorable, but the kids like the computers—we bought two of their all-in-one computers with touch screen, so they can be used with a mouse/keyboard or by touching the screen. We did not buy the optional heavy-duty bases. They have a three-year warranty, and at 5 months in they look and act like new. I hope they last more than three years, but I don't know that I would ever order from them again. *Coopersville Area District Library:* We have a couple of old AWEs, but when one of them died a few years ago, I was unwilling to fork over the money for a new one. Instead, I purchased an all in one touchscreen computer and loaded Magic Desktop on it: https://www.magicdesktop.com/en-us. It has been our most used computer since we purchased it, but it might be because our AWEs are just older and have more "little kiddish" games. We also have Kindle tablets that we purchased Amazon Kids+ for and keep geared toward the different age groups. While we have to troubleshoot or wipe and restart the profile every once and awhile, it's been fairly low key for my staff so far. *Tecumseh District Library:* Tecumseh District Library has had two AWE computers with touch screens as well as mice and keyboards in its Children Section for many years. We love them! The early literacy programs are geared to children up to five years old. Children are drawn to them and we have rarely had any problems with them. The only thing I can think of is when we first offered the computers, the earphones kept getting stolen, so we just quit offering them. The sound/noise level has not been a problem for other patrons. The biggest annoyance, if you want to call it that, is that some of the younger kids don't get the hang of exiting a program before they leave the computer. So I often hear from afar a repetitive voice (like Big Bird) or a music cue asking for participation...I finally realize no one is at the computer and I go and quit the program via the touch screen. LOL But regardless, we still LOVE our AWE computers!

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Recommendations: Library movers
by Cynthia Simpson 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Hello Colleagues, Can you please provide recommendations and contact info for professional library movers you have used? We are looking to relocate a significant part of our collection elsewhere on campus, well outside of the current library footprint. We are located in the metro-Detroit area. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide. All best, C -- *Cynthia Simpson, MLIS (she/hers What's this? <https://www.mypronouns.org>)* *Executive Director of Library Services * Lawrence Technological University Library Buell Management Building (#5), Room M113 21000 W. 10 Mile Road Southfield, MI 48075-1058 PH: (248) 204-3000 FAX: (248) 204-3005 www.ltu.edu/library My work hours may be different from your work hours. Please do not feel obligated to respond outside of your work hours.

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Free PCI Webinars
by Wartella, Becky (MDE) 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Greetings! Are you looking for free, high-quality continuing education on a wide range of professional topics? Check out the People Connect Institute (PCI) webinars now available to the Michigan library community. The Library of Michigan provides access to the PCI live webinars for all Michigan library staff. PCI Webinars uses the Zoom platform. * Reasoning with the Unreasonable Patron: 6 Secrets for Making It Work<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> August 30 at 2pm ET * The Yellow Cake Principle: Your Recipe for Influence and Success<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> September 6 at 2pm ET * Generative AI in Libraries<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> September 13 at 2pm ET * Professional Development---"What now?"<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> September 20 at 2pm ET * Happy Hacks for Becoming Better After the Bitter<https://libraryofmichigan.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/libraryofmichigan/even…> September 27 at 2pm ET Are you or your staff looking to develop your skills with professional development opportunities either in or out of state? The Library Continuing Education Stipend program<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/scholarships/librar…> can support travel and registration costs by providing financial support for library staff continuing education. To find the full array of training and continuing education opportunities supported and offered by the Library of Michigan visit the Continuing Education site at Michigan.gov/LibraryCE<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce>. Links to WebJunction, United for Libraries, the LM CE calendar<https://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan/libraries/ce/intro/lm-continuing…>, and the Niche Staff Skills Academy<https://my.nicheacademy.com/staffskills> can all be found there. Questions about LM Training? Contact me at Wartellab(a)Michigan.gov<mailto:Wartellab@Michigan.gov>. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Library of Michigan. Thank you, Becky Wartella Department of Education Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo St. Lansing, MI 48909

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Multiple workshops coming up from MCLS!
by Gwen Haviland 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

There is still time to register for these upcoming workshops! Just Enough to be Dangerous: Cataloging for Non-Catalogers<https://mcls.corsizio.com/c/646e75a927812a7fa42bf634> Only 2 spots left! 1-day class, November 7, 2023, 2-4pm Eastern (1-3pm Central) Qualifies for 2 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! Cataloging with Variant Titles<https://mcls.corsizio.com/c/646e7a2627812a7fa42d53e7> 1-day class, November 9, 10am-12pm Eastern (9am-11am Central) Qualifies for 2 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! Supervisor Series: Effective Communication Strategies for Managers<https://mcls.corsizio.com/c/646e7b7427812a7fa42dafca> NEW! 1-day class, November 9, 10am-3pm Eastern (9am-2pm Central) Qualifies for 4 SCECHs for Michigan school library staff! For these and other great workshops please visit our Training Store here https://store.mcls.org To learn about our Essential Workplace Skills and Cataloging Certificate programs, click here https://www.mcls.org/training-events/certification/ ************************************* Gwen Haviland Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist Midwest Collaborative for Library Services 517-220-9950 training(a)mcls.org<mailto:training@mcls.org>

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Upcoming Virtual Event at BPL- Speaking with the Dead: What Bones Can Tell Us About Life in the Past
by Mick Howey 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Hello Michlib-l, Please join us at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 4th for the event Speaking with the Dead: What Bones Can Tell Us About Life in the Past. Dead men tell no tales - unless of course they are being looked at by an archaeologist! Then they often can tell quite a few tales, from where they grew up to what they ate to how old they were when they died. Join archaeologist Ellen Green to see how skeletons can help us build biographies of the people they once were, and how that helps us understand past civilizations. Learn how the latest forensic and medical knowledge can be applied to people who died thousands of years ago in order to create a window into their lives and their deaths. This presentation will include pictures of (archeological) human remains. Ellen Green is a PhD researcher at the University of Reading in England, specializing in human remains. Prior to her return to academia she was a field archaeologist in London for 5 years, and she has worked on sites from every period in the city's history. She developed a love of archaeology through many visits to Roman ruins and castles in the UK over many vacations, which inspired a fascination with the past. She is also a big fan of Indiana Jones. This is a virtual event. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Tap here <https://www.baldwinlib.org/calendar/#/events/7Obby6ZTHt/instances/W7rWdqcT9…> to register. Hope to see you there! Mick Howey, MLIS Adult Services Librarian II Baldwin Public Library 300 West Merrill Street Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 554-4649

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Question about Library Board email addresses
by Lee Martin 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Good morning Ms. Membiela, We are a membership driven Shared ILS consortium here in Michigan and one of our members, Iosco Arenac District Library, if we could provide their Board members with email accounts as we do that for them and other members. Are there any legal or finical concerns we should be aware of before providing them with email accounts? Thanks in advance for your guidance. Regards, Lee Martin Executive Director Valley Library Consortium 989-497-0925 x.5

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Juvenile Nonfiction
by Melissa Adkins 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Hello All, While tackling many projects to get this library back on its feet and in good shape, one of the problems has been a very outdated collection that was not being weeded or added to for awhile. While some of this was fairly easy to fix, one collection that I am concerned about is the Juvenile Nonfiction. Does anybody still use reps and buy full sets (planets, presidents, states, etc)? Are you finding that more cost effective or productive? Getting the collection in decent order in piecemeal fashion seems like it might not be efficient at this point, so I would love to hear recommendations about who you work with. Thanks, Melissa Adkins (she/her) Library Director Ecorse Public Library 4184 W. Jefferson Ave. Ecorse, MI 48229 313-389-2030 ecorselibrary(a)gmail.com

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Job Posting - Oxford Public Library (MI) / Director of Engagement Services
by Bryan Cloutier 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

Position Director of Engagement Services (This is a management-level position) Location Oxford Public Library (MI) Education & Experience Required: Bachelors Degree in Communications / Marketing / Public Relations / Fundraising or any related subject field. Desirable: Masters Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, or Library/Information Science from an accredited college or university is desired, but is not a required requisite to qualify for this position. Experience: A minimum of five (5) years post-degree experience, preferably in library or not-for-profit sector. Nature of the Work The Oxford Public Library invites an energetic, creative and effective communicator to serve as its Director of Engagement Services. This individual reports to the Library Director and CEO, and is charged with planning, directing and facilitating library-wide communications and fundraising strategies. In collaboration with the Library's management team and marketing firm, this individual generates user- and non-user focused advertising, newsletters and other promotional materials. This includes, but is not limited to, researching and applying for local, regional, state and national grants that maximizes community resources and the taxpayers' investment in the library's physical plant operations, programs and services. About the Library The Oxford Public Library serves a charming, rural, historical community of 20,000 + residents in northern Oakland County. The library facility itself is approximately 24,000 sq. ft. and houses a print and electronic media collection around 130,000 items. It circulates over 200,000 items per year. On average, the library employs a team of 28 full- and part-time individuals who collaboratively develop 640 community-based programs annually that are attended by nearly 37,000 participants. The library's approved 2024 operating budget is $1.9 million, with $375,000 allocated to capital improvement and infrastructure projects. Salary Salaried/Overtime Exemption, Minimum 40 hours per week. Salary Range: $50,000 to $70,000 annually, placement commensurate with experience. Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance & Retirement package included. Annual PTO includes Sick, Vacation Leave and Paid Holidays. Application Timeline Posting Date: 10/30/2023 Closing Date: 11/19/2023 Anticipated Interviews: Week of 12/04/2023 Anticipated Start Date: 01/02/2024 Application Process Send a current resume, cover letter and three professional references to: Bryan J. Cloutier, Library Director & CEO Via email, with PDF attachments to: bcloutier(a)miopl.org

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Introducing the White Lake Township Library's 3D printer!
by Heather Clark 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

The White Lake Township Library has a new 3D printer! Check out our teaser promo video here, and stop in to see it in person if you happen to be in the area! You might even catch it hard at work on some of the project requests that have already been coming in from patrons... https://fb.watch/n-yY5mCsxz/ Heather Clark Administrative Assistant/Marketing White Lake Township Library 11005 Elizabeth Lake Road White Lake, MI 48386 (p) 248-698-4942 x 110 hclark(a)whitelakelibrary.org

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DVD cases for crafts
by Sara Ault 30 Oct '23

30 Oct '23

We have a box of 44 empty DVD cases. Great for crafts. Send me your delivery code and I will get them out to you. 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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