[cid:image002.png@01DBCAF7.82F579A0]Keeping up with professional reading while completing regular day-to-day library tasks can be daunting. Fortunately, gaining access to valuable eBook content that supports vital library work is easy with the Gale eBooks Library Science Collection<http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gvrl> from the Michigan eLibrary<https://mel.org/welcome> (MeL). Programming and Services Aside from the collection, communities often prize libraries for their programming and services. Understanding what your community needs is an important first step. Ask, Listen, Empower: Grounding Your Library Work in Community Engagement<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PM&sid=bookmark-GVRL> includes a chapter that discusses planning programs and services “by and with, rather than for or at, your community.” Additional eBooks focused on programming include: Beyond Reality: Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality in the Library<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69OU&sid=bookmark-GVRL> Serving Patrons with Disabilities: Perspectives and Insights from People with Disabilities<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C7LJI&sid=bookmark-GVRL> 75 Projects for Young Explorers<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PH&sid=bookmark-GVRL> Incubating Creativity at Your Library: A Sourcebook for Connecting with Communities<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PQ&sid=bookmark-GVRL> Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C7LJM&sid=bookmark-GVRL> Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PZ&sid=bookmark-GVRL> Funding and Infrastructure Becoming an expert in funding a library building, as well as its staff, collection, and services can be challenging. Before the Ballot: Building Political Support for Library Funding<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PP&sid=bookmark-GVRL> can help with messaging, building relationships, and creating a winnable campaign to ensure stable funding. Many communities are also looking to expand or build a new facility. Having visited nearly 100 Michigan public libraries, I have seen amazing designs that are focused on how a variety of patrons can enjoy each unique space. Constructing Library Buildings That Work<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69P1&sid=bookmark-GVRL> and 100+ Ideas to Inspire Smart Spaces and Creative Places<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69P8&sid=bookmark-GVRL> can help library staff and board members think about the spaces and features their community will most value and use. To be sure that a library can weather any storm, Sustainable Thinking: Ensuring Your Library’s Future in an Uncertain World<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PW&sid=bookmark-GVRL> has tools including strategies, worksheets, discussion questions, and checklists to help libraries become more resilient. Behind the Scenes Creating a library culture that functions well pays dividends for the community. The Dysfunctional Library: Challenges and Solutions to Workplace Relationships<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69P4&sid=bookmark-GVRL> and Cultivating Civility: Practical Ways to Improve a Dysfunctional Library<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PE&sid=bookmark-GVRL> provide ideas for improving communication, leadership, conflict management, and collaboration. Libraries that Learn: Keys to Managing Organizational Knowledge<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69P2&sid=bookmark-GVRL> provides case studies that demonstrate how various libraries oversee the information that keeps them running smoothly. Many of the titles in the Gale eBooks Library Science Collection<http://widgets.ebscohost.com/prod/customerspecific/mel/auth.php?database=gvrl> are practical and provide excellent advice on a number of topics. It’s also nice to read positive affirmations. Libraryland: It’s All About the Story<https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GVRL&sw=w&u=lom_accessmich&v=2.1&it=etoc&id=GALE%7C69PD&sid=bookmark-GVRL> includes personal narratives that will encourage everyone to make a difference in their community. This special collection of 66 eBooks that support the work of library staff is available 24/7 through MeL<https://mel.org/welcome>—we hope you find them useful. If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@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@mcls.org [cid:image003.png@01DBCAF0.50F61D30] 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@01DBCAF0.50F61D30]
