Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative

Director’s Report

November - December , 2011

State Aid:
State Aid Annual Report, FY 2011-12: The State Aid reporting window was opened with a submission deadline of February 1, 2012 for the report and February 5, 2012 for the original, signed certification page.  The Library of Michigan issued a statement that State Aid would be awarded to libraries that are:  legally established and meet the required local financial support and all staff certification requirements.

Cooperative Services:
Summer Reading Program:  Irene is putting the finishing touches on the SRP schedule for 2012.  Contracts were emailed to performers with the goal of completing as many electronically as possible.  Over 40 performers have been booked for 300+ programs.

Spring Tour:  Also in the planning is the Spring Tour during May.  This year the performers are Madcap Puppet Theater.  The response has been very good with libraries choosing large community venues and partnering with schools to provide programs for students at local elementaries.  As an SRP kick-off event, it should be a huge success.

OverDrive:  The MMLC Digital Media Zone is growing not only in collection size, but also in members.  By the end of the year, three new members sent in participation forms and are slated for training and implementation in the first quarter of 2012. 

Member Advocacy: 
ALA:  At MLA, I attended an introductory session for an online ALA advocacy program called Turning the Page 2.0. Over a 6 week period, weekly self-paced training was followed by a one-hour live workshop with a facilitator.  The homework was to complete sections of an Advocacy Work Plan that was shared each week with the facilitator.  I will be sharing my experience with the course with Directors at the next Advisory Council meeting.

Millage Workshop:  Flyers have been emailed to several listservs advertising the upcoming MMLC Millage Nuts & Bolts workshop that will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Flint Public Library.  Registration has been going well and we’re certain to have a full meeting room.  Thanks to FPL for hosting this event.

MMLC Board:
Board Member Orientation:  I met with new member Tina Gutierrez, Public Libraries of Saginaw Board Chair and new member of the MMLC Board, to acquaint her with the services that MMLC provides and on Board operations.  We are anxious for Tina to meet fellow her board members at the January 12, 2012 meeting.
Legislative Activity:
Personal Property Tax:  There has been lots of buzz about Personal Property Tax legislation, but the only legislation introduced so far relates to personal property tax exemption for newly purchased equipment, etc.  Introduced in the Senate, the law would take effect on January 1, 2013. 
Collaborating Organizations:
Cooperative Directors Association:  The Cooperative Directors created a survey that was distributed in November. Results were shared with Co-op Directors in December through a presentation by Bill Schroer, survey consultant.  The complete report will be widely disseminated after the group meets with Michigan Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Carol Wolenberg, State Librarian Nancy Robertson, and members of the MLA organization.  Survey completion by MMLC libraries was very high. 
 Friends of Michigan Libraries – Board:  In November, I participated in a strategic planning meeting for FOML that examined its ongoing goals/objectives.  Charles Hanson, Kettering Library Director, is the President of this group.

Community Digitization:  Kay Schwartz, Flint Public Library Director, is leading a community effort to digitize a portion of the archival collections of many local institutions.  Progress is being made on determining the scope of the project in order to write an IMLS planning grant.  MMLC will be an organizational supporter of this project and I will serve on an advisory council if the grant is awarded.

Library of Michigan:  I participated in a LSTA Focus group early in November.  There was a cross section of representatives from public, academic, and school libraries.  It was a strong reminder of how important LSTA federal dollars are to libraries in our state and how important it is for us to make sure our legislators are reminded of how much Michigan citizens’ benefit from how that money is spent to enhance library services.

MMLC Administration:
E-Rate Training:  The Library of Michigan held a two-day training on e-rate changes and tips on filing.  Linda Schatz, Consultant, presented the information.

New Member Library Visit:  During January, both Irene and I will visit our newest member in Mt. Pleasant.  The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe library, directed by librarian Sarah Prielipp, officially became a member in December.  We are very excited to have Sarah join the Advisory Council and also the Digital Media Zone.

Technology Plan:  A copy of the final report for the Technology Plan 2008-11 will be distributed to the board at the January meeting.

Member News:   Melissa Malcolm was named Library Director of the Lapeer District Library.  Ruth Hughes advertised for a new Director after Kristen Valyi-Hax left to assume the Romeo District Library directorship.
MCLS Board Retreat:   I attended the annual MCLS board retreat in New Buffalo, Michigan in November.  It was the completion of my term as Vice Chair. 
Happy New Year!
Denise Hooks
MMLC Director