Midwest collaborative for library services Review

About Midwest collaborative for library services

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services: Facilitating Resource Sharing and Collaboration

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is a non-profit, member-driven organization that aims to facilitate resource sharing and collaboration among libraries in Michigan and Indiana. With a mission to benefit the library community, MCLS has been providing innovative solutions to its members since 1974.

At MCLS, collaboration is at the heart of everything they do. The organization believes that by working together, libraries can achieve more than they could on their own. As such, MCLS provides a platform for libraries to share resources and expertise with one another.

One of the key services offered by MCLS is interlibrary loan (ILL). Through ILL, libraries can borrow materials from other participating libraries in the region. This service allows patrons to access materials that may not be available at their local library. Additionally, it helps smaller libraries build their collections without having to purchase every item themselves.

Another important service provided by MCLS is training and professional development opportunities for librarians. The organization offers workshops on various topics such as cataloging, reference services, and technology trends in librarianship. These workshops are designed to help librarians stay up-to-date with industry best practices while also providing opportunities for networking with peers.

In addition to these core services, MCLS also collaborates with other organizations in the region to provide additional benefits for its members. For example, through partnerships with academic institutions like Wayne State University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), MCLS members have access to discounted tuition rates for graduate-level courses in library science.

MCLS also partners with vendors like OverDrive and EBSCO Information Services to provide discounted pricing on digital content subscriptions such as e-books and databases. These partnerships allow smaller libraries access to resources they may not have been able afford otherwise.

Overall, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services plays an important role in facilitating resource sharing and collaboration among libraries in Michigan and Indiana. By providing essential services like interlibrary loan and professional development opportunities while also partnering with other organizations within the region,Midwest Collaborative for Library Services continues its mission of benefiting the library community as a whole through collaborative efforts between member-driven organizations across both states it serves..