I continue to receive more blog comments in response to my post on a new vision for regional services to Michigan's libraries, so be sure to check on the comments there periodically to see what your colleagues have to say on the subject. Additionally, I am continually receiving emails, letters, phone calls, and taking in conversational comments in person. I am trying to respond to each missive received, but at this point in the process, I'm essentially in listening mode -- not defending my ideas as posted and not expressing my agreement or disagreement with the input and ideas I'm receiving. If you have not heard back from me with regard to a response you've provided, please know that I am logging your comments and appreciate your input. There is no such thing as too many ideas on such an important topic.
In addition to individual comments from directors, staff, trustees, and patrons, various interest groups of people are providing their combined input. The library cooperative directors are completing their recommendations. I've received a letter from a significant number of directors of large southeast Michigan public libraries. Members of a specific library cooperative have provided a letter summarizing their recent discussion and consensus of opinion. And, I had the opportunity to visit the Oakland County Public Libraries Trustees Association last week, where I could share some more of my thoughts, but more importantly, was able to hear their ideas first hand. On July 26th, after my annual vacation in the first half of July, I will be heading up to Marquette to meet with Upper Peninsula library directors and staff. (They will also be hosting Michigan Library Association Executive Director Gretchen Couraud later this week on June 29th.)
So, the conversation is definitely in full swing. The ideas are flowing. And, now that the FY07 budget resolution is behind us, hopefully the FY08 budget situation will be known in the near future. If you have not had the chance to let me know your ideas, concerns, hopes and needs for future regional and statewide support for library services, please consider sending me (and Gretchen, your cooperative director, and any others) your comments, so that a maximum of ideas can be on the table for consideration by all interested parties by the end of the summer.
Enjoy your July 4th celebrations!
2 comments:
How can I learn what databases are being purchased for our schools before I buy them for my school. We ordered SIRS this spring '07 for fall purchase, then we found out in the fall it is free on MeL.
When is the soonest date you can tell schools what you are purchasing? I don't want to waste another $1300 next year buying something that is free. Please advise. Claudia Billings, Franklin High School, LIvonia, MI
(734) 744-2655 Ext 47128
When the statewide database contracts are due to expire (every three years), we begin the process of renewals and new selections by surveying the library community and then asking for a pool of volunteers willing to assist with the process. We just went through this process prior to October 1, 2007, when our new contracts began. The process began some time ago and included issuing an RFP based on the findings of our surveys. The teams of volunteers gave us recommendations and we selected a grouping for MeL and proceeded to negotiate price with the vendors and finalize the contracts for the next three years.
This year we made a tentative announcement on Michlib-l and the MAME listserv regarding the selected databases on May 5, 2007. This was intended to let schools know what would be available through MeL before the end of the academic year. A more detailed list went to the MAME listserv on June 5. The announcement was tentative as the database contracts need to be approved by the State of Michigan Administrative Board before they are finalized. Ad Board approval was made without changes to the selected databases.
If you purchased a database for your library that MeL offers, please contact the database vendor and explain that you have purchased a database that is now part of the new suite of Michigan eLibrary Databases, purchased under contract with them by the Library of Michigan. Ask them if they can arrange for you to receive either a refund of the payment(s) you have made or a credit toward the purchase of other products that they offer. This will need to be worked out between you and the vendor, but our expectation is that they will work out some accommodation for the situation with you.
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