[Michlib-l] Library Match: Peers without borders

[David Votta]

Eight libraries across Michigan and Indiana to embark on a journey of 
collaboration.

The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is pleased to 
announce “Library Match”, a new project designed to facilitate 
communication among our members. During the six-month pilot phase, which 
has been generously underwritten by The H.W. Wilson Foundation, Library 
Match will pair four public libraries in Indiana with four Michigan public 
libraries. The peers are of similar size and serve comparable communities. 
The project’s goal is to provide opportunities for library staff to 
develop relationships with librarians in the other state. They will mentor 
one another, expand professional connections, share staff training 
opportunities and expertise, conduct co-marketing activities and develop 
collaborative public programs. The participating libraries will be 
provided with the video-conferencing equipment needed to connect, 
communicate and collaborate with their peer library. They will be trained 
on the use of the equipment, required to conduct a minimum of three 
specific activities together, and encouraged to do more. 

“Our 2014 community conversations revealed that librarians throughout 
Indiana and Michigan are eager to share their expertise with other 
librarians,” Randy Dykhuis, MCLS Executive Director commented. “This 
program gives them that opportunity, with the additional benefit of 
interacting with librarians in another state. By expanding the geographic 
scope of their conversations, we expect librarians in both states will 
learn new ways to serve their patrons.” 

The Library Match "teams" are:

Indiana
Michigan
·       Brownsburg Public Library 
·       Delta Township District Library
·       Hagerstown Jefferson Township Public Library
·       Pickford Community Library 
(affiliate Superior District Library)
·       Crown Point Community Library
·       Peter White Public Library (Marquette)
·       Kokomo-Howard County Public Library
·       Troy Public Library

MCLS will report on the activities undertaken by the Library Match 
participants throughout the life of the project.

MCLS, a nonprofit membership organization, works with its members and 
other organizations to further the reach and impact of libraries of all 
sizes and types. For more information, please visit www.mcls.org.

Best,

David

David Votta
Community Engagement Librarian
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 
Lansing, MI & Indianapolis, IN 
Phone:  (800) 530-9019 ext 122
Phone:  (517) 492-3822 
Fax:    (517) 492-3886
vottad at mcls.org


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