In this month’s news and updates…

Learning Hub Updates: New Courses Available for MLS Members

We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) Learning Hub – a place where MLS members can learn when and how it suits them best.

Explore Self-Paced Courses 

The Learning Hub now offers a suite of self-paced courses on a variety of topics designed to enhance your skills and support your professional growth.

Don’t see a course on a topic you’re interested in? We’re adding new courses weekly! Visit our homepage to fill out a brief form and suggest a topic you’d like to see.

Aligning with Our Strategic Plan 

This expansion supports Initiative 1, Goal 1 of the MLS Strategic Plan, directly responding to the training needs assessment we conducted last fiscal year. We’re committed to providing resources that meet your needs and help you succeed in all areas of library work.

Watch Our Promotional Video 

Curious about what’s new? Watch our promotional video, “What’s New in the Learning Hub”, to see all the exciting features and opportunities now available to you.

Get Started Today! 

Ready to dive in? It’s quick and easy to create an account. Visit learn.masslibsystem.org to begin your learning journey today!

 

Conference Scholarship Application Period Opens Soon

The application period for conference scholarships is open from December 1 – 15. This period is for conferences held between March and August.

Staff at MLS member libraries are welcome to apply for a scholarship to attend a conference relevant to their current position or career aspirations.

You can learn more and apply by visiting the Conference Scholarships LibGuide.

This conference scholarship program supports Initiative 1, Goal 3 and Initiative 2, Goal 2 of the MLS Strategic Plan.

Last Call for Sora Enrollment

Enrollment in the OverDrive K-12 Shared Sora Collection closes soon! Complete the enrollment form to get the process started for the 2024-2025 school year.

Enrollment closes on Friday, December 20, 2024.

About the Program

The OverDrive K-12 Shared Sora Collection is a shared collection of over 60,000 eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines that are shared among participating MLS member schools.

Key details:

  • Sora is the reading platform (app and website) and is accessible from anywhere at anytime.
  • Titles are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and other languages.
  • Support for curriculum titles, summer reading, book clubs, and other reading initiatives is available at no extra cost.
  • Users can add a public library card to Sora for access to even more titles from the local public library/network’s OverDrive collection and beyond.
  • Get a live look at what’s being checked out from the collection.
  • Pricing is based on student enrollment and schools are invoiced annually.

MLS Member Annual Meeting Photos and Reflection

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our 2024 Member Annual Meeting last month! We enjoyed hosting staff from MLS member libraries to vote in our annual business meeting, hear from our invited guests, and meet as a community.

The following documents were approved by our Council of Members vote:

  1. Annual Meeting 2024 business meeting minutes
  2. FY26 Plan of Service and Budget
  3. Slate of Candidates for the MLS Executive Board

Megan Piphus, our keynote speaker, shared her story of becoming a puppeteer and ventriloquist. She spoke about the importance of libraries in her journey and performed ventriloquism with her puppets!

CultureAlly guided attendees in a discussion on increasing diversity in Massachusetts libraries. We look forward to implementing our attendees’ ideas in our Pathways to Inclusion project.

We would also like to thank former MLS Executive Board President Hope Houston, MBLC Director Maureen Amyot, MLA Legislative Committee Co-Chair Kathy Lussier, and incoming MLS Executive Board President Allyson Malik for helping make our meeting a success.

Here are a few photos from our event:

Members of the MLS director team with Megan Piphus.
Betsy Meaden, Sarah Sogigian, and Terry McQuown meeting with our keynote speaker Megan Piphus.
Hope Houston and Sarah Sogigian on stage together.
Former MLS Executive Board President Hope Houston and MLS Executive Director Sarah Sogigian present during the business meeting.
Megan Pihpus smiling with her puppet on a table.
Megan Piphus performed ventriloquism during her keynote speech.
Megan Piphus and her puppet in front of a crowd.
Our members loved hearing about Megan’s story!
Three people stand on stage.
CultureAlly lead our attendees in small-group discussions on increasing diversity in the library field.
Two people holding MLS-branded notebooks in front of a table with MLS-branded promotional items.
Delivery Coordinator Mandy Malikowski and Electronic Resources Manager
Tressa Santillo provided attendees with MLS-themed promotional items.
MLS staff posing for a photo.
Some members of the MLS team!

Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season!

Looking back on our year together, we thank you for your advocacy and support of our work. We wish you the best for a restful holiday season and a successful new year!

Due to the holiday season, this will be our final newsletter of the year. We look forward to sharing our monthly updates with you starting again in January.

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