by Christina Stoll, MLS

This past year the Metropolitan Library System welcomed new libraries into its membership, created new opportunities, supported many events and activities, and celebrated the achievements of its libraries.

MLS approved the membership of the following new libraries in 2008: 

• Cambodian Association of Illinois
• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
• Ellis University
• Flashpoint Academy (Developmental Membership)
• Hellenic Museum & Cultural Center (Achieved Full Membership from Developmental)
• ITT Technical Institute
• Loeb & Loeb LLP
• Merriam Center Library of the American Planning Association
• Taylor Business Institute

MLS also welcomed several new staff members:    

• Diane Colletti and Kathy Roegge joined the Consulting Department (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/consulting).
• Aaron Skog became the Director of SWAN
• Wes Smith joined the Information Technology Department as our new Applications and Web Developer.
• Rita Flynn took on two roles as the SWAN Computer Operations Clerk and Administrative Assistant in the Finance Department. 

Several New Services were developed and launched this past year:

The Internship Central Database(http://www.mls.lib.il.us/internships) was launched, providing a centralized place for libraries in Illinois to post and search for available library internships.

In October, MLS joined L2 (http://www.librarylearning.info/?LibSys=MLS), the new state-wide Continuing Education Calendar.  The calendar supports not only all of the MLS workshops and events, but member libraries can see other system and the Illinois State Library’s events as well.  Paying by credit card and online maps to the event location are just some of the new features available through L2.

The MLS Youth Services Advisory Group completed their work on identifying resources available for YS librarians within MLS.  These resources are linked off the MLS web site at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/consulting/youth_services.asp.

Within the MLS Youth Services Membership, two of their YS networking Groups, NWYS and CLASS launched an online community of practice through Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mls_nwys_class).  This online tool brings the two groups together between their face-to-face meetings to post questions, share documents and ideas.

Five Reference Core Lists (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/consulting/reference.asp) were either updated or created over the past year by several MLS member groups and MLS staff. 

Two new Member Networking Group were launched:  The MLS Marketing Group (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/networking_groups_topic.asp#Marketing) and the Technology Managers Group (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/networking_groups_topic.asp#Technology). 
Information about all of the MLS groups can be found at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/networking_groups.asp

The Resource Sharing Department produced several new items, from its Non-Resident card brochure in 3 new languages, which can be downloaded at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/consulting/non_residents.asp; to a new Reciprocal Borrowing Procedures Manual in May (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/resource_sharing/RSproceduresmanualfinalnotbooklet.pdf) and an Interlibrary Loan Photocopy Procedures Manual in November (http://www.mls.lib.il.us/resource_sharing/ill/copy-request.asp) .     

SWAN saw the successful Implementation of Release 2007 in late October. The SWAN Circulation Policy, which was revised and updated by the SWAN Circ Advisory Committee was adopted by SWAN members.

Delivery Statistics

In 2008, a total of 92,511 miles were driven and 23,278 delivery stops were made by the MLS delivery trucks and drivers. The new Lanter Serivce for ILDS Delivery saw Outbound 11,816 bags or 59,640 items and Inbound 11,472 bags or 59,313 items transported.

In addtion to the new style delivery vans for three of the trucks, which provide better fuel mileage, offer more room and better safety for the drivers, the trucks are run by two people three days per week, greatly reducing the tonnage each driver must handle, improving speed of sorting, and reducing transit time for many of the member libraries for some of the sorting can be done enroute.

Events & Opportunities

MLS hosted several events this past year, including its first Legislative Breakfast, which brought together over 80 MLS libraries, including 30 trustees, and 8 officials were represented. The breakfast will return to MLS on February 16, 2009.  Check the MLS CE Calendar for more information at http://www.librarylearning.info/?LibSys=MLS.

In March, MLS staff connected with public librarians of the Mazovia region in Poland via V-tel, who were interested in hearing the pros and cons in building a resource sharing consortium.  Read about the meeting at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/ennounce/2008/02_07/polishvidconf.asp.

A Flashing Mentoring Workshop was conducted between 18 mentors and mentees for 2 hours one morning in July at the MLS Burr Ridge headquarters.  The event provided the opportunity for those interested in being mentored or mentoring but not having the time to do it formally.  The event will be offered again in 2009, this time at the MLS Chicago office. Register at http://www.librarylearning.info/events/?eventID=5222.   

MLS offered a one day Summer School Institute for its School Library members, which included topics on Promotion, Advocacy, and Everything In Between (e.g. Weeding, Fundraising, and Book talking).  Close to 50 MLS, CPS, and Illinois schools librarians and library staff attended the event.  Look for this event to return in early August 2009.

The MLS Annual Meeting was held at the Gleacher Center in early October, where the MLS Awards were given out.  The complete list of winners can be found at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/members/awards2008.asp

System-wide Achievements

System-wide MLS was a buzz of activity this past year.  The system saw continued work on its Strategic Plan take place throughout the summer and into the fall with member focus groups and at the annual meeting.  Changes to by-laws were approved by the MLS Board and ratified by the membership.  The new by-laws can be found at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/board/bylaws.asp.  

MLS was awarded an LSTA grant for its Customer Focused Library Grant which produced a final report which can be found at http://www.mls.lib.il.us/consulting/envirosell.asp.  MLS will conduct a full day pre-conference worked on the grant’s final report at the ALA Conference in Chicago this summer.

The technology within the computers labs at both the MLS Chicago and Burr Ridge office were upgraded with funding from a grant provide by member library Praxair, Inc.

A new Emergency Generator was installed at the MLS Burr Ridge office, and MLS offered Green Tote Bags for member libraries to purchase.

14 MLS libraries were awarded funding through an IMLS grant to be used to rehabilitate the library, assist in extending hours, and expand after-school programming and service.  The grant was in part due to the efforts of Bobby Rush.

As the MLS staff look back on a productive and successful year, they also look forward to another exciting year ahead in 2009!

Published January 7, 2009 in vol. 3, iss. 1 [View]