Accessing BPL Services - WMLA Spring Meeting in Stockbridge

 

Michael Colford, Director of Library Services – Boston Public Library (BPL), and Laura Imrscher, Collection Development Manager – BPL, presented a new model for services from the BPL at the Western MA Library Advocates Spring Meeting on Thursday, April 12, 2012.  Their presentation on the new 3 pronged model emphasized a truly "digital commonwealth" library, statewide reference and research, and statewide collection development and access.  A partnership with The Digital Commonwealth (DC) will provide BPL a platform for ongoing digitization projects and archiving.  A grant from LSTA to fund a feasibility study project to aid local libraries and institutions with digitization projects is underway.  BPL is accepting applications for the 2nd year of the project.  The DC has the organizational structure with little money while BPL has the funding ability and technological requirements to offer these services.

BPL has subscribed to Overdrive for audio and e-book access with limited video as well.  The biggest problem with e-books is the refusal of the 6 largest publishers to sell to libraries.  BPL is also launching a new online catalog NEWCAT developed by BiblioCommons/Toronto.  ILLiad is the journal article delivery service to patrons and can be initiated by the patron.  Anyone living or going to school in Massachusetts can obtain a BPL library card online which is good for 3 years.  BPL also intends to revitalize 24/7 reference service.  Laura emphasized BPL’s collection development aspirations and ease of access to online BPL services.   

 

After a brief break, President Eric Poulin chaired the Business Meeting.  Eric reported on activities of the Board in the past several months and plans for the future.  Greg Pronevitz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Library System, gave an update on activities and lead a lively discussion with attendees.  Minutes of the meeting will appear soon on the WMLA website.   

Representative 'Smitty' Pignatelli (Lenox) attended the program and part of the business meeting.  He is very pleased at the level of advocacy and cooperation in western Massachusetts and encouraged libraries to continue their participation in WMLA programs and activities.  He is enthusiastic about the resources that BPL is making available to libraries and users throughout the Commonwealth.  He is also pleased to see that the MLS is working together with WMLA and western libraries to protect and improve services.

UMass Amherst Libraries now host and maintain Digital Commonwealth Servers

The Digital Commonwealth of Massachusetts (DigiComm) and the UMass Amherst Libraries are pleased to announce that the libraries now host and maintains the Digital Commonwealth servers.

As the Massachusetts Land Grant institution, UMass Amherst supports the mission of DigiComm. The library will house, maintain and back up the portal's servers.

"Digital Commonwealth is pleased to announce this new relationship. We know that UMass Amherst Libraries are an appropriate home for our servers and we appreciate the robust nature of the support that the library will provide," said President Carolyn Noah.

About The Digital Commonwealth of Massachusetts (DigiComm)

The Digital Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a portal to the rich cultural heritage held in museums, historical societies, colleges, libraries and other cultural repositories in Massachusetts. From it site you can search or browse the digital collections of member institutions throughout the state for manuscripts, images, historical documents, and sound recordings. The portal provides you with enhanced access and retrieval of information to the digital assets of eight archives with holdings from over 35 cultural institutions (see:
http://www.digitalcommonwealth.org ).

About the UMass Amherst Libraries

The UMass Amherst Libraries (www.library.umass.edu) include the 28-story W.E.B. Du Bois Library (including the Learning Commons), the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library, the Image Collection Library, and the Music Reserve Lab. The system is the largest public academic research library in Massachusetts. Present holdings include over 3 million volumes. Together, the books, periodicals, government documents, maps, sound recordings, and microforms make up a collection of over 5.9 million items, with 2.5 million in microform format, and thousands of electronic resources. The Library provides access to nearly 45,000 online journals, over 300,000 e-books, 260 online indexes, and 350 open access indexes. The UMass Amherst Libraries are open to all. Borrowing privileges are extended to all adult residents of Massachusetts, UMass alumni, and to secondary students under 18.

Contact:

• Carolyn Noah, President, Digital Commonwealth
• MJ Canavan, Coordinator of Library Systems & Web Management, W.E.B. Du Bois Library

The Digital Commonwealth: Information Session April 24

The Digital Commonwealth, a statewide digital library project, (www.digitalcommonwealth.org) is now in its second year and growing. The portal and website were launched in 2007 and the Repository will be launched later this year. On Thursday, April 24 from 10 - 12, at WMRLS HQ in Whately, Jan Resnick of WMRLS and Digital Commonwealth Executive Committee members Julie Bartlett and Marilyn Billings will present an information session for non-members on what the Digital Commonwealth is, why your organization should consider participating, how to join and what resources are available to get you started. We will repeat this program at NARA in Pittsfield on Thursday June 26, 10-12. If you are unable to attend and would like more information, contact Julie at jbartlett@forbeslibrary.org or Marilyn at mbillings@library.umass.edu. This program is co-sponsored by the Digital Commonwealth, WMRLS, and the Western Mass Library Club. Jan Resnick is the WMRLS contact person for this program. Registration for this event is available at: http://forms.wmrls.org/ceform

~~ Jan Resnick, Assistant Regional Administrator

Save the Date: March 5

Digital Commonwealth

Membership Meeting

March 5 at Holyoke Community College from 1 to 3

The Digital Commonwealth (http://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/) is having membership meetings across the state this spring. January at CMRLS, February at SAILS, and March 5 will be at Holyoke Community College's Kittredge Center 1-3 pm. Members and prospective members are invited to come and share with other libraries their current and future projects and discuss their needs and challenges. The Executive Committee is seeking input from members in creating a new strategic plan and learning what libraries need from the Digital Commonwealth for training and support in creating projects. To learn more information or to RSVP to join us March 5, contact President Vivien Goldman at viviengoldman@comcast.net

~ Julie H. Bartlett, Archivist, Holyoke Community