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.

Western MLS Location Missing from House Budget: Please Contact Your Legislators Immediately

Dear Western Mass Library Colleagues,

The Massachusetts House Budget does not include the wording that requires a western MA location for the MLS (Massachusetts Library System). The Western MA Library Advocates (WMLA) were notified about the omission and the fact that the Senate appears reluctant to include the wording if the House did not. As members of the MLS and utilizers of the Whately location, you know how important this wording is to our library community. Please contact your legislators and ask them to restore the wording in the House Budget and make certain that the wording is included in the Senate Budget to give us the safeguards we need. Following is the budget wording with the missing element highlighted in yellow.

Here is the line item 7000-9401 language from the Governor’s budget. The missing language in the House Ways & Means budget is in yellow highlight.

7000-9401 Regional Libraries Local Aid
For state aid to regional public libraries; provided, that the board of library commissioners may provide quarterly advances of funds for purposes authorized by clauses (1) and (2) of section 19C of chapter 78 of the General Laws, as it considers proper, to regional public library systems throughout each fiscal year, in compliance with the office of the comptroller's regulations on state grants, 815 CMR 2; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, in calculating the fiscal year 2013 distribution of funds appropriated in this item, the board of library commissioners shall employ population figures used to calculate the fiscal year 2012 distribution; provided further, that the board shall provide funds for the continued operation of a single regional library system to serve the different geographic regions of the commonwealth and requiring that physical locations be maintained in both eastern and western Massachusetts to serve the residents of those regions; and provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the library of the commonwealth shall receive not less than 35 and 9/10 cents for each resident of the commonwealth.

Colleagues, time is short. Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Go to MLA on Us: WMLA Encourages MLA Attendance Through 4 Scholarships

Attending your statewide library conference is an exciting way to learn new skills, widen your experience, gain new ideas, and meet/network with new people. WMLA (the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates, a membership organization) announces a unique opportunity for library staff in our four Western Counties - Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire. WMLA is offering 4 scholarships to the Massachusetts Library Association 2012 Annual Conference “Book to the Future”, May 9 & 10 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Attend programs, visit the exhibits, meet colleagues and authors at the conference. Each scholarship covers full registration and travel up to $50.00.

The application form is available on our website with an application due date of April 28, 2012. Winners will be notified after May 8 and will be reimbursed. We encourage winners to submit a brief report to the Western Mass. Library Advocates "One Blog".

Submit applications to:

Western Mass. Library Advocates, P. O. Box 609, South Deerfield MA 01373, Attn: MLA Scholarships.

Questions??

wmladvocates@gmail.com