Category Archives: Communication

CMLE, Communication, General

Let’s visit libraries together!!

https://www.pinterest.com/kayedacus/architecture-libraries-studies-offices/

At CMLE Headquarters, we are working to help our members build connections with others! With our regular dinner gatherings underway, we want to implement the next request from members: group visits to libraries across the system!!

From our feedback, it seems like there is a lot of interest in visiting other member’s libraries. (And at HQ we endorse this idea: our member libraries are SO interesting to visit!!)

We want to be sure we schedule visits at days and times that work for you! So fill out the comment form below to send your best day/time to us. Feel free to write more info into the open-ended question, or email us with ideas!

Continue reading Let’s visit libraries together!! →

Advocacy, Communication

Free webinars from the Government Publishing Office!

The federal government provides all kinds of great information and training – all free to use! You can explore some new ideas and skills, and provide resources and information to your patrons.

Advocacy Note: Government information is currently being censored, hidden, removed from online use, and even destroyed. This information belongs to all of us, and was created for us!! This would be a great topic to discuss with your legislators at all levels of government. Libraries support a full and free sharing of information; and government information has traditionally been a strong and reliable resource. Keep this information free, public, and available!

Continue reading Free webinars from the Government Publishing Office! →

Advocacy, Communication

Statement from MLA President Amy Boese

CMLE continues to serve as your sources for news around the profession. There are a lot of changes happening nationally that affect libraries, and library activities and missions. We are sharing information from our professional organizations with you to help you sort through ideas for yourself, and to have professional information to share with your stakeholders.

Sharing information freely, and understanding the value of valid and reliable resources as part of information literacy, are cornerstones of our professional work. These are issues we deal with every day in the library. Any changes to these core ideas are a problem for us, and we want to be able to address them.

People sometimes ask what kinds of things would be appropriate topics for library advocacy. Certainly anything you feel impacts your work in libraries, or libraries across the country, would be very appropriate to discuss!  You should feel empowered to talk with your legislators (local, state, and federal) to share your experiences and your views. (If you want to practice an elevator speech, or having another set of eyes look at an email draft – CMLE is here to help you!)

Read on for the MLA statement: Continue reading Statement from MLA President Amy Boese →

CMLE, Communication, General

Food and Fun: A Good time was had by all!

Dateline: Monday, Jan 30, 2017

Place: Old Chicago restaurant, St Cloud

Purpose: CMLE members gathering for food, fun, and library talk

Verdict: Complete success!!

Yes indeed, we had a good time at the first in a series of CMLE gatherings! One of the most frequent member requests is for more opportunities to gather together informally, to share ideas, ask questions, and just have time to talk together.  And this happy group was the result!

Continue reading Food and Fun: A Good time was had by all! →

Advocacy, CMLE, Communication

ALA opposes new administration policies that contradict core values

As always, CMLE works to keep you informed on news around the profession. In this case, we are sharing the official American Libraries Association (ALA) stand on recent actions taken by the new administration because we want you to know what is happening, and to give you some ideas and details from your professional body. CMLE is not a political organization, but we support the values of the profession, including a free flow of information; and we always support the best libraries and the best service to our communities!

There are links you can use here to build your own advocacy skills, and of course we are always happy to help you in advocating for your library and for your community!!Talk to your legislators, and other stakeholders, to be sure your own voice is heard!

If it has been a while since you read through our professional Code of Ethics, this is a good time to do so. (We have the entire thing after the page break, for your convenience!)

The work libraries do to support their communities is important; keep reminding everyone of the value we bring! Continue reading ALA opposes new administration policies that contradict core values →