The CMLE office is excited to welcome John Meyerhofer as our new Information Specialist. Some of you might recognize John’s name from his time as a CMLE board member. More recently, he has been assisting in the 23 Mobile Things program as a Coach.
John is originally from Zumbrota MN and is a graduate of St. John’s University. He has previous work experience in computer programming and web development. Besides working for CMLE, John is currently pursuing his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the UW Milwaukee.
Image by U of Fraser Valley. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Hopefully, you haven’t already gotten tired of reading messages of thankfulness. Maybe you have had a great year, and you have not been tested emotionally, physically or professionally. Maybe your year was humdrum, and your things to include on your thankful list are much like they always have been. Or perhaps 2013 has been filled with challenges.
For me, by far, this has been the most difficult year both professionally and personally. However, I choose to think about it differently, especially as I approach Thanksgiving. As I look back, I am amazed at what has been accomplished despite the enormous amount of adversity that has occurred this year. I remind myself that I/we have control over how we choose to think about the hard things…. and I have learned a few things this year for which I give thanks:
I have an incredibly caring, supportive group of people on the CMLE Board
It was my good fortune to hire an exceptional temporary employee who convinced me in ten minutes that she was hungry, humble, and helpful (the 3 h’s)! I could not have gotten through the year without her.
I have wonderful family and friends who were there for me through thick and thin. Most memorable was the occasional lunch with the grandkids; a cherished memory.
I am very thankful that my other knee is healthy, and that I only have two hips and two knees!
I am thankful for my strength in handling adversity and bouncing back!
And, I am especially thankful that I will never have to repeat 2013!
Coming back to work has been challenging, exhausting and invigorating, but reminds me of what I am passionate about, and what makes me feel alive. With that in mind, professionally, I am also thankful for:
Engaged library staff (like you) who continue to use our services and engage in our programming. Whether you are commenting on our weekly blog posts or Facebook page, writing book reviews or other blog posts, suggesting ideas for programming, participating in our Quick Question Polls, or attending our events, you are the heart of what we define as resource sharing!
CMLE staff are thankful for the opportunity to serve your needs, and to work with you to increase the capacity of all types of libraries in Central Minnesota! It is our privilege to work with talented and engaged library staff and we thank you.
What about you? Although your year may have also included challenges, what are you most thankful for? Were there life changing moments as a result of a student or community member coming through the door to your library? Have your learned valuable lessons as a result of those interactions or others?
Tip: Use a whiteboard in the library with a “What are you thankful for?” heading, then sit back, and observe a showplace of thanks not just for this week, but consider continuing this through the new year.
Image retrieved online at Lake Superior Symposium 11/13/13.
The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium was created to help library staff develop enhanced professional networks and promote resource sharing and communication between organizations. Join library staff and technologists from Northwestern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota this January at the Mid-Winter Unsymposium.
This post was written by the State Library Services (9/20/13, 11:15 am)
Preparing for the Affordable Care Act
In a new partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, State Library Services is pleased to announce Affordable Care Act training sessions for library staff. The Department of Commerce recognizes the central role that libraries play in helping to connect Minnesotans to essential information, and wants to make sure that all Minnesotans understand their rights and options under the Affordable Care Act. State Library Services’ goal is to ensure that library staff are prepared to help library patrons navigate the new healthcare insurance landscape.
Designed as train-the-trainer sessions, the training will be offered via conference calls and include ample time for questions and answers. The training will help prepare library staff to work with patrons who are shopping for health insurance through MNsure or the private market. Alyssa Von Ruden who is a Health Policy Advisor at the Minnesota Department of Commerce will lead the sessions. Alyssa is an expert in the Affordable Care Act as it relates to insurance change in Minnesota.
Sessions will be held on Thursday, September 26 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) and Monday, September 30 (3p.m. – 4p.m.).To participate, call 1-888-742-5095; when prompted, enter the Conference Code: 787 494 7876. To support library staff over the longer term, State Library Services will be scheduling monthly conference calls with the Department of Commerce that will give library staff a chance to get up-to-date information to address emerging issues.
Upcoming sessions will be announced through State Library Services’ listserv. If you have questions about this training opportunity or would like to to sign up for State Library Services’ listserv please contact Jennifer Nelson at 651-582-8791 or Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us.
Retrieved from the website.Retrieved from MDE website.
Partnering with libraries for visioning, advocating, and educating
The CMLE office is excited to welcome John Meyerhofer as our new Information Specialist. Some of you might recognize John’s name from his time as a CMLE board member. More recently, he has been assisting in the 23 Mobile Things program as a Coach.
