Tag Archives: state

State Library Services Updates!

As always at CMLE Headquarters, we want to keep you up to date on library happenings around Minnesota; so we are sharing the regular updates from the State Library Services. It is always good to know what is going on in the larger world of library work, beyond just what you do every day. As a group of very excellent library people, we are all doing so many neat things it can be tough to keep up! So follow the CMLE blog, check out all the training we list on our calendar, see what we are saying on Twitter – we are here to help you keep track of the best things in libraries! Continue reading State Library Services Updates!

Join the New State Library Services Listserv!

The information in this post was written by Jennifer Nelson, State Library Program Specialist.

(Since this communication was received, Jennifer has been named Interim Director of State Library Services. For more information, see our associated blog post about changes to the MN State Librarian.)

State Library Services has established a list-serve for distributing information to libraries in Minnesota. It will be used as a primary tool for announcements, including competitive grants, from the agency.  The list-serve will also be used to distribute information of broad interest to the library community in Minnesota. The list-serve will not replace current distribution lists directed at specific audiences.

To sign up, please send an email with “subscribe” in the subject line to: Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

Please contact me if you have additional questions about communications from State Library Services. We look forward to your continued partnership.

Jennifer R. Nelson
State Library Programs Specialist
State Library Services
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Hwy 36 West, Roseville MN 55113
Voice: 651-582-8791
Email: Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

State Librarian Changes for MN

This past summer Nancy Walton announced her retirement as the State Librarian for Minnesota. In a recent interview by Minitex she stated, “The best advice that I could give for you… don’t cling to the past, be willing to embrace the future.” Click here to listen/download the entire interview with Nancy Walton as she looks back on her career. Since then, Kevin McHenry, Assistant Commissioner has been meeting with various library systems to talk about the pending transitions in leadership and to identify a list of current issues.

Here is a statement written by McHenry on 9/11/13;

Over the last month I have had an opportunity to work closely with State Library Services as Acting Chief Library Officer.  I have developed an understanding of the needs and challenges that libraries in Minnesota are facing today and am eager to take the next steps in restructuring State Library Services so that the division is poised to support quality library services that address the needs of Minnesotans.

As we move forward with planning for a new Director/State Librarian while also supporting division staff on a day-to-day basis, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer R. Nelson has accepted the position of Interim Director. Jen has worked in and for libraries for well over 25 years. Her extensive background includes stints as a children’s librarian, reference librarian, interlibrary loan coordinator, archives assistant, e-resource and training coordinator and more. She is recognized across the United States for her work in developing innovative technology programs for youth and is the author of “Technology and literacy: 21st century library programming for children and teens” (ALA Editions, 2012).  Jen also serves as an adjunct faculty member in St. Catherine University’s MLIS program, teaching a course in grant writing and proposal development. Her expertise in administration, project management and partnership development will ensure a consistent level of support for Minnesota’s libraries and build on the work that we have already accomplished. Jen can be reached directly at 651-582-8791 or Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

I will be working closely with Jen during her time as interim director and continue to welcome your thoughts, ideas and feedback on how State Library Services can best address the needs of libraries.

Kevin McHenry
Assistant Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Education
O: 651.582.8250   M: 612.306.0895
Email: kevin.mchenry@state.mn.us

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