Librarians Tool Kit - FAQs

New librarians in the Central Maine Library District are urged to contact the District Consultant’s office for information on an orientation session. Group sessions are generally scheduled in the fall, but individual appointments can also be arranged.

Where can I obtain help about library administration and governance?
What meetings should I know about?
What are the interlibrary loan options for CMLD libraries?
What are some library publications and communications available to me?
What are some library organizations?
How do I find library education opportunities?
How can I promote libraries?
What kind of free statewide/resources are available?
What web resources are available to follow trends and issues?

1. Where can I obtain help about library administration and governance?
Call or email the CMLD Office at 1-800-322-8899. Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

2.What meetings should I know about?

District Council meetings held spring and fall at the Augusta Civic Center or at a library
Meetings for public library directors, children's librarians (SPARK), school librarians, and reference librarians are held periodically
Maine Libraries Conference [combined meeting of the Maine Library Association & Maine Association of School Librarians]
Orientation for new CMLD members held in the Fall or individual appointments can also be arranged.

3. What are the interlibrary loan options for CMLD libraries?
All member libraries are welcome to request interlibrary loan through the Maine State Library (CMLD Area Reference and Resource Center. Additional options are offered through Maine networks and consortia.

4. What are some library publications and communications available to me?

CMLD web site
MELIBS and other listservs
- MELIBS -any librarian, trustee or citizen from any state may join
- MEFIND - supplements traditional ILL
- MEINFO - Maine State Library information [no reply]
- Maine Memo - [online only]
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5. What are some library organizations?

ARRC = Area Reference and Resource Center - Maine State Library is your backup for reference questions and Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Friends of Maine Libraries (FOML)
Health Science Libraries Information Consortium (HSLIC)
Maine Association of School Libraries(MASL)
Maine Library Association(MLA) [open to all types of libraries]
Maine Library Commission [appointed by Governor, meets bi-monthly except summer, members represent all types of libraries, open to all]
Maine Regional Library System (MRLS) [Maine State Library department]
Maine School and Library Network(MSLN)
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6. How do I find library education opportunities?

Maine Association of School Libraries
The Maine Library Association provides scholarships.
Learning opportunities: Online courses and seminars for Library Professional Development and Continuing Education and MARVEL training.
The District offers workshops and programs throughout the year.
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7. How can I promote libraries?

See the MaineLibraries web site.
Contact the CMLD District Office about current acitvities.
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8. What kind of free statewide/resources are available?

Bindery: Statewide agreement with Bridgeport National Bindery
MARVEL!: Maine's Virtual Library: Free subscriptions to online databases and resources provided by the Maine State Library for libraries and citizens
SCOOP: Statewide purchasing cooperative for books, equipment, furniture, etc.
The Statewide Interlibrary Loan Van Delivery Service: A courier delivers library books and materials to facilitate interlibrary
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9. What web resources are available to follow trends and issues?

Resources

Librarians Tool Kit - FAQs