Librarians Tool Kit - FAQs

New librarians in the Northeastern Maine Library District are urged to contact the District Consultant’s office for further information on an orientation session. Call 1-800-427-8336, or email valerie.osborne@bpl.lib.me.us.

Where can I obtain help about library administration and governance?
What meetings should I know about?
What are the interlibrary loan options for NMLD 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 NMLD Office at 1-800-427-8336 or email valerie.osborne@bpl.lib.me.us . 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.
Meetings for public library directors, children's librarians, school librarians, and reference librarians are held periodically
Maine Libraries Conference [combined meeting of the Maine Library Association & Maine Association of School Librarians]
Individual appointments for new NMLD members can be arranged.

3. What are the interlibrary loan options for NMLD libraries?
All member libraries are welcome to request interlibrary loan through the Bangor Public Library (NMLD Area Reference and Resource Center). Complete information on the Interlibrary Loan page. Additional options are offered through Maine networks and consortia.

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

NMLD 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]
- NMLD - any librarian, staff or trustee from the NMLD may join
- Maine Library Association Publications
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5. What are some library organizations?

ARRC = Area Reference and Resource Center - Bangor Public 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?

Calendar of Events
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 NMLD District Office about current activities.
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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