Librarians Tool Kit - FAQs

Where can I obtain help about library administration and governance?
What meetings should I know about?
What are the interlibrary loan options for SMLD 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 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 SMLD Office (tel. 871-1766 or SMLD@portland.lib.me.us ) Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

2.What meetings should I know about?

District Council meetings held spring and fall at a library or hotel
Meetings for specific types of libraries and librarians - public library directors, children's librarians, school librarians, children's book reviewers, reference librarians, and public library trustees.
Maine Libraries Conference [combined meeting of the Maine Library Association & Maine Association of School Librarians ]
Orientation for new SMLD members held in the Fall

3. What are the interlibrary loan options for SMLD libraries?
All member libraries are welcome to request interlibrary loan items through the Portland Public Library (SMLD 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?

Quarterly SMLD newsletter mailed to all member libraries
SMLD web site [updated monthly]
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 ~ Portland Public Library ~ is your backup for reference questions and 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 many workshops and programs throughout the year.
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7. How can I promote libraries?

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

Bindery: Statewide agreement with Bridgeport National Bindery
Cream of the Crop: A traveling exhibit of the best children's and YA books compiled annually for Reading Round-Up
MARVEL!: Maine's Virtual Library: Free subscriptions to online databases and resources provided by the Maine State Library for libraries and citizens
Maine Examination Collection: Review copies of children's and young adult books
Professional Collection: Books, audios and videos for librarians, trustees, and Friends
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 loans (fee based)
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9. What web resources are available to follow trends and issues?

Resources

Librarians Tool Kit - FAQs