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SERVICESOffice Hours: Monday through Friday from 9 am- 5 pm Communications SMILE publishes a monthly newsletter, the Smiletter, to keep members informed of local, regional, and national information and trends. Resource Sharing SMILE contracts with the Traverse des Sioux Library System to extend interlibrary loan services to all libraries in the region. These include the resources of the Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital Health Resources Library and Nicollet County Historical Society accessible through the TdS iBistro Catalog. Delivery SMILE contracts with the Traverse des Sioux Library System to have materials for school and special libraries delivered through their local public library. A library may, for a small monthly fee, arrange for direct delivery to their building. For delivery dates, times, and locations, see Traverse des Sioux/SMILE Delivery Information. Advocacy SMILE works with MLA and MEMO to promote libraries and inform local legislators about library issues. A yearly forum and visit to the state capitol brings these concerns and issues to the regional legislators. See Legislators for the list in the SMILE region. Their terms are through 2006. Projects SMILE negotiates volume discounts for members to purchase books, other materials and supplies from library vendors. Vendor Discounts 2009-2010 SMILE in conjunction with SOCRATES offers training and assistance with Electronic Library For Minnesota (ELM) and E-Curriculum resources provided by SOCRATES. See Resources. SMILE also assists member libraries in applying for grants offered by other agencies. In addition, SMILE can help special libraries such as history centers prepare and participate in the Digital Library of Minnesota. Reference Referral Service SMILE offers reference referral service to members through MINITEX. Librarians and media center staff may refer to MINITEX questions they are unable to answer. MINITEX Reference staff will research the answer and provide information. This service is not direct to the public- library staff must refer questions. MINITEX reference is provided through the State Department of Education with LSTA funds. SMILE member libraries should contact the SMILE office for the ID and password. Professional Development Teleconferences and training opportunities are offered regularly to members. SMILE's Annual Meeting in April, provides an opportunity for members to learn something new as well as network with colleagues and enjoy an evening with an author. SMILE offers quarterly a discussion group on readers advisory topics chosen by the participants for professional development and an opportunity for networking among the various types of member libraries. See Calendar for a current listing of workshops and meetings. Long Range Planning SMILE members share in the determination of future goals and activities through participation in developing the SMILE Strategic Plan. Results of SMILE Annual Survey 2009 |
Southcentral Minnesota
Inter-Library Exchange, 1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622, Mankato, MN 56001
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