Mississippi Public Librarian Scholarship Program Grant Announced

Natalie Dunaway

Grant Programs Coordinator

The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) is excited to announce that the Mississippi Public Librarian Scholarship Program Grant application window is OPEN! This scholarship is meant to empower Mississippi libraries and the librarians who work in them. These funds are provided through a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant and administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through MLC. Individuals requiring an alternative format of this LSTA program information may contact the Grant Programs division for assistance.

If you are looking to pursue a Master of Library and Information Science, the Scholarship Program Grant will pay program tuition and mandatory course fees during your schooling. This is a competitive grant, and up to five applicants will be awarded. If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested, please see the information below. Applications will close at midnight, Thursday, June 30th, 2022.

Applicants must meet all three requirements below:

• Those employed in a Mississippi public library for at least eighteen (18) hours per week
• Those employed in a Mississippi public library for at least one continuous year
• A resident of Mississippi for at least one continuous year

For more information, please see the Scholarship Manual here, and the Scholarship Application here.

If you have any questions, please contact our Grant Programs Coordinator Natalie Dunaway at ndunaway(at)mlc.lib.ms.us or call at 601-432-4054.

Do Not Be Silent

“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.” 
-Howard Thurman, Deep is the Hunger

Mississippi librarians and library advocates at the Mississippi Capitol on Library Day at the Capitol, March 12, 2019

The sound of a multitude of voices is powerful and lends itself to change. During the 2019 legislative session, there have been dedicated library advocates at the Capitol each week, from librarians and Mississippi Library Association members, to library friends, trustees, and patrons. They've been sharing the powerful stories of how libraries change the lives of residents of their communities.

On Tuesday, March 12, advocacy efforts peaked with "Library Day at the Capitol", when the voices of over 200 library supporters were heard by Mississippi's lawmakers. The entire first floor of the historic building was filled with advocates who shared information about the value of Mississippi's public libraries.

Meredith Wickham, Director of the First Regional Library System, has created a helpful thank you letter that you can send your legislators. Feel free to copy and paste it into your own document or email and modify it to fit your particular needs before sending it on to your senators and congresspeople. Check the Mississippi Legislature's website for your senator addresses and representative addresses. Not sure who your legislators are? You can find them at Open States.

Go ahead and mark your calendars for next year's Library Day at the Capitol. We're scheduled for March 10, 2020, from 11 am-2 pm, and have reserved the same large area of the first floor of the Rotunda and hallways as this year.

Make your voice heard... Become an advocate... Do not be silent.

Margaret Murray - In Memoriam

Margaret Anne Murray
July 12, 1948 – April 24, 2018

Before coming to Mississippi, Margaret had been a Collection Development Librarian in Texas, and a Consultant in both Alabama and Missouri. She was the first Development Services Director employed by MLC. She retired from the Mississippi Library Commission on January 3, 2014 with twenty years of service.

Margaret received her MLS from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee in May 1972. Although she lived most of her adult life in the South she remained faithful to her school. Go Badgers!

Here are a few highlights from her career in Mississippi Libraries:

As part of her work with the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, she began an all-time favorite program at MLA called “Afternoon Tea with Authors.” Margaret was so good at using her carefully cultivated contacts to promote recently published Mississippi authors at this annual event.

Margaret was instrumental in pushing for Literary Landmark recognition of Mississippi authors while she was involved with the executive board of FOLUSA (now United for Libraries). Nine different recognitions can be traced to her involvement in the national and state level of the “Friends.” Among those honored were Stephen E. Ambrose, Tennessee Williams, William Johnson, Willie Morris, Eudora Welty, Stark Young, and Larry Brown.

In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Margaret formed a coalition between the Mississippi Library Commission, the Mississippi Library Association, and the Friends of Mississippi Libraries. This effort came to be known as Rebuild Mississippi Libraries. Thanks to Margaret’s leadership, the Mississippi Library Commission was honored with a Special Recognition Award by the Mississippi Humanities Council in February 2006 for Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts. This effort was also recognized by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service in the Art and Humanities in 2007 with a GIVE Award presented by Governor Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour.

One of Margaret’s first accomplishments upon her arrival in Mississippi was the implementation of a statewide Summer Library Program supported by the Mississippi Library Commission. Thanks to Margaret every public library in the state had access to a manual and publicity materials. Who can forget that she even had the Mississippi Catfish Council as official sponsors of the program with “Reada the Catfish” as the Mascot.

But most of all she was a friend. Ginny Holtcamp, the director of Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library System had this to say about Margaret.

She was our consultant for many years, but more than that, she was a dear friend. Whenever we came to Jackson, Margaret always had something special planned for us to do – whether it was dining somewhere special and fun or going somewhere interesting. I always treasure the time that Mary Helen (then director of Tombigbee) and Margaret and I went to the Every Day Gourmet Cooking School and the featured presenter was “Nick” from Nick’s wonderful restaurant in Jackson. We had a super fun time and I still have and use those recipes!! Margaret was a genius too with grants by suggesting some excellent wording for the particular grant – she was absolutely on top of how to present a grant so that it was really exceptional. Margaret saw our library system through our largest building addition. I have missed her as a friend and as a truly excellent resource for helping us write grants so that we got the grant award. Thank you again for letting me know.

Margaret Murray passed from this life after a brief illness and hospitalization. She will be missed by her many friends.

Mac Buntin
Senior Library Consultant

Mellon Selected for First Library Freedom Institute

The Library Freedom Institute (LFI) is a syndicate of librarians, technologists, attorneys, and private advocates dedicated to eliminating mass surveillance from communities across the country. The organization recently announced the first cohort of librarians from across the nation who will participate in a collaborative program with New York University. Ally Mellon, Information Services Director at the Mississippi Library Commission, was chosen to participate in this innovative program that aims to turn librarians into Privacy Advocates. With over 70 applicants, Mellon was one of only 14 who were selected.

By teaching librarians about surveillance threats, as well as privacy rights and responsibilities, the Library Freedom Project hopes to create a privacy-centric paradigm shift in libraries and the communities they serve. Over a six-month course, Mellon will learn from LFI staff and guest trainers how to lead privacy-focused computer classes including how to install privacy software, and how to approach members of the community about privacy concerns.

Lectures, class discussion, and assignments will require about five hours of commitment per week. There will be an intensive two-day training in New York City in August. “I'm incredibly honored to be chosen to be a part of this first cohort,” stated Ms. Mellon. “I'm excited to learn more about best practices in privacy and digital security and I can't wait to share what I learn with libraries throughout the state of Mississippi!” The program is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and will begin in June.

The Mississippi Library Commission supports innovative programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance library services for all Mississippians. The agency is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, with additional funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), offering leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals.

Join the MLC Team

There's a new position open at the Mississippi Library Commission. We can't wait for you to join our team!

Librarian IV
Open until 12/18/17

The Mississippi Library Commission’s Library Development department is seeking a creative and analytical person to join the team as a library consultant. Duties include offering support and advice to public libraries, working collaboratively to deliver content for continuing education workshops, and developing programs suitable for all types of public libraries. Those with an interest in STEM/STEAM, Friends of the Library, sensory programming, and/or universal design are encouraged to apply.

Applications for this position must go through the Mississippi State Personnel Board. To apply, simply visit the Job Opening page for this position on their website.

Apply Now For Librarianship 101 2017

The Mississippi Library Commission is pleased to announce that applications for the 2017 Librarianship 101 Institute are now being accepted. The Librarianship 101 Institute is a three-day, in-residence workshop on September 18-20, 2017 designed to help public library staff members develop basic skills for professional fulfillment and career advancement. Participation in the Librarianship 101 Institute will be limited to fifteen (15) individuals who will be selected in a competitive application process. Nominees should be service-oriented individuals who want to enhance and improve their communities through their work in the public library.

Institute topics include:

• librarianship code of ethics
• programming
• collection development
• reference services
• children’s and young adult services
• diversity in the library
• social media
• readers’ advisory
• MLC services
• alternative funding methods 

You can find more information about the Institute here, an application, and a sample of the selection criteria used by the evaluator. (You do not need to fill out the selection criteria and send it along with the application; it is provided for informational purposes only.)

Nominations must be postmarked by July 6, 2017. If you have any questions about the Institute, don’t hesitate to contact Tracy Carr, Lacy Ellinwood, or Lucinda Ogden!

Camp Kudzu Returns

Welcome back to Camp Kudzu! Last year, we introduced you to our mock summer reading camp and we have even more zany, campy fun in store for you this summer. Summer reading programs are popping up in public libraries across Mississippi, all with the Collaborative Summer Library Program's 2017 slogan, Build a Better World. There are countless ways we can build a better world... What better place to start than at your local library?

Charles and Mac aren't scared by the spooky stories they're reading!

Here at MLC, we couldn't wait to try our hand at building... our very own indoor fort! Pillow forts are easy and fun to create. Each one is completely unique and there are so many different ways to feed your imagination. If you need a little inspiration, we found these great indoor fort ideas just for you.

Great books, great company

There's nothing like reading a great book around the campfire. We chose one of Mississippi Center for the Book's book club in a box kits and read Lewis Nordan's harrowing Wolf Whistle. A full list of kits available for public libraries to check out can be found here.

Be sure to follow the rest of our escapades at the beautiful Camp Kudzu this summer, as we bring you more ways to build a better world. Don't forget to sign up for the Summer Reading program at your local library. We'd love to hear your experiences, so feel free to share how much fun you're having this summer, Until next time, happy reading!

Join the MLC Team!

Are you looking for the perfect job? We have an opening for a librarian on our team!

Librarian III
Open until 10/14/16

This position is open in the Library Services Division of the Mississippi Library Commission. It is professional library work with responsibility for applying professional library techniques in one or more phases of library services. Duties include reference, cataloging, collection management, government documents, services to special groups, and similar functions. Incumbents have a primary specialized service responsibility and may monitor budget for the service. Incumbents provide professional level reference and reader advisory services to customers utilizing electronic, print, and audiovisual resources, and maintaining databases. The incumbent has frequent contact with the public, state governmental employees, volunteers, and others. Incumbent markets library services by initiating contact with users and groups of users by developing and presenting workshops. Development and presentation of individual and group training sessions on electronic resources is also required. The incumbent participates in the selection of materials for the collections and in review of collections to maintain currency and relevance to customers' needs. Incumbent compiles statistics for service management reports. Data gathering includes development and production of routine and specialized reports utilizing a library automation system. Incumbent may supervise or assist in the supervision of others.

Applications for this position must go through the Mississippi State Personnel Board. They are available on the job opening page on their website. We can't wait to have you working with our team!

Join the MLC Team

Would you like to work for a team of enthusiastic knowledge lovers? Does your dream job involve a lovely library in a gorgeous setting? Look no further! We have the perfect job for you.
The Mississippi Library Commission has opened the following position for recruitment:

Systems Administrator I
Open until 8/25/2016
This position is located within the Technology Services Division of the Mississippi Library Commission. This position may require expertise in any of the following areas:

• Website design and development (i.e., Wordpress)
• Knowledge and understanding of local area network (LAN) and/or wide area network (WAN)
• Software/hardware installation and support (i.e., Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe products
• Microsoft Office 365 migrations
• Database creation and support (i.e., Structured Query Language (SQL) and Access)
• Training classes
• Creating and delivering presentations  (i.e., presenting to board, directors, staff, and librarians)
• Project planning
• Communication and time management skills

Experience is not required in all of the listed areas as some training will be provided.

Applications for this position must go through the Mississippi State Personnel Board. They are available on the job opening page on their website. We can't wait to have you working with our team!

Join the MLC Team

Have you been searching for a job in the library field? Do you want to work with a great group of people who strengthen and advance libraries and library services in Mississippi? Look no further, my friend. We have the perfect job for you right here at the Mississippi Library Commission!

Projects Officer II, Special
Open until 7/26/2016
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining the agency's state and federal documents collection (print and digital). Work involves handling all aspects of print document collection, including cataloging; managing digital state documents and making them available for public use through agency website using specialty software; and participating in outreach. Click link to apply.

Projects Officer III, Special
Open until 7/21/2016
This is a professional Information Technology position within the Technology Services Division of the Mississippi Library Commission. Responsibilities will include projects that will involve a skill set of: Information Technology knowledge base, project planning, hardware/software management, training of groups, good communication skills; presentation skills a plus along with other duties as assigned. Click link to apply.

Librarian III
Open until 7/22/2016
Applicants must have a Master's Degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited four-year college or university in library science. Click link to apply.

Applications for all three positions must go through the Mississippi State Personnel Board. They are available online at each job opening page on their website.

We can't wait to have you working for us.

Camp Kudzu: Part Two

Earlier this week, we told you about our escapades at Camp Kudzu and promised you a sequel. Without further ado, we give you the further adventures of the Camp Kudzu campers. Drum roll, please...

We ran across this book holding contest online and thought it was too much fun to pass up. Basically, the rules are to "hold" as many books as possible with the covers showing. As you can see, we had varied results.

Campers spent time learning about one of our favorite pieces of tech, our 3D printer, and created bracelets emblazoned with Camp Kudzu. Remember, Mississippi public libraries can check out one of our 3D printers for programs and other activities. Contact Joy Garretson for more information.

Last, but definitely not least, our campers participated in a grueling relay race. The course was rough, but they soldiered on until they reached the finish line.

With thoughts of summer reading in their heads and fond memories of Camp Kudzu in their hearts, our campers headed home. We're sure they're already looking forward to next year's camping fun.

Until next time, happy reading!

Camp Kudzu: Part One

Welcome to Camp Kudzu! Nestled amid soaring stands of pine trees in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, you'll find this haven for summer readers. While the wildlife prowls about outside--we've spotted deer, foxes, bats, birds, snakes, and nearly a million squirrels--we've been beating the early summer heat with our mock summer library program, which we've dubbed Camp Kudzu.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program's slogan this year is "On Your Mark, Get Set... Read!" with a theme centered around wellness, fitness, and sports. With Camp Director Mac and campers Charles, Tracy, Elisabeth, and Jennifer, we took aim...

and hit the bull's eye! By the way, the roaring cardboard campfire is available for loan to Mississippi public libraries. Contact Ally Mellon to set it up.

 

We found that we've outgrown pillowcases for sack races (even the king size!) but sleeping bags made a great substitute.

After our exertions, we settled down for spooky stories around the campfire, read by none other than our Camp Director Mac.

There's nothing like the taste of roasted marshmallows to round out the perfection of a good book.

After a full day of Camp Kudzu fun, we snuggled into our sleeping bags for a good night's sleep, ready to see what bookish fun awaited us during our next day of camp. Well, most of us went to sleep. There's always that one camper who stays up past bedtime...

Catch us later this week with Part Two of our Camp Kudzu adventures. Many library systems across Mississippi offer summer library programs; don't forget to register!

Until next time, happy reading!

I Want to Ride My Bicycle, I Want to Ride My Bike

Bicycle or bike, these two-wheeled transporters are loads of fun. (Never you mind that I seem to fall off immediately after hopping on every single time I try to ride!) It turns out that bikes have a closer relationship to books and libraries than you might first think.

Bikes outside Harrison County branch library, 1959

One of our favorite recent videos is this one of Afghani Saber Hosseini. He saw the need for a library in his area, so he's started his own and bikes the books to the people who want to read them. If you'd like to read more about Hosseini's project, check out this article.


Next up? In Buffalo, NY, they're experimenting with bookbikes. (I think they should call them bikemobiles. Bookmobile, bikemobile--get it?)

I couldn't finish write about bikes and libraries without mentioning this group, Cycling for Libraries. An international "un-conference" of librarians and library lovers, the organization advocates for libraries while biking. If I could ride a bike without falling off, these would be the people with whom I'd want to bike.

Bikes outside Shaw Public Library, Bolivar County, date unknown

I'm off to practice my cycling skills. Until next time, happy reading (and biking!)

Gas Mask Librarians

Yesterday I discovered a file that contained historic pictures of libraries from across Mississippi. I've found my new all-time favorite picture of librarians and the crazy backstory behind the photo.

Meet Mary Francis and Linda Roy Gates, librarians at Fisk Public Library in Natchez, Mississippi, in October of 1962. Here's the scoop on those gas masks, which you know have me thinking of this creepy kid in Dr. Who:

Dr. Who Reboot Season 1, Episode 9, The Empty Child

Back in March of 1961, a barge sank in the Mississippi River near Natchez. It was carrying 1,100 tons of liquid chlorine, and you'd better believe that stuff is not healthy at all. (Ahem, poison.) The river was incredibly high, just like this year, and so all those containers filled with poison stayed at the bottom of the river for 18 months. That's right. A whole year and a half! The river finally went down and they eventually located the sunken barge (because no one was sure exactly where it was.) Then, the government issued over 12,000 gas masks to people in Natchez, MS and Vidalia, LA, in case poisonous gas was accidentally released during the removal of the containers. (You really need to read this article from the Natchez Democrat, which goes in depth about the whole bizarre affair.) It was quite a scare for the area and residents took the threat of disaster seriously, thus my gas-mask-wearing librarians. The event was dubbed Operation Chlorine. By the way, three years later, in 1965, Fisk Public Library was moved to a brand-new location and renamed Judge George W. Armstrong Library. (A History of Mississippi Libraries, 56)

Until next time, happy reading!

Power in Numbers

By Susan Cassagne

Executive Director

Mississippi Library Commission

“The health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture, and our concern for the future can all be tested by how well we support our libraries.”

-Carl Sagan, renowned astrophysicist/astrobiologist

There is power in numbers. How often have we heard those words throughout our lives, only to picture something that didn’t seem to apply to us as we moved through our normal day? Have you ever had the opportunity to gather with a group of like-minded folks to stand up for something you believe to be important to those you value? It is a powerful feeling.

Throughout time, having something to fight for has been a part of the human condition. It is part of what makes us the complicated, larger-than-life species that runs the planet. Our greatest sense of accomplishment can come from working for a cause and seeing those efforts create positive change for all involved.

Public libraries across Mississippi change lives and build communities. It happens on a daily basis with little fanfare. They open their doors each day to offer inspiration, education, assistance, and a window to the world outside the Magnolia State. In many of our communities, the public library may be the only place to connect with all of life’s possibilities. This certainly sounds like a worthy cause… one we can all believe in and support.

Eighty-one percent of the funds appropriated to the Mississippi Library Commission from the legislature are in turn allocated to the state’s 52 public library systems. This invaluable funding also comes with support through leadership, advocacy and training. We ask that you keep in mind that your vote elected our lawmakers so they can use their influence to support what benefits your community. It’s easy to assume that government supports public libraries, and most do—we just need to make our presence known as a reminder of our value to the 2.9 million residents of Mississippi. It is time. Time to gather together to build a strong group of advocates… to feel the power… the power in numbers.

Join us on the First Floor Rotunda of the Mississippi State Capitol on Tuesday, March 8th from 11:00am to 2:00pm as we advocate for libraries across the state.

Good-bye, Jane Smith

Jane Smith (left) with Sharman Smith (right)

When Jane Smith retired from the Mississippi Library Commission in 2010, our farewell to her read in part, "her passion is libraries and her love is books." She has been an integral part of the library community in Mississippi for a very long time.

From left to right: Ethel Dunn, Glenda Tilson, Jane Smith, and Sharman Smith

Smith started at MLC as a Library Consultant March 1, 1980. She held a variety of positions and titles in the thirty years she worked with us, including Library Consultant Supervisor, Acting Assistant Director for Library Development, Assistant Director for Library Development, Deputy Director, Director of Public Services, and Acting Director of the Mississippi Library Commission. (She held this last position not once, but twice.) Jane was also the 2006 MLA Peggy May Award winner.

Farewell party with Tracy Carr (left) and Jane Smith (right)

In 1992, she was key in securing $10 million in bond funding for public libraries This was ths first time the Mississippi Legislature had approved such funding for public libraries. It led to 100 new and newly renovated public library buildings in the state.

Smith was the person who contacted Senator Gray Ferris about developing a statewide collection of databases for use by public libraries. Ferris thought it was a great idea and academic, public, and school libraries joined forces to get legislative support. The end result was MAGNOLIA, which is still in use today. Other states followed Jane's and Mississippi's lead and began offering statewide access to databases.

Jane passed away yesterday morning, January 26, 2016, in Jackson, Mississippi. There will be no formal funeral service, but a celebration of her life will be held soon. MLC Executive Director Susan Cassagne said, "She was a presence. She was always fair and ready to listen. She was an integral part of the MLC family for many years; she will be missed. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers."

The Packet April/June, 2009.
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/gclp_solinet/896611913/in/set-72157601000259774/

If There Are Ghosts In Your Library...

Did you know that Mississippi has not one but two reportedly haunted libraries? The Lee-Itawamba Library System, located in Tupelo, Mississippi, is said to be haunted by former U.S. Congressman John Mills Allen. The library building, which was built in 1971, resides on the site of Mr. Allen's home. The library even has some original doors and glass panels from Mr. Allen's home in its Mississippi Room. Mr. Allen's ghost now roams the library knocking books off the shelves and stealing from the book drop.  

The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library is haunted by either of two spirits. The late Head Librarian, Jeanne Broach, was devoted to the library for over 30 years and is said to still linger in the library causing cold spots and strange noises. She likes to ride the elevator too. Library employees have also reported hearing a crying baby and someone calling out their names. However, there may be another culprit. The library building sits on a plot of land that was originally the personal home of Mr. A. J. Lyons. His wife reportedly committed suicide in that home and could possibly still haunt the grounds where she died. Its also conceivable that both women haunt the library, forever roaming the shelves for that perfect book.

So, if there were a ghost in your library, who would you call?  

The Ghostbusters

-OR-

The Ghostfacers

http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=A000134

http://blogs.britannica.com/2007/10/haunted-libraries-in-the-us-massachusetts-missouri

http://www.meridianstar.com/topic/?q=haunted&l=25&sd=asc&app%5B0%5D=editorial&o=25

Nabzdyk Chosen as ALA Emerging Leader

Jennifer Nabzdyk
Library Consultant
Mississippi Library Commission

 

The Mississippi Library Commission is proud to relate that one of our Library Consultants, Jennifer Nabzdyk, has been chosen as an American Library Association Emerging Leader for 2015. In a highly selective process--200 applied and only 50 were chosen--newly minted librarians will have the opportunity to "participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity" (ALA). She is the third participant to be chosen from Mississippi since the program's inception in 2007.

Upon learning of her acceptance to the program, Nabzdyk said, "I'm honored and thrilled; I didn't expect to be chosen after hearing the number of applications they received. I'm so excited to find out what our project will be!"

Nabzdyk will attend the Chicago ALA Midwinter Meeting in January, where she will be assigned to a group and a project. Nabzdyk believes that one of the reasons she was chosen is her many-layered library background. "They really seemed to be looking for diverse individuals. I've had experience working in public libraries, academic libraries, and our state library in such varied roles as cataloging, reference, circulation, and consulting." All of this will come into play when she and her group leave Chicago and head back to their individual libraries. Over the ensuing six months, they will continue to work together "in an online working and networking environment" (ALA). In June, she will travel to San Francisco to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Here, she and her group will present their project at a poster session presentation.

We at the Mississippi Library Commission are immensely proud of Nabzdyk and can't wait for her to "show her stuff" to the rest of the library world. Good job, Jennifer!

http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/leadership/emergingleaders

Ms. Rosa Lee

We are constantly analyzing our collection, getting new things, getting rid of obsolete things, and repairing titles that are an important part of our state history. A staff member recently made an interesting and (we think) humorous find while they were working to preserve our 1893 edition of the State Agencies Biennial Reports.

In the report submitted by State Librarian Rosa Lee Tucker, we get a peek into what budgeting looked like for the 1892-1893 fiscal year. This is our favorite excerpt:
"The appropriation of one hundred dollars per year for reference books, given by the last Legislature, has been judiciously expended. Encyclopedia Britannica, twenty-five volumes; Century Dictionary, six volumes, and Webster's International, all expensive books, were purchased. Double the amount could have been spent with advantage. It is to be hoped the Legislature of 1894 will give a generous appropriation for this department to the Library."

$100! Can you imagine? Well, according to the inflation calculator found here, $100 in 1892 would be worth about $2631.58 today.

We did a little digging to see how much her reference items would cost today. While the Encyclopedia Britannica is no longer being updated in the print format, you can get a year-long membership to their online edition for $69.35 a year. The Century Dictionary is no longer in print, but you can view older editions online at the California Digital Library through the University of California. Finally, The Webster's International Dictionary can be purchased for $129. That totals $198.35 today, or approximately $7.54 in 1892. Sorry, Ms. Lee!

Mississippi Library Leadership Institute 2014

The Mississippi Library Commission announces the opportunity for up to thirty librarians in the state of Mississippi to participate in the 2014 Mississippi Library Leadership Institute (MLLI). MLLI is an in-residence leadership training program open to librarians employed in public, academic, school, and special libraries in the state of Mississippi. Funded with a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library services (IMLS), the Institute is designed to develop the next generation of leaders in the field of librarianship in Mississippi.

The 2013 Mississippi Library Leadership Institute had 27 participants, including librarians from archives and from public, community college, school, and university libraries. Their studies were focused in the areas of team building, improving communication skills, and strategic planning. They did group work, gave four presentations over the course of the program, and engaged in numerous hands-on learning activities designed to enhance the content of the lectures and presentations. Participants also took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test and received training on using MBTI in the workplace. After reading The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin, and Disciplined Dreaming: A Proven System to Drive Breakthrough Creativity by Josh Linkner, participants completed assignments designed to develop their skills as leaders in their institutions. Participants also received $1000 to implement a special project in their library with a community partner. Examples of projects include oral history projects, college entrance preparation, and digital literacy training.

The Institute consists of four three-day retreats held in Jackson over the course of one year. Eligible applicants must:

• Have a master’s degree in librarianship accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)
  or be currently enrolled in an ALA accredited Master’s degree program in librarianship
• Have less than fifteen years of professional experience
• Be employed by a Mississippi library
• Be nominated by their direct reporting authority such as Library Director, Dean, Administrative Board of Trustees Chair, Principal, Provost, etc...

The only cost to selected participants is transportation to and from Jackson. Dates of the 2014 retreats are:

• April 2-4, 2014
• July 16-18, 2014
• October 22-24, 2014
• January 14-16, 2015

Applications to the Mississippi Library Leadership Institute must be post-marked by Friday, January 17, 2014. Applicants will be notified of selection status by Friday, February 28, 2014.

Participation in the Institute is intensive; however, it is also extremely rewarding and fun. We look forward to seeing you!