Is It Summer Yet?

Summer Library Programs don't kick off until June, but the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) is already preparing children's librarians across the state for this summer's fun. Last week, librarians from twelve Mississippi library systems gathered for the first of three workshops about "Libraries Rock!," this summer's theme from the Collaborative Summer Library Program. (The twelve systems with attendees were Bolivar County Library System, Central Mississippi Regional Library System, East Mississippi Regional Library, Jackson Hinds Library System, Judge George W. Armstrong Library, Madison County Library System, Noxubee County Public Library, Pearl River County Library System, Pike-Amite-Walthall Library System, Sharkey-Issaquena County Library System, Sunflower County Library, and Warren County Vicksburg Public Library.)

Librarians experiment with the way sound waves work at this STEM station. They'll adapt these

experiments and recreate them this summer for Mississippi Summer Library Program participants.

 

The librarians split into groups to explore possible Mississippi Music programs. Teamwork and brainstorming ideas are the beginnings to fun summer events.

These children's librarians also explored animal sounds bingo and created their own banjos, both activities that can be adapted in their home libraries.

These new music kits are a new addition to MLC's Special Collections. They'll be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for use in programs related to this summer's theme.

We can't wait to see all of the music themed programs this summer. Don't forget: Libraries rock! Until next time, happy reading!

Trademark Basics

The Mississippi Library Commission is pleased to announce that Trademark Basics, an informative workshop, will be held at our facility August 6, 2015 from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Organized by Lawrence Smith, our Patent and Trademark Librarian and presented by Managing Attorney for Trademark Outreach at the US Patent and Trademark Office Craig Morris, this event will shed light on the mysterious and complex world of trademarks. A few of the many talking points are:

• Learn how trademark, copyright, patent, domain name, and business name registrations all differ.
• Critical factors to select a trademark that will be both federally registerable and legally protectable.
• The importance of doing a complete search and whether an attorney should be used.
• What may happen if another trademark owner believes it has stronger rights in a mark and issues a "cease-and-desist" letter.
• Information that the USPTO does in the federal registration process and how to avoid "scams" perpetrated by companies that request fees for services not required by the USPTO.

Email Mr. Smith at lsmith@mlc.lib.ms.us to RSVP. Light refreshments will be provided.