Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Library Cooperative Services in Goodrich, MI
Mideastern Michigan Library (MMLC) has served as a vital resource for libraries across Michigan's Central Lower Peninsula since 1965. Our organization supports 25 member libraries through advocacy, resource sharing, and strategic programming while maintaining compliance with state regulations and industry standards. With decades of collective experience in library cooperation, we provide core services including document management, technology planning, and financial guidance tailored to public, academic, and special libraries.Our team maintains active partnerships with state library agencies and professional associations to ensure members receive up-to-date information and discounted resources. Through consistent strategic planning and community-focused initiatives, we help member institutions enhance their service offerings while preserving historical records and operational best practices. Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through publicly available policies and regular reporting to member libraries and stakeholders.
Services
Advocacy Resources
Statewide Discounts
Programming Support
Document Management
Technology Planning
Financial Guidance
Policy Development
Member Training
Resource Sharing
Strategic Planning
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in library cooperative management
- We provide access to statewide book and AV discount programs
- Our team maintains compliance with Michigan Library Law requirements
- We facilitate inter-library resource sharing across 10-county region
- Our strategic planning supports long-term library sustainability
Services
Advocacy Resources
We provide comprehensive advocacy tools and training to help member libraries engage with local and state policymakers. Our resources include legislative updates, grant writing assistance, and coalition-building strategies. This service helps libraries secure funding, improve community visibility, and stay informed about regulatory changes affecting library operations.
Statewide Discounts
Our cooperative negotiates volume pricing on books, AV materials, and library supplies through statewide contracts. Members access discounted rates on technology equipment, software licenses, and office supplies through partnerships with approved vendors. This service helps libraries maximize purchasing power while maintaining quality standards for collection materials and operational resources.
Programming Support
We coordinate collaborative programming initiatives including summer reading programs and professional development workshops. Our team connects libraries with approved performers, educational resources, and curriculum-aligned materials. This service enhances community engagement while reducing individual library programming costs through shared resources and expertise.
Document Management
Our organization maintains compliance documentation including financial policies, FOIA guidelines, and technology plans for member libraries. We provide standardized templates and retention schedules aligned with state regulations. This service ensures consistent record-keeping practices while simplifying audit preparation and policy updates for member institutions.
Resource Sharing
We facilitate material exchange between member libraries through coordinated delivery systems and catalog integration. Our network enables patrons to access collections across the 10-county service area. This service expands resource availability while optimizing collection development investments through cooperative management of shared materials.
People
Eric Palmer
Director
Eric Palmer has served as MMLC Director since 2019, bringing extensive library administration experience from previous roles in Michigan's public library system. He oversees strategic operations and member relations.
Irene Bancroft
Administrative Specialist
Irene Bancroft manages daily operations and member communications as Administrative Specialist, supporting cooperative functions since joining the organization's administrative team in Goodrich, Michigan.
Questions
What libraries does MMLC serve?
We support 25 public, academic, school, and special libraries across 10 Michigan counties including Genesee, Ingham, and Saginaw.
How do libraries join MMLC?
Eligible libraries submit membership applications through our advisory council process, with approval by the MMLC Board of Trustees.
What advocacy resources are available?
Members access legislative tracking tools, grant writing support, and policy development resources to strengthen community impact and funding opportunities.
How do discounts work for members?
Our cooperative negotiates statewide contracts for books, technology, and supplies, with pricing available through the MCLS and REMC partnerships.
What programming support exists?
We coordinate summer reading programs, professional development workshops, and collaborative events with Michigan library partners.
How are delivery services managed?
Our interlibrary loan system coordinates material transport between members through scheduled delivery routes across the service area.
