Indiana, Michigan library groups merge to cut costs

The Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority, known as ICOLSA, has merged with the Michigan Library Consortium to
form the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services.

The two organizations announced the merger this week after
members of both approved the unification Dec. 17. They cited the poor economy and a need to cut costs as the main factors
driving the decision.

Randy Dykhuis, executive director of the Michigan Library Consortium, will lead the new
association. Marnie Maxwell, president of the Indianapolis-based Maxwell Associates consultancy, had served as interim director
of ICOLSA since June. 

“With our combined membership we expect to deliver enhanced savings on services
such as group licenses and to expand resource-sharing options for residents of both states,” Dykhuis said in a prepared
statement.

Sixteen librarians—eight from each state—will serve on an interim board to govern the new
organization until permanent board members are elected in the fall.

Librarians from the Indianapolis area serving
on an interim basis are Roberta Brooker, Indiana state librarian; and Beverly Martin, director of the Johnson County Public
Library.

ICOLSA has 768 members representing more than 2,200 libraries throughout Indiana. MLC has more than 600
members.