Christie Pearson Brandau announced that the Michigan Library Consortium (MLC) and the Library of Michigan are coordinating the transfer of AccessMichigan's administrative duties to the Library of Michigan, effective March 31, 2000. AccessMichigan, a collaborative project of Michigan libraries, has created a digital information environment that offers every resident in the state equitable and easy-to-use access through their library to a core set of information sources.

The Michigan Library Consortium is working with the Library of Michigan to ensure a smooth transfer of AccessMichigan's administrative duties from one agency to the other. "Administration and coordination of statewide information resources under one umbrella will result in additional opportunities," said Brandau. "The library community's thanks go to MLC. The consortium was instrumental in the inception of AccessMichigan and invaluable as an incubator for the project."

The Library of Michigan will continue to contract with MLC to provide training and support for AccessMichigan.

"We are currently interviewing eligible candidates for the statewide database coordinator to oversee the administrative responsibilities for AccessMichigan," said Brandau. "We hope to have someone on board by early summer."

The Library of Michigan is a nationally recognized, visible, electronic and traditional library and leadership development center that serves as a vital information resource to the Legislature, state government and citizens of Michigan. The Library provides primary reference and research services to the state Legislature and other government agencies, administers state aid to public libraries and oversees federal aid for all types of libraries. The Library of Michigan serves as one of two regional libraries in the state for the federal documents depository program. It also features outstanding collections of Michigan history and genealogy. It is one of the state's two regional libraries that provide services to the blind and physically handicapped. The Library of Michigan is located at 717 W. Allegan St. in Lansing, Michigan, (517) 373-1580.

Updated 01/09/2006