Skip to main content

Local Collections Guidance and Services

Library of Michigan For The Public Michigan Materials Local Collections Hero
Library Of Michigan

Local Collections Guidance and Services

MICHIGAN.GOV/MILOCALHISTORY

The Library of Michigan supports the development, maintenance, and promotion of Local Collections at libraries, museums, and historical organizations in Michigan. Information on this page is to offer guidance as well as boost networking amongst local history librarians and similar practitioners across the state.

Local Collections Consultation

Library of Michigan Special Collections staff are available to provide on-site consultation for Michigan libraries and historical organizations that are evaluating their local collections. To schedule a visit, email Librarian@Michigan.gov.
Librarian@Michigan.gov
2023 Library of Michigan For Public Michigan Materials Local Collections Consultation
Library of Michigan For The Public Michigan Materials Local Collections MiLocalHistory

MiLocalHistory Listserv

MiLocalHistory is an online forum for interested local history librarians and practitioners to exchange ideas, stimulate conversation and ask questions related to management of local history collections including issues like organization, preservation, digitization, access, use policies, etc. Members are also encouraged to use this list to offer duplicate or unneeded local history materials to other institutions or groups. 
MiLocalHistory Listserv

Published Guides for Supporting Local History

  • Creating a Local History Archive at Your Public Library by Faye Phillips Main Z688.L8 P485 2017
  • Local History Reference Collections for Public Libraries by Kathy Marquis and Leslie Waggener Main Z688.L8 M38 2015
  • Organizing Archival Records by David W. Carmicheal Main CD950 .C37 2019

Support the Library of Michigan

Looking to rehome Michigan-related material? Consider sending them to your state library. Visit our Make A Gift page to view examples of material accepted by the Library of Michigan as well as additional directions for the transfer of accepted items.
Make A Gift

Featured Donation: Michigan Yearbooks

Help preserve the rich legacy of Michigan's high school and post-secondary institutions. The Library of Michigan is actively accepting Michigan yearbooks of high schools, colleges/universities, and other post-secondary institutions (e.g. nursing schools, business schools, vocational/technical schools). Connect with Library of Michigan staff by calling 517-335-1477 or emailing Librarian@Michigan.gov. Learn more on the Library of Michigan's Make A Gift page.
Michigan Yearbooks at the Library of Michigan

Local Collections Resources

Library of Michigan For The Public Michigan Materials Local Collections Digitization

Digitization

Learn more about how the Library of Michigan supports digitization efforts throughout the state.
Digitization
Library of Michigan Digital Logo

Library of Michigan Digital

Discover ways you can have your digitized local collections hosted on Library of Michigan Digital.
Library of Michigan Digital
Library of Michigan For The Public Michigan Materials Local Collections Presenters

Library of Michigan Presenters

Have a Library of Michigan staff member speak at your library or organization. See a list of speakers and sample topics.
Library of Michigan Presenters
Library of Michigan For The Public Michigan Materials Local Collections Guidelines

Local Collections Guide

This guide provides a process of developing, maintaining and promoting a local materials collection.
Local Collections Guide