MLA’s “Primary Source” is an exclusive, first-hand account of the latest news and announcements from the staff of the Michigan Library Association.

We are pleased to announce the candidates for the MLA 2020 Board of Directors Election. MLA will hold elections for the Board of Directors April 6 - April 19.

One of the benefits of membership is the right to vote for the leaders that will help chart MLA's course into the future. MLA members will vote for the next President-elect and three member-at-large board members, who will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023.

View detailed information on each candidate by clicking on their photo or name or visit the MLA website for details.

Help us recognize an author who has made a significant contribution to Michigan's literary heritage. Submit a nomination for the 2020 Michigan Author Award!

 

The nomination deadline is February 28, 2020 . Visit the MLA website or download the criteria and guidelines (pdf) for more information. Anyone is eligible to submit a nomination. Submit your nomination and supporting materials through the MLA website using the online form.

Questions? Please contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at [email protected] or (517) 394-2774 ext. 225.

MLA 2020 Annual Conference Call for Proposals

You're invited to submit a proposal for a breakout session or poster presentation at MLA 2020 Annual Conference.

We encourage participation from librarians, staff and administrators from all types of libraries. The deadline to submit a proposal for a poster or program is March 27.

Visit the Call for Proposals web page to review submission guidelines and submit your proposal using the online form.



Questions? Contact MLA Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin at (517) 394-2774 ext. 223 or [email protected].

Call for Michigan Library Awards Gala Work Group

Do you love a good awards show? Then we need you! The new Michigan Library Awards Gala will be the can't-miss red carpet event for celebrating excellence in the Michigan library community! We are seeking individuals interested in serving on the new Michigan Library Awards Gala Work Group. Work group members will work closely with the Annual Conference work group and will be responsible for planning entertainment and securing sponsorships.

If you are interested in participating please contact Amber Sheerin, MLA Program and Event Director at (517) 394- 2774 ext. 223 or [email protected].

MLA 2020 Youth Literary Awards Top Titles

Organizational membership renewal information for the 2020-2021 member year will be sent early next month!

Organizations looking for an opportunity to show support for the library community, stay informed on the latest news and trends in the library profession, connect with library staff and build collaborative relationships within the library profession, are invited to join our network of more than 1700 libraries, library professional and supporters from all across Michigan. Strategic Partner membership with MLA provides exclusive benefits, including:

Join now and your membership will be extended through June 2021!

If you have any questions about membership with MLA, please contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at [email protected].

President Trump's proposed FY 2021 budget ends federal funding for libraries and museums. For the fourth year in a row the proposed budget eliminates funding critical to libraries. The budget proposal requests funding to cover Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administrative expenses for an orderly shutdown of the agency beginning October 1, 2020. The budget proposal also cuts $27 million from the Innovative Approaches to Literacy program, which helps school libraries serve students in the most vulnerable communities across America.

As the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries, IMLS provides more than $189.3 million for libraries through the Library Services and Technology Act. In Michigan, more than $8.5 million has been awarded through competitive grant programs that help museums and libraries offer learning experiences, support community and civic engagement, care for collections, and provide digital access to content since 2011. Through the Grants to States Program, the largest grant program run by IMLS, Michigan was allotted more than $4.5 million in FY 20.

This IMLS funding is critical to supporting programs aimed at improving literacy, including Michigan Reads! and Every Child Ready to Read; continuing education for library staff; Michigan's eLibrary (MeL) the State of Michigan’s digital library including MeLCat, a shared state-wide catalog representing more than 440 participating libraries; as well as grant programs for libraries that increase access and create and strengthen partnerships with community groups.

 

The President’s FY 2021 budget request is the first step in a long appropriations process. We ask all library supporters to please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives today and urge them to preserve the only federal funding programs for libraries and museums!

 

Visit our website to send an email to your congressional representatives:

On Friday, January 31, 2020, the MLA Board of Directors unanimously voted to support and approve a substitution bill for Senate Bill 611 (SB 611) .

Last October, Senator MacGregor introduced SB 611 to amend the Michigan Library Privacy Act, 1982 PA 455. The intention of his bill was to enable libraries to work with law enforcement when the library is a victim of a crime. After hearing both concerns and support from the Michigan library community on Senator MacGregor's proposed amendments to the Privacy Act, MLA drafted a substitute bill that clarifies and updates SB 611.

The proposed substitution bill removes obstacles and legal barriers libraries sometimes face when a crime has been committed in the library while providing for continued protection to patron privacy.

At a meeting on February 5, Senator MacGregor agreed to move forward with the MLA-proposed changes to SB 611.

Read more

On April 22, 2020 library advocates from all over Michigan will meet in Lansing to meet with legislators to thank them for the work they have done in support of libraries and ensure they are continuing champions of the importance of libraries in Michigan communities.

By participating in MLA’s Advocacy Day, you will help establish a stronger voice for the library community in Lansing, develop important relationships with your local legislative leaders, and garner a greater understanding of the processes related to policy-making from individuals involved in the work on a day-to-day basis. Advocacy Day will also give you the chance to network with other MLA members and create opportunities for future collaborations. 

Michigan Library Association's

Spring Institute for Youth Services

People First

March 19-20, 2020

Sheraton Hotel, Ann Arbor

Advanced Registration Rates expire February 28, 2020.

We have an exciting lineup of acclaimed speakers, fun events and educational programming planned for Spring Institute for Youth Services and we want to see you there!

Join us March 19-20, 2020 in Ann Arbor as we focus on creating equitable, diverse and inclusive collections, programs, services and spaces that put People First and empower library staff, patrons and the communities we serve.

Visit us on the web to view detailed conference information, the schedule at a glance, featured speakers, education sessions and special events and register today!

Continuing our tradition of supporting local youth-based organizations, MLA has chosen to partner with Ozone House. Ozone House is a community-based, nonprofit agency that helps young people lead safe, healthy, and productive lives through intensive intervention and prevention services. At Ozone House, youth find safety and nonjudgmental support from adults and peers. Whether youth need shelter, housing, individual or family counseling, 1:1 support and life skills, a job, to enroll in school, or a hot meal, the doors at Ozone House are always open.

Are you attending the 2020 Spring Institute for Youth Services in Ann Arbor this March? Please consider a donation for this great organization. Check out a list of needed items here on the MLA website or visit their Amazon wish list. Items will be collected at the registration desk and delivered to Ozone House following the conference. Learn more about Ozone House.

View these jobs and more at the MLA Career Center.

Have a job to post? Members receive deep discounts on job postings through the MLA Career Center job board. Learn more here.

Library Development Analyst

Library of Michigan – Lansing, MI

Technical Project Manager

ProQuest – Ann Arbor, MI

Uniting the Michigan Library Community

MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.