MLA’s “Primary Source” is an exclusive, first-hand account of the latest news and announcements from the staff of the Michigan Library Association.
|
|
|
Michigan Library Advocacy Day is right around the corner and hundreds of advocates have already registered to contact Michigan legislators on April 20, 2021. It will be a day to make sure legislative leaders are well informed about the challenges the library community faces and to influence decision makers through direct contact on Zoom, by phone, through emails and social media posts. MLA is proud to host this inaugural virtual event with our partners, the Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) and the Michigan Association of Media in Education (MAME).
|
|
MLA has been working with Graphic Designer James Newton on a new look for the organization. Check out our new logo! You'll still see our old logo and the old MLA green for a little while longer as we transition our old designs and complete our rebranding! |
|
|
The new Michigan Library Association logo is minimal but packed with meaning. MLA is bold and capitalized to signify the strength of the organization. Triangles are incorporated to signify the different directions MLA will take libraries in Michigan. The triangle within the M signifies downloading and shows the digital content you can access at the library. The triangle in the L signifies a strong base of the organization and a strong base of members. The triangle in the A represents the positive direction in which MLA will take all Michigan libraries as a whole. The color scheme is to help the logo pop and stand out. The main typeface is Maple. This typeface has an individual personality in each letter, representing the diversity of libraries and the members of the organization. The secondary typeface is Roboto, which helps support the digital direction the libraries are incorporating. |
|
About the Artist
James Newton is a cat dad, iced coffee enthusiast, printmaker, and Art Director. James attended College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan where he learned the rules and laws of art and design, and how to push and break them. He is constantly trying to find ways to express meaning and playfulness through the constraints of corporate identity and design. James specializes in minimalistic, new wave, and swiss design styles.
|
|
James Newton
Graphic Designer
|
|
2021 Board of Directors Election |
|
Meet the candidates for the 2021 MLA Board of Directors Election and plan to cast your vote April 5 - April 19, 2021. |
|
|
MLA will hold elections for the Board of Directors from April 5 - April 19. Members will vote for the next President-elect and three member-at-large board members, who will serve three-year terms beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2024.
Meet the candidates! Click on their photos or names or visit the MLA website to get to know the candidates for the 2021 Board Election. Eligible members will receive an email on April 5 with instructions and a link to vote. Members can only vote once. |
|
Director
Kalamazoo Public Library
|
|
|
Library Director
Presque Isle District Library
|
|
Library Director
Gladwin District Library
|
|
Library Director
Portage Lake District Library
|
|
Tribal Librarian
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries
|
|
Library Director
West Bloomfield Township Public Library
|
|
Social Services Manager
Niles District Library
|
|
Thank you to our American Library Association (ALA) Michigan Chapter Councilor and MLA President, Dr. Jennifer Dean for preparing the councilor's report to keep MLA members informed of everything happening at ALA!
|
|
MLA's Board of Directors has reviewed Forward Together, the American Library Association’s (ALA) recommendations for a reimagined ALA. Upon careful consideration, MLA supports ALA as it adopts changes to its governance structure by implementing much-needed changes that have been vetted and clarified by the Forward Together Working Group, Forward Together Fiscal Analysis Working Group, and ALA Council.
|
|
MLA Welcomes New Database Coordinator |
|
We are pleased to welcome Elise Penhollow to the MLA staff as our new Database Coordinator! Elise can be reached at [email protected], feel free to reach out and say hello! |
|
|
Elise Penhollow joined the Michigan Library Association team in March 2021 as the Database Coordinator. Her passion for assisting in developing important community resources is what drew her to MLA, and she thrives in organizational support roles. She attended Michigan State University, where she studied Hospitality Business and Sustainable Natural Resource and Recreation Management and has prior experience with membership organizations. Elise loves spending time with her family, playing ice hockey, doing DIY crafts/projects, and trying new recipes. |
|
The Call for Volunteers online signup for 2021-2022 work groups and committees is now open through April 30, 2021. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you! Review available volunteer positions and sign up on the web at milibraries.org/get-involved
|
|
|
Take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community. Develop your leadership skills and grow your professional network by volunteering to serve on a committee or work group.
Check out available opportunities to get involved and don't miss April's MLA Connect Coffee Hour for a chance to learn more about participating with MLA!
|
|
Organizational Membership Renewal |
Watch the mail for organizational membership renewal information for the 2021-2022 member year this month. A form to submit the information for the new complimentary Linked Trustees organizational member benefit will be included with your renewal communications. If your organization takes advantage of group individual membership billing you will also receive information to select the individual memberships you would like to renew.
Thank you to all of our organizational members for your continued support!
|
|
Easy Renewal Process for Your Entire Staff
Did you know? MLA makes it super easy for Organizational members to sign up all of their employees as Affiliated Individual members. Instead of having to issue multiple checks for individual dues throughout the year, wouldn’t you love the option of cutting one check that covers the cost of annual dues for all staff ($85 per employee) AND…they will all renew at the same time each year!
We can provide you with one invoice that will cover the cost of the employees you choose to pay for. We will even pro-rate their dues as necessary to eliminate the need for sending multiple checks. Note according to the bylaws, membership in the association is not transferable or assignable, but there is an exception for Affiliated Individual memberships that are paid for by an Organizational member to address staffing changes.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, please contact MLA Administrative Assistant, Lisa Buttigieg who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. She can be reached by phone at (517) 394-2774 ext. 227 or by email at [email protected].
|
|
|
Not an Organizational Member? Join us! |
It is a great time to join MLA. We are currently offering a promotion for new organizational members that includes additional months of membership for both the library and library director at no additional cost, and we also just added an exclusive new Linked Trustee benefit for organizational members granting complimentary membership benefits to all of the library’s trustees.
Our organizational membership year is July 1 – June 30, but if you join MLA today, your library’s organizational membership, individual director membership and Linked Trustees will begin immediately, giving you more than three additional months of membership and benefits for the cost of a yearly membership.
While there is still a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, we are certain about this: we are stronger together. Our goal is to engage every library, library worker and library supporter in Michigan in the association. The more member participation we have, the more we will accomplish for all Michigan libraries and library workers. We hope you and your library will join us!
To join our community today contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at [email protected] or (517) 394-2774. |
|
Join as a Strategic Partner |
Vendors, exhibitors and businesses 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 hundreds of libraries, library professional and supporters from all across Michigan. Strategic Partner membership with MLA provides exclusive benefits, including:
- Discount for one lead staff on event registration
- Access to our searchable member directory
- Listing with your organization’s name and contact information in our partner directory
- 10% discounts on exhibiting at our annual conference and our Spring Institute for Youth Services conference
- 10% discount on advertising in our conference program book
Join now and your membership will be extended through June 2022!
If you have any questions about membership with MLA, please contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at [email protected]. |
|
MLA 2021 Youth Literary Awards |
|
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2021 Mitten, YouPer and Thumbs Up! Awards! Learn more about MLA Youth Literary Awards at milibraries.org/literary-awards
|
|
|
The awards selection group members worked throughout the year spending thousands of hours reading, reviewing and ranking hundreds of books to determine the top titles published in 2020. Watch the announcement below!
|
|
2021 Mitten Award Winner:
If You Come to Earth
By Sophie Blackall
|
|
2021 YouPer Award Winner:
Fighting Words
By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
|
|
2021 Thumbs Up! Award Winner:
Punching the Air
By Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
|
|
LinkedIn Learning Discounts for MLA Members |
|
MLA is partnering with LinkedIn to offer Linkedin Learning (formerly Lynda.com) to Michigan libraries at a discounted rate. The more libraries that join the greater the discount will be! |
|
|
We are excited to partner with LinkedIn to offer LinkedIn Learning to Michigan libraries at a discounted rate. Libraries that join our consortium will receive a minimum discount of 7% but the more libraries that join, the greater the discount will be!
With many libraries still closed or offering limited hours, LinkedIn Learning for Libraries (formerly Lynda.com) provides public library patrons with access to 16,850 online courses in 7 languages.
What does LInkedin Learning do?
- Inspires anyone to learn the latest software, creative and business skills.
- Give users of any skill level bite-size tutorials, or comprehensive courses, on hundreds of topics
-
Encourages personalized and self-paced learning for those looking to gain new skills in their time at home or to re-skill after a layoff.
- And now offers a new and improved mobile app for those learners on the go.
To take advantage of discount pricing, new subscribers will need to sign up and return order forms by June 1, 2021, for services beginning in mid-June. For details on the program and to subscribe please contact Karen Riggione, Regional Account Executive, State & Local, LinkedIn Learning at [email protected] or call (714) 293-9236.
For questions about MLA membership or member benefits, contact MLA Membership and Communications Director, Rachel Ash at [email protected].
|
|
National Library Week (April 4 - 10, 2021) is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support.
The theme, “Welcome to Your Library,” promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services.
Are you ready to celebrate? Check out complete details at ala.org! |
|
|
Call to Action: MLA Opposes HB 4530-4533
|
|
Call to Action: MLA stands in Opposition to HB 4530-4533 and ANY legislation limiting election dates. We will continue to monitor and respond to any legislation that would limit library millage proposals. Read on for details then Take Action and contact your legislators today! |
|
|
On Tuesday, March 23, a package of bills, HB 4530-4533 was presented at the House Elections and Ethics Committee. HB 4530-4533 eliminates the May and August elections and replaces them with a June election.
House Bills 4530-4533 would amend different acts to remove the May regular election date and move the date of the primary election in Michigan from August to June, limiting a jurisdiction to holding only two elections in a year.
Libraries rely on locally dedicated millages for funding. A millage loss could very well close the doors permanently for a library, so alternative dates to re-present their proposal to their community during the calendar year are essential. Additional restrictions to the number of times each year that a millage can be brought before voters are detrimental to libraries.
The most recent modifications to the state’s election dates are the 2015 Public Acts 98 -103, which eliminated the February election date. Since 2015, only May, August, and November have remained.
Currently, under the law, the primary election is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in August. HBs 4530 - 4533 would move that election date to the Tuesday after the first Monday in June. They would also eliminate the May regular election.
Legislators need to hear from us about why it is important to keep three election dates to allow libraries more flexibility in seeking millages. Please contact your House members today to tell them that libraries need three millage election dates. Ask them to oppose HB 4530-4533 and ANY legislation that limits election dates and hurts a library's ability to seek funding.
If your legislator is on the House Elections and Ethics Committee, it will be even more important for you to reach out today!
House Elections and Ethics Committee members:
Click Take Action to visit our website and contact your legislator. We’ve created a template email for you that you can modify to share your concerns or send-as-is. Thank you for taking action to support libraries!
|
|
MLA Statement in Opposition to Any Restrictions to Millage Dates by the Michigan Legislature
|
|
MLA Opposes House Bills 4530-4533 and ANY Legislation restricting election dates.
House Bill 4530, Sponsor: Rep. Julie Calley; House Bill 4531, Sponsor: Rep. Graham Filler; House Bill 4532, Sponsor: Rep. Karen Whitsett; House Bill 4533, Sponsor: Rep. Ranjeev Puri
On average, Michigan Libraries depend on locally dedicated millages for 77% of their funding and this number is increasing nearly 1% each year. At the same time, diminishing property values reduce tax revenues, and DDAs and TIFAs are constantly siphoning their dedicated millages. While millages aren’t the sole source of revenues for libraries, none is more important. Everyone is familiar with how property taxes have declined in value and collection in recent years, which obviously has impacted the library's ability to sustain all its operations.
- In Michigan, all federal, state, county, township, city, village and school elections are restricted to three dates each year: May, August, November.
- The law already limits a municipality from going to voters more than 2 times in any calendar year.
While limiting, election dates offered three times each year, continue to provide libraries and other municipal and school bodies flexibility on imposing a new millages or increasing or renewing an existing millage.
House Bills 4530-4533 would amend different acts to remove the May regular election date and move the date of the primary election in Michigan from August to June, limiting a jurisdiction to holding only two elections in a year. The November regular election date would remain unchanged.
MLA opposes any restrictions to reduce the number of election dates for millages each year for libraries by the Michigan legislature. We oppose these changes for the following reasons:
- A millage loss could very well close the doors permanently for a library, so alternative dates to re-present their proposal to their community during the calendar year are essential. Restrictions to the number of times each year that a millage can be brought before voters are already limited. There is no wiggle room if a millage fails, and libraries get only one shot per year.
- If voters can only vote in November, it could potentially take years before any new municipalities could be added within the boundaries of a district library to increase service.
- Prior to voter reforms like “No Reason Absentee Voting” we know that November ballots were huge, packed often with convoluted and confusing ballot proposals and local ballots are often lost in the shuffle placed after lengthy state proposals and causing delays at polling locations and voter frustration.
- Since the Headlee Amendment causes millages to roll back beginning in the year they are authorized, this will cause further erosion of revenue from property taxes as libraries would certainly begin their process years prior to the actual vote.
- Ballot language is complex and requirements for elections could create a problem whereas a library would miss their opportunity to be on the ballot until the next election. If it is limited to only the November elections, the library would not have a millage or budget to operate under while waiting.
MLA will continue to watch for bills that would limit elections to less than three times yearly and will call on our MLA Members to stand in opposition if necessary if we see any movement.
|
|
Updated Record Retention Dates |
|
In consultation and partnership with the Library of Michigan, MLA submitted a proposal to the Records Management Services (Dept. of Technology, Management and Budget) for a change in the amount of time that surveillance footage must be retained in the General Schedule for Public Libraries, GS #17. This change was prompted by the Michigan Library Privacy Act legislation (2020 PA 315) enacted in December 2020.
The old retention policy required two (2) months before video could be destroyed. The new adopted retention policy now states that seven (7) days is enough time for a library to preserve footage necessary to address crime committed in or against the library. Reducing the amount of footage required will save libraries from the costly media and digital storage necessary to preserve surveillance footage for two months.
|
|
MLA Partners With the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission
|
|
To learn more about Michigan’s new redistricting process or obtain more information about the upcoming public hearings please visit www.michigan.gov/MICRC. |
|
|
MLA is working in partnership with the communications team from the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to engage libraries in the redistricting plan for the State of Michigan. The purpose of this partnership is to work with other statewide organizations, operating in an impartial and transparent manner, and that reinforces public confidence in the integrity of the redistricting process. Libraries have been identified as a key partner and as such, MLA wants to make sure that our library community is integral in getting Michigan citizens involved in the redistricting process. Read more
|
|
MLA Statement on Penal Fines |
|
Learn more about Penal Fines at milibraries.org/penal-fines. After careful consideration and with the recommendation of the Advocacy and Legislative Committee, the MLA Board has reviewed our position on penal fines and will continue to prioritize our stance as more information becomes available.
|
|
|
Since 1835, the people of the State of Michigan constitutionally mandated that penal fines be allocated to libraries. Article VIII, section 9 of the Michigan Constitution states: |
|
The legislature shall provide by law for the establishment and support of public libraries which shall be available to all residents of the state under regulations adopted by the governing bodies thereof. All fines assessed and collected in the several counties, townships and cities for any breach of the penal laws shall be exclusively applied to the support of such public libraries, and county law libraries as provided by law. |
|
|
Operating a library is costly. Like any business, libraries must pay for staff salaries and benefits, building maintenance, utilities, insurance, equipment, digitization, books, etc. Penal fines are a unique and important funding source, accounting for 3% to 70% of annual budgets for public libraries.
In 2008, penal fines were at their highest level -- $32 million. By 2020, penal fines had dropped to $24 million. MLA continues to see a slow erosion of this source of income for libraries across the state with little control on reversing this trajectory. What is causing this?
- Court reform/consolidation;
- Legalization of recreational marijuana;
- Increased speed limits on highways;
- Adoption of parallel local ordinances that reduce penal fines to civil fines;
- Weigh stations being by-passed with new technology and not being staffed.
In addition, while penal fines were once seen as “using the fruits of crime to provide the opportunity and resources for knowledge, which would help people refrain from crime,” they are now seen as an equity and social justice issue with excessive fines and the transparency of processes unfairly burdening those that commit crimes.
The uncertain future and social consequences of penal fine collections make them a complicated funding source. Through its advocacy efforts, MLA will:
- Advocate for, and support social justice reform.
- Research new options for funding sources and continue to advocate for additions to state aid, distributed equally throughout the state, as a permanent, consistent replacement to penal fines through the Michigan legislature.
- Until such time as a new funding source is secured, MLA will continue to educate our legislators on penal fines as a constitutionally protected form of revenue for libraries to mitigate any further erosion of funding.
- Monitor and reverse efforts to enact legislation for parallel ordinances and other methods to redirect this funding.
|
|
MDE Critical Shortage List |
|
On December 16, 2015, Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 38.1361 was amended to allow individuals who meet certain criteria to work in Michigan schools after retirement. This change in the law mitigates the impact to retiree benefits from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System. Library Media Specialists are on the Michigan Department of Education's critical shortage list for employment of retirees. View the list.
|
|
Latest Updates on Coronavirus Orders, OMA and Workplace Protocols |
|
During this rapidly changing situation, we are actively monitoring legislation and regulations related to COVID-19. Please watch MLA's website for important news and annoucements as we keep you informed.
|
|
|
|
Updated Gatherings and Face Mask Order – In effect March 22 Through April 19, 2021 |
On March 19, The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a revised Gatherings and Face Mask Order. This order takes effect on March 22, 2021, at 12:01 AM, at which time the March 2, 2021, order entitled Gatherings and Face Mask Order is rescinded. This order remains in effect through April 19, 2021, at 11:59 PM.
As has been reported, there are gathering restrictions for library facilities. A gathering at a retail setting, library, or museum must not exceed 50% of total occupancy limits established by the State Fire Marshal or a local fire marshal. Nevertheless, a retail store, library, or museum may permit one customer at a time to enter if strict adherence to the 50% total occupancy limit would otherwise result in closure.
|
|
Open Meetings Act – Virtual Meetings |
While a number of bills have been introduced in the legislature in the past couple of months to extend the dates to hold virtual board meetings, none have moved to the next steps for passage.
As such, the amendments to the Open Meetings Act (OMA) that allowed no-reason virtual meetings will end on March 30, 2021. Local states of emergency are now being introduced at lightning pace to extend the March 30th deadline. Read more
|
|
Check out March's edition of our monthly outreach to Michigan Legislators where we continue to educate them on the value of our libraries and the critical role of library staff. Our monthly letters include information on programs and services that libraries provide, education on library funding, the return on investment for our communities, stats and fun facts about library usage and more. |
|
|
ALA Advocacy Update: Build America’s Library Act
|
Introduced in the Senate on January 28 (S. 127), and the House on March 3 (H.R. 1581), the Build America’s Libraries Act would provide $5 billion in funding to repair, modernize, and construct library facilities in underserved and marginalized communities. Michigan libraries would be eligible for over $135 Million. For more information, visit: ala.org/advocacy/buildlibraries
Take action now and urge your U.S. Senator and House member to support this act:
|
|
Michigan Library Advocacy Day 2021 |
|
This April 20, we need you! You're invited to attend our inaugural (virtual) Michigan Library Advocacy Day! This virtual event is free to attend, open to everyone interested in supporting libraries, and we will provide advocacy training and resources! We look forward to engaging hundreds of library supporters this Spring in advocating for Michigan libraries. Please share this invitation with your colleagues, library trustees and friends groups, and library supporters from your community and register today! A complete overview of the day is available on our website.
|
|
|
On Tuesday, April 20, the Michigan library community will unite to amplify our collective voice in support of ALL Michigan libraries at our inaugural (virtual) Michigan Library Advocacy Day! Passionate and committed library advocates from all across Michigan will join together to represent our public, school, academic, tribal and special libraries.
Join us from the comfort of your home, office or library, as we gather together in the morning on Zoom for an overview of the day and an inspirational keynote from special guest U.S. Representative Andy Levin. Advocates will then take their passion, knowledge, and stories to their individually scheduled virtual Zoom meet-and greets with congressional leaders, and will continue to strengthen our messaging throughout the day with emails, calls and tweets.
By participating in Michigan Library Advocacy Day you will help establish a stronger voice for the library community, 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. Michigan Library Advocacy Day will also give you the chance to network with other library supporters and create opportunities for future collaborations.
So mark your calendars now, register today, and invite your colleagues, trustees, friends groups, and library supporters from your community to join us!
|
|
Thanks for the Memories! Spring Institute for Youth Services 2021: Sparking Connections and Possibilities |
|
Recordings of every education session are available to view on-demand on the MLA website. Conference attendees will retain access to all available education sessions and keynote recordings. All you need to do is browse the archives, then login to your MLA account to view the recorded session.
|
|
|
Save the Date for Spring Institute for Youth Services 2022! |
|
Spring Institute for Youth Services 2022 is scheduled for March 10-11, 2022. Save the date and watch MLA's Primary Source for more information in the coming months! |
|
MLA Equity Fund T-shirt Fundraiser |
Thank you to everyone who purchased a Spring Institute 2021 t-shirt! Attendees raised $180 for the MLA Equity Fund! |
|
|
|
So You Want to Be a Library Director? |
|
Join MLA and Cathleen Russ, Library Director at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library for a two-part virtual program all about being a library director!
Session 1: Do You Want to be a Library Director?
Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: Interview Tips for Future Library Directors
Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
|
|
Registration is Open for 2021 Spring Workshops |
|
Registration for MLA Spring Workshops is open! From community partnerships to human resources and small business support, spring workshops offer educational opportunities to help your library provide the best possible service to your community. All spring workshops will be conducted virtually. Visit us on the web to view event details and register today! |
|
|
Community Collaborations: Healthy Community Initiatives
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
|
|
Community health is at the intersection of healthcare, economics and social interaction. Libraries are at the core of a healthy community and play a vital role in public health when they provide a gathering place for people and provide access to information and resources. Creating conditions that foster healthy communities ensures that all people can thrive, regardless of physical, social, or economic status.
Jackson District Library (JDL) is fortunate to be a partner of the Jackson Collaborative Network (JCN), a group of 500+ members from dozens of organizations, dedicated to the collective aim of identifying and addressing the root causes of systems issues that are contributing to inequities for residents and creating systems that support a healthy community.
Learn how JDL uses this partnership to listen to community health survey data, support service agencies by sharing program information, and address barriers to accessing services.
Registration is only $35 for MLA members. Early Bird registration for Community Collaborations expires March 31, 2021.
|
|
Community Collaborations Speakers |
|
Sara Tackett
Director, Jackson District Library
|
|
Sheri Butters
Jackson Collaborative Network
|
|
Jennifer Ganzel
Parent Liaison of Jackson County Great Start Collaborative
|
|
Laurie Gustafson
Henry Ford Allegiance Health
|
|
|
Library Human Resources: Drafting Policies That Work
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
|
|
The Business of Libraries: Small Business Development
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
|
|
Cultural Intelligence: Unconscious Bias Affects Everyone
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
|
|
Executive Summit: Strategic Planning Workshop
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
|
|
Funds Are Available for Spring Events |
Spring 2021 Workshops scholarship applications are due Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Don't miss out due to financial constraints, fill out the application today!
|
Library Continuing Education Program Stipends
Continuing education stipends are also available through the Library of Michigan Library Continuing Education Program. Michigan public, academic and school library staff are eligible to apply for funds to attend virtual events.
|
|
|
LAST CALL: Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director 2021 |
|
|
|
The first Surviving and Thriving as a Library Director course quickly sold out and our new Spring course that begins in April 2021 is almost full! Register by tomorrow Friday, March 26.
This course addresses the many issues confronting new library directors. The program will include both group classes and an individual consulting session. The combination of small group support and one-on-one expert guidance offers personalized situational learning and you’ll discover a close cohort of new directors who can support you throughout your career.
While management books and courses can be helpful, this approach bridges the vast gulf between theory and practice to help you thrive as a community leader and public library director. Suggested readings, podcasts, and discussions of practical scenarios will help you develop your leadership skills.
|
|
MLA Connect provides virtual education and engagement opportunities you can access from anywhere to keep you connected to the library community in Michigan! Read on to check out the lineup of upcoming MLA Connect programs. Missed an MLA Connect event? Check out archived webinars and coffee hours on the MLA website. Please note recordings are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. |
|
|
Archived MLA Connect Webinar: Library Privacy Act Amendments
|
|
|
|
Learn about recent amendments to the Library Privacy Act that have the potential to affect how libraries report crime, interact with law enforcement, interact with each other, and underscore the seriousness of maintaining patron privacy. This session will go through the new amendments and discuss how they may affect existing library practices. This is presented as an in-depth follow-up to the Library of Michigan’s January Library Law Spotlight. |
|
Do you have news you want to share? Contact Lisa Buttigieg at [email protected] to share news of promotions, new hires, appointments, awards or a tribute in memoriam. |
|
|
The Northville District Library is pleased to announce that Maria Williams has been named as the new Assistant Director of the Northville District Library. Welcome to Maria who will serve the Northville communities! |
|
The staff of the Westland Public Library congratulates Jennifer Roth on her acceptance as the new library director of the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland. So happy for you Jennifer! |
|
Kent District Library is pleased to announce the selection of Christine Mwangi to serve as the new Development Manager. She will plan, create and execute key fundraising strategies for KDL. Welcome Christine! |
|
Mattie Cook will be leaving Flat River Community Library and is on the move to either New York or California. Her husband has offers from both but the decision hasn't been made. In the meantime, Mattie is going to be doing some work in genealogical research but will be looking forward to finding a nice library wherever they settle down. Special thanks to you Mattie, for having served on the MLA Annual Conference committee! |
|
Wishing all the best to Karen Fehl who retired in August 2020 after 16 years of service at the Northville District Library. Thank you for the many years of service to the library and the library communities. |
|
The Plymouth District Library and community lost a champion earlier this month. Steve Harper was a dedicated and passionate volunteer who served as a board member, while also serving the community. Extending our heartfelt gratitude for Steve Harper. |
|
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.
Superiorland Library Cooperative – Marquette, MI
Plymouth District Library – Plymouth, MI
|
|
Don't keep this great resource to yourself!
Please share this newsletter with your colleagues and networks.
|
|
Connect with MLA on social media! Like and Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest real-time updates from MLA staff, library news, inspirational and educational posts and more! We also ask that you share this invitation with friends and help us extend our reach so important advocacy updates and calls to action are heard by library supporters throughout the state. |
|
|
Uniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
