Update from the Academic Libraries Interest Group:

Join the ACRL Instruction Section for its virtual annual program to discuss four stages of curriculum mapping.

Curricular Mapping - From Planning to Practice 
Thursday, May 31, 2018 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Executive Director's Desk - May 10, 2018

Recognition for School Libraries

The Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) has succeeded in having three bills introduced in the Michigan House that would require a school librarian in every school in the state. At MLA we fully support these bills and congratulate MAME on their effort and achievement. They worked tirelessly to raise awareness and garner attention to this crucial issue. These bills are recognition by legislators of the importance of school libraries and librarians to the education and well-being our youth.

President's Update - May 10, 2018

I was able to attend so many great events this past month and some more good ones are coming up. Both speakers for the recent human resources workshop on difficult conversations were excellent. They really knew how to focus in on helping employees succeed at doing their jobs well, and how to prevent uncomfortable situations that none of us want to encounter. There was a nice crowd at the event and we wrapped up with very engaging table talks.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1949, May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This year, we are challenging librarians to consider allying with millions of people and bring a heightened awareness to mental health through media and programming across the nation. Through intentional programming and special circulating collections, you are poised to help patrons living with mental health challenges, their friends, and families rediscover the importance of the community support found in libraries.

MLA Advocacy - April 26, 2018

On Tuesday, the Senate Health Policy Committee took testimony on SB 828 and 829, which would provide liability protection for libraries when providing the life-saving opioid antidote naloxone, common brand name Narcan, to an overdosing patron.

Kristin Shelley, MLA Legislative Committee Chair and MLA President-elect gave an excellent overview of why the bills are needed. She also provided a heart wrenching story of a death that occurred at a library where she worked years ago. The committee heard first hand how a life might have been saved if naloxone had been available then.

2018-2019 Board of Directors Election Results

Congratulations to MLA's new directors elected by the membership. Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, Kent District Library was voted President-elect. Richard Schneider was elected Treasurer, Jennifer Dean, University of Detroit Mercy was elected ALA Councilor and Ryan Wieber, Kalamazoo Public Library was elected as member-at-large. Additionally Karen Knox, Orion Township Public Library will be completing Michelle Boisvenue-Fox's at large term through 2019. Their terms begin July 1, 2018.
 
Many thanks to all the candidates for demonstrating leadership by agreeing to run and to all our members who actively voted. We look forward to a great year!