Executive Director's Desk - September 8, 2016

New Interest Group Leadership Task Force Accepting Members

The MLA Board of Directors is spearheading the formation of informal interest groups to foster member engagement in addition to the current MLA professional development opportunities.  By participating in an interest group, you can explore networking opportunities with colleagues and engage with others to discuss problems and find solutions.  You will have the opportunity to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, create and share knowledge resources, and lead MLA into the future. In addition, it is possible that these informal interest groups could host “unconferences,” or informal settings to exchange ideas and information, at Annual Conference and throughout the state in addition to online discussions.

We are looking for leaders to head up the groups. The call for Interest Group Leadership Task Force members is September 12 – October 1. This new task force will be the thought leaders and originators of the interest groups. Not only can you expand your leadership skills and enhance your resume, you’ll connect with colleagues from across the state.

Some possible areas of interest include: User experience, library technology, public programming, civic engagement and libraries, rural libraries, library administration. intellectual freedom, academic issues or youth services. Your ideas are also welcome and encouraged.

Don’t miss your chance to lead and engage.

Michigan’s Premier Library Professional Development Event Offers New Ways to Learn

The MLA annual conference in October gives you a chance to hear outstanding keynotes and attend sessions on the latest trends and best practices in the library field. But just as important are the contacts made in the hallways and at the receptions.

Each year I attend the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) conference. This international conference is held annually and showcases best practices, trends and professional development for association professionals. This past August I met association professionals from across the country and we discussed membership, professional development and governance issues.

While we didn’t always find a solution to our problem or an answer to our question, we often came away with a connection and a business card, knowing that we could call on our new acquaintance as a resource. It’s not always about finding the remedy to your problems. Sometimes it’s the validation that what you are doing is the most effective or the right thing. And sometimes it’s just good to find out that you are not alone.

With MLA 2016 early bird registration coming up tomorrow, it’s a good time to think about accessing the latest in library trends, reconnecting with old friends and making some new contacts.

This year be sure to attend the MLA annual membership meeting. It is scheduled for Thursday, October 27 at 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. at the Lansing Center in Lansing.

You won’t want to miss the Executive Exchange, an unconference in a conference.  This two-session event will include high level round table discussions and a presentation from Anne Seurynk, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC, that will focus on common legal issues that arise during board meetings. 

Join in the celebration and make a toast to MLA’s 125 years of ideas in motion. Connect with your colleagues and friends while you browse through exhibits, poster previews and our life size history timeline.  Keep the energy and excitement of opening day going by getting your picture taken in the photo booth.

Your Professional Connection and Poster Reception on Thursday, is a casual, inclusive reception designed to bring emerging professionals, local MLIS program alumni and established library professionals from all backgrounds together to network professionally, learn about innovative new projects, network and grow professionally.  Whether your goal is to meet new connections, explore collaborative opportunities, or simply put faces with names, this event will help you grow your network.  Students are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

You won’t want to miss Library SOUP where you’ll get to vote for your favorite community program and at the same time contribute to the MLA scholarship fund.

With the receptions, special events, the exhibit hall and outstanding keynotes and presenters you will find something to take back to your library.

Early bird ends September 9.

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