Michigan Library Association

Written by Steven K. Bowers, 2017-2018 MLA President

President's Update - January 11, 2018

If you haven't heard the wonderful news, Lance Werner, Executive Director of Michigan's Kent District Library, and former President of the MLA Board of Directors, has been named Library Journal's 2018 Librarian of the Year! Lance is certainly a change agent, like I was talking about last month. The LJ article on Lance notes that he says he's just a regular guy that cares about his constituents. If you know Lance, beyond his gregariousness he has a greatness for getting the job done. This is all part of why Lance was also named the MLA Librarian of the Year for 2017!

Written by Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director

Executive Director's Desk - January 11, 2018

It's Time to Update Your Professional Development Plan

A successful career takes time, effort and planning. The new year is a good time to review your professional development plan. Your blueprint should include a summary of your ambitions, objectives and goals. According to the global talent solutions company, Hudson, a career development plan is designed to outline your interests, values and skills, and to help you think about:

Written by Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director

Executive Director's Desk - June 14, 2018

State Aid to Libraries Gets Million Dollar Boost

Great news for libraries again this year. The Senate/House Conference Committee increased State Aid to Libraries by $1.0 million GF/GP over last year, which translate to a 9% increase and brings the per capita payments from $0.36 to $0.39. This is great news as we work to gradually rebuild this funding source. Our Senators Goeff Hansen (R-Hart) and Jim Stamas (R-Midland) worked hard to get that additional funding in the budget. Please take a moment to thank them for their unwavering support of libraries.

Written by Steven K. Bowers, 2017-2018 MLA President

President's Update - June 14, 2018

I sometimes get worn out but I sure love the work that I am involved with. My day job keeps me busy supporting library systems for my consortium's member libraries. My institution is moving forward with change on many fronts. Working with the Michigan Library Association for the past several years has been encouraging and personally rewarding. And every spring I get to teach a course on library and information science. All of these things excite me, on top of my kids getting ready to enjoy the summer months.

Written by Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director

Executive Director's Desk - March 8, 2018

NIS Insurance Start Date Adjusted to July 1, 2018

MLA has partnered with National Insurance Services, Inc. (NIS) to provide another resource for affordable health care coverage to member library staff. We have been waiting patiently for this benefit to begin. When we initiated this program in 2017 it was a much simpler process than it is currently. We fully expected plans and rates in place by January 1 of this year.

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