Michigan Library Association

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!

Michigan's LJ Index Star Libraries

Four Michigan libraries named Star Libraries in the tenth edition of the Library Journal Index of Public Library Service, a national rating system designed to recognize and promote America’s public libraries.

Ann Arbor District Library, Richland Community Library, West Bloomfield Township Public Library and Genesee District Library were among 259 U.S. public libraries to receive star ratings in 2017 out of a total of 7409 libraries scored. Ann Arbor District Library is one of only 69 libraries to receive star ratings in all 10 editions of the LJ Index and one of only 13 public libraries to receive a five-star rating in every edition.

Written by Kathleen Zaenger, 2016-2017 MLA President and 2017-18 Nominating Committee Chair

MLA Leadership Development - April 12, 2018

This year as immediate past president, it was my privilege to chair the MLA Board of Directors Nominating Committee. It is the nominating committee's responsibility to present a slate of candidates to the Board for their approval.

It is important to maintain and continually develop a strong board for MLA. The Nominating Committee looks for well-rounded candidates, possessing some of the following leadership traits or skills: big picture focus/global outlook, change agent, innovative, open-minded and knowledge of current issues. When selecting candidates we take into account the candidate's contributions to MLA via committee and work group membership and legislative and advocacy participation. Greater weight is given to those candidates exhibiting continued support and service to MLA. Also, care is taken to consider the geographic representation of the current board makeup during the selection of possible future board members. This is to ensure a good balance of candidates from various regions of the state.

Academic Libraries Interest Group - April 12, 2018

Exciting news! The Michigan Library Association is pleased to introduce their newest Interest Group - Academic Libraries! MLA has been a longtime Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) chapter and has pledged to strengthen that relationship. By establishing this Interest Group, MLA exhibits a deep commitment to their mission "helping libraries and library professionals succeed".

Written by Shantalea Johns, L.M.S.W., Wayne State University School of Social Work and Monique Oldfield, MSW, MLIS, Wayne State University Library System

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.

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