Michigan Library Association

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 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.

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 Gail Madziar, MLA Executive Director

Executive Director's Desk - February 8, 2018

MLA recently completed a membership survey. Thank you to the hundreds of librarians who responded. We are only now starting to analyze the results but one thing is clear. Each and every time we reach out to members you ask for advocacy training.

We listen and this year we are offering something a little different. In conjunction with the Michigan Cooperative Directors Association, MLA is presenting the ALA Advocacy Bootcamp. Being held April 20, 2018 at the Library of Michigan in Lansing, this is an opportunity to break down silos and join together to learn how to be the best advocate in your community for all libraries - no matter the type, size, location or available budget.

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