Libraries Must Develop a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan

May 19, 2020

Updated -- May 21, 2020 -- Governor Whitmer issues Executive Order 2020-97 - Rescission of Executive Order 2020-91 amending the standards set forth in EO 2020-91 to include new provisions governing outpatient health-care facilities.

In accordance with Executive Order 2020-91 all libraries must develop a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, consistent with recommendations in Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19, developed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

By June 1, 2020, or within two weeks of resuming in-person activities, whichever is later, a business’s or operation’s plan must be made readily available to employees, labor unions, and customers, whether via the website, internal network or by hard copy. 

View the OSHA handbook: Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Human Resources in the Time of COVID-19

Dealing with new and unexpected HR issues? Wondering how to handle employee schedules and pay during library closures? Interested in best practices to help guide you? Carol Stone, SPHR, Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations for the City of Midland will join MLA to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic from an HR Director’s perspective. Grab a cup of coffee and come with your questions ready at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 13.

Libraries to Be Included on Governor's Reopening Advisory Workgroups

May 13, 2020

Last week, MLA heard that Governor Whitmer would be forming workgroups to help determine reopening plans for different industries, and MLA immediately asked to be at the table.

We received communications yesterday that Governor Whitmer formally announced the creation of these advisory workgroups (led by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity). The workgroups will provide input on Michigan’s process to safely re-engage the economy. Workgroups will focus on mitigation of transmission risk in the workplace, including but not limited to best practices for workplace safety, PPE requirements, and retraining workers on newly implemented COVID-19 work requirements.

MI Safe Start Plan

May 7, 2020

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer detailed the six phases of her MI Safe Start Plan to re-engage Michigan’s economy. The Governor has worked with leaders in health care, business, labor, and education to develop the plan, and announced today that Michigan is in phase three.

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: COVID-19 in Small and Rural Libraries

Grab a cup of joe and join Director of the Presque Isle District Library, and newest member of the MLA Board of Directors, Amber Alexander, for a discussion on how COVID-19 has impacted smaller and rural libraries. MLA Event and Programming Director Amber Sheerin will facilitate this conversation and audience interaction and questions will be welcome!

Executive Order 2020-75 Extends Order Allowing Remote Public Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 6, 2020