MLA Recommends 96 Hour Quarantine

July 23, 2020

The quarantining of library materials in response to COVID-19 has been of utmost importance to the field and we here in Michigan, along with the rest of the country, have been awaiting federal guidance.  

Since early May, the REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM) project has been studying how long COVID-19 survives on common materials that are loaned by libraries. The study is being conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and OCLC in partnership with Battelle, who are creating and distributing science-based information designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors who are engaging in the delivery or use of museum, library, and archival services.

Gov. Whitmer Extends Orders Allowing Remote Meetings and Hearings With New Executive Order

July 17, 2020

Governor Whitmer today signed Executive Order 2020-154, which extends previous executive orders to provide temporary alternative means to conduct public meetings, conduct administrative proceedings, and provide the required notice under tax abatement statutes.

Under Executive Order 2020-154, all three previous orders are consolidated and extended to protect the public health and safety of Michiganders. The new order:

MLA Connect Coffee Hour With U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (MI-8)

Thursday, July 16, 2020
9:00 am

Grab a mug of your favorite beverage and join MLA as we welcome Rep. Elissa Slotkin, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan’s 8th District, to this edition of MLA Connect Coffee Hour. Rep. Slotkin will discuss how libraries are critical community resources throughout Michigan as well as tell us about any new federal developments that may affect libraries in the near future. There will also be time for audience Q & A.

Special Guest:

Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-8)
United States House of Representatives
https://slotkin.house.gov/

MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Reopening Academic Libraries

Join our new MLA President, Dr. Jennifer Dean, Dean of Libraries and Instructional Technology at the University of Detroit Mercy, for the MLA Connect Coffee Hour: Reopening Academic Libraries. Jennifer will help facilitate conversation about how academic libraries throughout the state are planning their reopening and preparing for students this fall. Attendees are encouraged to share how their libraries are preparing and brainstorm ideas for common concerns.

Governor and Legislative Leaders Reach FY 2020 Budget Compromise

June 30, 2020

On June 29, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, and House Speaker Lee Chatfield reached a bipartisan budget agreement, which includes adjustments to the fiscal year 2020 budget and allocation of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars. The budget agreement includes modest reductions in current year funding but also provides CARES Act funding for Michigan schools and educators, universities and community colleges, and local governments to address the significant COVID 19 costs they’re facing. The FY 2020 budget year for the State of Michigan ends September 30, 2020. The full Legislature must still approve the agreement.

View the FY 2020 Budget Agreement: FY 2020 Budget Agreement

Letter from Debbie

June 25, 2020

We knew that by the end of June, MLA would need to make a firm decision concerning how we were going to move forward with MLA’s 2020 Annual Conference. It is now that time!

After thoughtful consideration, we are ready to announce that the 2020 Annual Conference that was planned for Kalamazoo October 28-30, will not be held as an in-person event. Instead, we are transforming it into a first-class virtual event, with the same educational and inspirational programming that MLA members have enjoyed and taken part in for the last 129 years - keynote addresses, breakout sessions, virtual exhibits, an awards ceremony, MLA’s annual meeting and fun networking opportunities.