Advocacy and Legislative Priorities Survey 2021-2022

May 27, 2021

The Michigan Library Association has made advocacy one of its highest priorities. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in their libraries, to convey and address their challenges and successes. We hope you will take time out of your busy day to help us pinpoint the highest priorities that face our field.

State of Michigan Economic Forecast

May 27, 2021

Great news for the State of Michigan's FY21 and FY22 budget was delivered at the May 21, 2021 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference. 

An economic forecast is based on the best information available at the time the forecast is prepared. Because information and foresight are not perfect, risks and uncertainties are inherent in any forecast, and variations in the underlying factors can exert either optimistic or pessimistic influences on the forecast. That said, the COVID-19 global pandemic is still considered the primary source of uncertainty in the underlying risk factors. 

Letter from Debbie

May 27, 2021

Our world is changing and the library profession must address challenges that a few short years ago were nowhere on our radar. What was important yesterday, may now be irrelevant. Challenges that once were thought solved…back on the plate. Values of equity, diversity and inclusion, justice, accessibility are being brought to the forefront.

Last year, the MLA Board adopted a new mission, a new vision, and a three-year strategic plan. We affirmed that it is a “rolling” plan -- updated annually to make sure we remain relevant, continue to address the needs of the field, and address the achievements of MLA. 

Updates to MIOSHA Emergency Rules and MDHHS Order

May 24, 2021

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. Changes to the rules include:

MDHHS Updates Gatherings and Face Mask Order

May 5, 2021

Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order to encourage safer outdoor activities as spring and summer bring warmer weather and new opportunities to go outdoors. The new order goes into effect Thursday, May 6, and continues through Monday, May 31. Masks are generally not required outdoors unless a gathering has 100 or more people. In addition, anyone who is fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms is not required to wear a mask at residential gatherings, including indoors.

Take Action for School Libraries

April 29, 2021

State Reps. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth) and Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw) introduced a package of bills that would require a library staffed by a certified media specialist in every public school in the state.

House Bill 4663, would require a school board to employ at least one certified media specialist for each school library operated by its district.

House Bill 4664, would require a school library in every Michigan public school, and also would require the library to be accessible to students and offer resources in both electronic and print form.