Update: ALA Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness

Recognizing a need for organization-wide change to ensure member engagement and financial viability, the American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board created the Steering Committee on Organizational Effectiveness (SCOE) in 2018, with the following charge:

Carry out a comprehensive review and study of ALA’s governance, member participation, and legal structures and systems, with the goal of proposing changes that will vitalize its success, strength and agility as a 21st-century association.

Notes From the Executive Director

A New Face, A New Voice

Two weeks ago, I took my first step into the MLA office and my first thought: I'm ready, on day one, minute one, to share my knowledge and expertise gained over the past 35+ years with you. It makes me incredibly happy to step in and step up for MLA! It has been a whirlwind two weeks so far, to be ingrained in the inner workings of this organization, introduced to some very passionate and extraordinary librarians, and to continue to build on relationships with esteemed colleagues and bring some new ones into the mix. Without hesitation, I’ve found my new “home.” 

MLA Code of Conduct Training: Reflections and Takeaways

In June, MLA took a deep dive into the new MLA Code of Conduct Policy now in effect for all functions and events that the association hosts. The policy is comprehensive and deliberate in explaining acceptable and unacceptable behavior. It affects all attendees, vendors, and staff (including any hospitality staff) interacting with the MLA event, and therefore understanding the policy, and how to implement it consistently, is crucial. MLA is committed to ensuring a safe, productive, and welcome environment for all professional development activities and events.

MLA Advocacy - June 27, 2019

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Signs Narcan Bills Into Law

On Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 1:41 p.m. Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the Narcan bill package into law, with immediate effect. These bills will provide liability protection for libraries when providing the life-saving opioid antidote naloxone, common brand name Narcan, to an overdosing patron. This is a huge victory for our libraries and librarians.

President's Update - June 13, 2019

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" - Charles Dickens

It is hard to believe that another fiscal year is coming to an end for the Michigan Library Association. What a year it has been. Whew!

Here is a very quick look at the year in review:

From the Associate Director's Desk - June 13, 2019

MLA has completed another successful programming year. We have placed more than one hundred eager volunteers and will begin our 2019-2020 committees and work groups this summer. We heartily thank those that served MLA this past year for their time and effort.

We had some wonderful networking, and idea development come out of the groups this year. If you or someone you know want to participate in helping develop programming, gain opportunities to exchange ideas with other libraries and library types, develop professionally, add to your resume - you name the reason - it isn't too late. Feel free to email Amber Sheerin at [email protected].