Effective Succession Planning

Succession planning continues to be a popular topic at the MLA office as we await the selection of a new executive director. In addition, I continue to observe a growing number of library director openings as well as several Coops in search of new leadership.

Education, Creativity & Community - What I Learned at SXSW EDU

Last month I attended SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. It's from the same family of festivals/events that brings us the big SXSW music festival. This was my first time attending and it probably won't be my last. The conference was probably more diverse than anything else that I attend. In general, the content was at the broad intersection of education, creativity, and community. Participants and speakers were from K-12, higher ed, non-profits, corporations, teachers, administrators, students, vendors, etc. primarily from the US, but also global. https://www.sxswedu.com/

MLA Advocacy - March 28, 2019

House Passes Library Protection for Narcan Use

On a 106 to 0 vote the Michigan House of Representatives passed HB 4366 and 4367 which would provide liability protection for libraries when providing the life-saving opioid antidote naloxone, common brand name Narcan, to an overdosing patron. The bills are now headed for the Senate.

MLA 2019-2020 Call for Volunteers

The 2019-2020 Call for Volunteers is now open! Take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in the Michigan library community. Develop your leadership skills and grow your professional network by volunteering to serve on a committee or work group. If you're interested in growing personally or professionally, we have a place for you.

All members are welcome to participate. Online sign-up is available through April 19.

MLA 2019-2020 Board of Directors Election

MLA will hold elections for the Board of Directors April 8 - April 22. This year MLA members will vote for an MLA President-elect and four member-at-large board positions. These positions will serve for a three-year term beginning July 2019 and ending June 2022.

President's Update - March 14, 2019

Ch-ch-ch-ch changes, turn and face the strange, ch-ch-changes." The song Changes by David Bowie is considered a song about defying critics and stepping out on your own. Change is always upon us. We just changed our clocks; spring is coming (it really is); and the Michigan Library Association staff and leadership are changing.

"A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it." - Nikki Giovanni.