MLA News | Michigan Library Association

Written by Kristin Shelley, MLA President

President's Update - December 19, 2019

The end of the calendar year always makes me pause and reflect on the many things that happened over the year, both good and not so good. As 2019 comes to an end, I am reflective on the accomplishments of the Michigan Library Association. It has been a productive and active year for MLA with new staff coming onboard including Executive Director, Debbie Mikula, Program and Event Director Amber Sheerin and Administrative Assistant Lisa Buttigieg; the passing of the Narcan bill; adoption of the diversity statement; a successful Spring Institute and Annual Conference; and the start of the development of a new strategic plan for the organization. My sincerest thanks goes to the MLA staff, Board, committees and work groups who made all these great projects and events, and so much more, happen for Michigan libraries.

Update on MLA’s Work to Address Changes to the Michigan Library Privacy Act

December 19, 2019

Since the introduction of SB611 by Senator Peter MacGregor on October 29, MLA has been gathering input from library directors, deans and others about support and concern on the proposed changes. MLA believes that library privacy is a core value to librarianship and any changes to the Privacy Act should be vetted through the proper channels. This bill was introduced without MLA input. MLA has taken the past 45 days to gather your thoughts and try to find a way to find compromises to the concerns that you’ve brought to our attention in order to get the best possible changes in front of Senator MacGregor by mid-January when it is expected to move forward in the legislative process.

Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (CAN)

December 18, 2019

For the past five months, MLA has been involved in the formation of a new organization, the Cultural Advocacy Network of Michigan (CAN). This new initiative was started by the leaders of eight statewide cultural organizations, including the Michigan Library Association, Historical Society of Michigan, Michigan Museums Association, Michigan Presenters Network, Michigan Festivals and Events Association, Michigan Youth Arts, Michigan Historic Preservation Network and the Michigan Humanities. We are actively pursuing a number of other statewide cultural entities to join us as well.

Support MLA With Year-end Giving

December 2, 2019

Through planned giving, a Giving Tuesday donation and even online shopping, you can make an important contribution to support our work and the values we hold dear; uniting Michigan libraries, advocating for ALL libraries and advancing the library profession by supporting library staff in their careers through education and professional development opportunities. With your support, we can empower the library leaders of today and tomorrow, and continue to enrich the lives of the people that we serve. As the year comes to a close, we ask that you consider donating to MLA to support the work we do to protect and serve our libraries. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Letter from Debbie

November 27, 2019

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I find joy in sitting back and taking just a few minutes to pause and reflect on the work we do together to help libraries and library professionals succeed. Today, I get to send my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you who work in our school, academic, public and special libraries throughout this beautiful state and to say thank you for everything you do to support MLA. But perhaps even more important, I get to say thank you for the work that you are doing locally and within your own environs.

Call for Webinar Proposals

November 18, 2019

Do you have a great presentation idea that you think would be beneficial to MLA members? Would you like to share your knowledge in a particular subject area? If so, we invite you to submit a proposal for a webinar.

As we look to expand the range and breadth of programming, who better to learn from than you, the library expert? Whatever your position may be, you have a lot of expertise to share that will help others do their work better, smarter and faster.

Perhaps it’s a new service you’re offering at your library that you think others could find helpful. Maybe it’s a program proposal that you have considered giving at the annual conference, but the timing just hasn’t worked out (or you gave it and people asked for more!). Maybe you won a grant or fought hard for an initiative that you want to tell other libraries about so they can go after it too. We want to hear from you!

Legislation Amending Library Privacy Act Introduced in Senate

November 7, 2019

On October 29, State Senators Peter MacGregor (R-Rockford), Adam Hollier (D-Detroit) and Ruth Johnson (R-Holly) introduced Senate Bill 611. This bipartisan bill amends the Michigan Library Privacy Act, 1982 PA 455, enabling libraries, if they choose, to work with law enforcement when the library is a victim of a crime, or a crime occurs at the library. Currently, libraries cannot release library records to law enforcement without a court order. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.