Michigan Library Association

The Michigan Library Association is a United States professional association headquartered in Lansing, Michigan that advocates for libraries in Michigan on behalf of the state's residents.^[1] It publishes a library science journal, MLA Forum.

History

Guided by the belief that free access to information is the cornerstone of a free society, the Michigan Library Association, headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for over 100 years. In its long history, the MLA has defended the right to read, sought to clarify library governance issues, promoted librarian education, worked for free access of information to all residents and proactively lobbied for adequate library funding. The Michigan Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in Michigan. It has influenced the course of Michigan's libraries since its inception in 1890, when Mary A. Eddy, the librarian at Coldwater wrote to the Detroit Public Library about organizing a state library association. As a result of Eddy's letter, the first MLA meeting was held in Detroit. Thirty-seven members attended, elected a slate of five officers and printed their original 40-line constitution on a 3-inch by 6-inch card.

Mission

Michigan Library Association is a professional organization dedicated to the support of its members, to the advancement of librarianship, and to the promotion of quality library service for citizens of all ages of the State of Michigan. A chapter of the American Library Association, MLA is governed by an Executive Board whose officers are elected by the membership. The board provides leadership to the organization's units, each representing special library issues and populations, which carry out MLA activities with the assistance of the MLA staff.

Diversity in Libraries

Michigan Library Association's nearly 1,800 members include library directors, adult and youth services librarians, media specialists, systems administrators, cooperative directors, students, trustees, friends, educators, support staff, business representatives and others interested in information science and technology from across the state. MLA membership also reflects the wide diversity of Michigan's libraries--public, academic, school, state and special libraries serving persons in government, hospitals, commerce and prisons.

Legislative action

MLA educates and works with legislators to obtain the state and federal support necessary for libraries to flourish. Institutional membership dues pay for the services of a Lansing lobbying firm that works to support MLA's goals in the Michigan Legislature. Institutional members receive the "MLA Legislative Update," a publication highlighting current legislation affecting libraries.

Professional development benefits

Among Michigan Library Association's many professional development opportunities are a variety of workshops that focus on position responsibilities, technologies, trends, an annual 3-4-day conference that brings nearly half of its members under one roof to network, collaborate, and share best practices, and Spring Institute that prepares children and teen librarians to enhance programming.

Public Library Fund

The Public Library Fund (PLF) is an endowed, reserve fund of the Michigan Library Association. The purpose of the PLF is to provide financial support for the development and enhancement of continuing education of library directors, library employees, and library trustees as fiscally responsible stewards of public funds for the public library.

The PLF is funded through donations and through revenue sources designated by the MLA Executive Board. Decisions regarding fund management, investment and disbursement are made by the Michigan Library Association Executive Board.

Current and past presidents

References

External links

• Official website

Coordinates: 42°41′08″N 84°32′03″W / 42.685446°N 84.53416°W / 42.685446; -84.53416