Interested in enhancing your LibGuides, but lack time or expertise? Then this online training is for you.

Originally offered at MiALA 2017, this content will now be covered in a series of short videos covering:

• libguides/web best practices
• step-by-step instructions to quickly create stunning libguides

Then, further training will be offered in the online Q&A session on Friday Feb. 9th 10 am - 12 noon.

This is free to all MiALA members. Register for this online workshop here!

If you were unable to attend our pop-up conference, "Librarians and Vendors: Colleagues in Collections" on November 30, check out this summary page, where you can find out more about the event, including a gallery of photos, and a video recording of the conference.

Thank you to the following institutions who have pledged their support of the #MiALA18 Annual Conference:

Platinum Level
Gold Level
Bronze Level
General Sponsorship Level
Scholarship Contributor Level
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, go to: https://miala.org/2018_annual_conference_sponsor.php

Welcome to our latest institutional member, North Central Michigan College. Thank you for your support! For more information on how your institution can join, go to: http://www.miala.org/institutional_members.php

University of Michigan Library
Denise Leyton

Western Michigan University
Kate Langan

Wayne State University
Amanda Gantchev

The University of Toledo - Mulford Library
Jodi Jameson
 

Hello MiALA members! Happy 2018. I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and were able to enjoy the new year with family and friends.

We have a lot going on for 2018 - perhaps most notably, our annual conference is just a few months away! It is amazing to me how quickly we progress from January to our annual conference. I know that the conference planning committee has been working hard on a number of new ideas, and I look forward to taking advantage of all that they have planned at the conference.

Additionally, a number of interest groups and sections are pursuing different types of programming, which is wonderful to see. The board loves seeing these different types of requests come through, and we’re so thrilled with all the different avenues of continuing education that our members are interested in and pursuing. If you have an idea for a program, webinar, or other educational opportunity you’d like to see, don’t hesitate to contact your interest group or section leader, or reach out to the board members.

We’ve also had a number of requests to partner with different groups both in state and out of state. Most notably, we’ve formed a new partnership with the Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO) that will allow for reciprocal registration for members for each of our annual conferences and encourage continual dialogue and collaboration between our two organizations. Many thanks go to Paul Gallagher for working so hard on our new memorandum of understanding and for shepherding us through the process. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the future!

I hope that you all have a great start to your semesters! 

- Jessica
 

When our Advocacy Committee first met, we agreed that support for school libraries and librarians would be part of our mission. Over the past decade, most states have seen a decrease in funding for school libraries resulting in fewer professional librarians to lead programs and curate collections. School Librarians and Library Media Professionals are certified teachers as well as librarians with specialized knowledge and skills, and are true educational partners, crucial to the success of all students. As political climates and budget priorities change, school libraries and Library Media Centers are often among the first to see cuts. The impact and benefits of vibrant school library programs on student success has been well documented, but often, administrators, school boards, and legislators do not fully understand or appreciate the value.

Patrons at the college level exhibit an increasing lack of basic information literacy skills, such as being able to search a library catalog, determine availability of an appropriate resource, locate scholarly articles in databases, or identify biased or false information on the internet. These skills are important for any college student, but especially for those who plan to become teachers. Students coming from K-12 schools without strong library programs and professional librarians are at a disadvantage right from the start. As teacher preparation programs send new teachers out into the field, those finding jobs at schools without professional librarians or vibrant school libraries will once again be at a disadvantage. Lacking guidance, many teachers are unaware of the wonderful, free resources provided to all Michigan residents through the State Library of Michigan and the Michigan e-Library (MeL). Their services are funded by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and recently, these programs were in danger of elimination and decreased funding.

Every voice is needed to support and advocate for school libraries and librarians. For plentiful information and resources, visit the Advocacy page of the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME) Be attentive to news of legislation and policies which impact K-12 schools and libraries, and when appropriate, reach out to legislators. The ALA page dedicated to Advocacy, Legislation & Issues and the home page of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) are great places to start.

Kendra Lake
Director of Library Services, St. Clair County Community College

What are you currently reading?
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI and Bellevue: Three centuries of medicine and mayhem at America's most storied hospital

What are your research interests?
Open education and licensing, cross-campus collaboration, and understanding and building community

Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
I live near the beach, so looking for beach glass and Petoskey stones helps me relax after work. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, running, reading, kayaking, and camping. My husband and I have a goal to travel to every National Park in the U.S. Last year, we made it to Theodore Roosevelt, Yellowstone, and Badlands.

What drew you to the library profession?
Even though it seems an obvious fit as a profession now, until I stumbled upon and applied to library school, I hadn't seriously considered becoming a librarian. What made me realize I'd made the right choice was seeing that librarians are, first and foremost, a support system. I absolutely love problem solving and being able to help others.

What do you value about MiALA?
So many things! The fact that MiALA has developed a supportive and positive state-wide community has been invaluable. It is also very motivating to be among so many dedicated and fantastic academic library professionals. Having the opportunity to serve on the board while early in my career as a library director has also given me a chance to learn more and build confidence in my leadership abilities.