2020-2021 Election results
The votes have been tallied, and we are happy to announce our MiALA leadership for the 2020-2021 year! For short biographies and photos, please visit https://miala.org/2020-21_election_results.php
2020-2021 MiALA Board of Directors
President: Cynthia Simpson
Vice President: Kate Langan
Past-President: Beth Martin
Secretary: Gina Bolger
Treasurer: Rachel Minkin
Publicly Funded University Representatives
Emilia Marcyk
Elaine Meyer
Private University Representatives
David Malone
Brenna Wade
Community College Representatives
Darlene Johnson-Bignotti
Bethany Kennedy
Interest Group Coordination Council
Carin Graves (year two of a two-year term)
Grace Haynes (year two of a two-year term)
Denise Leyton (year one of a two-year term)
Jessica Shuck (year one of a two-year term)(appointed by the board to fill open position)
Juliana Espinosa (one-year term)
Clayton Hayes (one-year term)
The bylaws amendment to add Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility (IDEA) committee as a standing committee passed.
Information on committees will be announced shortly.
Wayne State U. School of Information Alumni COVID-19 Project
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our world in a myriad of ways. As librarians and archivists, we have the unique opportunity to collect the stories of this time for the future. We are students at Wayne State University and are in our final semester in the School of Information. This final archival internship had to change to a virtual one this summer! So, we decided to channel that change into a COVID-19 collection project for the Reuther, and you can be a part of it!
We are looking for WSU alumni to contribute to this COVID-19 collection project! We are looking for photographs and short stories that show some aspect of your life that has changed due to the pandemic. It could be work-related, especially as libraries and universities begin to figure out re-opening policies. It could also be something from your personal life, such as a new hobby or activity that you picked up during the stay-at-home order. You are able to submit as many photographs as you would like!
For more information, go to: https://forms.gle/MvGW4ZJGoS1Qj4ss9
Welcome New Members!
Kettering University Library
Kellie Madis
Aquinas College
Emily Koelzer
Wayne State University - Current Student
Jennifer Kohn Palecek
Western Michigan University
Susan Steuer
University of Michigan
Merle Rosenzweig
Muskegon Community College
Emily Busch
Saginaw Valley State University, Zahnow Library
Marlene Edge-Phillips
Michigan Library Association
Deborah Mikula
Member Spotlight
Beth Johns 
Beth Johns
E-resources Librarian
Saginaw Valley State University
What are you currently reading?
The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy
The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life by David Quammen
What are your research interests?
This is always an interesting question since I really do not "do research" as a part of my position, at least not as I am interpreting it. However, User behavior is always interesting to me -- generally how, why and when people need and access information . . . lots of user behavior issues to think about! We've come a long way in electronic access, but there are still hoops that people do not and probably should not need to jump through - so they resort to Google or frighteningly, purchase information. It's a struggle with the students and often faculty, if we are truthful. And of course, I'm always interested in new technology and how that might impact my work and the library environment.
Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
I'm an ex-runner, trying really hard to get back to it. I am very much a beginner knitter and have progressed from wash cloths to a sock hat, which is giving me trouble at the moment. I really enjoy classic films and TV -- the old comedies that are STILL funny, all of those films that you should watch at least once in your life. Lately, we've been watching the old Twilight Zone and it's really kind of amazing how timely some of the stories are. Wild concerns about aliens and other unnamed invaders -- history repeats itself for sure.
What drew you to the library profession?
I came into it in kind of an odd way -- I really had no aspirations to do this as a young person and am not a particularly voracious book lover. I worked as a legal assistant for several years and realized a few years in that I wasn't truly cut out for it (and definitely did not want to go to law school). So I started exploring and one of the alternative careers for the field was a law librarian. That caught my eye - the helping and research parts - and I eventually worked at the Capital Area District Library as an administrative assistant, which gave me a good birds eye view of how libraries operate and the opportunity to really find out the good and bad about librarianship from several of the librarians there. I went to Wayne, got the degree and started working at SVSU about 2 months later. And never did consider law librarianship once I started working in libraries!
What do you value about MiALA?
It's nice to have a focused organization on academic librarianship that isn't wickedly expensive. I do feel we get back a lot for the cost, including a lot of opportunities to network and develop professionally.
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
These are exceptionally hard times for everyone in different ways. Be kind, as much as possible. (P.S. - if it shows in the photo, that's my remote work space with Cody, my trusted guardian (I think) in the background).
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MiALA Anti-Racism Statement
Recent events, joining a longer timeline of injustice, have showcased the systematic racism and inequality in our society. Black lives matter. We are committed to upholding the value of Black persons, Black voices, and all marginalized populations in our organization, the academic library field, the communities that we serve, and within our own daily lives.
The Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA) Board and its newly formed Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Taskforce are dedicated to working as anti-racists in combating White supremacy and the systematic oppression of Black persons, and all marginalized populations, through our work as board members and as library professionals.
MiALA is dedicated to continual organizational betterment and further improvement of the academic library field in which it is situated through advocacy and resourcing. The Board recognizes that intentions are less important than the pain caused and we strive to listen to our members, to put forth the emotional work needed, and to take restorative action. This year, the IDEA Taskforce created Best Practices and a Code of Conduct in an effort to improve inclusiveness and diversity, but going forward, the IDEA Taskforce and the Board will work toward taking specific anti-racism actions. The Board strives to implement these practices at all MiALA events, meetings, and correspondence and will respond with quick action when these practices are not met.
Again, we are committed to upholding the value of Black persons and Black voices in our organization and field. Black lives matter.
As an association, we realize that work occurs as a piece of our larger life experiences. We want to invite you all to take whatever steps you need to maintain both physical and emotional health during this traumatic time. Please take the space to acknowledge if you are not alright. We acknowledge that our Black colleagues are disproportionately impacted. We implore our member libraries to move forward without expecting marginalized persons to shoulder a greater load within our organizations to help inform, guide, and “represent.” (See Maintaining Professionalism in The Age of Black Death Is …. A Lot)
As MiALA starts a new year, we will continue to strive for a welcoming and supportive environment for all. We are committed to encouraging and respecting marginalized voices and lived experiences as our professional library association continues to grow and learn. Matters of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are complex and challenging, requiring sustained efforts of evaluation and continual improvement. We have asked for membership approval to make the IDEA Taskforce into a standing committee. The Board and the IDEA Taskforce will begin its work by organizing anti-racism professional development opportunities so we can further educate ourselves and consider future action as an association.
We challenge all MiALA members to continue (or begin) the anti-racism work so needed. The following resources are a starting point.
We plan to provide updates to the membership on our anti-racism efforts. As always, we want to hear from you about how we might support you and your academic libraries going forward. Please reach out to us to share ideas or suggestions.
In solidarity,
The Board and IDEA Taskforce
July 27 Adult Learners Conference now virtual
The MHSLA/MiALA Partnership Task Force cordially invites you to attend our first ever joint MHSLA/MiALA Pop-Up Conference! This will be an all virtual opportunity to meet and network with library colleagues across the state before our two associations host our joint conference in 2021! Registration is FREE for MHSLA and MiALA members!
When: Monday, July 27, 2020; 10:00AM – 2:30PM (with 1 hour lunch break)
Where: Virtual via Zoom
What: Learn how academic, academic medical, and hospital libraries around the state are tailoring library services to meet the needs of our adult learners!
Conference Highlights:
“Generational Learners” Continuing Education Course (worth 3 MLA CEs) Are you challenged dealing with the different Generations at work? Looking for a more effective way to bridge the gaps in the different generations in your work life? Generational Diversity will help you understand the mindsets of the different generations from Traditionalist to Gen Z and how you can bridge the gaps in understanding and expectations.
The CE will be presented by Patrice Hatcher, Senior Leadership Development Consultant for McLaren Health Care. Pat is a Registered Medical Technologist and worked in the clinical laboratory at McLaren for 11 years. She is a certified facilitator for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Crucial Conversations, Crucial Accountability, Influencer, Project Management Essentials, Situational Leadership and Inspiring Trust. These programs are a part of the McLaren Leadership Academy. She was awarded Platinum status in the Elite Trainer program from VitalSmarts 7 years in a row and counting.
Two Panel Discussions featuring panelists from both of our organizations!
- Panel 1 “Teaching Learners at Different Education Levels” with perspectives from four librarians in the community college, undergraduate, graduate, medical, and resident levels. Learn about their varying teaching & assessment methods, lessons learned, and looking to the future:
- Mary Beeker, MLIS, Librarian, Northwestern Michigan College Osterlin Library, Traverse City, MI
- Mary Fitzpatrick, MLIS, Assistant Librarian, McLaren Medical Library, Flint, MI
- Margaret Hoogland, MLS, Assistant Professor, Clinical Medical Librarian, The University of Toledo Mulford Health Sciences Library, Toledo, OH
- Rebecca Renirie, MLIS, Assistant Professor, Distance Education, Biology and Engineering Librarian, Central Michigan University Libraries, Mount Pleasant, MI
- Panel 2 “Methods of Support for Adult Learning” How do we best tailor our services to accommodate different learners including through our collections, outreach, accessibility?
- Iris Kovar-Gough, MLS, Liaison Librarian to the College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University Libraries, Lansing, MI
- Barbara Platts, MLIS, Manager, Knowledge Management Services, Munson Healthcare, Traverse City, MI
Registration: This will now be an all virtual conference via Zoom!
MiALA/MHSLA Member: FREE, but please register!
Non-Member: $10
For more information and to register, visit the conference information page: https://miala.org/adult_learners.php Registration will remain open through Monday, July 13.
Creating Inclusive Libraries Online Event Series in July
The Collaborating Partners* organizations will host Creating Inclusive Libraries: Gender and Sexuality Awareness, an online event series on Tuesday July 7, July 14, and July 21, at noon.(EDT).
Session 1 - Resiliency Rising & Shining Out
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
12:00 - 1:30 pm (EDT)
Presented by Graci Harkema
This session will feature a keynote on inclusive leadership, ally ship, and living as your true self, by Graci Harkema, an experienced diversity and inclusion consultant with Graci LLC. Ms. Harkema specializes in equity and inclusive leadership training within the Fortune 500, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. She is currently writing a book on her story, including her experience as a person of color and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Michigan.
Session 2 – Supporting LGBTQIA+ Patrons & Staff in Libraries
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
12:00 – 1:30 pm (EDT)
Presented by Kelly Boston
This session will go over basic information and terminology in regards to gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as how intersectionality with race, disability, and more shape the identities of library patrons. Best practices for inclusivity for patrons and staff will be shared. We will also cover the concept of self-censorship during collection development, the importance of including materials with characters and information that represent all patrons including LGBTQ+, and will include resources to guide you if they are challenged.
Kelly Boston is a certified school library media specialist in Michigan, and holds an MLIS degree and ND school library endorsement. She is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and lives with her wife and two cats, Calvin and Hobbes, in Grand Rapids Michigan where she serves on the Grand Rapids Public Library Board of Commissioners.
Session 3 – Building (More) Inclusive Libraries
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
12:00 – 1:30 pm (EDT)
Presented by Dr. Jessica Garcia
In this session we will discuss the business case for diversity and inclusion as it applies to library staff and members, introduce the concept of implicit bias and how it shows up, and actionable steps to reduce bias in our encounters.
Jessica Garcia, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of Hummingbird Solutions, LLC, a diversity and inclusion consulting firm. In this role, Garcia offers business and community members the tools and resources to create and sustain inclusive environments for their employees, clients, and constituents. She has consulted with and trained thousands of participants across a wide range of industries in the public and private sectors providing interactive, customized services on topics such as best business practices; implicit bias and microaggressions; bystander intervention; inclusive leadership; recruitment, retention, and advancement; and inclusive teaching.
In addition to her work with Hummingbird Solutions, LLC, Garcia serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the University of Michigan, Garcia held a joint position in the Department of Sociology and the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives at Michigan State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree and doctorate from Michigan State University in Sociology.
The cost to attend the series is $25. For more information and to register, go to: https://www.mmlcevents.info/events/collaborating-partners-2020/
*Collaborating Partners are:
Library of Michigan
Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA)
Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME)
Michigan Cooperative Directors Association
Michigan Library Association (MLA)
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
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