Tim Peters
Associate Dean of University Libraries
Central Michigan University

MiALA Public Library Representative
What are you currently reading?
I just finished reading White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, by Carol Anderson. In the CMU Libraries we have given ourselves goals to pursue DEI learning opportunities and this will be one of mine for the year. It’s an interesting book which put a number of historical events in American history into new perspective for me. I recommend it.

What are your research interests?
I find the study of leadership interesting and dip into this topic again and again. In 2017 I earned a Masters in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) from Michigan State and I enjoyed it is because the coursework focused on big picture topics which will impact us all in the future, such as higher education history and trends and what the digital transformation of education means for its future. I find such topics very interesting.

Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
My wife and I have done a lot of renovation work on our house and our yard and we’re always thinking about our next projects. I used to list cooking and baking as hobbies but I do both so regularly any more they’ve just become part of my daily routine. Must keep the family well-supplied with breads and soups, and (most importantly) desserts. Three plus years ago I took up bass guitar. It’s been a great learning experience and a lot of fun.

What drew you to the library profession?
I have many fond memories of going to the library in the small Wisconsin town where I grew up. When I got old enough I would either walk or bike downtown and spend a lot of time there; it was an old Carnegie building (complete with tall windows and creaking wooden floors) and I loved the atmosphere of the place. Vast college libraries were a revelation, though not as atmospheric. After my undergraduate days I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and decided I should probably be getting paid for all the time I spend in libraries.

What do you value about MiALA?
I especially appreciate the connection MiALA facilitates between Michigan’s academic libraries. Over the years it has been so helpful to me to be able to contact colleagues at other institutions to ask them how their library handles this or that. It’s a great way to get a different perspective and some very good ideas.

Join us for the 2021 series of MCO Faculty Conversations on Open Educational Resources (OER). These conversations feature faculty who are currently using an open textbook or other free or lowcost materials in their courses.
 
Open to all faculty from community colleges and four-year institutions who want to learn more about OER from their peers or are currently using OER and want to share their experience.
 
Topics may include:
*What textbook are faculty using and why?
*Did they make any adjustments to their teaching?
*Any challenges for them or students?
*How did the students like the textbook?
*What would they do differently next time?
*What outcomes did they see?
 
Where & When? Online via ZOOM web conferencing - 12:00-12:45 pm
Visit micollegesonline.net > Resources > Meetings for a list of these events.
 
Friday, Jan 8, 2021
PHILOSOPHY
Jim Soto, St. Clair County CCC
David Strand, Oakland CC
Matthew Van Cleave, Lansing CC
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Jan 15, 2021
SOCIOLOGY
Donna Giuliani, Delta
Christina Miller-Bellor, Delta
Erwin Selimos, West Shore CC
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Jan 22, 2021
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Diane Miller, Mid Michigan CC
Claire Sparklin, Washtenaw CC
Ryan Wilson, Northwestern MI
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Jan 29, 2021
COMPOSITION
Tara Broekel, Oakland CC
Shauna Hayes, Muskegon CC
Suba Subbarao, Oakland CC
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Feb 5, 2021
WELDING/TRADES
Andrew Paad, Alpena CC
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Feb 12, 20121
MATH HOMEWORK
Wade James, West Shore CC
Brad Stetson, Schoolcraft
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Feb 19, 2021
BIOLOGY
Paul Bilinski, West Shore CC
Jeff Hucko, Glen Oaks CC
REGISTER HERE
 
Friday, Feb 26, 2021
DEVELOPMENTAL ENGLISH
Nancy Gray, Northwestern MI
Kristen Salathiel, Northwestern MI
REGISTER HERE
 

Welcome to the Muskegon Community College Hendrik Meijer Library. They have just joined as MiALA's latest institutional member! Thank you for your support!!

St. Clair County Community College
Michelle Roberts

Muskegon Community College
Lisa Anderson

Delta College
Meredith Bishop