[Michlib-l] MLA group structure proposal

[Warren, Leslie A]

Library colleagues,

I need your feedback on a proposal regarding MLA committees and other groups, please.

I am currently attending MLA's Academic Libraries Conference, an excellent event thanks to the hard work of the Academic Libraries Conference Work Group and MLA staff. Attending this conference and the Library of Michigan's recent Small and Rural Libraries Conference has been very helpful as I prepare to become MLA's President-Elect on July 1. Chatting with librarians from varying backgrounds and types of libraries has reinforced my belief that we share many values, challenges and opportunities.

At both conferences I have heard that there is strong interest in looking for new ways for librarians to engage with each other and with MLA. Several people have said that the current Community of Practice structure is not serving their needs for collaboration, innovation and involvement. I have also heard that there is strong interest in finding ways that communities of interest can develop (and end) as our needs change.

I've started talking to Asante Cain, who will soon be MLA's President, MLA Executive Director Gail Madziar, and others about the need to review MLA's opportunities for community and engagement. The restructuring that happened several years ago was crucial to the organization's well-being. It's now been in place long enough to evaluate it and, if necessary, make changes to serve current needs.

PROPOSAL

I intend to propose to the MLA Board as soon as possible that we create a multitype task group to review MLA's opportunities for group leadership and engagement. My thought is that the task group will work with a variety of constituents and recommend to the Board any changes needed to ensure that groups meet members' current needs and have clear processes for starting, growing and ending as needed. I anticipate that we will be able to build on the strengths of our current structure, including the committees, work groups, ACRL chapter, etc., to develop an even stronger organization.

I'd love to hear comments or suggestions regarding this proposal (or anything else). It's a tremendous honor and privilege to be elected to serve you. I look forward to working with all of you.

Thank you so much,
Leslie



Leslie A. Warren
Dean, Academic Information Services
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Ave.
Marquette, MI 49855
906-227-2117
906-227-1333 (fax)
library.nmu.edu/ais






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