Michigan Outcomes: Stories That Matter

Submitted by gcouraud on January 6, 2012 - 5:53pm.   

Libraries struggle to effectively market to end-users and prove their relevance to funding bodies, the media and users.  It is clear that we must change and expand the conversations libraries are currently having around evaluating the efficacy of resources through a transition from measuring and analyzing outputs (sessions, circulation, etc.) to outcomes (jobs and businesses created, literacy levels, user satisfaction).  Libraries must understand who their stakeholders and customers are and how to influence them. Join us and tell your story. Read and follow the outcomes-based approach How to Tell the Story of Your Library’s Impact for

Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Service to Youth Nominations Due Jan. 31, 2012

Submitted by jgoodrich on December 8, 2011 - 12:06pm.   

This award recognizes a member of the Michigan Library Association who has made an outstanding contribution to effective and improved youth library service.

Nominees should have been instrumental in providing improved library service in the field of youth librarianship through a demonstrated history of:

  • Shown evidence of personal and professional achievement, as well as initiative and creativity
  • Contributions to professionalism in the field of youth librarianship through workshops, committee services, or research.

Click here to see other requirements and nomination form

MLA Leadership Development - Don't Manage Your Project: Lead It!

Submitted by jgoodrich on December 7, 2011 - 6:23pm.   

Join us at a one day workshop on February 16, 2012, focusing on the fundamental skills of project management: outcomes-based planning, implementation, and data-driven evaluation.

Workshop participants will understand the basics of project management. 

  • Participants will develop various tools for their project management toolbox. 
  • Participants will analyze their and others' project management case studies for lessons learned.

View the schedule and speakers.

Seeking Michigan Author Award Nominations

Submitted by jgoodrich on December 5, 2011 - 5:01pm.   

The Michigan Library Association is seeking nominations for the Twentieth Annual Michigan Author Award. The award recognizes an outstanding published body of literary work by an author who is either from Michigan or has substantial ties to Michigan.

Nominations are due February 29, 2012. 

See the Criteria.

Download the Nomination Form.

Member Spotlight: Beth Johns

Submitted by jgoodrich on December 5, 2011 - 4:53pm.   

Beth Johns is the E-Resources Librarian at Saginaw Valley StateBeth Johns University, Zahnow Library. She began working at Zahnow in 2006, shortly after receiving her MLIS from Wayne State. As an electronic resources librarian, Beth manages access to the library’s online journals and administers the library’s link resolver software. She troubleshoots access problems with these resources and is called upon almost daily about some sort issue—there is never a dull moment where e-resources are concerned! Beth has also recently initiated a “roving reference” service at SVSU, which is currently in a pilot stage. She hopes to extend that service outside of the library in the future, perhaps as far as the housing areas of the campus. As is expected of most academic librarians, Beth does a significant amount of bibliographic instruction, which she finds very satisfying personally and professionally. Beth’s history with MLA goes back to her student days starting in 2002 when she joined MLA. She volunteered as a student during Annual Conference a few times and then began serving on committees and work groups once she received her degree. She has served on the MLA Awards twice, Michigan Author Award, and most recently Academic Libraries 2010 (member) and 2011 (co-chair).

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