STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees are typically one to two-year term volunteer opportunities which require a high level of commitment by their respective members. In order to participate, volunteers must maintain current MLA individual membership throughout the committee term. Upon acceptance, you will be advised of your current membership status and any necessary action. Non-members can join MLA online or by calling (517) 394-2774 ext. 227.

You will receive notice of your assignment via email and be contacted by your committee chair or MLA staff member regarding your first committee meeting.

Volunteer

Legislative Committee
Professional Development and Networking Committee
Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC)

Legislative Committee

Two-year commitment July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021
Monitors legislative and policy issues impacting libraries and makes policy recommendations to the board. Informs and educates members about state legislation and policy issues of interest to the membership. Works closely with MLA lobbyists. Communicates with legislators and other elected officials as needed.

Desirable skills: Strong oral and written communication; high interest in advocacy.

Chair Responsibilities: Be familiar with MLA’s missions, goals and objectives, preside over all meetings, encourage productive communication and opportunities to participate, lead and support vision and innovation, testify at house and senate hearings if needed, present reports to the MLA Board of Directors if requested. Communicates with legislators and other elected officials regularly. A Vice-Chair will act as Chair in their absence and become chair the following year.

Committee Member Responsibilities: Active participation in discussions surrounding legislative issues impacting the Michigan library community, contribute knowledge from past experiences, work collectively with fellow committee members and MLA staff, participate in monthly meetings, ongoing and clear communication, accepting assignments from the chair or MLA, act as an advocate for MLA. Communicates with legislators and other elected officials regularly.

Time Commitment: This is a two-year term committee and will be from July 1 to June 30. Meetings occur monthly on most first Mondays of the month for one hour. There will be no meeting in August and the September meeting will be held in person on September 9, in Lansing. Assigned duties beyond the committee meetings vary and may require extra time.

Professional Development and Networking Committee (PDNC)

Two-year commitment June 1, 2019 – July 1, 2021
PDNC will engage some of our most talented and forward-thinking members in a way that will serve our library community while offering a new kind of volunteer experience.  By working together as a think tank for ideas and insight, PDNC will identify the kinds of training our members need to excel in the libraries of the future as well as today.  This is more than simply ideas for speakers or workshops, but a visionary and thought-provoking process to help determine the future of professional development for the library community.

Desirable skills: Previous MLA volunteer involvement required, vision, innovation, leadership qualities.

Chair Responsibilities: Be familiar with MLA’s missions, goals and objectives, preside over all meetings, create meeting agendas, encourage productive communication and opportunities to participate, lead and support vision and innovation, anticipate future trends in the library community, assign duties as necessary, present projects to the MLA Board of Directors if requested, record meeting notes and distribute information as needed. A Vice-Chair will act as Chair in their absence and become chair the following year.

Committee Member Responsibilities: Active participation in discussions surrounding professional development and the future of the library community, contribute knowledge from past experiences, collaboratively work with fellow committee members and MLA staff, attend quarterly meetings, ongoing and clear communication, accepting assignments from the chair or MLA, act as an ambassador for MLA.

Time Commitment: This is a two-year term committee and will be from June 1 to July 1. In person meetings occur quarterly (June 3, September 9, December 9, March 9…) from 1-3 p.m. at the MLA office. Assigned duties beyond the committee meetings vary and may require extra time.

Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLDC)

Cultivates leadership potential within MLA membership to maintain strong and effective governance and solicits and evaluates nominations of candidates for service on the MLA Board of Directors. Members of the committee are appointed by the President within parameters set by the MLA bylaws and governance policies that dictate the make-up of this committee and subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

Desirable skills: Strong oral and written communication, demonstrated record of leadership, passionate about MLA and an interest in developing other members.

Committee Member Responsibilities: Active participation in discussions surrounding leadership development, inclusion and diversity, contribute knowledge from past experiences, work collectively with fellow committee members and MLA staff, participate in meetings, ongoing and clear communication, accepting assignments from the chair or MLA, act as an ambassador for MLA. Networks with other members for recruitment and development purposes.

Time Commitment: This is a one-year term committee and will be from July to June. Ongoing meetings will be set by the Chair. Assigned duties beyond the committee meetings vary and may require extra time.