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<p class="MsoNormal">Good morning,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>During the last month there have
been many questions and assertions regarding Michigan Library
Association, academic libraries, and the new Michigan Academic
Library Association (MI-ALA). The MLA Board has spent a great deal
of time since the surprise of the original MI-ALA announcement
reviewing the statement of concerns and addressing how best to
respond. We recognize that the MI-ALA statement of concerns
highlights opportunities to improve the association and make it
stronger for all of our members not just those from academic
libraries. Although we don't agree with all of the statements or
anticipated actions, we appreciate that everyone from MLA and
MI-ALA is trying to do their best to support libraries.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we move forward, we will need your input and
we will need to have an ongoing dialog with the MI-ALA leadership.
At our next MLA Board meeting, scheduled for September 12, we
anticipate a proposal to create a task force to examine ways to
strengthen member engagement opportunities. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the meantime, the MLA Board has prepared a
list of FAQs to make sure that everyone has some fundamental
information
<a href="http://www.milibraries.org/assets/1/6/MI-ALA_FAQs.pdf">http://www.milibraries.org/assets/1/6/MI-ALA_FAQs.pdf</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you have additional questions or thoughts,
please don't hesitate to contact us. Contact information is at
<a href="http://www.milibraries.org/contact/">http://www.milibraries.org/contact/</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Asante Cain, MLA President<o:p></o:p><br>
Leslie Warren, MLA President Elect<o:p></o:p><br>
Cathy Wolford, MLA Past President</p>
<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Asante Cain
Grand Rapids Public Library
Librarian IV/Reference and Adult Services Coordinator
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
p 616.988.5402 ext 5450</pre>
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