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Manitoba Library Association Posts

Statement regarding Community Connections at the Millennium Library

Posted in Advocacy, Board, Public Libraries, and Safety

Statement regarding Community Connections at the Millennium Library
December 10, 2024

In response to the City of Winnipeg’s latest Winnipeg Public Libraries Attendance and Incident Quarterly Report stating that “funding for the Community Connections (CC) space is secured only until December 31, 2024” and that “there are currently no other funding sources for this library service,” the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) issues the following statement: 

Community Connections was envisioned and created by a working group composed of local citizens, community-based organizations, and professional library staff. Taking into account their own lived experience and community expertise, they sought to create a culturally safe, low-barrier  service space to access information and resources –  essential in light of growing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and untreated addictions and mental health conditions. Vulnerable residents of downtown require support in accessing resources at the library and in the community. . The working group was formed to help inform and develop solutions steeped in values of librarianship, including equity and access to information and knowledge, and is trauma-informed and guided by principles of harm reduction and positive community development.

Community Connections is a library service with trained library staff including librarians, library service assistants, and community crisis workers. providing information for all community members. The service supports the safety of Winnipeg Public Library overall with the dedicated community safety hosts, the library staff, and community crisis workers providing tailored services for their most at-risk patrons. In fact, the WPL report states directly that: “The Public Service believes that the resources and staff available in the Community Connections space […] is crucial in maintaining safer library spaces.” and that “providing library customer services (access to information) is often the gateway for people to access housing, employment supports, food security, and other basic needs.”

Closing Community Connections goes directly against the security audit conducted by GardaWorld in the June, 2023 Improving Safety at the Millennium Library and Other Winnipeg Public Libraries report.  Closing CC would also go against prior commitments made by the City such as those outlined in the OurWinnipeg 2045 developmental plan and the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Community Connections is a library service that reflects the needs of Winnipeg with specially trained library staff providing information for community members. CC staff have the tools, the education and the training to properly provide social service and library information to patrons, support patrons or de-escalate situations. These dedicated staff connect with those who might be at risk of exclusion, creating meaningful access to materials and services for all. 

Community Connections logs more information questions than any other Millennium Library service desk handling 45% of customer inquiries at Millennium Library. If funding is terminated at the end of this year, current patrons will still need the services and information they have come to rely on at Community Connections. Taking away Community Connection’s  4.2 FTE positions will mean vulnerable customers will seek assistance at the other service desks where there is limited capacity to provide specialized services that often require interactions that are extended in time and expertise. 

Without the dedicated and specifically-trained library staff to provide them with the answers they seek, not only will a greater workload be placed upon the already overburdened library system, but it will create unnecessary hurdles and friction points for customers as they struggle to navigate the information available while looking for resources. 

As libraries change and evolve, one fact remains constant: Libraries are there to serve and reflect the communities in which they exist. In addition to serving and reflecting the community around Millennium Library, Community Connections also reflects the Manitoba Library Association’s values of collaboration and partnerships, access to information, inclusivity and acceptance, communication, community, and open-mindedness. 

The Manitoba Library Association calls upon the City of Winnipeg to also provide ongoing, operational funding for the Community Connections library space at the Millennium Library past December 31, 2024.  We believe that other Manitoba libraries, as well as other libraries in Canada, can benefit from the lessons learned and the outcomes of this creative and effective solution – and most importantly, all citizens of Winnipeg.

[signed by Board of MLA]

Download the pdf of the statement

The Manitoba Libraries Conference Needs You!

Posted in Uncategorized

Looking for a fun time? Love libraries?
Want to share your talents with your library colleagues?

WE WANT YOU FOR THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE!
VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THE CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE!

1) Vendor/Sponsorship Coordinator

  • develop sponsorship levels and opportunities to secure sponsors and payments.
  • create sponsorship agreements determine optimal layout and number of booths and tables.
  • coordinate the selection and physical setup of vendor booths.

2) Sponsorship Committee

  • Work under the Vendor/Sponsorship Coordinator
  • Help to obtain sponsorship, vendors and other funds

3) Conference Co-chair

  • Work closely with the President of MLA and Board – and Conference Coordinators – to ensure the conference organizing process is on schedule.
  • Set meeting schedule for timely check-ins; triage issues as they arise.
  • Ensure that proper records (i.e. preferable in electronic format) of the conference planning activities are kept.
Sign up via our Google Form!
Or contact Kirsten at kirsten.w@… for more info.

Library Worker Profile: Dylan MacDougall

Posted in Profiles

To showcase the interesting and important work being done by libraries across the province, MLA interviews library workers about the unique work they do in order to deliver library services to Manitobans.

This month we talked to Dylan MacDougall, a Reference Librarian at Red River College Polytechnic and also the MLA’s Membership Director. Read Dylan’s profile to find out about his passion for library instruction and his latest movie recommendations!

Can you tell us a bit about your library system or branch?

I work in the library at RRC Polytech. As part of the only Polytechnic institution in Manitoba, the RRC Polytech Library is devoted to supporting students pursuing careers in a wide variety of industries across the province. Our library has two main locations, at the Notre Dame campus and at the Exchange District campus, and we also offer support to students studying out of our regional campuses.

What is a challenge you are currently facing?

I suspect that I speak for many academic librarians in saying that I wish students (and faculty, to an extent) were not only more aware of the various ways we can support them, but also more willing to engage with our services on a deep level. It seems to me that there has been a change in recent years, with students approaching library services in a somewhat transactional way, rather than in a more collaborative or intellectual way. This is a challenge that librarians are facing now, and will continue to face as new technologies like artificial intelligence become more advanced and able to provide easier (but not necessarily more reliable) solutions to students’ research needs. That said, even the toughest challenges are still opportunities for professional growth and learning, and this is no different.

What is something happening at your library that you’re excited about?

One thing I am really excited about at the RRC Polytech Library is our library instruction. I believe that library instruction is incredibly effective when it comes to promoting library services to students while also providing them with a foundation to build upon when it comes to conducting effective academic research. I have had numerous opportunities to go into classrooms and provide library instruction for students, and not only is the experience incredibly rewarding for me in a professional sense, but it is also great to see the way in which it helps students. I think that we offer excellent instruction here at the RRC Polytech Library, and I hope that instructors at the College continue to invite us into their classes.

What are you reading/watching/playing right now?

I’m currently reading a novel, “Children of Dune” by Frank Herbert, as well as a non-fiction book, “The Rape of Nanking” by Iris Chang. I’m not finished either, but so far they have both been excellent. As for what I’m watching, I am a bit of a film obsessive, so I tend to watch several films a week. Some notable recent examples include “Come and See” by Elem Klimov, which I watched on Remembrance Day, and “Anora” by Sean Baker, which I saw in the theater.

We’re always looking for more library workers to feature! Are you doing something interesting at your library that you want to share, or do you know someone in the province that is? Reach out to us at communications@mla.mb.ca.

Manitoba Libraries Conference – Call for Program Proposals!

Posted in Academic Libraries, Conference, Library Technicians, Membership, Professional Development, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, and Trustees

What Have You Been Up To? Let’s Reconnect! 

The Manitoba  Libraries Conference will take place May 6-7, 2025 at the RBC Convention Center in Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

We are inviting a Call For Proposals until December 20, 2024

We are excited for our first in-person conference in 6 years and we want to invite you to join us as we reconnect, revisit, and reinspire

We are all responding to rapid technological changes (Hello AI), and social challenges. This is our opportunity to share our experiences, thoughts, knowledge, and (sometimes hard-earned) wisdom with colleagues.

Please consider putting forward a proposal using this Google Form. 

We have many colleagues in a variety of professional settings throughout our province and they’d love to see you and hear from you. We encourage you to submit session proposals in the public, academic and special library stream. We need everyone represented.

In challenging times, we are better together.

_______________________________________________________________________

Proposals can include: Lightning Talks (7-8 minutes); Presentations, Panels and Workshops; (20, 50 or 110 minutes)

Still can’t decide? A little unsure about what (and how) to present? 

Here are some tips from the BCLA: 

Conference Presentation: Better Practices

(Note the PDF slides in the first video are super helpful.

Submit your proposal today! 

Questions? Please reach out to Kirsten Wurmann, MLA Program Coordinator: kirsten.w@mla.mb.ca 

Are you the jam to KC’s peanut butter??

Posted in Board, Conference, and Membership

We are still looking for a vice-president! Join in the fun, support Manitoba’s amazing library community, and create meaningful connections as you do it!

Contact us to submit your interest in the role of vice-president (or our advocacy or director-at-large positions here, and check out our conference committee needs too while you’re at it!)

Final Report and Executive Summary of the Professional Learning Assessment Project available now

Posted in Uncategorized

Earlier this year, MLA’s Professional Development Director, Rustam Dow created a questionnaire to better understand the professional development needs of Manitoba’s library community.

Thank you to our library members who participated in this survey and were so generous with their time and thoughtful responses. Rustam has now collated all the results and we are pleased to announce that the Professional Learning Assessment reports have been completed and can be found on our website under “Professional Development” or downloaded here:

Professional Learning Assessment Project – Executive Summary
Professional Learning Assessment Project – Final Report

In addition to providing general insights for the community, findings will be used to guide the development of MLA professional development materials, workshops, and events.

Thank you again for your participation in this survey and research and stay tuned for action items as we determine next steps.

Manitoba Libraries Conference 2025 – Save the Date and Call for Volunteers

Posted in Conference

For the first time in-person since 2019, the Manitoba Library Conference (MLC) is back!

Mark your calendars and plan to be at the Winnipeg RBC Conference Centre on May 6 & 7, 2025.

Get ready to learn, share, and network with library colleagues from around the province and across Canada. It’s been a while since we all congregated together in-person and we have a lot to talk about!

We are currently looking for volunteers – the conference cannot happen without you:

  • Conference Co-Chair
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Programming Chair
    • Programming Committee Members (helping to design the program, select sessions)
  • Registration Coordinator
    • Registration Committee Members (helping to coordinate and support registration process)
  • Trade Show Coordinator
  • Technical Committee (helping to select, configure, launch conference platform)
    • Tech Support During Conference (being available to support delegates with technical/logistical questions during conference)
  • Sponsors Chair
    • Sponsorship Committee members (helping to obtain sponsorship support for the conference, vendors and others)
  • Social Programming Committee (helping to design social aspects of the conference experience)
  • Local Arrangements Coordinator (helping to coordinate accommodations and other local needs)
Or, other skills that you have to bring forward!

Don’t have time to commit to a full position but want to contribute? Reach out and contact us! All help is welcome and it takes many hands to pull off an excellent conference.

Sign up to volunteer here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdES_X69aGw0-o_qMXdMk5XFjwVx8j4dY6GkVyCdOWYK1J9Aw/viewform

More information, including calls for proposals and registration information, will be distributed at a later date.

UPDATED: The Library Connections Networking Event – 2024 edition

Posted in Uncategorized

Following the success of last year’s inaugural “Library Connections” event held in Portage La Prairie, MLA is pleased to present the second annual networking event on Monday, October 7, 2024 (10am – 4pm) in Ste. Rose Dauphin, Manitoba.

These gatherings are aimed to facilitate learning, connections, and reflection on the successes, stories, and challenges experienced by libraries across Manitoba. And of course, relationship and friendship building!

The agenda for the day will include lots of time for roundtable discussions, “in the field” panel presentations about fundraising/grant writing and marketing/social media, and, as always, lunch will be provided.

Register for you and your staff using this Google Form.

Please register today!

And let us know if you or your staff might be interested in sharing any successful fundraising, marketing, or social media experiences for our “in the field” panels!
Looking forward to seeing many of you again  – this time in Ste. Rose Dauphin!

Congratulations to MLA’s 2024 Scholarship Winners!

Posted in Scholarships & Awards

Each year the Manitoba Library Association awards scholarships to Manitoba students enrolled in Library and Information Studies graduate level programs.

The John Edwin Bissett Memorial Scholarship is awarded to to eligible undergraduates of the University of Manitoba who are pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba.

Congratulations Sophia Lebar and Sarah Gilleshammer!

The Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship is awarded to eligible applicants who have worked in a Manitoba library and who choose to further their career by pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have been engaged in recent library work in Manitoba for twelve months.

Congratulations Euncho Ko and Karissa Posthumus!

The Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship is awarded to eligible applicants who are residents of Manitoba and who are pursuing a master’s or PhD in an accredited library and information program.

Congratulations Euncho Ko!

Watch our website and newsletter for next year’s call for scholarship applications. A list of past years’ scholarship winners can be found here.

Thank you to The Winnipeg Foundation!

Posted in Uncategorized

Thanks to The Winnipeg Foundation, the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) and the Association for Manitoba Archives (AMA) are thrilled to announce a significant step forward!

With generous grant funding from The Winnipeg Foundation, we have made exciting improvements to our shared office space and streamlined our operations. This grant has allowed us to better serve our members through enhanced advocacy, educational programming, and information resources.

What the Grant Enabled:

A Modern and Efficient Workspace: The grant was used to implement renovations to our office, including new flooring, furniture, and a kitchenette. This creates a more comfortable, professional, and functional environment for staff and Board members.
Technological Enhancements: We used part of this funding to upgrade our computer equipment and software, ensuring the safekeeping of valuable records and enabling seamless service delivery. This was also key in pivoting services during the lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
Improved Communication and Collaboration: These online meeting tools facilitated communication with members and helped us host educational webinars at a reduced cost.
Streamlined Operations: Membership management software allows us to manage our growing membership base more efficiently.
Stronger Partnership: The grant fosters collaboration between the MLA and AMA, allowing us to share resources and expertise while enhancing our impact on the community.

This grant is a key investment in the future of library and archival services in Manitoba. By strengthening our organizations, we’ll be better equipped to:

Support Libraries and Librarians: Advocate for the vital role libraries play in education, information access, and community engagement.
Preserve Manitoba’s Heritage: Ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of archival materials documenting our province’s history.
Empower Manitobans: Provide citizens with the tools and resources they need to succeed in an information-driven world.
                                   

We extend our sincere gratitude to The Winnipeg Foundation for their invaluable support.
Together, we’re building a stronger foundation for libraries, archives, and information access in Manitoba.