Author: prisonlibraries

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.

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.