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Human Rights Award presented at South Central Regional Library!

Posted in Advocacy, Intellectual Freedom, and Scholarships & Awards

Manitoba Library Association visited the Winkler branch of the South Central Regional Library last week to present the first ever Human Rights Book Award to Cathy Ching and her team.

The event was captured by local media and you can read more here.

Many thanks to the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers, our partner in the creating this award. And of course, our thanks and congratulations to the SCRL staff for their fantastic dedication and inspiring work in upholding the values of information access for all.

Manitoba Library Association awards its first Human Rights Book Award to Cathy Ching and the South Central Regional Library System!

Posted in Intellectual Freedom, Membership, and Scholarships & Awards

Manitoba libraries are upholding the fundamental values of intellectual freedom, inclusion, and diversity despite recent calls for censorship and the harassment of library workers. 

Appreciating this important and yet often unrecognised work, the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) alongside the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers (AMBP) are pleased to announce the inaugural Human Rights Book Award to Cathy Ching and the South Central Regional Library System (SCRL). This award is presented in recognition of their “strong resolve in upholding human rights, inclusivity and equity in library access for their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level.”

Ching and her team at SCRL have remained passionately steadfast, and according to their nominator, “remarkably positive throughout their censorship ordeals.” SCRL’s experiences have been shared in the media over the past couple of years and have inspired not only their own community but the entire province with their determination “to uphold the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the unrestricted pursuit of knowledge for all individuals, regardless of background or belief.”

The glowing nomination letter also describes Cathy Ching’s willingness to educate and inspire their library peers through conferences and workshops helping to foster a culture of continuous improvement within our professional community.

MLA is proud to celebrate this deserving recipient: 

“Cathy is an amazing example of the type of people we need in our communities and libraries now more than ever. Her work and perseverance in the face of adversity is not only inspiring, it’s a loud and bold statement that libraries will always be a safe space and will help echo the voices that need to be heard.” 

– KC Bateman, MLA Vice-president

AMBP is awarding Cathy Ching and SCRL, whose service, passion, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is outstanding among their peers with 15 books from Manitoba publishers.

“The AMBP is proud to support the instatement of the MLA’s Human Rights Book Award. Cathy Ching and the South Central Regional Library System demonstrate an unwavering commitment to keeping our libraries a welcoming, safe space for all.”

– Chelsey Young, AMBP

Both MLA and AMBP send heartfelt congratulations to our very first and very deserving award winner.

Welcome to Jen Kendall, MLA’s new Office Manager!

Posted in Board

The board of directors of the Manitoba Library Association is thrilled to welcome Jen Kendall as our new Office Manager.

As a passionate library advocate, and an enthusiastic -if slightly impatient- gardener Jen brings a wealth of experience from a variety of customer service and administrative roles to the Office Manager position.

Many of you know Jen as the Director and occasional Bossicorn of the Portage la Prairie Regional Library and her experience means she understands the unique needs and challenges of libraries firsthand.

MLA is grateful for the support of the Ministry of Sport, Culture and Heritage for the funding that allows us to hire such qualified and experienced staff.

Please reach out to Jen and introduce yourself if you haven’t yet met, share any thoughts or ideas you have, or just say “hello!”

Accepting Scholarship Applications NOW

Posted in Scholarships & Awards

Are you a Manitoba student enrolled in a Library and Information Studies graduate level program? The Manitoba Library Association is accepting applications for our three scholarships now!

Deadline for scholarship applications is June 1, 2024
Any questions? Send an email to the Scholarships committee at awards@mla.mb.ca 

Read on for more information about our scholarships and apply today!

Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship

Available 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.

John Edwin Bissett Scholarship

Available 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.

Marilyn J. Hernandez Scholarship

Available to eligible applicants who are residents of Manitoba and who are pursuing a master’s or PhD in an accredited library and information program.


Files (pdf):

Use the new online application form to apply and upload your documents.
Access the form here: Online Application
More information on our website.

New Award announcement! Human Rights Book Award

Posted in Membership, and Scholarships & Awards

MLA and the Association of Manitoba Book Publishers are pleased to announce a new award in support and recognition of Manitoba libraries hard work to uphold library values of intellectual freedom while at the same time reflecting their community’s need for inclusive and diverse library spaces.

This annual award will give 15 books from Manitoba publishers to an individual or library whose service, passion, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is outstanding among their peers. 

This individual or library will have demonstrated strong resolve in upholding human rights, inclusivity and equity in library access for their library or in the library community at a local, regional, provincial or national level.

The Award will recognize ongoing work or an outstanding accomplishment at a point in time.       

How to Make a Nomination

  • Nominations should be submitted using the MLA Award Nomination Form
  • A letter of nomination must accompany the form and should illustrate why the nominee should be considered for the award. 
  • Members can self-nominate. 
  • All submissions need to be received via email to awards@mla.mb.ca 

All nominators should be members of the Manitoba Library Association.

The deadline for the 2024 award is May 1, 2024.

Annual General Meeting – join us!

Posted in AGM, and Board

The Manitoba Library Association is pleased to invite members to its Annual General Meeting:

Thursday, April 18, 6:00 PM Central Time, online over Zoom

This meeting will be followed by a meeting of the incoming and outgoing Board members at 7:00 PM Central.

Please register for receipt of AGM package and Zoom link. Only registered members are able to vote, please visit our website if you need to renew or purchase membership.

We will be electing for the following Board positions:

    • Vice President
    • Treasurer
    • Membership Director
    • Director at large- Advocacy
    • Library Technician Divisions Chair
    • Trustee Division Chair

Check out more information about the board positions here: https://mla.mb.ca/about/board-positions/

Register for the AGM here: https://forms.gle/gk3pX8GVBtxCWu3L7

Call for Nominations for the MLA Board of Directors

Posted in AGM, and Board

These are important and challenging times for libraries in Manitoba – your peers need you!  Get involved as a member by putting your name forward for the board, by joining a committee, and/or by supporting the work of the MLA with a membership as we continue to promote and support our incredible libraries and library staff members in this province.

Supporting the MLA helps our ability to support libraries and library workers in our province, we are all the stakeholders!

Being a member of the MLA Board provides excellent opportunities to:

  • meet and network with others in the community,
  • gain valuable skills,
  • build your professional portfolio, and
  • contribute to your profession.

The Manitoba Library Association welcomes nominations for the following positions on the Board:

  • Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • Membership Director
  • Director at Large – Advocacy
  • Library Technicians Division Chair
  • Trustee Division Chair

Position descriptions are available online.  Additional information on position responsibilities, expectations or benefits of serving on the Board is available by emailing president@mla.mb.ca.

Nomination Process:
You may nominate someone who is willing to stand as a candidate for an above position, or you may nominate yourself. Please send an email to president@mla.mb.ca and include:

  • Name of nominee
  • Contact information of nominee

Election Process:
Elections will take place at the Association’s Annual General Meeting on April 18, 2024.  The roster of nominees will be presented to members and there will be a call for additional nominations from those present at the meeting.  Voting will take place after which the Association’s members will accept the slate of new Board members

We’re hiring!

Posted in Uncategorized

The Manitoba Library Association is looking for an Office Manager. The position description can be found below and the deadline for applications is April 8, 2024. We are excited to hear from all of those interested in joining our organization!

Office Manager – Description

The Manitoba Library Association provides leadership in the promotion, development, and support of library and information services in Manitoba for the benefit of MLA members.  MLA membership is open to the library and information community and the citizens of Manitoba. The guiding principles by which we operate are to create opportunities for collaboration & partnership, inclusivity & acceptance, active dialogue with all stakeholders and a sense of community.  We are a strong and proactive organization that effectively serves the professional interests of its diverse membership.  

Reporting to the board of directors and working collaboratively with the board, staff, and various committees, the office manager is responsible for maintaining and optimizing the administrative operations of MLA and general office management. The incumbent would also provide administrative support to committee members and the program coordinator to actualize the work of workshops and conferences. The Office manager will work in accordance with the policies of MLA and in support of the outcomes as defined in the Strategic Plan. Supporting, facilitating, training, and liaising with committee members, and partnering with other organizations is critical to a successful organization that benefits its general membership.  So too is the need to work in close collaboration with the board of directors on all operations, including program and project activities as they relate to the current strategic plan.

Duties of the Office Manager

Administrative Support

  • In collaboration with the Secretary, manages and maintains association records, meeting minutes, memberships, correspondence, official documents, and reports. 
  • In collaboration with the Communications Committee and Webmaster, manages facilities, equipment, and communication platforms. 
  • In collaboration with the Board, regularly updates the association’s handbook and website. 
  • Attends the physical office at minimum twice monthly, and ad hoc as needed, for mail collection or meetings. 
  • Provides administrative support organizing events and conferences. 
  • In collaboration with the President and Vice-President, coordinates scholarship and awards selection process, and ensures disbursement. 
  • Works in close collaboration with the MLA Executive to sustain operations of the association.
  • Builds a positive culture and member focused association in collaboration with the board. 

Financial

  • Manages and reports on the association’s financial resources and prepares for an annual audit. 
  • Supports banking, insurance, and financial management processes to ensure efficiency. 
  • In collaboration with the Board Executive, administers grants, sponsorships and funding from a variety of sources. 
  • Develops, with the treasurer, an annual budget.
  • Assists the Treasurer in pursuing new funding opportunities. 

Membership

  • Serves as primary contact point for MLA members, relaying messages to the Membership Director and other members of the Board as required. 
  • In collaboration with the Board, ensures that the general membership is informed of important/relevant issues. 
  • In collaboration with the Membership Director, manages donor and member databases. 

Requirements: 

  • Proven experience as an Office Manager or in a similar role
  • Proven experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
  • Experience with reporting, budgeting and bookkeeping 
  • Proficiency with QuickBooks is an asset
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record keeping
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and the ability to work as a team
  • Interest in and/or knowledge of libraries 
  • High level of professionalism and integrity
  • Willingness and ability to join the Manitoba Library Association

This is the equivalent of a part-time position at 21 hours per week and 48 weeks of work annually (to be performed consecutively or non-consecutively), with four weeks paid vacation. The regular working hours are flexible and can be set by mutual agreement between the incumbent and the employer. Apart from necessary tasks in the Manitoba Library Association office, work can be carried out remotely. The Office Manager, members of the Board, and other agents of Manitoba Library Association (i.e. Program Coordinator) will make every effort to negotiate meeting times in a mutually agreeable manner and with reasonable notice. This is an annually funded position subject to annual funding grants and operations. 

Salary: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour; 21 hours per week.

How to Apply: 
Please email Cover letter and resume to president@mla.mb.ca by Monday, April 8, 2024.

————————–

MLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to employment equity and diversity, including an inclusive barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. MLA invites applications from all qualified individuals and welcomes applications from racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Feel free to self-identify on your cover letter. Preference will be given to candidates from equity-deserving groups above.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please email president@mla.mb.ca for any questions and concerns regarding application and accommodations. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Value Statement and Code of Conduct approved by the MLA Board of Directors

Posted in Board, and Membership

At the February 15, 2024 meeting of the Manitoba Library Association board of directors, there was a motion to approve a value statement and code of conduct for membership. The motion was approved unanimously.

When applying for or renewing MLA membership, members will now need to accept the value statement and agree to the code of conduct.

You can read the value statement and code of conduct here.

Still looking! Prairie Rep for the CFLA-FCAB Board of Directors

Posted in CFLA-FCAB, and Membership

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB)  still needs Manitoba Library Association’s nomination for our Prairie Representative for the  2024 CFLA-FCAB Board of Directors.

Please consider putting your name forward or encouraging a colleague to stand for the nomination!

WHO MAY BE NOMINATED
Article 32 of The Federation’s By-laws specify the Board composition. In order to be nominated, a candidate must be a member in good standing of a member organization of the Corporation. Because the Federation represents associations it is important that nominees effectively represent and are connected with the association(s) they represent.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD
The CFLA-FCAB Board is responsible for the strategic and professional direction of the Federation. It establishes strategic priorities and maintains oversight over the activities, finances and governance of the organization.

Board members are expected to make themselves available for regular teleconference meetings (currently held monthly). Business will be conducted in between meetings by email and teleconference.

HOW DO I NOMINATE A CANDIDATE?
An authorized signatory or designate of the Member organization will nominate in writing the candidate to the CFLA-FCAB Nominations Committee. Please complete the form on page 5 found in the full document found here: Nomination Form (page 5)

Send your nomination to Michael/Michelle Rogowski, Executive Director (mrogowski@cfla-fcab.ca) for CFLA-FCAB.

Download and read the full Call for Nominations document here: MB-SK-2024-FederationNominationCalls.docx (1) (1)