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.
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. RoseDauphin, 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.
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!
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.
“I don’t think I’ll be able to help you find that.”
– No librarian, ever.
Located in the heart of Manitoba’s second largest city, the Brandon Public Library (BPL) serves one of the most diverse populations in the province through its inclusive space and ever-evolving services, programming and collection. It is deeply rooted in the social and cultural fabric of the city and continuously seeks out new and innovative ways to add to its vibrancy.
Newcomers to Canada find a welcoming environment at the BPL. Local agencies such as Westman Immigrant Services, for example, regularly introduce their clients to the BPL as a resource for improving their English skills. By embracing such opportunities, the BPL also plays an important role in promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the city. Other examples of the library’s celebration of culture and diversity include a prominent display of Indigenous materials, generously funded by the Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation. The library also showcases works by local artists, some of which were produced in the library itself.
With many vulnerable individuals residing in Brandon’s downtown district, the BPL also provides information about local services to assist with issues ranging from housing insecurity, mental health, to more basic needs such as obtaining government identification and access to mail delivery. Branch Supervisor, Carson Rogers, likened this role to being a switchboard for the downtown hub while emphasizing the high importance placed on respect in all interactions.
Branch Supervisor, Carson Rogers
Another way that the BPL removes barriers and builds bridges in the community is through its delivery of library materials to patrons who are homebound or in care homes. The service, which is supported by the library’s passionate volunteers, is highly appreciated by patrons who face challenges in attending the library in-person. The library is also dedicated to providing alternative formats for patrons with print disabilities through collaborations with organizations like the Centre for Equitable Library Access and the National Network for Equitable Library Service. If technology itself is a barrier to accessing information or online services, the BPL has tech savvy staff that are keen to help patrons navigate our increasingly digitized world.
The BPL also provides ample educational opportunities for the city’s younger readers, both independently and in conjunction with the local school division. In addition to regular programming aimed at building foundational literacy skills, the library puts on special programs during PD days and school breaks throughout the year. The library’s Stem Club, which is geared towards patrons aged 9-13, explores topics ranging from math, aviation, “hacking,” and fossils. “Meet the Author” events have provided students with opportunities to engage in dialogue with authors whose works they’ve studied in class, an exercise that not only enhances students’ literary analysis skills but is bound to inspire future generations of writers as well. Recent authors include Kenneth Oppel and his work Silverwing, and local author Katherena Vermette with her feature work The Break.
While some prefer the individual nature of diving into a book as a healthy form of escapism, others enjoy the more social aspects of reading and libraries, which the BPL fully supports. Book Club kits, for instance, complete with several copies of a work and discussion prompts are available for loan. For those interested in learning new skills or simply being among people with similar interests, events such as “Stitching in the Stacks” have brought together community members around creative activities like embroidery.
The BPL is also part of a growing trend of loaning items other than books. Physical Activity Cards, which grant access to the local Sportsplex, are available for 5-day loan and are in high demand. Other materials available for loan include telescopes, LeapFrog kits or interactive learning systems for children, and board games. For patrons with (or hopes of having) a green thumb, there is a seed library available at the BPL which is supported by the Assiniboine Food Forest Initiative.
In addition to its extensive collection of print materials, the library also provides access to a range of quality digital resources. Interested in exploring the “world’s largest collection of international recipes”? Streaming classic cinema, documentaries and television? Learning about local history or that of your own family? Accessing over 56,000 eBook & audiobooks? These are just some of the eResources available to BPL members – available anytime, anywhere.
Believe it or not, the above are just some of the ways the BPL serves its patrons and makes Brandon a more inclusive and vibrant community. Its seemingly boundless approach to information, services, and programming would not be possible without its visionary leadership and passionate staff. The MLA would like to extend its gratitude to the BPL for being a source of inspiration, not only to its patrons, but to the community of library professionals as well.
Article and Photographs by Rustam Dow, MLA Communications Committee Member
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.
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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.
Manitoba library workers from our academic, public, school, law, and special libraries have worked tirelessly and passionately for their patrons this past year, as they do every year.
From families to older folks, newcomers to young adults, students to our more distressed community members…everyone is welcome!
Thank you to our library workers, trustees, and board members from around the province who make our communities better places and spaces. Happy holidays!
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Our Communication team will be back in the New Year and will continue to post regularly on our social media channels – stay tuned!
The following message was sent to MLA members on April 1, 2023.
Good day MLA Members,
The MLA Advocacy team has continued to follow matters relating to censorship and defunding challenges in Manitoba Libraries, which emerged in September 2022 and have been escalating since. While primarily these challenges pertain to efforts to censor materials, harass and discredit library professionals, and eliminate municipal funding at South Central Regional Library, we are aware that Winnipeg Public Library and other regional systems are being targeted by agitator interests.
The Manitoba Library Association is looking for a Program Coordinator. The position description can be found below and the deadline for applications is March 20th, 2023. We are excited to hear from all of those interested in joining our organization!
Manitoba library workers from our academic, public, school, law, and special libraries have worked tirelessly and passionately for their patrons this past year, as they do every year.