Premier Brian Pallister has declared a state of emergency in response to the rise of COVID-19 in the province.
For additional information regarding COVID-19 in Manitoba, please see the Province’s COVID-19 website. Information is updated regularly, including the number of probable and confirmed cases, videos of news conferences, as well as links to the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website and the World Health Organization’s situation report.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations by the Provincial and Federal Governments to curtail the spread of the virus, the Manitoba Library Association (MLA) is recommending that public libraries in Manitoba should close to the public.
In respect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in response to provincial and federal government pronouncements that public events should be curtailed and that people should exercise ‘social distancing’ to reduce the spread of the virus, and in recognition of the fact that at least 39 public libraries in Manitoba have already decided to close access to the public, MLA recommends that all public libraries in Manitoba close their physical premises to the public. (motion passed March 19, 2020)
As of March 19, 50 out of 56 public library systems in Manitoba have announced they have or will be imminently closing access to the public. Many of these libraries continue to operate behind closed doors providing services to patrons in relation to eLibraires and other online resources, responding to phone and internet inquiries, updating social media and website, cataloging, and of course cleaning.
MLA has been daily contact with public library administrators and trustees across the Province in respect of ongoing COVID-19 issues. There are many operational issues that will arise with the closures, in particular how public libraries can effectively operate and serve their patrons. MLA is interested in supporting such discussions.
MLA recognizes that public libraries are essential components of their communities, and the decisions to close to the public were difficult decisions by the respective library boards. MLA encourages the continued operation of the libraries, with appropriate safeguards and precautions for staff. To the extent that staff may telework or work from home, it is also encouraged.
MLA encourages every public library to provide an update on its status on its website and Facebook for patrons’ information.
Posted in Conference
The Canadian Federation of Library Association and the Manitoba Library Association have made the decision to cancel the upcoming National Forum and Manitoba Libraries Conference, April 6-8 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
On March 11, COVID-19 was assessed and declared a global pandemic by theWorld Health Organization (WHO). It is understood that mass gatherings pose a great risk. It is with sadness, that we are obligated to cancel this event as scheduled.
We will provide further communication early next week outlining the steps that will be taken in terms of dealing with reimbursements.
Please see the CFLA-FCAB website to read the full press release.
Posted in Conference
Dear Members and Delegates,
This message has been prepared for those attending the Manitoba Libraries Conference and the CFLA-FCAB National Forum April 6-8, 2020 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Regarding COVID-19.
The well-being and experience of delegates is our top priority. We appreciate that many delegates are joining us from out of province for this event. To date there are no confirmed instances of COVID-19 in Manitoba. The risk of acquiring COVID-19 in Manitoba remains low and Manitoba officials are working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor the situation.
Updates from the Government of Canada and Provincial and Territorial Updates including prevention, risks, and travel advice have been collected on Librarianship.ca.
Together, MLA and CFLA-FCAB will continue to discuss and monitor this situation while planning for the best possible experience for all delegates. If there are any notable changes to our conference schedule or plans, we will provide expedient updates.
We look forward to hosting you in just 4 weeks in Winnipeg, Manitoba April 6-8.
Please contact us at president@mla.mb.ca if you wish to discuss further or have questions.
Sincerely,
Kerry Macdonald
President, Manitoba Library Association
Chair, Manitoba Libraries Conference 2020
Co-Chair, CFLA-FCAB National Forum Program Committee
Julie Mckenna
Chair, Canadian Federation of Library Associations
Prairie Provinces Representative (Manitoba & Saskatchewan)
Please see MLA’s letter to The Honourable Cathy Cox and The Honourable Cliff Cullen regarding the provincial budget and library funding.
Posted in Uncategorized
We want to hear from you! Please complete MLA’s survey and enter the chance to win a gift card for McNally Robinson.
Posted in Professional Development
Posted in Uncategorized
Please see the Manitoba Libraries Conference 2020 website!
The board of the Manitoba Library Association thanks and recognizes all members and non-members for their concerns expressed recently over controversial issues facing the national 2SLGBTQ+ and library communities. MLA takes all opinions and concerns seriously and works to represent its membership with the utmost respect and in the best light possible.
The concepts of protection from discriminatory or hateful speech and the right of freedom of expression are not isolated; they affect all public libraries. Recognizing the importance of recent events and their impact on 2SLGBTQ+ patrons, allies and library staff, the board discussed commentary and opinions about Toronto Public Library’s decision to rent public space to a controversial speaker at length at our November 12 Executive Board meeting. The board invited three guests from the library community to provide context to the issues, each representing different perspectives. Their insights have helped to inform MLA’s response.
The MLA board reiterates its support for all Manitobans to have fair, equitable and barrier-free access to the widest possible variety of expressive content — a core tenet of intellectual freedom. As part of a helping profession, our role as library professionals is to be there for our diverse communities. We are particularly invested in supporting historically marginalized communities such as the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Indigenous people, visible minorities and those with disabilities. We believe in and support inclusion and acceptance of all people and in providing safe spaces where everyone feels welcome to use library resources and spaces.
MLA believes one of the key ways we can continue to support our community and drive positive change is through tangible, interactive and accessible learning opportunities. We are actively working to provide our membership with constructive, inclusive and meaningful opportunities to learn and develop their skills with a focus on supporting marginalized patrons and communities. Please stay tuned for more details on when and where you may participate.
As always, we welcome any and all feedback from the community. We want to hear your priorities and address your needs and wants the best we can. As a volunteer-driven association, we will always do the best we can to support you. Please send us a message with your thoughts at any time: https://mla.mb.ca/about/contact-mla/.
Thank you for your continued support of our association and of libraries across Manitoba.
Posted in Conference
We are excited to announce that the Manitoba Libraries Conference 2020 will take place on April 6th and 7th at the Delta Winnipeg Hotel.
The Program Committee invites you to submit a proposal showcasing your ideas, research, and library initiatives. Proposals are being accepted for 50-minute sessions and 10-minute lightning talks. Lightning Talk proposals should fit into a broad theme of advocacy, programming, and/or partnerships.
Proposals that appeal to the cross-section of attendees are encouraged; however, all proposals will be reviewed and considered by the Program Committee.
The deadline for submissions is December 20, 2019. You will receive a response on or before January 10, 2020.
Submission Form: https://forms.gle/YBuHzASfePNqcC1a6
Do you have questions? Please email the Programming Committee or Conference Chair at mblibrariesconference@gmail.com
