Skip to content

Manitoba Library Association Posts

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.

Artificial Intelligence in the Library: a roadmap to understanding and implementation

Posted in Academic Libraries, Professional Development, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, and Trustees

Please join us September 9 from 9:30-11:00am as we host public library administrator, technology consultant, and author Nick Tanzi, for a virtual talk about artificial intelligence and its implications for libraries.
We’re told the age of A.I. is upon us, but what does that mean for our libraries? This webinar will help demystify artificial intelligence and explain how it will change the library landscape. Attendees will be offered specific actions they can take to proactively adapt services, policy, and programming that address this new technological environment.

Nick has authored Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). He is also a past column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library”, and has been published in Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, American Libraries, and Marketing Library Services. His work also includes professional development workshops, keynote presentations, and talks in the U.S. and abroad, for a variety of library organizations. Nick is the assistant director of the South Huntington Public Library in New York, and has worked in public libraries for 25 years. The focus of Nick’s work is the intersection of libraries and technology, and his speaking approach is one that is light and conversational, and avoids unnecessary jargon.

This webinar is free for MLA members,  who will also have access to the recording and a PDF of slides following the presentation.

The event is $40.00 for non-members.
To become a MLA member, use this linkTo attend as a non-member, donate 40$ via MLA’s  PayPal account (left hand menu on our website – direct donation to: “A.I. Event”).

The instructions for attending the webinar will be sent out to confirmed registrants the week of September 2.

We’re excited to bring you this thought provoking and timely event!

Register here for the event: https://buff.ly/3zmLay5

Public Library Safety & Security Toolkit – Recording posted to MLA YouTube channel

Posted in Professional Development, Public Libraries, and Safety

On April 22, the Manitoba Library Association alongside the Canadian Urban Libraries Council/Conseil des bibliothèques urbaines du Canada presented to our membership the Public Library Safety and Security Toolkit.

This presentation was recorded and is now available to be shared with anyone who missed the day, or would like to share it with staff.

Please visit out Manitoba Library Association YouTube channel for the 45 minute video presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgMqzZSj81c&t=3s
Transcripts are also available.

For all virtual presentations, check out our website here: https://mla.mb.ca/professional-development/webinars/

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.