News

Montana Library Association Reaffirms Commitment to Library Professionalism

November 13, 2023 – The Montana Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors has passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism in library services while emphasizing the importance of legislative advocacy.

The resolution, adopted on November 13th, addresses recent actions of the Montana State Library Commission and outlines key priorities for the MLA. The resolution highlights the critical role of professional development in light of the recent decision to eliminate the graduate degree requirement for library directors in Montana's largest libraries. MLA is dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for library professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve their communities and maintain consistently high standards of service.

Kelly Reisig, President of the Montana Library Association, stated, "Our organization is led by Montana librarians, to serve the interests of Montana libraries and library users. Despite generations of collaboration, we are deeply concerned that the Commission has lost its way. We passed this resolution to make clear our belief that common ground exists, and that MLA remains committed to the health and longevity of library services in Montana.”

In addition to professional development, legislative advocacy remains a top priority for MLA. The association is dedicated to ensuring libraries receive the funding and support they need to serve their communities effectively. MLA is committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including government agencies and elected officials, to advocate for the best interests of Montana's libraries and library users.

The MLA resolution invites all stakeholders, including the Montana State Library Commission, to engage in a constructive and open dialogue. By finding common ground and working together, MLA aims to ensure the continued success of Montana's libraries.

The approved resolution can be viewed at https://mtlib.org/Resolutions. A copy of the resolution has been sent to the Montana State Library Commission and other relevant stakeholders to encourage understanding and collaboration in the shared commitment to providing outstanding library services to all Montanans.

The public comment period regarding the proposed changes to the Public Library Standards opens on November 3rd and will remain open until 12p on December 1st, 2023. Comments may be submitted at the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mEypBw_zu0q9ftY_hyDcAlczmrUkaNlDse3DYG-y4llUOVJLSUY2OUJJUERXQlVGUlgwVEoyRUJGMC4u&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

About Montana Library Association (MLA): The Montana Library Association is a professional 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 1906, dedicated to advancing library services and promoting the professional growth of library staff. MLA provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to support libraries and library professionals across Montana. More information and support opportunities can be found at www.mtlib.org.

MLA Contact: kirkv@mtlib.org

Program proposals for the 2024 Montana Library Association Annual Conference taking place April 17^th-20^th in Butte are now being accepted!

Conference Theme:  Montana Libraries: We Welcome the World ❤️
Conference Dates:  April 17-20, 2024
Location:  Copper King Hotel & Convention Center, Butte, MT

Have an idea for a presentation?  Submit a proposal.

 Deadline for proposals is Thursday, November 30, 2023.  Conference programs will be selected by the Program Selection Committee in early December.

Montana Library Association Statement in Response to State Library Commission Decision to Withdraw from American Library Association

The Executive Board of the Montana Library Association deeply regrets the decision by the Montana State Library Commission to withdraw from the American Library Association. The Library Commission’s stated objective is to provide excellent library resources and services by encouraging collaboration and cooperation between libraries and institutional partners. The decision made today runs counter to this mission, and undermines the shared goals of Montana libraries. 

An American Library Association membership offers useful resources, development and funding opportunities, and professional networks that serve our state, our libraries, and, most importantly, our library users. By isolating State Library professionals from their peers and fellow leaders, the Commission has effectively eliminated critical training and tools for not only State Library staff, but for local library boards and trustees.

 It is our earnest hope that the Montana State Library Commission will reconsider its decision and choose not to sever ties with the American Library Association. We urge them to look beyond short-term partisanship and view this situation through the lens of what serves the public good and long-term interests of all Montanans.

 The Montana Library Association remains firmly in support of the aims and goals of the State Library as an institution. The Montana Library Association will continue to be a resource and professional network for Montana’s library communities. The Montana Library Association persists in fostering literacy, providing access to information, and promoting lifelong learning. We uphold these principles regardless of the decisions made by the State Library Commission because we believe that they are fundamentally American and fundamentally Montanan.

 The Montana Library Association invites the public, library workers, and stakeholders to share their views on this matter and to continue to support their local libraries as pillars of education, inclusivity, and community building. 

Sincerely,

The Executive Board and Executive Director of the Montana Library Association

Kelly Reisig, President

Sarah Widger, Vice President

Sean Anderson, Treasurer/Secretary

Kirk Vriesman, Executive Director

Registration for the July 25, 2023 School Library Division retreat in Great Falls is now available.  Click here for more information.

These are some recent news articles relating to the legislative session.

• Obscenity bill raises questions beyond school libraries” from the Montana Daily Standard (https://dailymontanan.com/2023/03/13/obscenity-bill-raises-questions-beyond-school-libraries/)
• “Supt. Arntzen's visit leaves more questions than answers” from the Lewistown News-Argus (https://www.lewistownnews.com/news/supt-arntzens-visit-leaves-more-questions-than-answers/article_dfefb84a-becf-11ed-af15-2f6d97fd6cc7.html)
• As Bills in Multiple States Threaten Librarians with Criminalization, Advocates Are Fighting Back (https://www.slj.com/story/As-Bills-in-Multiple-States-Threaten-Librarians-with-Criminalization-Advocates-Are-Fighting-Back)
• Montana state reps give public report of 68th Legislature and field community concerns (https://www.rangerreview.com/news/montana-state-reps-give-public-report-of-68th-legislature-and-field-community-concerns/article_00342b96-bcf9-11ed-8d3f-bb525014d25e.html)
  

Under Montana HB234 - Teachers, School Librarians, School Boards, Schools, and School Employees can be criminally prosecuted for books in their classroom or library that are considered “obscene”. This new law would supersede the hard work, professional training, and comprehensive collection development policies that each local school district has created to address the unique needs of their community.

Click here to learn more and to make your voice heard - https://www.saveschoollibrarians.org/urgent_mt_hb234

A debt of gratitude to all those who helped to make the Tuesday, February 7th Library Legislative Night in the State Capitol Rotunda a success.  Thanks to the planners and participants from the Montana State Library, The Trust for Montana Libraries, our stellar lobbyist team at Central House Strategies, and the many MLA members in attendance.  Special thanks to the Friends Groups at Darby Public Library and Missoula Public Library for their sponsorship contributions toward this event.

Registration for the 2023 MLA Conference April 12-15 in Billings is now available.  Details can be found here.

The Montana Library Association announced the creation of a new coalition to provide access to a petition to give feedback to the Montana Board of Education regarding the changes to Montana’s rules regarding standards of school accreditation (Chapter 55).  

For more information and details on how to participate, click here. 

The schedule for the Fall Retreat has been posted to the retreat page.  You can view all the details here.