Winter 2023 Crab is now available on the MLA website

The new Crab issue is available now on the MLA website. 

Included in this issue are photos from the LATI Fall 2022 graduation, an article about the Intellectual Freedom Panel's Banned Book Week Event, and book reviews from the Reader's Advisory Interest Group.

Also included is the MLA's new strategic vision focusing on collaboration, advocation, and education, and enumeration of it's core values.  

Take a peek at what's going on around the state and at MLA.

Computers in Libraries deadline for applications is February 17

Registration is now open for the Computers in Libraries conference in March 2023.  

The deadline for submitting your funding requests will be February 17, 2024.  

Please request $330 per night for your hotel, as the website price does not include taxes and fees.

If you have any questions, please contact SD&T.

REGISTER Workshops Venue  Agenda Check Out This Year’s Conference Program! Computers in Libraries caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge. The 2023 conference program offers five simultaneous tracks plus many preconference workshops, networking opportunities, and an extensive exhibit hall. Speakers are knowledgeable, authoritative, and focus on practical applications, “how to” solutions, and case studies as well as technical and managerial issues. Click here to see specific speaker and session information. Sessions include: Impactful Curated Intelligence: Tips & Tools Understanding Websites & Prioritizing Changes Impact of Industry Consolidation for Libraries Designing Future Libraries Connecting Patrons & Collections With Machine Learning Technology Open Source Software for Libraries Finding Our Way With UX Design: By Compass & Heading Beyond Going Green: Community Sustainability Initiatives Library Opportunities: Robotics & Virtual Reality Inspiring the Next Generation: Teaching TechGirlz Measuring Effectiveness in Libraries Change, Innovation, & Libraries Data Librarians in Action Creative Spaces in Academic Libraries Preserving Patron Privacy in Public Libraries And more!

Drexel MLIS discount for MLA members

If anyone on staff is thinking about applying to the MLIS program at Drexel, you can use the Maryland Library Association partnership for tuition reduction: https://online.drexel.edu/mla.

On the online application there is a section called Partnerships where the applicant can self-identify as a member of Maryland Library Association in the partner search-box. This action will connect their MSI in Library & Information Science 25% tuition reduction to the applicant’s file and if accepted into the program, will automatically be reflected in the student’s billing profile. No additional action would be required to receive the discount.

If you aren't a member of MLA you can join before you complete your application and get this discount.

Fall edition of the CRAB is available

The new Crab issue is available now on the MLA website.  The Crab is now publicly available, you do not have to be a member of MLA.

An illustration of equity

 

Leading a team - suggestions from author Nataly Kogan

 As a leader, you’re not managing people. You’re managing energy, emotions, and attention.

And you can help your team focus their energy and attention in ways that fuel their thriving (and reduce struggle).

These 3 questions are a great place to begin:

1. What would it take to make today great vs just OK?

2. What is draining your energy and how could you do it less (and how could I help?)

3. How does the work you are doing help others?

A word about motivation from author Nataly Kogan

 From Nataly Kogan, author of happier now and The Awesome Human Project:

Don't try to motivate your team.  Instead, do things that fuel motivation:

• express gratitude consistently
• ensure that the workload is reasonable
• regularly talk about the purpose in the work
• brainstorm how to add joy to work
• make fueling energy and taking breaks a priority

Motivation is an outcome, a result of other things.  Trying to motivate someone is like trying to get someone to go to sleep.

Instead, focus on the inputs that fuel motivation - sense of purpose, joy, having enough energy, feeling appreciated - and motivation will naturally follow.