National Library Week, April 13-19, 2008

Michigan libraries -- take a bow and bask in the glow of the current publicity celebrating the 50th anniversary of National Library Week! First Lady Laura Bush has noted it in her letter sent out via the Institute of Museum and Library Services last week, and Julie Andrews, honorary chair of this year's celebration, has a lovely article in the most recent issue of "American Libraries."

The theme "Join the Circle of Knowledge" has special meaning for me, as joining hands in a circle was one of the cornerstones of the relationship building exercises used by my late father-in-law (who passed away just this past fall). On various special occasions, he often had the family and others who were gathered make that personal connection with one another by asking them to join hands in a circle and go around and share a thought about the occasion or the person being honored or recognized that day.

I think that if Michigan's library users were to form such a circle and recognize Michigan libraries in our communities, our schools, our academic institutions, and our businesses, hospitals, and other specialized organizations -- those of you making those libraries work for Michigan's residents and connecting them with the circle of knowledge would hear a lot of support and thanks for how you contribute to the successes and the joy they experience in their lives.


So, when your public patron, or your middle school student, or your academic or corporate researcher thanks you during National Library Week next week, be sure to remember that they are but one individual speaking for that huge circle of library users in Michigan that appreciate all you do every week of the year!

Thank You for Your Comments

Dear Michigan Library Community,

I want to thank the scores of you who have sent emails, letters, talked to me personally, and commented publicly on my blog regarding the draft revised model for state aid to public libraries I proposed at the end of December. It is incumbent upon the Library of Michigan to be proactive about the status and future of the appropriated state funds that fall under our stewardship, no matter how small a percentage of the larger funding contributions to public library service it represents.

In response to some of the correspondence and comment received, I would like to reiterate very clearly at this point that our intent has never been:

• to replace LSTA federal funding of the Michigan eLibrary with any portion of state aid to public libraries.
• to dismantle successful library cooperatives.
• to diminish the importance of collaboration and cooperation among Michigan libraries.
• to deny the importance of libraries to small or rural communities.
• to garner any portion of state aid to public libraries to augment the operations appropriation for staffing and programming of the Library of Michigan.

Additionally, it must be noted that the model was meant for use as a tool to facilitate discussion and input from the library community and was not intended to be a binding representation of future legislative changes to the State Aid to Public Libraries Act. In this vein, we wish to inform the library community that no efforts have been undertaken to implement the recommendations of the model or to pass legislation. Many have asked that we take time to study the situation and think through the options. The draft proposal and solicitation of comment have purposely been part of an effort to do just that. We have been intent on gathering input from the Michigan library community, input that will be valuable information in any determination of next steps or final proposals that may eventually evolve.

Fortunately, the Library of Michigan now has numerous comments and ideas to digest and ponder. It will undoubtedly take some time to accomplish this endeavor. The FY09 budget process is moving right along, and the appropriation for state aid to public libraries looks to be relatively solid for that time frame. However, the process for managing change proactively is not over. So while we take time to plan and engage in an even handed and thoughtful process, we are still committed to facilitating change that will strengthen the outlook for state aid funding for public libraries by the time the FY10 budget process gets under way. We are at the beginning of this process, and there is ample time for thoughtful and insightful discourse on this subject. We look forward to engaging in it with you all to arrive at a sustainable model for disbursement of state aid to public libraries geared toward equity, accountability, efficiency and measurable outcomes for public library service to Michigan’s residents.

Nancy