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Writing a personal remembrance of Randy Riley is something I’d never expected I would do during my career. It’s difficult because his passing was sudden and is so much to process as someone who knew and worked closely with him. It’s also not difficult because of how grateful I am for him and everything he gave so many as a leader and colleague, and as a person. Through his work and in life, Randy made a profound, incalculable difference.  

As many statements from organizations including the Library of Michigan (LM), Library of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Academic Library Association (MiALA), Michigan Library Association (MLA), and University of Michigan School of Information have noted, Randy was a singular and exemplary professional. Through his decades of devoted service to libraries and citizens throughout Michigan, he supported and led many important initiatives and fostered and promoted excellent access to a wide array of information. Randy’s affinity for genealogy and special collections tracked along with changing technology (e.g., in the form of LM’s support for the DPLA Michigan Service Hub, Michigan Memories, and the Michigan Digital Preservation Network [MDPN]). His strong support for MeL, the Michigan Notable Books program, LM’s grant programs, library staff professional development, and more endeared him to hundreds of libraries statewide. Randy was known as a relentless advocate who was generous with his time and help for libraries and library staff. He fielded as many questions and inquiries, visited as many libraries, and met with as many groups as he could. During the visits he and I made together, I marveled at his knowledge of what was happening at libraries of all sizes.  

Randy also kept the Michigan library community connected to the wider profession through his work with the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and as a member of the MCLS Board of Directors. He maintained countless long, positive, productive relationships with deep connections, including with some of us at MCLS, and called on his vast network to help the community through hard times when needed. People knew they had Randy’s support and answered his call in return whenever possible. His steady hand was invaluable through all the federal and state political and budget turmoil of 2025, and he rallied and guided many to engage and speak on behalf of MeL and other critical programs. 

Randy was an articulate, incisive, thoughtful, passionate, and supportive constant presence on the MCLS Board for over ten years. As with so many other groups, it was rare that he’d miss a Board meeting. Though he would usually have plenty to say, he’d often let others in a larger group speak before weighing in on an issue. After we’d served on the Board together for a few years, Randy was one of the first people I called to seek advice about whether to apply for the Executive Director position. He urged me to go for it, and doing so changed my life. When I joined MCLS, our relationship evolved. We shifted from being fellow Board members to being the people who had the responsibility of leading the organization that made MeL possible and the organization that supported it. I came to see more facets of the complex person Randy was. I’d known him to be approachable, open, caring, direct, and funny. He also resisted anything he considered “touchy-feely,” and sometimes had an edge. He could be impatient when urgency to make a point got the better of him. I learned quickly that when he’d interrupt me mid-sentence, it was because he had an important point to make or question to ask based on his experience and thoughtful deliberation. He played such an important role that I always listened. When we were together, we would often have intense conversations on topics ranging from libraries to state and federal government to many aspects of life outside of work. He was usually much more concise in writing, often emailing a single sentence or question with the simple signature “r.”  

Beyond libraries, we spoke often about our families, activities that included travel (e.g., family visits and his fishing trips), books he recommended, and our shared passion for music from many genres. Knowing Randy was nearing retirement, I asked for updates on his future plans. He’d say that he wanted to continue working while he could still “do cool things.” He wanted to guide newer LM staff including managers Michelle Bradley and David Votta. He also said that he didn’t want to end his career in bad times for libraries. He suggested that there were cycles of support for libraries and that we were either in or approaching a trough period. I appreciated how often he would urge us to stay strong and find ways to climb back up to a peak. As pained as Randy was by those who label librarians as “groomers” and “pedophiles,” he truly believed that libraries could have a bright future if librarians love and engage with people.  

Randy used to joke that he had a “life sentence” on the MCLS Board until retirement (as the Indiana and Michigan state librarians each have a permanent Board seat). I knew the day would come when Randy would leave our Board, and I had not yet prepared fully for what it would mean to lose his voice, his experience, and his belief and faith in our organization through its successes, challenges, and potential. He told me during the November 2025 MCLS Board retreat that it would be his last, and I took that to mean that he was planning to retire in 2026 though he hadn’t announced anything official. I looked forward to wishing Randy the long, happy, and healthy retirement he so richly deserved.  

On January 4, I learned Randy had passed the previous night. I was absolutely shocked and heartbroken.  

I am heartbroken. 

I am heartbroken for Randy, his wife Lori and their family and friends that he didn’t get to enjoy retirement with them. I am heartbroken for the LM staff, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), and the greater library community having lost him so abruptly.  

As I started working through an enormous sense of loss, I started writing about the impact Randy had made and my memories of him. The words just flowed. Many of my MCLS colleagues and I were fortunate to join hundreds of others who mourned him at LM on January 9. The memorial was as singular as Randy was. The heartfelt comments from many of Randy’s colleagues, friends, and especially his brother Mark, will remain with all who were there.  

Today, I move between gratitude and grief. I’m glad for so very many things, and sad for so many others. I’m glad Randy was able to provide such stable leadership at LM and for the many boards and working groups on which he served. I’m glad he was able to celebrate MeLCat’s 20th anniversary last year. I’m especially glad that Randy got to enjoy 37 years of marriage to Lori filled with so many rich experiences including all the time spent with their children Sam and Madeline and pets including his beloved dog Louis (pronounced like the French kings). He was clearly so proud and supportive of each member of his family, and I’ll miss hearing him talk about them. I’m glad Randy got to spend so much time traveling to fish, visit family, and see his favorite bands. I’m glad for the times I got to see bands with him, including The Baseball Project at Bell’s Back Room in Kalamazoo and The Hold Steady at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia. I’m sorry I never got to play him the bass solo he’d needled me about for years, at a Lighting Matches show. I’m grateful for the time he gave me for our monthly breakfast meetings and so many other conversations. I’ll miss wondering what discussion topics were on his list and whether I was as ready as he was to dig deeply into them that day, which eyeglasses he’d be wearing, whether or not he’d have a beard, what book and music recommendations he’d offer, and looking for his truck in the parking lot to remind me how late I was for our meeting (he was remarkably patient about that). I’ll miss his simple parting words: “Talk to you.”   

Randy Riley was one of the kindest, most generous and supportive colleagues I’ve ever had. Whether he’d say so or not, he truly cared deeply about many, many people in his life. It was just obvious. While he spoke so many meaningful words so easily at library events across the state and in meetings around the country, his actions spoke much louder.  

I am one of the innumerable people for whom Randy made an immense positive difference. I am thankful for his work, contributions, vision, insight, experience, humor, and everything else he shared with us. I will honor his memory by striving to be the forthright and decisive leader he pushed me to be. I’ll do what I can to help the library community stay strong, pull together, and collaborate, as he urged. I’ll read more, including the Michigan authors he championed. I’ll seek out and stay open to new music and invite others to join me to see bands more frequently. 

I’m glad Randy Riley was my colleague. Working with him made my professional life richer. 

I’m glad Randy Riley was my friend. Knowing him made my personal life richer. 

I’m taking peace and comfort from years of great memories of Randy. If you knew him, I hope you are also.  

If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know at garrisons@mcls.org.

Things remain busy at MCLS in this time of transitions, and I hope to see many members at the MCLS Annual Meeting on Dec. 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central) on Zoom (please register here) where topics will include revised MCLS Bylaws and our Board of Directors’ next steps following their September member survey and recent retreat.  

Following a Board vote on Nov.14 to revise the MCLS Bylaws, the MCLS members must vote to approve the revised version per Bylaws Article XI. Provided we have a quorum of 10% of MCLS members present at the Dec. 2 Annual Meeting (see Article VII Section 7.05), we will hold a vote. My Annual Meeting invitation email to MCLS members included links to the current and revised Bylaws. The 2025 Board officers (see Article V) led the Bylaws revision in consultation with MCLS’s attorney.   

The main difference in the revised Bylaws is in Article IV Section 4.01 (Board of Directors Composition). MCLS would move from: 

• requiring 16 Board members including 10 by library type (Academic, Public, Research, School and Special) and four At-Large seats  
• to requiring at least eight Board members, ideally comprised of representatives from Academic, Public, School and Special, and two At-Large seats 

These changes mean that: 

• Board seats dedicated to the highest-research academic libraries (i.e., the six largest universities in Indiana and Michigan) would sunset in the next few years (high-research institutions would be eligible to serve in the Academic seat). 
• Reducing from four Academic and Research seats to up to two Academic seats promotes fairness in representation and Board composition. 
• One At-Large seat in each state would also sunset in the next few years (a representative from any type may serve in remaining At-Large seats). 
• Making the number of seats flexible rather than fixed would allow the Board to continue operating through occasional Board resignations that may occur. 
• Removing the requirement to have each type represented would relieve situations where it is difficult to find a new representative to succeed one who resigns and allow the Board greater flexibility than the current Bylaws permit. 
• MCLS can reduce its costs for reimbursing Board members for travel to meetings. 

Turning to the Board’s member survey results and their next steps toward updating their collective vision and direction for MCLS (also known as Ends, on p. 3 of the Board Policy Manual), 232 individuals responded to the survey, offering nearly 700 comments in addition to answering all or nearly all of the survey’s five questions.  

Here is a summary of some of the survey data: 

1. Many respondents identified how the Board’s current three main outcomes of developing innovative solutions, fostering robust collaboration, and facilitating transformative learning are interconnected and hard to prioritize. Innovation received the most “highest importance” ratings at nearly 47%, and transformative learning received the most “lower importance” ratings at nearly 42%. 
2. Regarding current concerns, nearly 62% were “most concerned” about funding overall, with many pairing that with concern over legislation/requirements for libraries, book banning/freedom to read, and community advocacy on the importance of what libraries do. 
3. A free response box regarding how libraries could collaborate to address concerns from question 2 identified many common themes including collective advocacy, shared collections/licensing, group discussion opportunities, and training for library staff. There was significant overlap around groups of libraries/librarians coming together to share best practices, commiserate, discuss common issues, or learn from each other. 
4. In terms of the most important thing libraries need that they do not currently have, most respondents cited funding, or situations complicated by a lack of funding, such as training or education for staff, a new or renovated building, marketing support, or fair/reliable pricing for resources.  
5. 100 respondents took the opportunity to offer open comments to the Board, many reiterating the need for advocacy, or offering thanks for current MCLS activities. Some comments encouraged the Board to be more visible and explore innovative ways for libraries to share and communicate, and for MCLS to lead more opportunities in Indiana and find new ways to demonstrate the value of services to public libraries.  

At their Nov. 14-15 retreat, the Board considered the survey data in a broader context of driving forces that may shape MCLS’s future. After some intensive group work and discussion looking at Ends development through multiple lenses, the Board created a draft Ends document. Now under revision ahead of a Board vote in early 2026, the current version points to expanding access to resources, innovation and stability, and collaboration. I hope you’ll join us at the Annual Meeting on Dec. 2 to learn more, engage, and ask questions.  

In the meantime, and as we wind through and past the 2025 holiday season and into 2026, I want to take a moment to express gratitude for MCLS’s members, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders. I thank our staff, who work hard to provide the best service we can. I also thank our Board and its officers for all the work they did in 2025 on a number of fronts and look forward to how they continue what they started this fall and help fuel MCLS’s and our community’s future. Special thanks to Indiana Academic Library Representative Josh Petrusa for his help with this newsletter piece.   

I will also take just a moment here to recognize Janet LaCross, who retires from MCLS in December after a remarkable 39-year career with us. Janet has seen and helped guide MCLS through an astonishing amount of change in her many years with us, and we wish her a long, happy, and healthy retirement. We will miss Janet greatly.  

I hope our December-January newsletter reaches you around a restful holiday season spent with those who mean the most to you. As always, I hope to hear from you at garrisons@mcls.org, and as we reflect on what at times has felt like a chaotic 2025, may we all have a productive and successful 2026.  

This month I thank the 232 people who responded to the MCLS Board of Directors’ survey in September, and will share next steps the Board will take. The Board and I really appreciate the data MCLS members took the time to submit, including hundreds of comments.  

As I mentioned in September, MCLS’s member libraries own MCLS as an organization. According to MCLS’s governance system, the Board serves as the informed voice and agent of MCLS’s owners and is accountable to the member/owners. They will use the survey data to update their collective vision and overall direction for MCLS, which the staff and I will operationalize in alignment with the strategic plan that we created in 2024 (with a great deal of input from member libraries and other stakeholders).  

The Board will consider the survey data as they focus on updating their vision and direction for MCLS (also known as Ends, on p.3 of the Board Policy Manual) at their Nov. 14-15 retreat. We will share a data summary and any changes the Board made to their Ends in the December-January MCLS newsletter (watch this space). We will also offer an opportunity for MCLS members to engage with the Board on how they’re using the survey data at the MCLS Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. Eastern (9 a.m. Central) (registration information coming soon).  

In other news, the Board will also discuss updates to the MCLS Bylaws at their meeting on Friday, Nov. 14. Once the Board approves new Bylaws, MCLS members will vote to approve them according to the methods in the Bylaws document. We’ll communicate the voting process to members well in advance of the vote. 

I’ll close by noting that this newsletter finds many of us in the middle of the fall conference season. I appreciated seeing many MCLS members at the Upper Peninsula Region of Library Cooperation (UPRLC) conference in September and the Michigan Library Association (MLA) conference in October. I hope to see some of you at the Charleston Conference in early November and the Indiana Library Federation (ILF) conference the following week. I also encourage you to join us for the Annual Meeting to engage with us and learn how your member input is influencing the Board’s vision and direction work.  

I appreciate how the Board is working at their level and the staff at theirs so MCLS can continue serving libraries as effectively and impactfully as possible. If you also appreciate what our Board and staff do, I encourage you to let them know. 

What’s on your mind right now? Let me know at garrisons@mcls.org.

By an overwhelming majority vote, our member representatives elected the proposed slate of board members to serve from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2028. The elected slate includes:

Academic Library Representative (MI): Kendra Lake, North Central Michigan College

Academic Library Representative (IN): Josh Petrusa, Butler University Libraries

Public Library Representative (IN): Melissa Merida Foster, New Albany Floyd County Public Library

At-Large Library Representative (IN): Stephen Patton, Indiana State University

Special Library Representative (MI): Maria Ketcham, Detroit Institute of Arts Research Library & Archives

New and returning board members will join the current board for their annual planning retreat on Nov. 13-15. Congratulations!

Defining the Library Consortium 

Libraries today operate in complex environments, navigating evolving community expectations, and a growing set of unknowns. Whether large or small, urban or rural, all libraries share the common challenge of delivering high-quality services in a sustainable and impactful way. In this context, library consortia like the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) are an essential tool for cooperation, connection, and collaboration—one that not only strengthens individual libraries but also advances the greater library community’s shared goals. 

A library consortium is a formal collaboration in which libraries unite to share resources, streamline services, negotiate better deals, and support each other’s missions. By working collectively, libraries can achieve goals that would be difficult or impossible to accomplish alone.   

Library thought leader Lorcan Dempsey presents a power framework that argues that consortia are extremely beneficial to individual libraries and systems via their ability to scale capacity, learning, innovation, and influence. His 4-part blog series linked below touches on each element and helps define some of the less-discussed advantages of consortial affiliation. 

1. The powers of library consortia 1: How consortia scale capacity, learning, innovation and influence  
2. The powers of library consortia 2: Soft power and purposeful mobilization: scaling learning and innovation  
3. The powers of library consortia 3: Scaling influence and capacity 
4. The powers of library consortia 4: Scoping, sourcing and scaling 

With more than 630 member libraries of every type and size across Indiana and Michigan, MCLS provides a compelling example of Dempsey’s core framework elements.   

Scaling Capacity: Doing More Together 

Dempsey defines the first library consortium core power as scaling capacity, or increasing what individual libraries can accomplish by pooling resources and infrastructure. At MCLS, we do this through: 

• Group licensing agreements that offer access to databases, eBooks, eJournals, and library software from 70+ vendors at a lower cost than libraries would pay independently. 
• Consulting services that help libraries conduct strategic planning, facilitate staff day training, and lead community conversations—services that might otherwise be out of reach for smaller libraries. MCLS consultants bring experience, objectivity, and proven methodologies to help libraries make informed decisions and foster staff and stakeholder buy-in. 

This capacity scaling allows MCLS members to extend their reach and improve services at a reasonable cost, which is essential in an era of constrained budgets.  

Scaling Learning: Shared Knowledge and Professional Growth 

Consortia create knowledge-based communities. Dempsey describes our role as scaling learning, or enabling continuous professional development and the exchange of expertise across institutions. MCLS nurtures this through: 

• Training workshops  that support curated opportunities for staff development at all levels of skill and position within the library ecosystem. Continuous learning is vital to keeping library services relevant and effective. By investing in staff knowledge, libraries build stronger teams and improve service to their communities—without stretching limited budgets. 
• The Essential Workplace Skills Certificate, a 10-hour, self-paced learning opportunity which is free for any staff member of an MCLS member library. 
• Engagement opportunities like our Virtual Dialogue series, where staff from Indiana and Michigan libraries of different types and sizes can collaborate, share best practices, and co-create solutions. 

We aim to promote collective learning, to ensure libraries stay agile and informed in a fast-changing field.  

Scaling Innovation: Pilots, Projects, and Programs 

According to Dempsey, consortia are uniquely positioned to scale innovation because they can pilot new ideas, pool risk, and spread successful models more broadly. MCLS exemplifies this through programs like: 

• The MeLCat and MeL eResources components of the Michigan eLibrary, for which MCLS staff provide implementation, support, and training. The MeL project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan. 
• TALK (Text and Learn for Kindergarten), a text messaging service that empowers caregivers to support school preparedness for children up to age 6 through activities, songs, and more. Originally created by Ypsilanti District Library staff with input from regional early childhood education partners, this easy-to-implement program is based on Every Child Ready to Read. Offered nationwide with a discount to MCLS members, TALK reflects how a consortium can cultivate innovation that serves community needs in new and scalable ways. 
• The RIDES (Regional Interlibrary DElivery Service) interlibrary courier system, which we manage to enable libraries to make materials available to citizens across Michigan. 
• The Michigan Digital Preservation Network (MDPN), a member-centered, collaborative organization dedicated to preserving Michigan’s digital cultural memory materials and leveraging our shared resources to make digital preservation accessible to as many libraries and institutions as possible. 

By connecting members with new tools, programs, and support, MCLS helps libraries experiment safely and adopt innovation faster. 

Scaling Influence: A Unified Voice for Libraries 

Finally, Dempsey emphasizes the consortium’s role in scaling influence—amplifying the voice of libraries in policy, vendor negotiations, and public discourse. MCLS supports this by: 

• Advocating member interests in vendor negotiations, ensuring equitable access to vital digital content. 
• Participating in national and regional initiatives along with other consortia, vendors, associations, and others, that align with library advocacy and demonstrating libraries’ positive impact. 
• Creating spaces for dialogue across library types (public, academic, school, and special libraries) to foster knowledge sharing about common goals and challenges. 

As a result, MCLS member libraries are not isolated, and are part of a larger, strategic network that commands attention and shapes the future of library service.  

The Big Picture: Sustained Value and Shared Mission 

For more than a decade, hundreds of libraries have trusted MCLS to help them respond to change, innovate, and serve their communities more effectively. Libraries rely on us for cost savings and quality services, but MCLS is more than a service provider—we are also a member owned and governed organization, shaped by the very voices we strive to empower. 

As Lorcan Dempsey observes, consortia deliver outcomes no single library can achieve alone. With our industry surrounded by rapid change and revolving unknowns, consortial collaboration is not simply helpful; it is essential. At MCLS, we want libraries to move beyond surviving change and actively engage in shaping it. To this end, MCLS staff leans into our vision: empowering libraries to achieve the extraordinary. 

Have a question or an idea? Let’s talk. We’re here to listen and help. Visit mcls.org to learn more about our services, explore membership benefits, and see our current strategic plan. You can reach me directly at garrisons@mcls.org or 517-489-4071.

This month, I’ll feature video of a recent conversation I had with Rima Zalghout, librarian at the Russell J. Abaid Library and Resource Center at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, MI. I encourage you to visit the Museum and its library and learn more about the Arab world and Arab Americans’ experiences. The video is just under 15 minutes in length, and I’ve summarized Rima’s answers to my questions below. Contact Rima to learn more about her library and arrange a visit at RZalghout@accesscommunity.org

Tell me about services your library offers and who your primary users are. (starts at 0:30) 

The Russell J. Abaid Library and Resource Center has the biggest collection by and about Arab Americans, featuring library collections on the Arab world, Arab studies, and the Michael Suleiman collection. The library has a reading room and a meeting room that hosts pre/post-tour discussions for museum visitors, poetry readings, and youth programs. It also has a recording studio for recording oral histories. Rima is a solo librarian and triages all reference requests. The Museum serves Dearborn’s high concentration of Arab Americans and is a national museum serving many including researchers from across the country. The library is open by appointment only.   

What is something you want your community and the MCLS community to know about your library and the impact it makes? (starts at 3:14) 

The library and Museum are full of history and knowledge, which Rima wants to provide to those who want it for uses including exhibits, education, and personal or professional research. The library’s space is versatile and used by different groups.  

What are some current priorities, plans, and projects at your library? (starts at 4:29) 

A current project is to turn their recording room into a community history room for oral histories, handling digital documents, and genealogy (which goes hand in hand with research). Rima also facilitates an annual Arab American book awards program with a ceremony in November. She is currently collecting fiction and non-fiction books to send to judges.   

What is a recent initiative or achievement you’re proud of? (starts at 5:55) 

Rima is proud of the community history room and can see them achieving the end goal for the space. She has also done a collection inventory to understand collection gaps and have more informed discussion with patrons.  

If your library collaborates with others (whether in your institution, library type, region, etc.), how do you do that? (starts at 7:24) 

The library is part of the DALNET consortium, which is a great resource that connects Rima with colleagues who are doing similar work (including at the Detroit Institute of the Arts). She also works with the Museum’s education department, public programming group for book events, and is helping gather resources for a traveling exhibit the Museum is planning.  

How does your library engage with MCLS? (starts at 9:07) 

MCLS is the means by which Rima does professional development as an early-career librarian who is learning. The library plans to join MeLCat this year, which will be a huge boon. 

How can people learn more about the Arab American National Museum and the library? (starts at 10:15) 

The easiest way to learn more is to visit! The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the library is open by appointment. Anyone can email her with questions, ideas, and more (RZalghout@accesscommunity.org).  

Are there any questions I haven’t asked that I should have? (starts at 11:56) 

Rima suggested asking about her favorite collections in the library – two are their graphic novels and community cookbook collection. The cookbook collection contains church and other recipes that are embedded in the Arab American community’s history and shows its longevity.  

Thank you for reading and/or watching the video. If you’d like your library featured in an upcoming MCLS newsletter, contact me at garrisons@mcls.org. 

This month, I’d like to introduce the 2025 MCLS Board of Directors and what they do for you, our members who own MCLS. At their fall retreat this past November, I observed the MCLS Board come away with new energy and a sense of purpose for their upcoming plans in 2025. As we continue through a challenging time for libraries, I encourage you to engage with the Board members to let them know what’s on your mind and what matters most to you. To learn more about the Board – including its structure, meetings, and documents – please visit our webpage.

One of the most important things the MCLS Board does is to maintain a vision statement for why MCLS exists:

MCLS exists so that libraries of all sizes and types are community-responsive leaders who embrace the challenges of contemporary library practice, develop innovative solutions, foster robust collaborations, and facilitate transformative learning. (Board Policy Manual, p. 3)

MCLS’s member libraries own the organization, and our Board members serve as the informed voice and agent of the owners. In other words, the MCLS Board exists to assure that MCLS serves owners’ interests through the work we do as an organization. To do that, the Board needs to stay engaged, or “linked,” with owners. The Board paused its “ownership linkage” (aka member engagement) work in 2024 while we drafted our strategic plan, and will resume that work in 2025. Again, I hope you’ll take opportunities to engage with our Board members, whether reaching out by email or phone, meeting up at conferences and other events, or responding when Board members ask for your input.

Here are the 2025 MCLS Board of Directors:

Several Board members offered comments about why they serve, and I thank them for their comments. 

“I’m excited to be part of the MCLS Board as a representative of Michigan’s academic library community. By strengthening and supporting connections between libraries of all types, we can help our institutions thrive. In 2025 and beyond, I hope we can build even better relationships with our members and create more opportunities for MCLS to succeed.”
-Kendra Lake, Michigan Academic Library Representative 

“I serve on the Board so I can work with other librarians to help all libraries to thrive so we can serve our users. I also enjoy interacting with other librarians since I have been a lone librarian where I work.”
–Anni West LaPrise, Michigan School Library Representative 

“By being a member of the Board, I have the opportunity to represent special libraries in Indiana and to voice the perspectives and needs of these member libraries. I look forward to contributing to MCLS as [Board] Secretary this year. I am thankful for this opportunity.”
-Brenna Tuite, Indiana Special Library Representative 

“I serve on the Board as the Public Library Representative of Michigan because I value the services provided through MCLS to all types of libraries in both Michigan and Indiana. It is important to me that all library voices are heard.”
-Lisa Waskin, Michigan Public Library Representative 

“I serve on the Board to feel connected to the MCLS community more broadly, which is wonderful for someone like me who works at a small library (I am the only employee!). I hope 2025 brings continued excellence, cooperation, and innovation!”
-Rima Zalghout, Michigan Special Library Representative 

Want to learn more about the MCLS Board’s role? Please ask our Board members! Interested in serving? Watch for our call for nominations in mid-2025. Just like MCLS itself, our Board exists to serve you, the libraries who own MCLS. Watch for ways to engage with them and contact me anytime at garrisons@mcls.org.

Via a unanimous vote in early October, MCLS member representatives elected the proposed slate of board members who will serve from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2027.

The elected slate includes:

• At-Large Library Representative (IN): Trista Smith, Newburgh Chandler Public Library

• Research Library Representative (IN): Beth McNeil, Purdue University

• School Library Representative (IN): Raenell (Rain) Smith, Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation

• At-Large Library Representative (MI): Polly Boruff-Jones, Oakland University

• Public Library Representative (MI): Lisa Waskin, Superior District Library

New board members will join the current board for an annual planning retreat Nov. 21-23. Congratulations to all and thank you for serving MCLS! 

The MCLS Board of Directors Nominating Committee seeks nominations from the MCLS membership for the following Board openings for 2025-2027:

• At-Large Library Representative (Indiana) 
• School Library Representative (Indiana) 
• Research Library (Indiana)  

Each seat has a three-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and expiring Dec. 31, 2027. The Board meets four times per year, in February (Zoom), May, August, and November (each in person), and Board meetings alternate between Indiana and Michigan. The November meeting includes a Board orientation and a two-day strategy retreat to review activity of the previous year, assess trends, and determine strategic changes to MCLS’s services and offerings. Newly-elected Board members are asked to attend this year’s annual retreat in November. MCLS reimburses Board members for all direct meeting expenses.

The MCLS Board uses the Policy Governance Model developed by John and Miriam Carver. New Board members will receive an orientation to Policy Governance the day prior to the Board retreat. 

MCLS’s members are also its owners. The Board represents your interests as owners. Through the nominating process, you have the opportunity to put forth the names of those who will define our Ends and Limits, both of which guide MCLS staff as they consider the products, programs, and services MCLS offers. To assist you in nominating candidates, read Section 3 of the Board Policy Manual for an overview of the Board’s work and responsibilities. Under MCLS’s Bylaws Section 4.03, only designated Member Representatives or Alternates from MCLS member institutions are eligible to serve on the Board. 

The slate of candidates will be chosen from the nominations, voted on by the current Board of Directors in August, and presented to the membership for election in early September. 

If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or wish to submit the name of a nominee, please complete this form. The deadline for submitting names is 5 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Central) on Friday, July 5, 2024. If you prefer to mail your nomination, please send it to: MCLS Nominating Committee, 1407 Rensen Street, Lansing, MI 48910-3657.