MLA Member Group Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance Survey

June 16, 2021

MLA is considering creating a consortium or buying pool through National Insurance Services, for member libraries to purchase employer-paid group life and long-term disability (LTD) insurance.

To accomplish this, we would need interest and commitment from enough libraries to meet a minimum number of covered employee lives. This survey is to gauge interest amongst our member libraries to decide if we should take any next steps. 

If established, this group life and LTD consortium would have the following advantages:

• Part of a consortium with thousands of other public sector employers across the country

• Rate stability as part of that large purchasing group – year after year, over 95% of groups get no increase or a decrease in rates

• Benefit flexibility to match existing policies, or design a new program to meet your needs and budget

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) included at no additional cost

• ID theft assistance and restoration services at no additional cost

• Anticipated initial savings of 15% over in-force rates, and large group discounted pricing for libraries with no current coverage in-force

• Available to employees working as little as 20 hours/week

• Three-year initial rate guarantees

Please complete the survey to share if your library would be interested and able to commit to participating by Friday, June 25.

Learn more about National Insurance Services (pdf).

Take the Survey

Intellectual Freedom Is Being Challenged Across the Country

May 27, 2021

In the Michigan Library Association’s current strategic plan, we state: “We believe in equal and free access to information and knowledge, while protecting an individual’s right to privacy.” Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society. Our guiding principle expresses the importance of protecting the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment.  

Advocacy and Legislative Priorities Survey 2021-2022

May 27, 2021

The Michigan Library Association has made advocacy one of its highest priorities. It has never been more important for librarians, staff members, trustees, and others with a vested interest in their libraries, to convey and address their challenges and successes. We hope you will take time out of your busy day to help us pinpoint the highest priorities that face our field.

State of Michigan Economic Forecast

May 27, 2021

Great news for the State of Michigan's FY21 and FY22 budget was delivered at the May 21, 2021 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference. 

An economic forecast is based on the best information available at the time the forecast is prepared. Because information and foresight are not perfect, risks and uncertainties are inherent in any forecast, and variations in the underlying factors can exert either optimistic or pessimistic influences on the forecast. That said, the COVID-19 global pandemic is still considered the primary source of uncertainty in the underlying risk factors. 

Letter from Debbie

May 27, 2021

Our world is changing and the library profession must address challenges that a few short years ago were nowhere on our radar. What was important yesterday, may now be irrelevant. Challenges that once were thought solved…back on the plate. Values of equity, diversity and inclusion, justice, accessibility are being brought to the forefront.

Last year, the MLA Board adopted a new mission, a new vision, and a three-year strategic plan. We affirmed that it is a “rolling” plan -- updated annually to make sure we remain relevant, continue to address the needs of the field, and address the achievements of MLA. 

Updates to MIOSHA Emergency Rules and MDHHS Order

May 24, 2021

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. Changes to the rules include: