
May 2026
Impact Statements In our respective libraries, the work can often feel siloed, either within our individual institutions or in the particular roles we hold. My involvement in MiALA since its founding has helped break down those walls. MiALA helps me form connections throughout the state and has also helped me grow as a leader through committee, IG, and board involvement. – Jessica Hronchek, Hope College We ask members to consider sharing these impact statements with non-members in their network who might be interested in learning more about MiALA. In This Issue Message From the President Call for Proposals MiALA MIX 2026 Conference Innovative Programming Newsletter Submissions Impact Statements Upcoming Events Welcome New Members Featured Job Board Posting Upcoming Events MiALA Annual Conference 05/06/2026- 05/08/2026 HSIG Meeting 05/11/2026 IGCC Meeting 05/12/2026 MiALA Board Meeting 05/14/2026 Mid-Level Leadership IG Meetup 05/14/2026 MIX Conference Proposals Due 05/22/2026 Distance & Online Learning Interest Group 05/27/2026 Welcome New Members Wayne State University Joan Beaudoin University of Michigan School of Information Jesse Johnston Ecorse Public Library Kaila Graham Michigan State University Eli Wachter Kettering University Josie Shephard Kettering University Sophie Forrester Northwestern Michigan College Kendall Spratt Featured Job Board Posting Lawrence Technical University is looking for a part-time Systems Librarian to join a committed, dynamic team and assist in advancing the University’s access to digital resources in an operational, on-campus role. Read more about this position on the MiALA Job Board.	Message From the President Dear MiALA Members, MiALA’s Annual Conference in Traverse City is next week! I’m sorry I’ll won't be able to join you, but please know I’ll be with you in spirit! I want to congratulate our newly elected board members: Katie Edmiston, Jessica Hronchek, Ed Eckel, Marcus Richter, and John Szilagyi and IGCC members: Michael Bradford, Andrea Kepsel, and Christina Radisaukas. Please join me in thanking our colleagues for committing their time in service to leading our association. If you would like to get involved in MiALA, I encourage you to complete the Committee Interest Volunteer Application (open through June). Serving on a committee is a great way to meet and collaborate with colleagues from across the state. And who knows, you may find it so energizing that it will lead to your own interest in standing for election for a Board or IGCC position one of these future years! Wishing you all happy ends to your spring semesters! Julie Garrison MiALA President Call for Proposals MiALA MIX 2026 Conference We are looking for a variety of proposals for MiALA's MIX 2026 Conference and encourage first time presenters to submit. If you can relate your topic to library instruction, we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal using this form by May 22 and notifications will be provided by June 5. Sessions are 45 minutes. Presentation formats include individual or group presentations, panel discussions, or lightning talks (10 minutes each). All proposals will be blind-reviewed by the MiALA MIX 2026 Conference Planning Committee and you must register for the conference if your proposal is accepted. The conference date is Friday July 17, 10am-4pm at Alma College Library. Don't miss this chance to connect, share, and grow with fellow librarians who are passionate about evolving their instructional practices! Submit your proposal using the form should link to this page. Innovative Programming WMU Libraries Undergraduate Library Research Consultations (ULRC) The Western Michigan University Libraries launched Undergraduate Library Research Consultations (ULRC), a peer-to-peer research support program pilot, in February 2026. The service is intended for undergraduate students who want help from peers with academic research or navigating library resources. Students can make an appointment online, or walk-in to see if a peer consultant is available. ULRC is different from service desk assistance and librarian consultations. ULRC provides: Opportunities for peer support, which may be less intimidating. More time and a comfortable environment for research support than quick interactions at the service desk Triages entry-level questions and encourages referrals to subject librarians for further help Newsletter Submissions Are you looking to get important information broadcast to MiALA membership through the newsletter, email, or other communication channels? Items can be sent via our submission form or by emailing the communications committee at communications@miala.org. Have questions? Email communications@miala.org. We're happy to help!
MiALA Newsletter - May 2026