The call for nominations to serve on the MCLS Board of Directors (2023-2025) is open to MCLS member libraries, and the Board and I invite you to nominate yourself or someone you know by July 15 to play an active role in setting and refining the vision that guides MCLS to serve hundreds of libraries of all sizes and types. Beyond the details the call provides, you can learn more about the MCLS Board’s people and processes, including its makeup, current roster, and governance, on the MCLS website. The MCLS bylaws require Board nominees to be current designated Member Representatives or Alternates at MCLS member libraries. Not sure who your Member Representative or Alternate is? Email us at membership@mcls.org.

The Board seeks nominations for the following vacancies:

• At-Large Representative (Indiana)
• Public Library Representative (Indiana)
• Academic Library Representative (Michigan)
• Special Library Representative (Michigan)

The At-Large position is open to Indiana libraries of all types. The other positions are library type-specific (“special libraries” include health/hospital, law, and corporate).  Please note that incumbent Board Representative in the Michigan Academic Library position is eligible to run for another three-year term.

Serving on the 16-member MCLS Board of Directors is a unique and rewarding experience. It’s a great opportunity to work with colleagues from all types of libraries, including the Indiana State Library and the Library of Michigan, to consider how MCLS can make a positive impact with respect to a broad range of issues including innovation, advancing library practice, and diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility (DEIJA).

The MCLS Board uses the Policy Governance system. In keeping with Policy Governance founder John Carver’s vision, ideal MCLS Board candidates will be:

• visionary, with the ability to consider alternate futures
• conceptual thinkers able to grasp the big picture
• connected to MCLS’s “ownership,” a.k.a., our member libraries
• demonstrating moral courage
• able to work effectively in a group process
• willing to accept and use authority
• able to allow others to lead

From my own perspective, the MCLS Board needs members who are engaged. Our Board offers rich opportunities for learning about the libraries we serve, and for leadership that can help set MCLS’s future directions.

Are you or someone you know forward-looking and interested in making a positive impact for libraries of all sizes and types within and beyond Indiana and Michigan? I encourage you to step forward. Have questions about the MCLS Board of Directors’ work, the Policy Governance system, or the work required to serve most effectively? Contact me anytime at garrisons@mcls.org. Thank you for your consideration.