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Online Resources for Library Cardholders
The Library of Michigan supports digitization efforts throughout the state by offering resources to libraries. Resources include consulting, equipment access, funding opportunities, and more.
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Information
Timely Topics and Booklists for State Employees
History of the Library of Michigan
Press releases courtesy of library staff and the Michigan Department of Education.
State Librarian/State Librarian's Excellence Award
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The position of Michigan's State Librarian is derived from "An act to provide for the appointment of a Librarian" enacted by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan in 1828. The librarian initially served as a caretaker of the territorial library that contained the laws and government documents used by the territorial council. Following the appointment of Harriet A. Tenney, the state librarian position evolved to take on an advocacy role that both promotes the development of libraries in Michigan communities and the collection/preservation of material at the Library of Michigan that reflects the story of the State. The current State Librarian of Michigan is Randy Riley.
To find more information on the history of the Library of Michigan and the role of the State Librarians, go to the Historic Role of the Library of Michigan section of the library's website. Additional content can be found on the Library of Michigan History page on Library of Michigan Digital.
*Soon after Williams resigned in 1836, the act that provided for a territorial council librarian was repealed. The territorial library was placed under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state, and Kintzing Pritchette became the state librarian ex-officio.
^One month later after Michigan became a state, the former territorial council library became the state library, placed under the control of the governor's secretary, Calvin Charles Jackson.
The Library of Michigan Foundation's State Librarian's Excellence Award will be awarded to a library of any type (public, academic, school, special, tribal, etc.), including branch libraries, that exemplifies excellence in customer service. One (1) library in the state of Michigan will receive this prestigious award each year. The recipient library will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a trophy for display in its public area. Two Library of Michigan Foundation Citations of Excellence will be presented and the recipient libraries will each receive $1,000 and a small trophy for display.
The absolute deadline for 2021 nominations is Friday, August 13, 2021. There will be no extensions. Submissions will be accepted online only.
Include demonstrating that your library provides superior service to its customers and community through library programs and staff interactions with customers and the service community.
Library directors, trustees, library users, administrators, or parent agency representatives may make nominations.
*Note: Nominations entered should be for the library, not for the library director.
Nominations may be submitted via the online application, linked below. You will need to create a username and password to access and complete the application. If you have previously created an account when applying for a grant from the Library of Michigan, you may use that same username and password.
The application period for the 2021 State Librarian's Excellence Award is now closed. Award recipients will be notified in September. We look forward to sharing this award celebration with you at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference in October. The application period for the 2022 State Librarian's Excellence Award will be announced in 2022.
https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_5829?SA=AM
Nominations must be supported by at least three letters of recommendation from the Library's constituency (patrons/customers, members of governing bodies, community organizations or groups, others you feel are relevant).
Selection panel representatives include the State Librarian, the director of the SLEA- winning library from the previous year, and representatives from the Library of Michigan, an academic library, a public library, a school library, and a special library.
The award recipients will be recognized by the State Librarian at the Michigan Library Association Annual Conference in October.
Lori Poznanski-Mason, Administrative Assistant to the State Librarian
Library of Michigan
Email: Poznanskil@Michigan.gov
Phone: 517-335-1518
Updated: 10/14/2021