Public Libraries Committee Annual Report 2020

submitted by Kristie Nelsen

Current Roster

  • Kristie, Nelsen, Chair (2022)
  • Laurie, Bailey, Past Chair (2021)
  • Adam, Berkowitz, Member (2023)
  • Margaret, Gilmore, Member (2022)
  • Julie, Hanify, Member (2021)
  • Andrew, Kaplan, Member (2023)
  • Steve, Landstreet, Member (2022)
  • Rebecca, Littman, Member (2024)
  • Blair, Whittington, Member (2023)

List of Previous Goals and Progress Made

  • Increase awareness of MLA to the wider public library community.
    • Committee members have continued outreach to public libraries, most notably with the development of the orchestral collections survey for public libraries
  • Promote discussion of public library issues within MLA.
    • Pre COVID, committee members were regularly contributing an article to the newsletter with a public library focus. Members continue to discuss ways that public libraries can be better integrated into MLA programming.
  • Organize a tour of the Norfolk Public Library or other location of interest to public music librarians to be held during the MLA 2020 Annual Meeting.
    • Committee members toured the Norfolk Public Library during the meeting and invited other MLA members.

List of Future Goals

  • Increase awareness of MLA to the wider public library community
    • The committee will look for ways to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the virtual meeting to engage and interest new public librarians in MLA
  • Promote discussion of public library issues within MLA.
    • Committee members will continue to advocate for more partnerships and collaborations to bring more awareness and discussion of issues relevant to public librarians within MLA
  • Find new ways for committee members and other public librarians to connect during the 2021 virtual meeting.
    • Traditionally a tour of the local public library is organized, but will not be possible this year. The committee will look for new ways to include other opportunities to meet and learn about other public libraries across the country.

All three goals align with the goal area related to membership, objectives 1 and 2:

  • Objective 1: Increase outreach efforts to members from underrepresented groups.
  • Objective 2: Increase outreach efforts to organizations that are underrepresented, including those whose holdings reflect many types of music.