2005 Conference
The MLA Annual Convention which was scheduled in Vicksburg, October 25-October 28, 2005 has been cancelled.
Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina for many Mississippi libraries, the Executive Board of the Mississippi Library Association has made the difficult decision to cancel our Annual Conference, which had been scheduled for next month in Vicksburg. We sincerely hope to reschedule the Conference for a later date, but cannot begin to think about possible dates while so many of our fellow librarians and staff have lost homes, and possibly their employment.
Much hard work had gone into this Conference and we were looking forward to a delightful visit in Vicksburg. We appreciate the efforts of the Conference Committees and all those who worked to plan programs and events.
Quoting Catherine Nathan, Vice President/President/elect, “The theme I chose for this year’s convention was “Libraries Build Community.” Once our conference is re-scheduled - at some point in the future - perhaps we should change that to read “Libraries Help Re-Build Community.” These words hold so much truth. It will be our responsibility to help each other as we rebuild our libraries, our communities and our lives.
We will be establishing a library disaster relief fund and have already received many offers of assistance from across the country. More information will be available in the coming days and weeks. Unfortunately, there is still too much uncertainty and we are not yet at a point where we can begin to plan the recovery process.
We will let you know if and when our MLA Conference is rescheduled and sincerely hope that you will be able to attend.
We will grieve for our losses, but we must use this opportunity to grow and to work together to rebuild our libraries and communities throughout our State.
Susan Cassagne
MLA President
Libraries Build Community
The main hotel will be the Horizons Casino Hotel
This hotel is located on Mulberry Street, just down the street from the Convention Center. To make reservations call 601-636-3423 and be sure to mention that you are attending the MLA conference.
Our Keynote speaker is Sarah Ann Long, Past President 2000-2001 of the American Library Association and Director of the North Suburban Library System
Just some of the exciting scheduled programs:
A SPECIAL Fundraising Event on Tuesday night at the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library, featuring Gayden Metcalf from Greenville, author of “Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies’ Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral”
Beta Phi Mu will present “Focus on Miss Eudora” with actress Rebecca Jernigan playing the part of Mississippi’s beloved Eudora Welty. Followed by an update on the plans for the Welty House Museum, given by Mary Alice Welty White, Director.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee presents “The Joy of Censorship” with Joe Raiola, Editor, Mad Magazine. This program is financially assisted by the National Endowment for the Humanities through the Mississippi Humanities Council
The Public Library Section presents “Southern Gothic: Supernatural Delight,” with Charlaine Harris, Tunica native & “cozy mystery” author who has now branched out into the world of werewolves and vampires.
“Storytelling Dinner Theatre” with Diane Williams of the MS Arts Commission. Bring a story idea to a metaphoric buffet and choose from a “menu” that includes gestures, openings and story elements. Participants will be equipped with techniques for meeting standards for student learning.
Kathleen Wells, Senior Catalog Librarian from the University of Southern Mississippi Libraries will present: “Stepchild” Publications: Working with State Documents.
American Library Association Committee on Accreditation: Your Role will be the subject of a presentation to be made by Karen O’Brien, Interim Executive Director of the Office of the Committee on Accreditation.
Librarians in Film. Back by popular demand, the Librarians in Film presentation this year will be the classic musical, “Music Man,” featuring Shirley Jones as Marian the Librarian. Commentary by Jeff Slagell. Co-sponsored by the Archives and History Committee and the Special Collections Round Table.
PLUS: Tons of Exhibits, Great Local Restaurants, and Fabulous Live Blues
Get involved in MLA by joining a committee! Active participation by the membership is critical to the success of our Association.
* Committee preference form as a PDF file.
* Committee preference form as a Microsoft Word file.
Committee, Roundtable and Section officers
Please fill out the 2005 MLA Conference Planning Form and FAX or e-mail it ASAP to Catherine Nathan, MLA Vice- President at cnathan@first.lib.ms.us. Filling out this form as soon as possible will ensure that your MLA committee, roundtable or section has the meeting date and time that you need!
Please direct any questions to Catherine Nathan, cnathan@first.lib.ms.us , Deb Mitchell, deb@warren.lib.ms.us or Jennifer A. Smith, jensmith@warren.lib.ms.us.
* Conference Planning Form as a PDF file.
* Conference Planning Form as a Microsoft Word file.
Poster Sessions
The MLA Poster Session Committee welcomes proposals for the upcoming annual conference to be held in Vicksburg, MS (Oct. 25-28). Poster Sessions have been tentatively scheduled from 3:00-4:30pm on Wed. (10/26) and Thur. from 9:30-11:00am (10/27).
Poster sessions often feature library projects/programs, innovative services provided to patrons/employees, and research that is of interest to the library community. Presenters are encouraged to be available to answer questions, but are not required to be present for the entire time period.
To apply, please submit a summary abstract that includes a description of visuals and/or handouts. Abstracts should be no more than 250 words and should include the names of all authors and their institutional affiliations. In a separate paragraph, please note any equipment or special set-up requirements.
The deadline for submissions is July 29th. The Poster Session Committee will review abstracts in Aug. and contact selected presenters.
Please direct any poster session questions to:
Jeff Slagell
Roberts-LaForge Library
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS 38733
Email: jslagell@deltastate.edu
