Divisions
A division is a unit within the Association that represents a broad-based area of concern and long-term interest in librarianship. Divisions oversee assigned interest groups and are required to create their own bylaws.
MLA Divisions
The Assocation of College and Research Libraries, MD (ACRL MD) provides opportunities for professional development and communication between academic and research librarians. We are the Maryland Chapter of the ACRL Division of the American Library Association.
Our Mission
ACRL MD aims to represent broad-based areas of concern and long-term interest meeting the needs and concerns of library staff working in academic and research institutions.
Through our meetings, discussions, and programs, ACRL MD provides opportunities for professional development and information exchange.
Stay in Touch
- Join the Google Group Listserv.
- Check out our ACRL MD website.
ACRL MD Officers, 2024-25
Kate Strain, President
kstrain@loyola.edu
Shaune Pyle, VP/President-Elect
spyle@ccbcmd.edu
Hannah Jones, Secretary
jones22@umbc.edu
Brianna Hughes, Past President
behughes@umbc.edu
Mission Statement
The Adult Services and Reference Division (ASRD) provides opportunities for professional development, communication, and discussion of library-related issues to public services staff in all types of libraries. Our division:
- Plans and facilitates training programs
- Networks with library staff in MD and DE
- Develops leadership through meetings, hosting programs, or serving as an officer
- Coordinates programming for the Annual MLA | DLA Conference
- Shares and learns from colleagues across MD and DE
Meetings
The Division has four work meetings a years. Dates and locations will be posted in The Happenings, and on the listserv and MLA Connect.
We also have an annual debrief on Thursday evening at the annual conference to share what we went to and how our ASRD programs went.
How to Get Involved
Any member of MLA is welcome to join us and be part of our group. There are many opportunities to help with programs throughout the year, as well as during the conference, and to share what you and your systems are up to. You can also:
- Join the listserv. This is the best way to stay in touch with everything ASRD! This also lets you contribute to discussions if you cannot make meetings in-person. It's also how meeting announcements and agendas are shared. To join, log into MLA Connect and find the ASRD group.
- Like us on Facebook. Members share library-related items and things going on in their systems! We also share upcoming events and meetings.
ASRD Current Officers
Pam Taylor, President
Harford County Public Library
taylor@hcplonline.org
Sara Szymanski, Vice President/President-Elect
Carroll County Public Library
sszymanski@carr.org
Melissa Lauber, Secretary
Charles County Public Library
mlauber@ccplonline.org
Mission Statement
The Maryland Library Association's Leadership Development Division welcomes and supports library staff at all levels — from front-line to middle management to administrators, and all the leaders in between. We provide development tools, learning opportunities, discussion groups, and peer coaching and mentorship opportunities to Maryland’s library leaders regardless of position or type of library. Our bimonthly meetings offer opportunities to network with library leaders from around the state, while our programs offer all leaders the chance to enhance their skills.
Connect with us on MLA Connect or Goodreads.
Current Division Officers
Matthew Lowder, President
Cecil County Public Library
Outreach Services Specialist
Ana Carroll, Vice President
Baltimore County Public Library
Library Supervisor
Kalyn Au, Secretary
Enoch Pratt Free Public Library
Deputy Chief of Neighborhood Library Services
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings are held bi-monthly on the 2nd Thursday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Meetings Months: January, March, May, July, September, November
Please reach out to Matthew Lowder with any questions.
Mission Statement
SSD became a division of the Maryland Library Association in 1986. Our purposes are:
- To increase the awareness and understanding of the growing role of library support staff.
- To promote professional growth.
- To provide a network of communication for our members.
Get Involved
We invite you to become an active member of the SSD Steering Committee, which meets 6 times a year. Membership is open to Technology Support, Circulation Staff, Technical Services, and Human Resources.
For further information, or for MLA membership application, contact any SSD officer.
The Support Staff Division of the Maryland Library Association is now on Facebook! Check us out!
Mission Statement
The Youth Services Division of the Maryland Library Association promotes library services, storytelling, reading, book appreciation, librarianship with children and opportunities for professional development.
YSD Website
Visit YSD's full website.
Contact YSD
Email the YSD officers at mlachildrens@gmail.com to join our mailing list for meeting reminders, our quarterly newsletter, and occasional announcements.
You may contact us via Email | Facebook | X
YSD Officers
Katelyn McLimans, President
Cecil County Public Library
Summer Rosswog, Vice President
Cecil County Public Library
Karen Earp, Secretary
Somerset County Library
Jill Hutchison, Past President
St. Mary's County Library
Committees
Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Committee
2024 Co-Chairs: Jessica Letizia, Baltimore County Public Library & Robin Willis, Frederick County Public Libraries
Black Eyed Susan Tapestry Planning Committee
Co-Chairs: Joe Farmarco, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Noel Knepper, Baltimore County Public Library
Kids Are Customers Too! Planning Committee
Conference Chair: Katelyn McLimans, Cecil County Public Library
Newsletter
Editor: Mina Pincus, Caroline County Public Library