Personnel & Education Committee

Provide resources for members to promote career growth. 

Plan an implement training opportunities on personnel issues, such as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce, management & leadership, etc. 

Collaborate with other MLA Committees to offer the highest value to members. 

Action Plan 

Mission: The MLA Personnel Issues and Education Committee will establish themselves within the Massachusetts library community as a resource regarding continuing education for all staff on personnel topics.

Action Plan: The committee will work to remove barriers to entry into the field of librarianship and to continuing education. Barriers include: cost, degree requirements, lack of diversity, systemic racism, and lack of competitive salaries and benefits. This committee will maintain transparency and integrity around all topics. Work to remove barriers to entry into the field

• Work with MLIS programs Introduce a scholarship program for MLIS students. (investigate MBLC funding; MLA funding)
• Promote existing training and certification programs provided by MLS, MLA, and other organizations 
• Provide best practices for libraries on hiring, DEI, and related topics
• Provide samples of interview questions, job descriptions, and job postings (exemplar of process from start to finish)
• Provide social and financial resources for staff interested in progressing in their careers
• Increase diversity within the field of librarianship by expanding outreach and recruitment efforts to underrepresented groups
• Introduce a paid internship for high school students. 
• Support libraries in their retention of staff
• Define a leader in any position
• Advocate for re-evaluation of existing professional hierarchies
• Promote the state salary study and recommended standards
• Provide professional support for underrepresented groups in the library field
• Provide inclusive opportunities for career advancement within the field of librarianship 
• Connect staff with existing professional organizations for support and training

Noelle Boc
Director
Peabody Institute Library of Danvers

Contact us at personnel@masslib.org

Meeting Schedule:

Visit the MLA calendar of events for the next Personnel & Education meeting.

Helpful Resources

Salary recommendations and work of the Personnel Committee.