FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information:

August 26, 2009 David Waymire

Office: 517-485-6600
Cell: 517-290-3610

Statement from Michigan Library Association on Executive Directive 2009-5

“The Michigan Library Association is pleased with today’s Executive Directive from
Gov. Granholm, particularly with her prioritization of continued support and funding for the
statewide library book and electronic material sharing programs, known as the Michigan
eLibrary (MeL) and Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat).

“After working closely with the Governor on key factors, the MLA is no longer opposed to
Executive Order 2009-36. The Executive Directive issued today shows the Governor has
recognized the importance of maintaining a state librarian position for the influence and stature
of the library community within state government, which is a significant step forward. We
applaud the Governor’s commitment to preserve the collections within the Library of Michigan
and to accept recommendations of qualified librarians to serve on the new board created to
review the state library’s operations. In today’s economy, libraries are an essential key in keeping
the lines of communication open between job seekers and potential employers as we turn toward
a knowledge-based economy.

“The MLA also would like to commend Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Township) for
his strong leadership efforts to preserve the Library of Michigan. We remain concerned about the
future collaborative ventures Michigan’s libraries have developed to ensure people around the
state have access to vital information. We will continue to work with the Governor and the
Legislature to keep the Library of Michigan whole within state government.”

MLA is Michigan's oldest and largest library association spanning three centuries. Guided by the
belief that free access to information is the cornerstone of a free society, the Michigan Library
Association has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for over 100 years. MLA
defends the right to read, advocates for adequate library funding, clarifies library governance
issues, promotes librarian education, and works for free access of information to all residents.
For more information on MLA, please visit www.mla.lib.mi.us.

###