Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/67450
Lead librarian Cochran elected president of Michigan Library Association One of CMU Libraries' senior officers will lead Michigan's oldest and largest library organization beginning in 2011. CMU Associate Dean of Libraries Richard Cochran recently was elected to a three-year term on the board of the Michigan Library Association and will serve as president from 2011 to 2012. MLA was founded in 1891 and has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for more than a century. Of the 101 presidents in MLA history, only 32 were librarians from institutions of higher learning. "And when you consider Michigan has about a hundred colleges and universities, while only 13 schools have sent one of their own to head the MLA, you get a sense of the company we're keeping, Cochran says. " Richard Cochran Cochran says the most important aspect of the position is that he will represent all librarians in the state. MLA's membership is comprised of nearly 2,000 individual and institutional members from public, academic, private and special libraries. He says he hopes to support the efforts of libraries that spark the curiosity and interests of young people to make a stronger and more competitive Michigan. "Libraries can be great collaborators in helping people learn and succeed, Cochran says. " CMU library staff members have quite a history with MLA and other literary organizations across the state. The first CMU faculty member to serve as MLA president was Eudocia Stratton in 1942. Then Pamela Grudzien, CMU Libraries' head of technical services, served as MLA president from 1997 to1998. In addition, Grudzien served as Michigan Library Consortium chairwoman of the board from 2007 to 2009, and Frank Boles, director of Clarke Historical Library, served as Society of American Archivists president from 2008 to 2009. • From the comfort of his home Dave Peters logs onto the Internet to take classes toward his undergraduate degree online and use the resources available through CMU Off-Campus Programs. 8