Library Development staff offer consultation to public library system directors, staff, trustees, Friends groups, governing authorities, and others on a variety of public library policy and management issues. We also provide training and continuing education opportunities to assist in increasing public library staff competencies in both traditional library services and in new and emerging technologies.
Consulting Services
Each library system has an assigned consultant who serves as a liaison to the services provided by the Library Commission. Public libraries are encouraged to contact their consultants for advice on library management, operations, personnel, boards and trustees, programming, and building maintenance and construction. Consultants are also available to assist with LSTA grant applications and policies and procedures.
- Consulting Designations
- Directors’ Guide
- Mississippi Public Library Policy Development Guide (July 2021 Update)
- Mississippi Trustee Handbook (May 2023 Update)
Continuing Education
The continuing education program provides training and professional development to enhance the knowledge and skills of the public library workforce and leadership.
CEUs
The Mississippi Library Commission is authorized, through the Mississippi Department of Education, to grant continuing education units (CEUs) using the formula of ten contact hours equal one CEU. Continuing education credit is given for programs that are planned learning experiences designed to bring about changes in knowledge, skills, or attitudes which contribute directly to the delivery of quality library services and the competent practice of librarianship. Credit is not given for business meetings, reports, announcements, breaks, or meals. Credit is not given for content unrelated to library service. CEUs are only provided to school library media specialists and licensed educators.
- Individuals or organizations wishing to offer CEU credits for workshops they present must contact the library development director Sharon Zala at 601-432-4005 or szala@mlc.lib.ms.us at least six weeks before the program begins. The contact person will be notified of the procedures necessary for the issuing of CEU certificates.
- For questions about MDE requirements and standards, please contact the Mississippi Department of Education’s Division of Educator Licensure.
Statistics
In keeping with Mississippi law, Section 39-3-107, Mississippi Code, 1972, public libraries submit annual statistics to the Mississippi Library Commission. The State Data Coordinator then reviews, verifies, and submits the data to the Institute for Museums and Library Services for the Public Library Survey. Statistical reports and links to related data can be found here: 1999-2023 Annual Statistical Reports of Mississippi Public Libraries (in Excel).
Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc.
Friends of the Mississippi Libraries, Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization of library supporters devoted to encouraging, promoting, and advocating reading and library service through public, academic, special, and school libraries in Mississippi. Local Friends chapters can choose to share the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc.’s U.S. Internal Revenue Service 501 (c)(3) non-profit designation. The Library Commission provides consultation and training for Friends groups. For questions or assistance, contact Sharon Zala at szala@mlc.lib.ms.us or 601-432-4005.
Starting a Friends Group in Mississippi:
- Forming a Friends Chapter in Mississippi (PDF)
- Sample Bylaws Version 1 (PDF)
- Sample Bylaws Version 2 (PDF)
Maintaining a Friends Group in Mississippi:
- 2025 Friends Membership Renewal (PDF)
- File IRS Form 990 e-Postcard
- First time filing? Follow the IRS User Guide
Tools to Help Friends of the Library
- Power Guide for Successful Advocacy
- United for Libraries: With its mission to motivate and support citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries, the United for Libraries website features many resources that can enhance a chapter’s program.
- Libraries Need Friends: Starting a Friends Group or Revitalizing the One You Haveby Sally Gardener Reed: This free toolkit is geared mostly toward public library Friends groups, but has good tips on membership and outreach for Friends groups of any type.
- Understanding Roles: The Separate But Complementary Roles of Friends, Trustees, and Library Directorswill help you define the roles of the Friends, Trustees, and library staff in working together to support the library.
The Margaret Murray Grant
The purpose of the Margaret Murray grant is to advance library programming and literacy for Mississippi public libraries through activities sponsored by chapters of the Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. The $500.00 grant must be used for programming, collection development, or literacy activities. Funds are not intended for administrative or operational use. A local funding match of 10% is required. A link to the application will be available here during the month of February, and the winner(s) will be notified by April 15th.
Evaluation deadline: December 30th, 2025
The Chapter One Award
The Chapter One Award is presented to the Friends of the Library Chapter that has made the most outstanding volunteer contribution in the area of service to libraries during the year. Nominations are accepted during the month of August, and the award is presented at the Mississippi Library Association Annual Conference in October. A link to the nomination form will be available here during August, and the winner will be notified by September 15th.
The Ruby Assaf Presidential Award
The Ruby Assaf Presidential Award honors an outstanding volunteer in Friends of Mississippi Libraries, Inc. or in a local chapter. Nominations are accepted during the month of August, and the award is presented at the Mississippi Library Association Annual Conference in October. A link to the nomination form will be available here during August, and the winner will be notified by September 15th.
