The Maryland Library Association is committed to providing a professional, friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all participants at its meetings, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin or other protected class.
We expect all MLA meeting and event participants and speakers to help ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated during any portion of a meeting or event.
Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:
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Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning speech or actions.
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Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability or other personal characteristics, including those protected by law.
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Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images.
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Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.
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Inappropriate disruption of meetings or events.
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Photographing, video or audio recording of slides or presentations without presenter/author’s permission.
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Sending other participants private messages that are inappropriate or unwanted.
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Violating the rules and regulations of online platforms or social media, such as Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate, Sched, Facebook or MLA Connect.
MLA/DLA seeks proposals and speakers representing the full range of library organizations (academic, school, public, specialized, etc.) and positions within the library.
Programs will be selected with an eye toward amplifying underrepresented groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, religious identity, economic background, educational background, age, or other factors.
MISSION: The annual conference strives to build and promote a strong, engaged, knowledgeable, diverse, and inclusive library community to advance the transformational impact of library staff and libraries.