Integrity

by Hulen Bivins, Executive Director

Integrity, as defined by the dictionary, “is the quality of being honest with strong moral principles.” Indeed, both individuals and organizations with integrity are considered to be trustworthy, with a strong standard of fairness, concern, and equal ethics. Those who practice integrity are willing to take responsibility for their actions and are willing to put the needs of others ahead of their own. Such characteristics are not maintained for praise or recognition. Rather, integrity is the choosing of actions that shows honesty, respect, and fairness.

Unfortunately, integrity is not a commonplace characteristic today. The lack of integrity can be found far too often, and it is not reserved for just one group of people or one profession. A lack of integrity can be found in religious cases involving the clergy and a child or in every instance where there is the theft of church funds. Many can remember the actions of Jim Baker and his wife, Tammy Faye. The absence of integrity can be noted in sports every time a player helps to fix a score and bet on a game. A serious integrity loss can be seen with a murder indictment, as was the case with O.J. Simpson, Ray Lewis, and Rae Carruth. In the legal world, an example of a total lack of integrity is documented in the actions of notorious Atlanta attorney Fred Tokars, who arranged for the contract killing of his wife in 1992. And in education, far too often, there are inappropriate relations between a student and their teacher.

The new trend among the populace seems to be to attack another’s integrity any time that integrity factor does not agree with the view of the attacker. Such actions can be seen in many political races and the candidates in those races. Also, this trend has become an “in vogue” action in the questioning of libraries, their collections, and their personnel. This attack level has risen to the point of movements to ban dictionaries, encyclopedias, plus historical and medical literature at the local library because of the words and thoughts defined in the library materials. The result is a varied standard of fairness, concern, and equal ethics and not enough of the practice of integrity.



Presently, many libraries are hosting summer reading programs for children and young adults. The programs this year have heavy attendance and active participation. Many parents still trust in the integrity of librarians to engage their children in programs of learning without prejudice and vile attitudes. Perhaps this is an indication that librarians are one of the few groups of people who still believe in integrity and are recognized entities with integrity. Let us salute both librarians and the institution they represent.

MLC hosted our IMLS Program Officer to review how Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants-to-states funds are used in Mississippi. We went on a tour of South Mississippi Libraries visiting Bay St. Louis Public Library, Purvis Public Library, Laurel-Jones Public Library, Waynesboro-Wayne County Public Library, Lincoln County Public Library, Judge George W. Armstrong Public Library, and Utica Public Library.

In the video above, we share an overview of the many projects funded wholly or in part by grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

What happens on a typical day in a public library? Snapshot Day is a “snapshot” of the library day by collecting data, photos and stories from all visitors who use services provided by their local library. The overall goal is to educate legislators, administrators, and the general public regarding the important services that libraries provide on a daily basis.

Libraries may choose the date for their Snapshot Day that works best for them; however we do ask that it be done by or before September 15, 2024. MLC will be holding their Snapshot Day September 4.

Download graphics for your Snapshot Day at https://www.mlc.lib.ms.us/snapshot-day-2024/.

The continuing education program is an important part of MLC’s services to the public library community. Each year the Mississippi Library Commission provides a skills development program with training opportunities in both traditional and emerging library services.

Need specific training for your library staff? Use our electronic form to get the training you need: Class Request Form

We’re happy to announce that this year’s LSTA Grant period has officially opened, and all documents are ready to download from the Grants page of the MLC website. The subgrant amounts will be $8,000 per system and $2,500 per independent library, and up to four (4) grants can be applied for. LSTA funds can also be put towards your HOOPLA allotment through MLC.

Christmas is Coming!

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us! With the combination of high temperatures and humidity, it's hard to think about Christmas. But it's right around the corner, and it's never too early to start planning! MLC’s Special Collections is here to help with your holiday programs.

Hurry! Kits will go fast, so reserve yours now. To reserve or ask questions, contact Charlie Simpkins at csimpkins@mlc.lib.ms.us or 601-432-4498.