Michelle Rivera, music library specialist at the Hesburgh Libraries, was elected to a two-year term as Recording Secretary for the Music Library Association (MLA) Board of Directors, effective March 2024.
“Michelle’s election to this board post shines a light on her dedication to leadership and excellence in her profession as well as her commitment to fostering faculty and student success,” said K. Matthew Dames, Edward H. Arnold Dean of Hesburgh Libraries and University of Notre Dame Press. “I am confident that her leadership efforts will make a lasting impact on music librarianship nationwide and bring further renown to the University of Notre Dame and its Hesburgh Libraries.”
Founded in 1931, the Music Library Association is the professional association for music libraries and librarianship in the United States. The association has a slate of national and international activities as well as 11 regional chapters. MLA membership includes librarians, musicians, scholars, educators and members of the book and music trades.
Rivera’s duties include revising and updating policies, amending by-laws, appointing officers, and approving organization activities and budgets. Beyond preparing agendas and minutes, she documents and reports on MLA's activities and the organization's overall health, as well as its regional chapters, committees and interest groups.
“It is an honor to be elected to this position and serve on the Music Library Association Board of Directors,” said Rivera. “The MLA is a professional and practical force for our work as music librarians and an excellent resource for advancing our complex profession. I look forward to working with individuals who have inspired me throughout my career to further the organization’s mission and work.”
Rivera is a member of the Circulations Services Unit of the Hesburgh Libraries. She serves as a music library specialist in the O'Neill Hall of Music, providing research and library service support to the Department of Music and Sacred Music program. She also participates in one of the University’s employee resource groups, Adelante ND: Latinx Staff and Faculty Association.
Prior to her election to the MLA board, Rivera actively participated in MLStEP, Music Library Students and Emerging Professionals. The MLA interest group works to connect with individuals interested in music librarianship and help make it more accessible. Since joining in 2019, Rivera has served as MLStEP’s programming officer and remains co-chair. She has also presented at the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives and Documentation Centres conference about how to promote the profession and better recruit prospective students and emerging professionals.