Statements by MLA and MLA Communities

MLA fosters excellence and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice, leadership of health sciences libraries, and for information professionals, now and in the future.

Statements made by MLA caucuses and chapters reflect the opinion of the individual caucus or chapter of MLA, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Medical Library Association.

View all statements by MLA and MLA Communities

I Am MLA

I Am MLA showcases the talented, engaged, and diverse membership and promotes the value of diversity and inclusion both in MLA and among its members.

View all I am MLA stories

MLA '21 vConference & Exhibits

Discover what your peers are planning for the May 2021 Annual vConference and Exhibits

View all MLA '21 posts

MLAConnect

MLAConnect provides the community with insights on the health information profession, and members with news and information about MLA and its communities.

Select MLAConnect articles are public. Login for a display of all articles available to MLA members.

View all MLAConnect articles

Select MLAConnect articles are public. Login for a display of all articles available to MLA members.

2021 MLA Election Results

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu March 4, 2021

MLA is pleased to announce the results of the 2021 election. Candidates listed below will assume office at the conclusion of MLA ’21. All candidates have been given the results. The association thanks everyone who agreed to run and offered their talents in service of MLA.

Blog link: Featured Articles

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An Introduction to the Global Health & Health Equity Hub*

By: Margaret Henderson, AHIP

Thu March 4, 2021

The Global Health & Health Equity Domain Hub fosters organizational and professional partnerships to improve the development, access, dissemination, and understanding of health information for and by diverse populations in the United States and globally to improve the health of populations.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

I Am MLA: Ellen M. Aaronson, AHIP

By: Ellen M. Aaronson, AHIP

Thu February 18, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Ellen M. Aaronson, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Beverly Murphy, AHIP, FMLA

By: Beverly Murphy, AHIP, FMLA

Thu January 28, 2021

MLA Past President Beverly Murphy, AHIP, FMLA, introduces the I Am MLA profile series and shares her profile.

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Marie T. Ascher

By: Marie T. Ascher

Thu January 28, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Marie T. Ascher

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Jamie E. Bloss, AHIP

By: Jamie E Bloss, AHIP

Thu January 28, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Jamie E. Bloss, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Deidre (Dede) Rios, AHIP

By: Deidre (Dede) Rios, AHIP

Thu January 28, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Deidre (Dede) Rios, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Call for Reviewers for MLA ’21 Posters and Lightning Talks

By: Charlotte Beyer, AHIP

Thu January 21, 2021

The 2021 National Programming Committee invites reviewers for posters and lightning talks for MLA ’21, to be held May 2021. To apply, fill out the Reviewer Interest form by February 3, 2021.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Global Health & Health Equity: Another Look at 2020 with Obama’s Favorite Books: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

By: Lilian Hoffecker

Thu January 21, 2021

Each year, former President Barack Obama shares his top books, many of which describe the sensitive balance of experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His 2020 books are no different, offering some of the best writing and compelling stories.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

More Articles

MLA ’21: Submit Your Poster and Lightning Talk Abstracts Now!

By: Neville D. Prendergast

Thu January 7, 2021

The 2021 National Program Committee invites abstract submissions that support the annual meeting theme “Transforming Our Diversifying Communities.” Update: the MLA ’21 Call for Poster and Lightning Talks will remain open until February 15, 2021.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

RTI News: Announcing the New RTI Twitter Account: @RTIatMLA

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu January 7, 2021

Newsflash! The Research Training Institute (RTI) has created a new Twitter account for all things related to RTI: @RTIatMLA!

Blog link: RTI News

RTI News: There Is Still Time! Applications due January 10 for the 2021 RTI

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Mon January 4, 2021

There is still time to apply to the Research Training Institute (RTI)! The deadline to apply is January 10. Visit the RTI website to learn about the application process, scholarships, and the program.

Blog link: RTI News

RTI News: Why Should I Apply for MLA’s 2021 Research Training Institute?

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu December 17, 2020

The Research Training Institute Online (RTI Online) learning program is a unique and highly effective immersive training program in advanced research methods. RTI ’20 and RTI ’21 have adapted the program to an online environment and expanded the training with new faculty experts and new research top

Blog link: RTI News

An Apology from JMLA

By: Katherine Goold Akers

Thu December 17, 2020

JMLA recently launched a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative aimed at publishing more articles that recognize and address social injustices; speak to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce and among our user populations; and share critical perspectives on health sciences librarian

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

MLA InSight Initiative Fall Forum Future Possibilities and Opportunities

By: Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP

Thu December 10, 2020

On October 29–30, 2020, MLA hosted a free online fall forum that was open to all. This was the sixth summit in the MLA InSight Initiative, bringing together more than 185 health sciences librarians, end users, scholarly communication, and information provider organizations.

Blog link: InSight Initiative

I Am MLA: Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP

By: Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP

Thu December 10, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

EFTS Successes and Growing Pains

By: Kevin Baliozian

Thu December 3, 2020

The new EFTS, powered by MLA, platform is live, powerful, secure, and now fully integrated into DOCLINE. There have been lots of changes with successes and growing pains. Here is an update.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

RTI News: RTI Fellow Sandra McCarthy, AHIP, Awarded 2020 Academic Librarian of the Year!

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu December 3, 2020

Sandra McCarthy, AHIP, Bailey Library, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI, is the recipient of the 2020 Academic Librarian of the Year from the Michigan Library Association.

Blog link: RTI News

COVID-19 Conversation: Engaging Our Communities in the Time of COVID-19

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu November 19, 2020

Clinical and academic health libraries are facing novel challenges in engaging their patrons, stakeholders, and other members of their communities. A panel of three librarians with responsibilities for communication, marketing, and outreach will share their experiences in engaging their communities

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

RTI News: RTI Fellow Elizabeth Suelzer, AHIP, Awarded 2020 Librarian of the Year!

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu November 19, 2020

Elizabeth Suelzer, AHIP, MCW Libraries, Medical College of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, is the recipient of the 2020 Librarian of the Year by the Wisconsin Health Science Library Association (WHSLA).

Blog link: RTI News

RTI Research Spotlight: Librarian-Led Research Identifies Barriers to Library Referrals from Clinical Care Teams and Suggests Solutions

By: Liz Kellermeyer, AHIP

Thu November 19, 2020

In a recent article published in Hypothesis, Liz Kellermeyer, AHIP, has explored the factors affecting clinical care team referrals to the medical library. The medical library is a unique resource for patients, offering librarian-mediated searches, guidance, and help.

Blog link: RTI News

I Am MLA: Kelsa Bartley

By: Kelsa Bartley

Thu November 19, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Kelsa Bartley

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Naomi Bishop, AHIP

By: Naomi Bishop, AHIP

Thu November 19, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Naomi Bishop, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Alexander J. Carroll, AHIP

By: Alexander J. Carroll, AHIP

Thu November 19, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Alexander J. Carroll, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Don P. Jason III

By: Don P Jason, III

Thu November 19, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Don P. Jason III

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

More Articles

I Am MLA: Heather A. McEwen

By: Heather A. McEwen

Thu November 19, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Heather A. McEwen

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Virtual My Favorite Tool—Beta Tested

By: Christine Willis, AHIP

Thu November 12, 2020

The Technology in Education Caucus held a beta test of the Virtual My Favorite Tool event on Tuesday, November 10, in preparation for the MLA ’21 annual meeting. Four tools were presented to an audience of ninety participants. As promised, the caucus organized a fun and fast-paced event.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

RTI Research Spotlight: Librarian-Led Research Shows New Curriculum Model Increases Student Learning in Evidence-Based Medicine

By: Laura Menard

Thu November 12, 2020

If you work at an academic health sciences library like I do, I am sure you have sometimes wondered about the impact of your teaching. Do your students actually retain material when you guide them through an activity or a one-shot teaching session?

Blog link: RTI News

RTI News: Apply for RTI ’21!

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu November 5, 2020

Are you a library professional who wants to take your research skills to the next level? Do you have a brilliant idea or research topic that you have wanted to pursue but do not know where to start and need help to carry it through? Apply for the 2021 MLA Research Training Institute (RTI).

Blog link: RTI News

MLA ’21 to Include Full Virtual Offering

By: Tara Douglas-Williams, AHIP

Thu October 22, 2020

Planning for a future conference in the era of COVID-19 remains a challenge because of the uncertainty related to the ability to meet in-person. MLA announces that the MLA ’21 annual meeting experience will include a virtual component that builds on the success of the MLA ’20 vConference.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Global Health & Health Equity: European Medical Libraries during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By: Maurella Della Seta

Thu October 22, 2020

As president of the European Association of Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL), the most active European association in the field of medical information, I had a privileged view of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting libraries.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

Thank You, MLA ’20 Sponsors

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu October 15, 2020

MLA expresses our sincere appreciation to all of these companies for their generous support of MLA ’20.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

Call for Reviewers for MLA ’21 Papers, Posters, and Lightning Talks

By: Charlotte Beyer, AHIP

Thu October 8, 2020

The 2021 National Programming Committee invites reviewers for papers, posters, and lightning talks for MLA ’21, to be held May 2021. To apply, fill out the MLA ’21 Reviewer Signup form by October 20, 2020.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

I Am MLA: Charlotte Beyer, AHIP

By: Charlotte Beyer, AHIP

Thu October 8, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Charlotte Beyer, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Michelle Kraft, AHIP, FMLA

By: Michelle Kraft, AHIP, FMLA

Thu October 8, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Michelle Kraft, AHIP, FMLA

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Laura Menard

By: Laura Menard

Thu October 8, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Laura Menard

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Matthew N. Noe

By: Matthew Nicholas Noe

Thu October 8, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Matthew N. Noe

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

More Articles

I Am MLA: Peace Ossom Williamson, AHIP

By: Peace Ossom Williamson, AHIP

Thu October 8, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Peace Ossom Williamson, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Call for Papers and Immersion Sessions for MLA ’21

By: Tara Douglas-Williams, AHIP

Thu September 24, 2020

The 2021 National Program Committee calls for the first round of submissions for MLA ’21. Find information about the submission process. Extended to November 5.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Global Health & Health Equity: Resource Limited but Knowledge Rich: Hinari and Systematic Review Training in Zimbabwe

By: Lilian Hoffecker

Thu September 3, 2020

How do you conduct a systematic review with limited resources? Twenty years ago, it would have been impossible to search and access the articles that these reviews notoriously require. But with library professionals as trainers and the support of Hinari, producing systematic reviews is feasible.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

RTI Research Spotlight: Research Highlights the Importance of Including Users with Disabilities When Providing Web Page Accessibility Information

By: Amelia Brunskill

Thu September 3, 2020

Curious about how other libraries were providing accessibility information, I searched the existing literature and found very few studies that focused on libraries’ accessibility information pages and none involving any consultation with users with disabilities.

Blog link: RTI News

MLA ’20 vConference New Member/First-Time Attendees Book Recommendations

By: Angela Spencer, AHIP

Thu August 27, 2020

This is a collection of favorite books and/or current reads that were mentioned in the New Members/First-Time Attendees meeting held on Monday, July 27, 2020, at the beginning of the MLA ’20 vConference.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

I Am MLA: Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP

By: Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP

Thu August 27, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Ruby L. Nugent

By: Ruby L. Nugent

Thu August 27, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Ruby L. Nugent

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Lisa K. Traditi, AHIP

By: Lisa K. Traditi, AHIP

Thu August 27, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Lisa K. Traditi, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Fourth Annual MLA Book Recommendations: MLA ’20 vConference

By: Angela Spencer, AHIP

Thu August 20, 2020

This list is a compilation of books recommended throughout the MLA ’20 vConference. Special thanks to the National Network of Libraries of Medicine Reading Club; African American Medical Librarians Alliance Caucus; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee; MLA Book Club; and Twitter recommendation

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

InSight Initiative Videos

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu August 13, 2020

MLA’s InSight Initiative is a thought-leadership initiative uniquely designed to address the common problem of disintermediation by engaging health sciences librarians and information providers in high-level, high-value dialogue on issues that matter to both communities.

Blog link: InSight Initiative

RTI Research Spotlight: Librarian-Led Research Provides Clues for How Librarians Can Improve Medical Students’ Use of Information Tools

By: Margaret A. Hoogland, AHIP

Thu August 13, 2020

In fall 2016, I submitted a poster abstract to MLA ’17. My goal was simple: I wanted to see what point-of-care (POC) products health sciences libraries offered, how libraries promoted POCs, and if they used POCs in classes.

Blog link: RTI News

Attending the MLA ’20 vConference? Watch Paper and Lightning Talks before August 10!

By: Melissa De Santis, AHIP

Fri August 7, 2020

All paper and lightning talk presentations have been prerecorded and are posted in the Online Planner. The one-hour time blocks in the virtual program are for attendees to ask questions live to paper and lightning talk authors.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

You Should Be Here! MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits: Live Action Week!

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu August 6, 2020

Don’t miss your chance to participate in the MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits. MLA is looking forward to a truly memorable vConference and invites you to Live Action Week!

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

MLA ’20 vConference Featured Speakers You Don’t Want to Miss!

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu August 6, 2020

MLA is excited to announce Esther Choo, John Brownstein, and Chris Shaffer as keynote speakers at the MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits, the full-featured experience of virtual learning and networking.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

RTI Research Spotlight: RTI Contributed to Additional Study on Effects of COVID-19 on Medical Libraries

By: Jennifer C Westrick, AHIP

Thu August 6, 2020

Training from the MLA RTI has come in handy again! I am a fellow in the 2019 cohort, and my project is currently in the final draft stages. I know one of the goals of the RTI is to equip librarians with tools to do research on an ongoing basis, so I am sharing an additional research project.

Blog link: RTI News

Historic MLA ’20 vConference Opening Session Held July 27

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu July 30, 2020

The MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits, a full-featured experience of virtual learning and networking, kicked off on Monday, July 27, with an opening session that was available to all, including all MLA members, registrants, and vendors.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

RTI News: IMLS Awards Second Grant to MLA to Deepen the Research Capacity of Health Sciences Librarians

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu July 30, 2020

IMLS has awarded MLA a $227,862 Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant over a 3-year period to build upon, extend, and enhance the successful RTI. IMLS funding for August 2020–July 2023 will enable MLA to transition the existing RTI research curriculum and learning activities.

Blog link: RTI News

RTI News: 2019 RTI Fellows Open Forum

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu July 30, 2020

Learn more about the RTI program and join the RTI fellows and faculty on Wednesday, August 5, from noon–1:30 p.m., central time, as they present their research work and discuss their perceptions and experiences of conducting research in practice. All MLA members are welcome to attend.

Blog link: RTI News

MLA ’20 Service Project: Rahab’s Sisters

By: Basia Delawska-Elliott, AHIP

Thu July 16, 2020

What makes Rahab’s Sisters unique is the concept of radical hospitality. Rahab’s Sisters’ core mission is creating community for women and gender nonconforming folks “marginalized by poverty, houselessness, sex work, violence and substance use.” Community is a need that is often overlooked.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

I Am MLA: P J Grier

By: P J Grier

Thu July 16, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador P J Grier

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Adela V. Justice, AHIP

By: Adela V. Justice, AHIP

Thu July 16, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Adela V. Justice, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Anu Moorthy

By: Anu Moorthy

Thu July 16, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Anu Moorthy

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

RTI Research Spotlight: Recent Review Finds Few Information Literacy Studies of Doctoral Students

By: Elisabeth Nylander

Thu July 16, 2020

Doctoral studies offer a unique phase in the development and legitimization of researchers, and it is essential to understand the distinct practices of this population if librarians are to support this process in an evidence-based manner.

Blog link: RTI News

Letter to the Editor: As Librarian Furloughs and Lay-Offs Mount, Provider Practice and Patients May Suffer

By: Marianne D. Burke, AHIP

Thu July 9, 2020

The article by Virginia Marie Trow, “Clinical Support: As Losses Mount, US Hospitals Furlough Librarians with Other Hospital Staff,” describes the impacts of COVID-19 on hospital finances and employees, and on hospital librarians. Numerous hospital librarians reported furloughs or reduced hours.

Blog link: Op Ed

Global Health & Health Equity: A Call to Action: Read, Reflect, Include, Repeat

By: Mary Shah, AHIP

Thu July 2, 2020

George Floyd’s murder on May 25 set off the latest round of Black Lives Matters demonstrations as well as discussions and statements on social media and in email discussions. You may ask, “What can I do?” The answer is plenty.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

Doing Our Jobs in the Time of COVID-19: Facilities and Personnel Management While Your Library Is Closed, Open, Reopening, or Somewhere In-Between

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu July 2, 2020

In this time of COVID-19, clinical and academic health libraries face facilities and personnel management challenges. On July 14, a panel of five librarian leaders from clinical and academic libraries, will share their experiences, lessons learned, and plans.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

You Are Invited to the MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits!

By: Janna C. Lawrence, AHIP

Thu June 25, 2020

Envision our future and celebrate our past at the MLA ’20 vConference, August 10–14, 2020! The 2020 NPC has planned an exciting, educational, and interesting schedule of events. A live kick-off event will take place on July 27, 2020.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

RTI News: Research Interests of Librarians

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu June 11, 2020

As part of the application process for the MLA Research Training Institute (RTI), applicants submit a list of key words or phrases that describes the topic of their research that year. Below are word clouds of the key words that were submitted to the RTI for each year since 2018..

Blog link: RTI News

Global Health & Health Equity: PNR NNLM Webinar: “Still Searching for One Health: Information Services that Support Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Disease”

By: Suzanne Fricke, AHIP

Thu June 11, 2020

Part of the PNR Rendezvous series of the Pacific Northwest Region (PNR) of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), the “Still Searching for One Health: Information Services that Support Prevention of Emerging Zoonotic Disease” webinar will be on Wednesday, June 17.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

Announcing the MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits! Registration Opens June 5!

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu June 4, 2020

Join your colleagues, friends, and vendors for the MLA ’20 vConference and Exhibits, a full-featured experience of virtual learning and networking. MLA invites you to participate in this groundbreaking, interactive experience designed by your 2020 National Program Committee (NPC) and the MLA team.

Blog link: MLA ’20 | 2020 Vision The Future In Focus

I Am MLA: Tony Nguyen, AHIP

By: Tony Nguyen, AHIP

Thu June 4, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Tony Nguyen, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Shenita Peterson

By: Shenita Peterson

Thu June 4, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Shenita Peterson

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Meredith I. Solomon, AHIP

By: Meredith I. Solomon, AHIP

Thu June 4, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Meredith I. Solomon, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Aidy Weeks, AHIP

By: Aidy Weeks, AHIP

Thu June 4, 2020

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Aidy Weeks, AHIP

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Significant Changes to EFTS and DOCLINE after June 30, 2020

By: Kevin Baliozian

Thu May 28, 2020

The last day for ILL transactions on UCHC EFTS is June 30 (transaction day). After June 30, DOCLINE will reset the EFTS participant flag to reflect participation in MLA EFTS, and you will no longer be able to retrieve DOCLINE EFTS transaction information if you are not signed up with MLA.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

RTI News: Congratulations to the 2020 RTI Fellows!

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu May 28, 2020

MLA is pleased to announce the 2020 Research Training Institute (RTI) fellows! This year due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 RTI will be offered in a virtual format from July 13 to 17, 2020. The institute will provide the same high-quality advanced research methods curriculum and learning

Blog link: RTI News

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