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Aim for Excellence

Library services and quality health information can reduce hospital costs, length of stay, changes in diagnosis and clinical decision making, and improve patient outcomes.

Find out how librarians can improve your organization's standard of care.

News & Perspectives for Health Information Professionals

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.

JMLA Editor-in-Chief Transitions to New Role

By: Brenda M. Linares, AHIP

Thu September 23, 2021

The MLA is grateful to Katherine Akers for her dedication and contribution to the success of JMLA and welcomes Alex Carroll as interim editor-in-chief.

Blog link: Announcements

Call for 2022 Award Nominations

By: Maria Lopez

Thu September 23, 2021

Nominations for MLA awards are due November 1.

Blog link: Announcements

I Am MLA: Sonya Lemke

By: Sonya Lemke, AHIP

Thu September 16, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member Sonya Lemke!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Challenges and Legal Implications of Misinformation in Health Disparities and Health Policies that Affect Minority Groups in the US

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Thu September 9, 2021

Sign up to attend this symposium from the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library and the Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Esq. Law Library at Howard University.

Blog link: Announcements

SCC/MLA Annual Meeting to Be Held October 12–14, 2021

By: Katie Prentice

Thu September 9, 2021

Join the South Central Chapter for their 2021 annual meeting, Armadillos Together.

Blog link: Announcements

I Am MLA: Janet Crum

By: Janet Crum

Thu September 9, 2021

Meet your fellow MLA member Janet Crum!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Midyear Reports Due October 15

By: Maria Lopez

Thu September 9, 2021

It’s time for MLA leaders to submit midyear reports. See MLANET for reporting details.

Blog link: Announcements

I Am MLA: Janet Crum

By: Janet Crum

Thu September 9, 2021

Meet your fellow MLA member Janet Crum!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Helping New Orleans After Ida

By: Emily J. Hurst

Fri September 3, 2021

The city of New Orleans needs our help now! While MLA '22 is months away, let's lend a hand to our colleagues and the citizens of New Orleans.

Blog link: MLA '22 | Reconnect, Renew, Reflect

Tips for Submitting to MLA '22

By: Kathryn Vela, AHIP

Thu September 2, 2021

Follow these tips when submitting for MLA '22!

Blog link: MLA '22 | Reconnect, Renew, Reflect

You Are MLA

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu September 2, 2021

Answer some brief questions about your career, interests, and hobbies to become our next featured I Am MLA profile.

Blog link: Announcements

MLA ‘22 Open Forum Recording Now Available

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu September 2, 2021

Are you excited about MLA ‘22 in New Orleans—but missed the Open Forum? Watch the recording now!

Blog link: Announcements

I Am MLA: David G. Keddle

By: David G. Keddle

Thu September 2, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member David G. Keddle!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Introducing the New Social Justice and Health Disparities Action Club

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu September 2, 2021

This new event series focuses on tangible actions that MLA members have taken to further anti-oppressive efforts in their communities.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

I Am MLA: Danielle Linden

By: Danielle N. Linden, AHIP

Thu August 26, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member Danielle Linden!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

AAHSL and NLM Announce 2021/2022 Leadership Fellows and Mentors

By: Patricia L. Thibodeau, AHIP, FMLA

Thu August 26, 2021

The NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Program prepares emerging leaders for director positions in academic health sciences libraries. Meet the fellows and mentors for 2021/2022.

Blog link: Announcements

Build your professional network. Sign up for MLA’s Virtual Colleague Connection!

By: Nell Aronoff

Thu August 26, 2021

Blog link: Announcements

I Am MLA: Cindy Gruwell

By: Cindy Gruwell

Thu August 19, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member Cindy Gruwell!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Librarians Advancing Interdisciplinary Research: MLA Comments on Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

By: Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP, FMLA

Thu August 19, 2021

Kris Alpi spoke on ARPA-H during Listening Session 9

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

RTI Research Spotlight: Latest Research Reveals There Is No Easy Method to Identify Clinical Trials in Systematic Reviews

By: Jennifer C Westrick, AHIP

Thu August 19, 2021

Jennifer Westrick's research found that many medical librarians, while comfortable in their ability to locate trials for systematic reviews, would be interested in learning more about clinical trial types.

Blog link: RTI News

Call for Feedback on the COVID-19 Resources Page

By: Angela Spencer, AHIP

Thu August 19, 2021

What would you like to see added to the COVID-19 resources page?

Blog link: Announcements

Call for Papers and Immersion Sessions for MLA ’22

By: Lisa A. Marks, AHIP

Wed August 18, 2021

Submissions for MLA '22 are due October 13, 2021.

Blog link: MLA '22 | Reconnect, Renew, Reflect

I Am MLA: Brian L. Baker

By: Brian Lee Baker

Thu August 12, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member Brian L. Baker!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Calling All Authors! MLA Call for Book Proposals

By: Jamie L. Conklin

Thu August 12, 2021

MLA is looking for potential editors and authors for books on suggested topics. We'd also love to hear your latest and greatest ideas for new topics.

Blog link: Announcements

Calling All Authors! MLA Call for Book Proposals

By: Jamie L. Conklin

Thu August 12, 2021

MLA is looking for potential editors and authors for books on suggested topics. We'd also love to hear your latest and greatest ideas for new topics.

Blog link: Announcements

NIH Releases 2021–2025 Strategic Plan

By: Patricia Brennan

Thu August 5, 2021

The 2021–2025 NIH-Wide Strategic Plan seeks to advance the vision for biomedical research direction, capacity, and stewardship.

Blog link: Announcements

Registration is Open for NAHSL 2021 Virtual Conference October 25–26

By: Susan A. Warthman, AHIP

Thu August 5, 2021

Join the NAHSL for programming, inspiration, and camaraderie October 25–26.

Blog link: Announcements

Connecting with the Global Health Librarian Community

By: Kristine M. Alpi, AHIP, FMLA

Thu August 5, 2021

MLA President Kris Alpi, FMLA, AHIP, reports on attending virtual meetings and meeting international colleagues.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

RTI Research Spotlight: Multiyear Assessment Reveals Utilization Patterns and Preferences of Residents/Fellows with Some Surprising Results

By: Mary Pat Harnegie, AHIP

Thu August 5, 2021

Mary Pat Harnegie set out to determine levels of use and satisfaction with library services. She found that physical space is a key asset and electronic access has high levels of satisfaction.

Blog link: RTI News

Announcing New JMLA Editorial Board Members

By: Katherine Goold Akers

Thu August 5, 2021

Welcome to the ten new JMLA editorial board members!

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

I Am MLA: Carrie Forbes

By: Carrie Forbes

Thu August 5, 2021

Get to know your fellow MLA member Carrie Forbes!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Sign Up for the Next MLA Virtual Colleague Connection!

By: Nell Aronoff

Thu August 5, 2021

Colleague Connection is pairing new members with experienced members. Sign up to become a mentee or mentor today!

Blog link: Announcements

Beverly Murphy, AHIP, FMLA, Receives the 2021 Marcia C. Noyes Award

By: MLA Headquarters

Thu July 29, 2021

Congratulations to Beverly Murphy, AHIP, FMLA, for receiving the highest honor that MLA confers, the Marcia C. Noyes Award.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

Come to MLA ‘22 in New Orleans!

By: Emily J. Hurst

Thu July 29, 2021

Join us on August 5 for details on MLA '22 in New Orleans. You'll be able to ask questions and learn who won the New Orleans–themed raffle prizes!

Blog link: MLA '22 | Reconnect, Renew, Reflect

Leadership in Libraries: Promoting Diverse, Equitable & Inclusive Environments

By: Briana Christensen

Thu July 15, 2021

Racial and gender disparities in management roles persist in various career fields in the United States, including librarianship. The lack of diversity raises concerns for information sharing and knowledge. Changes to library management structures and methods may be key to resolving the issues.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

2021 Research Caucus Research Awards

By: Lindsay E Blake, AHIP

Thu July 1, 2021

Congratulations to the winning research papers and posters from the MLA’21 vConference!

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

I Am MLA: Shalu Gillum

By: Shalu Gillum, AHIP

Thu July 1, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador Shalu Gillum!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Librarians Share Their Pandemic Experiences

By: Lilian Hoffecker

Thu June 24, 2021

Libraries adapted to drastic changes in the last year. Read about the resilience of six librarians in Africa, Latin America, and North America.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

MLA ’21 Books (& More) Recommended Reading List

By: Angela Spencer, AHIP

Thu June 24, 2021

Check out the books, articles, websites, videos, and music recommended during MLA '21.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

I Am MLA: Neville Prendergast

By: Neville D. Prendergast

Thu June 24, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador Neville Prendergast!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Julia M. Esparza

By: Julia Esparza, AHIP

Thu June 17, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador Julia M. Esparza!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Socially Responsible Investment

By: Shannon D Jones, AHIP

Thu June 17, 2021

Socially responsible investment is one of the objectives of MLA’s overall strategy on diversity, equity and inclusion. We now have an investment policy that includes objectives in community, employees, environment and governance.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

EFTS Unbilled Transactions Announcement

By: Kevin Baliozian

Thu June 17, 2021

Starting June 29, 2021, any unbilled transaction 180 days or older will be set to a $0 price and system approved. As a result, those transactions will appear in the "paid" tab for both the lender and borrower, at a $0 price.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

I Am MLA: Hanna Schmillen

By: Hanna Lee Schmillen, AHIP

Thu June 10, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador Hanna Schmillen!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Research Interests of 2021 RTI Applicants

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu June 10, 2021

What are your research interests? Compare with the word cloud of interests from applicants to the 2021 RTI program.

Blog link: RTI News

EFTS Custom Pricing Groups Now Launched

By: Kevin Baliozian

Thu June 10, 2021

Lending libraries who have to apply special pricing to one or more libraries, and that cannot do this via a DOCLINE group, can now create a custom pricing group with an associated ILL pricing table. This will result in lower admin time.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

I Am MLA: E. Bailey Sterling

By: E. Bailey Sterling

Thu June 3, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador E. Bailey Sterling.

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

I Am MLA: Tenley Sablatzky

By: Tenley Sablatzky

Thu May 27, 2021

Meet I Am MLA Ambassador Tenley Sablatzky!

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Gear Up For Live Action Week

By: Elizabeth Waltman

Fri May 21, 2021

From May 24-27, join your colleagues for lightning talks, paper meet-ups, interactive immersion sessions, and engaging keynote speakers during Live Action Week at MLA '21.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Congratulations to the 2021 RTI Fellows!

By: Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA

Thu May 20, 2021

MLA is pleased to announce the 2021 Research Training Institute (RTI) fellows!

Blog link: RTI News

MLA '21 Service Project: Community of Hope

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Thu May 20, 2021

We are pleased to continue our community outreach and are honored to partner with Community of Hope, a rapidly growing, innovative, and mission-driven nonprofit organization that provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services for low-income families in Washington, DC.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

MLA'21 Statement of Appropriate Conduct

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Tue May 18, 2021

The MLA Statement of Appropriate Conduct applies to all MLA members, nonmembers, invited guests, speakers, moderators, instructors, exhibitors, staff, and all others who participate in an MLA activity or event.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Get the Most Out of MLA ’21: Preparing to Attend

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Fri May 14, 2021

Eliminate Distractions: Homes and offices often abound with distractions fighting for your attention, so you need to prioritize the time you have set aside for a virtual conference.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

I Am MLA: Patti McCall-Wright

By: Patti McCall-Wright

Thu May 13, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Patti McCall-Wright.

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

NNLM Day @ MLA '21

By: Elizabeth Waltman

Wed May 12, 2021

Join the Network of the National Library of Medicine on May 17, 2021 at MLA '21 to learn about the future of NNLM, including its new configuration, partnerships and opportunities available.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

MLA '21 Acceptance Rates

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Mon May 10, 2021

MLA 2021 Conference Content Metrics

Each conference the National Program Committee Contributed Content Working Group (CCWG) reviews and updates selection rubrics for papers, immersion sessions, lightning talks, and posters.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) Seeks Applicants for Editorial Board Members

By: Katherine Goold Akers

Thu May 6, 2021

The Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) seeks applicants for editorial board members. Apply for editorial board membership by May 31, 2021.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

MLA ‘21 Is Almost Here!

By: Elizabeth Waltman

Thu May 6, 2021

Kickoff your MLA '21 experience on Monday, May 10 with a live opening session and the start of the first exploration week.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

MLA'21 Networking Events

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Thu May 6, 2021

Even virtually MLA '21 offers opportunities to network with your colleagues, peers, and other medical library organizations.

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Register for MLA '21 vConference

By: Elizabeth Waltman

Tue May 4, 2021

Conversations and connections. Energy and insights. Connections and interaction. Register now for the MLA ’21 vConference!

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Joseph Leiter NLM/MLA Lecture: Mitzi D. Baum, MS - #mlanet21

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Mon May 3, 2021

Mitzi D. Baum, MS
Joseph Leiter NLM/MLA Lecture: The culture of Public Health and Food Safety
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM CT

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

John P. McGovern Lecture: Damon Tweedy, MD - #mlanet21

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Mon May 3, 2021

Damon Tweedy, MD
John P. McGovern Lecture
Monday, May 24, 2021
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM CT

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

Janet Doe Lecturer: Sandra G. Franklin, AHIP, FMLA - #mlanet21

By: Jeremy Gunnoe

Fri April 30, 2021

Sandra G. Franklin, AHIP, FMLA
Janet Doe Lecture: Diversity That Defines Us: The View Through A Crystal Lens
Wednesday, May 6, 2021
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM CT

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

It All Started with a Tweet. The Beginning of the Asian Diaspora Coalition of Medical Librarians

By: Lilian Hoffecker

Thu April 29, 2021

An introduction to the Asian Diaspora Coalition of Medical Librarians. Learn more about what led to the formation of this Caucus.

Blog link: Global Health & Health Equity

I Am MLA: Emily E. Petersen

By: Emily E Petersen

Thu April 29, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Emily E. Petersen.

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

MLA '21: Make Your Case to Attend (Virtually!)

By: Elizabeth Waltman

Tue April 27, 2021

Build your case to attend the MLA '21 vConference!

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

MLA Announces 2021 Award for Distinguished Public Service

By: Lisa K Traditi, AHIP

Thu April 22, 2021

The MLA Board of Directors is pleased to bestow the MLA Award for Distinguished Public Service to Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., National Institute of Allergy, and Infectious Disease (NIAID) Director.

Blog link: Full Speed Ahead

Thanks to MLA Institutions Supporting Staff Development

By: Kate E. Corcoran

Thu April 22, 2021

MLA thanks the 60+ institutions that are supporting their staff members’ professional development in 2021!

Blog link: MLA '21 | Transforming Our Diversifying Communities

I Am MLA: Sally Gore

By: Sally Gore

Thu April 22, 2021

Read about I Am MLA Ambassador Sally Gore.

Blog link: I Am MLA (public)

Register for the Friends of the National Library of Medicine's Virtual Workshop, "Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Discovery"

By: Naomi C. Broering, AHIP, FMLA

Tue April 20, 2021

Register for the Friends of the National Library of Medicine's Virtual Workshop, "Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Discovery" on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM EDT.