Step Off the Sidelines: Your Voice, Your Talent, Your MLA
Submitted by: Tara Douglas-Williams
The Medical Library Association has always been a member-driven community. Our strength, innovation, and continued impact come directly from the dedication and engagement of our members. Every program we launch, every initiative we advance, and every community we strengthen is shaped by individuals who step forward and contribute their time, ideas, and expertise.
As I prepare to serve as the incoming president, I want to personally invite you to consider volunteering for an MLA committee or jury.
Whether you are new to the profession, mid-career, or a seasoned and experienced health information professional, your voice matters and your contributions are needed. Our association thrives when members from every stage of the profession come together to share perspectives, mentor one another, and collaborate on solutions that move our field forward.
For those who are newly graduated with your master’s degree, volunteering is an incredible opportunity to build connections, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the profession. For mid-career professionals, it is a chance to expand your influence, share your expertise, and contribute to shaping the future of health sciences librarianship. For our experienced leaders and longtime members, your wisdom, perspective, and mentorship help guide and inspire the next generation of professionals.
Every voice strengthens our association.
Serving on a committee or jury is about more than completing a task. It is about learning together, growing professionally, building meaningful friendships, sharing knowledge, and contributing in ways that make a real and lasting impact. When members engage, they help ensure that MLA remains a vibrant professional home where ideas flourish and innovation thrives.
Our goal is to continue building a community where everyone knows they are seen, heard, and valued—and where contributions are not only welcomed but deeply appreciated.
If you have been watching from the sidelines, consider this your invitation to step onto the field.
There are four quarters in the game, and the plan is to play the entire bench. That means every member has a role to play and an opportunity to contribute. At some point, your name will be called.
Getting involved is simple. Members can volunteer by completing the MLA committee/jury volunteer application and being open to engaging with colleagues in meaningful and collaborative ways. Your participation helps strengthen our association and ensures that MLA continues to evolve in ways that reflect the needs, talents, and aspirations of its members.
I hope you will join me in this next chapter of MLA’s journey—one focused on excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Together, we can continue to make a difference not only in our profession, but also in the lives of the individuals and communities we ultimately serve.
Let’s work together to create an association that inspires, supports, and empowers, while making a positive impact and helping build a healthier world for all.
Important Dates:
Volunteer applications for committees and juries will open on MLANET on March 26 and will close April 17. Appointment letters will be sent in May, and terms will begin on June 1, 2026.
If you have any questions about the volunteer process, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be delighted to hear from you.
Tara Douglas-Williams, MSLS, AHIP
President-Elect, Medical Library Association
tydougl@emory.edu