MLA’19 offered a range of new ideas, services and technology to consider. Here are a few that made an impression:
- Many positions require collaborating with other librarians or researchers. Kelly Johnson, Cornell University, shared her insights into navigating team dynamics in her lightning talk “Managing Expectations: Lessons Learned from My First Scoping Review.” Awkward conversations, i.e. the author line question, will happen. Throughout the project, direct and open communication is important.
- No one taught me how to be an adult, let alone how to teach a class on it. Megan Fratta, UNC Chapel Hill, shared her experience starting an adulting 101 class for undergraduate students. Working with the undergraduate librarian and campus groups, Fratta developed programs to help students cultivate health literacy skills. Future topics include health insurance, communication with providers, and mental health.
- Every day, we see new applications for virtual reality (VR) in healthcare and research. Since installing VR stations in the Library in 2018, the team at Indiana University is assessing and improving their offerings. Usage statistics are tracked - Organon is the most highly used application so far. As they continue to track usage, the team will promote VR technologies through LibGuides and demonstrations.
Find all MLA '19 Elevate blog posts here.
If you missed MLA ’19, you can still register for an e-Conference to catch up.