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Professional associations provide resources to support members' career development and facilitate ways for members to engage with and learn from one another. This article describes Medical Library Association (MLA) activities related to the revision of professional competencies and the restructuring of the organization's communities during the past twenty-five years. Grounded in MLA's Platform for Change, the MLA competency statement underwent two revisions with core themes remaining consistent. Major efforts went into rethinking the structure of MLA communities, and it became a strategic goal of the association. Numerous groups spent considerable time guiding the changes in MLA's community structure. Sections and special interest groups were transformed into caucuses. Domain hubs were established to facilitate project coordination across caucuses and create more leadership opportunities for MLA members, but their implementation did not meet expectations. Member engagement and leadership are ongoing challenges for MLA. The next twenty-five years will undoubtedly see additional revisions to the competencies and continued iterations of the community structure.

The article explores the impact of non-librarian leadership on hospital libraries, focusing on the perspectives of hospital librarians working under such management. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of having non-librarian directors, opportunities and threats for hospital libraries under non-librarian leadership, and insights from a survey of hospital librarians.

Objective: The article reports on an assessment of the effectiveness of the MLA Research Training Institute (RTI) for the years 2018 and 2019. The RTI is a year-long continuing education research methods training and support program for health sciences librarians. The study focuses on assessing RTI participants' research confidence after program completion and compares these results with their perceptions of workshop/program performance and learning outcomes. In addition, the authors discuss how the findings were applied to inform and improve the program. Methods: The study used a 26-item questionnaire, RTI Research Confidence Questionnaire, to gather information on participants' self-reported research confidence before the workshop, immediately after the workshop, and one year after the workshop to determine statistically significant differences. Differences in research confidence were identified by using three nonparametric statistical tests. Additional workshop and program surveys were used to corroborate the research confidence findings. Results: Post-workshop and one-year-after-workshop research confidence ratings were significantly higher than preworkshop levels for years 1 and 2. A comparison of median ratings between years 1 and 2 showed significant increases in research confidence for nine items in year 2. Participants' positive perceptions of workshop/program effectiveness and learning outcomes corroborated these findings. Conclusion: Overall assessment findings indicated that RTI training helped participants understand, use, and apply research skills to conduct research. Findings also revealed that participants' heightened research confidence persisted at least 12 months postintervention. The RTI Research Confidence Questionnaire proved effective for rigorously assessing and improving the RTI program. This study enhances the currently limited evidence on evidence-based approaches for assessing and improving research instruction for librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how the Medical Library Association (MLA) is adapting and navigating to changes and innovations. Topics discussed include the role of the board of directors in leading the direction of MLA, the strategies of MLA to grow the organization, address its financial challenges and achieve long-term sustainability, and its strategic goals from 2015 to 2024.

On the occasion of the Medical Library Association's 125th Anniversary, four librarian leaders with a combined 105 years of engagement in MLA collaborated to reflect on the changes in our profession and our association. We draw on an examination of the last 25 years of the MLA Janet Doe Lectures, our own personal histories, and scholarship we produced for MLA publications and presentations. We offer this compilation as an invitation for readers to reflect on their experiences of changes within the profession, inspiration to engage in the issues around our place in society, and a source for additional exploration into researching and learning from our collective history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past twenty-five years, the Medical Library Association (MLA) has pursued a range of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This article, written by members of the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA)'s Equity Advisory Group (EAG), outlines significant measures taken to raise awareness about specific concepts, opportunities, and challenges related to DEI among MLA members. Topics discussed include the impact of influential Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) leaders, the establishment of DEI and social justice-focused membership communities, and specific initiatives led by various working groups and committees which have served to strengthen MLA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion during the last three decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the evolving role of the clinical informationist, highlighting the career path from traditional library roles to becoming a specialized member of the healthcare team. It provides an overview of the skills, education, and training required for the role, as well as examples of successful informationist programs and activities. It also discusses the impact of the Informationist Conference and the development of core competencies for the role.

This inquiry unveiled the potential of ChatGPT as a viable alternative to traditional citation generator. Findings showed the substantial potential and reliability of the chatbot as a citation formatting tool. Notably, the study revealed ChatGPT's remarkable accuracy in configuring reference citations for journal articles and books across a range of styles, including APA 7, MLA 9, IEEE, and Harvard. Furthermore, the tool demonstrated proficiency in organizing in-text citations for multiple references. Despite the commendable performance of ChatGPT, manual editing remains essential for the final verification of the references to ensure the utmost accuracy and credibility of sourced materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While medical and health science librarians' median salaries have increased over the last forty years; however, inflation-adjusted salaries are lower than in 2008. Utilizing data from the Medical Library Association's salary surveys from 1983 to 2023, this column explores median salary changes over time by discussing the median salary's performance against inflation and how the 2008 recession and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic impacted salaries. From 2017 to 2023, the median salary increased by 18%, but after adjusting for inflation, the median salary decreased by almost 6%. The findings have serious implications for recruitment and retention in medical and health sciences librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the highlights of the 123rd Annual Meeting held by the Medical Library Association, Inc. in Detroit, Michigan on May 16-19, 2023. It presents the sponsors and exhibitors who have demonstrated their outstanding support for the conference and for the value they see in information professionals, a conference overview, and the annual business meeting and outgoing presidential address.

In preparation of the 125th anniversary of the Medical Library Association, between 2021 and 2022 the Board of Directors established four different task forces to document the story of MLA's past, present, and future as part of the strategic goal of Building a Better Future. The Vision 2048 Task Force sought to bring together members from across the association to chart the future of health sciences librarianship. In 2021, the task force was assembled with members from across the association with varying backgrounds and experience. Early on, the task force focused their work on encouraging conversations within the membership via a series of open forums centered around the overall future of health sciences librarianship including emerging issues critical to effective professional practice, how to prepare the next generation of health sciences librarians, and suggestions of how can MLA adapt to move the profession forward. In an effort to have conversations which were inclusive across as many communities as possible, these open forums were hosted both in-person as well as in a virtual environment. This article documents challenges and opportunities discussed by members during the open forum conversations. As the MLA membership looks toward the future, themes identified within these discussions can help to guide a path forward as health sciences librarianship continues to adapt to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

There is often a disparity for new hospital librarians between formal Library Information Science (LIS) education and the skills required for doing the job. To bridge the gap, new medical library professionals search out Medical Library Association (MLA) classes and webinars, find courses on the Internet, or link to National Library of Medicine (NLM) training. The MLA Hospital Library Caucus tasked an Education Task Force to ascertain what new librarians needed to help them in their early careers. The Task Force created a survey, which was sent to hospital librarians with less than 5 years' experience. Respondents were asked to rate their top five duties and responsibilities and indicate with which they needed help. Using the results of the survey as a guide, the task force created a LibGuide for new hospital librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Generalized Overview of the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Effective 2023.01.15 (Generalized Overview) is an instructional material that provides a basic, clear, and linear understanding of the NIH policy and its requirements. While not developing or utilizing new technology, the Generalized Overview is innovative and notable for creatively using a freely available graphic design tool to translate government policy language into an accessible and understandable infographic that can disseminate important information about the NIH DMS Policy needed by researchers and by those who support them. Shared via a Creative Commons license, others may fully adapt the infographic or may simply add their own institutional contact information. The Generalized Overview can be used by any who find themselves responsible for publicizing and/or teaching the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy at their respective libraries and institutions. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for official guidance from the NIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) has made the decision to change our "revise-at-will" policy to instead adopt firmer deadlines for manuscript resubmissions. Beginning with this issue, manuscripts returned to authors with a "revise and resubmit" decision must be resubmitted within two months of the editorial decision. Likewise, manuscripts returned to authors with a "revisions required" decision must be resubmitted within one month of the editorial decision. This editorial discusses JMLA's experience using a "revise-at-will" policy and outlines some anticipated benefits of the new resubmission deadlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many health sciences librarians enter the profession without specific health sciences training. Some LIS programs have health sciences courses or tracks, but health sciences training within an LIS program is only one path to entering health sciences librarianship. To develop a map of pathways into health sciences librarianship, an immersion session at the Medical Library Association conference in 2022 asked health sciences librarians to share how they entered the profession. Methods: The immersion session was structured in three parts: facilitator introductions, small group discussions, and a whole group summary discussion. Guided by questions from the facilitators, small groups discussed what pathways currently exist, how to promote existing pathways, what new pathways should be created, and how to develop and promote pathways that make the profession more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. Results: Through in-the-moment thematic analysis of the small group discussions, the following emerged as key pathways: library school education; internships and practica; the Library and Information Science (LIS) pipeline; on-thejob training; mentoring; self-teaching/hands-on learning; and continuing education. Themes of equity, diversity, and inclusion arose throughout the session, especially in the concluding whole group discussion. Conclusion: Small group discussions in a conference immersion session showed the value of community building in a profession that has multiple pathways for entrance, highlighting the importance of unearthing hidden knowledge about avenues for exploring and enhancing career pathways. The article seeks to address barriers to entry into the profession and adds to the literature on strengthening the field of health sciences librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The state of evidence-based transgender healthcare in the United States has been put at risk by the spread of misinformation harmful to transgender people. Health science librarians can alleviate the spread of misinformation by identifying and analyzing its flow through systems that affect access to healthcare. Discussion: The author developed the theory of the Misinformation - Legislation Pipeline by studying the flow of antitransgender misinformation from online echo chambers through a peer-reviewed article and into policy enacted to ban medical treatments for transgender people in the state of Florida. The analysis is precluded with a literature review of currently accepted best practices in transgender healthcare, after which, the author analyzes the key report leveraged by Florida's Department of Health in its ban. A critical analysis of the report is followed by a secondary analysis of the key peer-reviewed article upon which the Florida Medicaid authors relied to make the decision. The paper culminates with a summation of the trajectory of anti-transgender misinformation. Conclusion: Misinformation plays a key role in producing legislation harmful to transgender people. Health science librarians have a role to play in identifying misinformation as it flows through the Misinformation - Legislation Pipeline and enacting key practices to identify, analyze, and oppose the spread of harmful misinformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors compare and contrast the structure and function of librarians and library services using a convenience sample online survey of pediatric hospitals in the Southeast based on the rankings from the Regional U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals and Magnet status. This approach is intended to determine how librarians and library services at hospitals that are recognized by the above programs differ from those that are not recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Medical Library Association (MLA) held its 122nd annual meeting May 3-6, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The meeting was entitled “MLA ’22: Reconnect. Renew. Reflect” and utilized a hybrid model with some events in person, and some virtually.

Background: Since 2003, the MLA Membership Committee has facilitated an in-person mentoring program called Colleague Connection at the annual meeting. The program hinged on meeting attendance, so members who could not attend were excluded. The 2020 virtual meeting created an opportunity to rethink the Colleague Connection experience. Three members of the Membership Committee developed an expanded and virtual version of the mentoring program. Case Presentation: Colleague Connection was promoted via the MLA ’20 vConference Welcome Event, MLAConnect, and email lists. The 134 participants were matched based on same-chapter preference, library type, practice area interest, and years of experience. Mentees chose mentor-mentee or peer pairs, resulting in 4 peer matchings and 65 mentor-mentee matchings. Pairs were encouraged to meet monthly, and conversation prompts were provided. A Wrap-Up Event was held for participants to talk about their experiences and network. A survey evaluated the program and sought suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: The online format boosted participation, and the format change was well received. In the future, a formal orientation meeting and communication plan can ensure pairs make their initial connections and provide clarity about program details, expectations, timelines, and contact information. The type of pairings and size of the program are important considerations for the feasibility and sustainability of a virtual mentoring program.

With the arrival of ChatGPT, the academic community has expressed concerns about how generative artificial intelligence will be used by students and researchers alike. After consulting policies from other journals and discussing among the editorial team, we have created a policy on the use of AI on submissions to JMLA. This editorial provides a brief background on these concerns and introduces our policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Medical Library Association (MLA) has defined 7 domain hubs aligning to different areas of information professional practice. To assess the extent to which content in the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) is reflective of these domains, we analyzed the magnitude of JMLA articles aligning to each domain hub over the last 10 years. Bibliographic records for 453 articles published in JMLA from 2010 to 2019 were downloaded from Web of Science and screened using Covidence software. Thirteen articles were excluded during the title and abstract review because they failed to meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in 440 articles included in this review. The title and abstract of each article were screened by two reviewers, each of whom assigned the article up to two tags corresponding to MLA domain hubs (i.e., information services, information management, education, professionalism and leadership, innovation and research practice, clinical support, and health equity & global health). These results inform the MLA community about our strengths in health information professional practice as reflected by articles published in JMLA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Librarians at Preston Medical Library sought to understand whether marketing research techniques could be adapted to libraries to better understand what patrons value. Specifically, this study sought to learn why patrons continue using a consumer health information service, develop insights to improve the service, and a methodology to use with other patron groups. Case Presentation: Librarian researchers conducted customer value research using laddering interviews, an interview technique utilized in marketing research to learn users' goals in using a product or service. The PML research team interviewed six frequent users of a medical library's consumer health information service. Researchers conducted laddering interviews, covering patron views of basic attributes of the service, leading on to consequences of their interaction with it, and finally discussing what they hoped to achieve in using the service. The results were visualized in customer value hierarchy diagrams, graphically showing relationships between valued attributes of a product or service, how the patron used it, and how that helped patrons achieve goals. This allowed the research team to identify which features of service contribute the most to patron satisfaction. Conclusion: Customer value learning utilizing laddering interviews enables librarians to see their service through the patrons' eyes, focusing on those aspects of the service that they view as most important. This study allowed librarians to learn that users desired to feel more in control of their health and gain peace of mind by obtaining trusted information. The library's work in providing information leads to self-empowerment for these patrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how public libraries and library staff in two systems in a midwestern state provide health information, particularly because of the state’s low health ranking. This article focuses on a subset of the study’s findings, highlighting staff preparedness to offer health information, perceptions about health literacy, and the role of the Medical Library Association’s consumer health information specialist (CHIS) certification in contributing to knowledge and understanding of health information issues. I interviewed 38 public library staff and received background information from four other individuals with knowledge of health information access in the state. Qualitative analysis indicated that library staff exhibited varying abilities and knowledge about health information and health literacy. Librarians with CHIS certification, provided in one system, were more comfortable with health information sources and services than others, as were their colleagues. Public libraries should consider providing more health information training to address the needs of their communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health librarians have traditionally provided mediated searches to support patient care, education and research. Objectives: This study aims to discover the types of search result formats used by health science libraries, determine current practice among health science libraries (types of requesters served, fees, deduplication, turnaround time and citation manager use) and uncover innovative methods for providing search results. Methods: An online survey was distributed to the MEDLIB‐L, ExpertSearching, MidContinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association and ICON listservs and through direct email to selected Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries reference and education librarians. Results: Librarians affiliated with 127 institutions from 11 countries (including the USS) and 36 USS states and territories responded. One hundred and forty‐two of the total 150 analysed responses provided information on full‐text access, and 81 of those 142 responses (57%) indicated that the institutions' link‐resolver links were included in search results provided to the requester. The survey responses provide information on literature search services regarding turnaround time, use of a citation managers, fees and deduplication. Conclusion: With the developing landscape of citation managers and the tools offered, these data can be used as a benchmark for librarians who are considering evaluating or modifying their search service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this profile, Shannon D. Jones, MLS, MEd, AHIP, FMLA, Medical Library Association President, 2022-2023, MJ Tooey describes her as someone who "takes chances on people, valuing those others might not see as valuable". Jones embraces lifelong learning, and it shows up in her collegiate journey; she has been a student of leadership, a leader of institutions, especially within the Medical Library Association (MLA); and a leader in librarianship. She is a trailblazer, the second African American MLA president, and a champion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Jones has been Director of Libraries & Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) for the past seven years and is also Director of Region 2 of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, National Library of Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Email solicitations for manuscript submissions are a common tactic employed by predatory journals to attract potential victims. Both new and established researchers alike have fallen prey to this tactic, justifying the need for librarians to provide further education and support in this area. This commentary provides a succinct overview of predatory journals; briefly describes the problem of predatory journal email solicitations; explains the role librarians can play in their identification; and lists some red flags and tactics librarians can tell researchers to look out for, as informed by the literature and the author's analysis of 60 unsolicited journal emails she received in her own institutional inbox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hospital Library Caucus of the Medical Library Association (MLA) follows the practice established in 1953 of developing quality indicators and best practices in the newly developing and fast-changing world of hospital libraries. As these libraries increased in number and prominence, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO) included in 1978 a hospital library standard developed in collaboration with MLA. Subsequent changes in JCAHO, then The Joint Commission (TJC) knowledge management criteria as well as technological changes in the curation and delivery of evidence-based resources influenced standards changes over the years. The 2022 standards mark the most recent edition, replacing the 2007 standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since 2003, the MLA Membership Committee has facilitated an in-person mentoring program called Colleague Connection at the annual meeting. The program hinged on meeting attendance, so members who could not attend were excluded. The 2020 virtual meeting created an opportunity to rethink the Colleague Connection experience. Three members of the Membership Committee developed an expanded and virtual version of the mentoring program. Case Presentation: Colleague Connection was promoted via the MLA '20 vConference Welcome Event, MLAConnect, and email lists. The 134 participants were matched based on same-chapter preference, library type, practice area interest, and years of experience. Mentees chose mentor-mentee or peer pairs, resulting in 4 peer matchings and 65 mentor-mentee matchings. Pairs were encouraged to meet monthly, and conversation prompts were provided. A Wrap-Up Event was held for participants to talk about their experiences and network. A survey evaluated the program and sought suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: The online format boosted participation, and the format change was well received. In the future, a formal orientation meeting and communication plan can ensure pairs make their initial connections and provide clarity about program details, expectations, timelines, and contact information. The type of pairings and size of the program are important considerations for the feasibility and sustainability of a virtual mentoring program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public librarians often address patron inquiries regarding health concerns. However, prior research indicates that public librarians may be unprepared to meet the health information requests of patrons. Objective: This study examined the availability of health‐themed courses in American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master of Library and Information Studies/Science (MLIS) programs. Methods: Accredited MLIS programs were identified using the ALA directory. Curricula were reviewed for health content and public librarianship, children's, and young adult concentrations. Descriptive and bivariate analyses assessed the percent of programs that offered various health‐related course content and the differences in availability of such content. Results: Of the 59 accredited MLIS programs, only 35 (59.32%) listed at least one health elective and none listed a required health course. No MLIS programs that had a public library concentration (n = 21) listed a required or elective health course, two programs with a children's concentration (n = 25) listed health course electives, and one program with a young adult concentration (n = 25) listed a health course elective. Conclusion: ALA‐accredited MLIS programs should consider increasing their offerings or requiring health‐related courses to improve the training of public librarians to meet the health information needs of communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community (non-academic) hospitals are implementing graduate medical education programs to offset physician shortages in the United States. Teaching hospitals must meet accreditation requirements for scholarly activity, yet literature does not show whether or not a librarian's research capacity impacts this requirement. Individual, professional, and organizational domains comprise the framework used to define and evaluate research capacity in this quantitative study. No significant difference in research capacity or GME scholarly activity was initially found between academic and non-academic hospital librarians. Further testing revealed the largest variances in the professional domain, but additional statistical analysis can provide insight on areas of librarian research capacity to guide future investigation and support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donald A.B. Lindberg M.D. was a strong proponent of self-improvement for all professions. He believed it was imperative for health sciences librarians to embrace lifelong learning as the Internet and networked information radically changed their work and opened new opportunities to increase their scope and impact. During Dr. Lindberg's 1984–2015 tenure as its Director, the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) became an even more dominant influence on education and career development of health sciences librarians. This chapter focuses on the way NLM partnered with other institutions and organizations to ensure that education and training were consistently part of the roll-out of new NLM programs and services as they were implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In 2019, the Medical Library Association (MLA) adopted a new model of community governance and participation, referred to as the MLA Communities Transition. The Communities Transition was the culmination of long-ranging plans by MLA to support two of its strategic goals: diversity and inclusion, and communities. The reorganization aimed to strengthen MLA member communities, better support programming, reduce administrative overhead, and attract new members. The 2019–2020 MLA Rising Stars cohort was tasked to study the Communities Transition and identify lessons that might be applicable to any major future change proposed for the organization. Methods: A qualitative study was designed and conducted to investigate MLA member and leader perceptions of the change process, using John Kotter’s eight steps for organizational change model as a framework. A set of fifteen open-ended questions was developed based on Kotter’s model, and seventeen semistructured interviews were conducted to gather perceptions and feedback. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to explore and identify several themes across all discussions. Results: Four major themes were identified: communication between leadership and membership, leadership during the change process, membership investment in change, and instituting change and future recommendations. The study revealed strengths in the overall implementation and execution of the transition, but it also highlighted several perceived issues with communication and information sharing. Conclusions: Study findings were used to develop recommendations for improved communication strategies and for handling large-scale changes within the organization in the future.

The article presents the highlights of the 121st Annual Meeting of the Medical Library Association, Inc. that was held virtually in May 2021. Topics include the coronavirus pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, the relationship between global health and the assaults on American democracy, systemic racism, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Presenters include Kris Alpi, Lisa Traditi, and Neville Prendergast.

The Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA) selects new editorial board members every year. In the spring of 2021, JMLA used a new process for reviewing and selecting applicants for the limited number of open editorial board positions. This reevaluation of the selection process was spurred by a desire to create a more diverse and representative board. Changes to the procedures for selecting new editorial board members included having an open call for editorial board members, creating an application form, creating a selection committee to screen applicants, creating a form for the selection committee to extract data from applications, and creating a two-step process for screening and then selecting board members. As part of construction of this new process, areas for continued improvement were also identified, such as refining the application form to allow more specific answers to areas of interest to the selection committee. The newly created selection process for editorial board members constitutes a significant change in JMLA processes; however, more can be done to build on this work by further refining the selection process and ensuring that new members are selected in a transparent and streamlined manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]