Library science is an enormous field, home to every interest you could imagine! This means that there are many organizations out there for you to join, in order to connect with other people who share your professional interests.
So even if you work alone in your library, there are other people out there doing work similar to yours! Each week we will highlight a different library association for you to learn more about, and depending on your work, potentially join! You can also check out our page dedicated to Library Associations.
“The Medical Library Association (MLA) believes that quality information is essential for improved health. MLA aspires to be the association of the most visible, valued, and trusted health information experts. To that end, MLA fosters excellence in the professional practice and leadership of health sciences library and information professionals in order to enhance the quality of health care, education, and research throughout the world.”
The core values of the Medical Library Association include:
- Use of scientific evidence in making health care decisions
- Public awareness of, access to, and use of high-quality health information
- Lifelong learning and professional development
- Advancement of health information research and evidence-based practice
- Community and collaboration within and outside the profession
- Irreproachable ethical standards (Code of Ethics for Health Sciences Librarians)
MLA has a Public Policy Center that does advocacy to “address federal information issues, policies, and legislation of importance to the health sciences library community.” They also have an annual meeting, which will take place in Atlanta in May of 2018. The annual event will feature program sessions, continuing education, exhibitors and more!
MLA offers mentoring, scholarships and grants, several different publications, and communities for member connections. Learn more about joining the Medical Library Association here.