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MLA Committees

Members participate in a number of MLA committees and taskforces:

  • Standing Committees have annual responsibilities for furthering MLA's plans, goals, strategies, programs, and projects.
  • Juries recommend recipients of awards, grants, scholarships, and fellowships.
  • Editorial boards are appointed to serve as peer-review and evaluation boards for MLA publications.
  • Task forces are appointed for a specific study or activity

Committees, Task Forces, and Editorial BoardsBuilding a Better Future Strategic Goal Task ForcesAwards and Honors Juries | Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships Juries

Awards Committee

Committee Charge

(Formerly Honors and Awards Committee)
Established January 1985; Revised February 1998, September 2005
The committee consists of at least seven members, two appointed annually for three-year terms. The chair normally remains for a fourth year in this office; the chair-designate normally is selected from third-year members. The immediate past president serves as a voting, ex officio member. Donors of MLA awards are not eligible for appointment. The committee shall:
  • administer the general MLA awards
  • recommend to the board all policies relating to awards sponsored by MLA
  • review periodically the appropriateness of existing general awards
  • recommend modification, elimination, or suspension of existing awards
  • make recommendations with respect to proposed awards
  • coordinate the work of juries to select recipients of MLA awards
  • provide general guidance regarding procedural aspects of the awards
  • prepare, prior to the annual meeting, a master list of prospective recipients for endorsement by the board
  • recommend, when appropriate, a candidate for the Marcia C. Noyes Award, given only when the committee agrees that a medical librarian should receive it for outstanding achievement
  • prepare and submit an annual budget and midyear and annual reports

Juries

Juries consist of an odd number of members with a minimum of three members appointed annually for one-year terms. One memberof each jury is appointed as chair and serves as an ex officio member of the Awards Committee.

NamePosition
Cecelia Vetter, AHIP
Indiana University School of Medicine
Chair
John Carter, AHIP
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State-Jonesboro
Chair-elect
Pamela Flinton, AHIP
VA Maryland Health Care System
Member
Rebecca J Morgan
University of Kentucky
Member
Gurpreet K Rana
University of Michigan
Member
Elizabeth Stellrecht
SUNY at Buffalo, Health Sciences Library Services
Member
David Bickford
University of Arizona
Member
Shannon D Jones, AHIP, FMLA
Medical Univ. of South Carolina
Board Liaison
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Board and Administrative Committees, Executive Committee

Board and Administrative Committees

Established September 1974; Revised May 1988, December 1990, June 1991, May 1997

The committee is composed of the president, immediate past president, president-elect, and treasurer. The executive director serves as an ex officio member. The president serves as chair. The committee shall:

  • meet when necessary between scheduled meetings of the board of directors to act on business of the association
  • report all activities and actions taken no later than at the board meeting immediately following such actions
  • assist, as directed by the board of directors, in the management of MLA's business
  • conduct the annual performance evaluation and determine the compensation of the executive director
  • provide advice and counsel to the president
  • meet annually with the director of the National Library of Medicine to discuss issues of mutual concern
  • identify and develop planning issues and create a planning agenda for the board of directors

Executive Committee

Established September 1974; Revised May 1988, December 1990, June 1991, May 1997

The committee is composed of the president, immediate past president, president-elect, and treasurer. The executive director serves as an ex officio member. The president serves as chair. The committee shall:

  • meet when necessary between scheduled meetings of the board of directors to act on business of the association
  • report all activities and actions taken no later than at the board meeting immediately following such actions
  • assist, as directed by the board of directors, in the management of MLA's business
  • conduct the annual performance evaluation and determine the compensation of the executive director
  • provide advice and counsel to the president
  • meet annually with the director of the National Library of Medicine to discuss issues of mutual concern
  • identify and develop planning issues and create a planning agenda for the board of directors

See the Leaders page for current members

Books Panel

Books Panel

Established in 1976; Revised May 1988, May 1990, February 2001, September 2005, October 2012

The panel consists of at least seven members, two appointed annually for three-year terms. The chair remains for a fourth year, and a chair-designate, selected from the third-year members, succeeds as chair. The panel shall:

  • conduct its business during monthly conference calls, email, and at the MLA annual meeting.
  • actively solicit and propose ideas for new publications, evaluate proposals, and select authors of MLA books within the recommended scope of the publishing program.
  • identify outside reviewers to review manuscripts as needed.
  • increase awareness of MLA Publishing by finding ways to make it more visible to a variety of audiences, including library school professors and MLA members.
  • promote book publishing in order to foster the professional development of members.
  • prepare and submit annual objectives, budget, and midyear and annual reports.
  • conduct evaluation of the book publication program on a regular basis

NamePosition
Heather Jett, AHIP
Mayo Clinic Libraries
Chair
Susan Maria Harnett, AHIP
Nemours Children's Health
Chair Designate
Jeannine Creazzo, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Member
Amanda Haberstroh, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Patricia Ulmer, AHIP
Geisinger Health
Member
Laureen Patricia Cantwell
Colorado Mesa University
Member
Shanell T. Stephens
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Member
Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Board Liaison
Katie Arnold
Medical Library Association
Erinn Slanina
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publisher Liaison

Bylaws Committee

Established prior to September 1974; Revised December 1980, December 1990, May 1992, September 1998

The committee consists of four members, one appointed annually for a three-year term. The parliamentarian and executive director serve as ex officio members. The committee shall:

  • prepare Bylaws changes as recommended by the board
  • continually review the Bylaws so that it can recommend to the board the changes needed to permit the association to accommodate changing conditions and new responsibilities
  • maintain an annotated and accurate copy of the certificate of incorporation, the constitution, and the Bylaws, which are printed in the Directory , including any changes presented to the membership at the annual meeting to be voted on later by mail ballot
  • examine the Bylaws of new or existing chapters and sections and divisions of those bylaws to determine whether or not they are in conformity
  • prepare and submit an annual budget and midyear and annual reports

NamePosition
Amy Gische Lyons
University at Buffalo
Chair
Stephanie Fulton, AHIP
Texas A & M University
Chair Designate
Bethany S McGowan, AHIP
Purdue University
Member
Chris Childs
University of Iowa
Member
Shenita Peterson
Emory University
Member
Chris Shaffer, AHIP
University of California, San Francisco
Parliamentarian
Matthew Wilcox, AHIP
Quinnipiac University
Member
Emily J. Hurst
University of Maryland Baltimore
Board Liaison
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Credentialing Committee

Established December 1976; Revised February 1998

The committee consists of twelve members, who serve for staggered three-year terms, except the chair who serves a fourth year; the chair-designate is normally selected from third-year members. One member is appointed from a pool submitted by the Chapter Council. One member is appointed from a pool submitted by the Section Council. In years when there is a large number of portfolios to review, an ad-hoc task force will be appointed to assist in the reviewing process. The committee shall:

  • review and recommend guidelines governing the MLA program of professional development and recognition
  • recommend the content and skill areas required for initial eligibility for the program
  • monitor the fair and equitable administration of the program
  • maintain active liaison with the Chapter and Section Councils and the Continuing Education Committee
  • support and promote membership participation in the program
  • monitor all aspects of program implementation, and maintain ongoing program evaluation and analysis
  • develop procedures for the review of materials submitted by candidates for membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals
  • act as referees for all materials submitted by candidates for membership at all levels in the Academy
  • approve candidates for membership in the Academy
  • meet at least one time per year to review and validate procedures
  • prepare and submit annual objectives and budget and midyear and annual reports

NamePosition
Elizabeth G. Hinton, AHIP
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Chair; Chapter Council Liaison
Abby L. Adamczyk, AHIP
Thomas Jefferson University
Chair-designate
Rebecca L. Bayrer, AHIP
Kaiser Perm. Medical Center
Member
Basia Delawska-Elliott, AHIP
Providence
Member
Charles Joseph Greenberg, AHIP
San Jose State University
Member
Rebecca Kindon, AHIP
Upstate Medical University
Member
Emily Lawson, AHIP
RAND Corporation
Member
Leila Ledbetter, AHIP
Duke University
Member
Sonya Lemke, AHIP
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Member
Allison P. Matthews, AHIP
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Member
Barnaby Nicolas, AHIP
NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine
Member
Kathleen Butler, AHIP
George Mason University
Member
Dana Gerberi, AHIP
Mayo Clinic
Member
Ryan Norman, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Member
Meredith I. Solomon, AHIP
Harvard Medical School
Member
Janna C. Lawrence, AHIP, FMLA
Hardin Library for the Health Sciences
Board Liaison
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Director of Education
Tomi Gunn
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Sloane G Kelley
NYITCOM at A-State
Community Council Liaison

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Established May 2020

The MLA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is the coordinating and advisory body that evaluates and seeks to improve MLA practices and programs as they relate to diversity, equity and inclusion*.

The committee shall:

  • promote and encourage a diverse MLA leadership at all levels;
  • be a voice for DEI within MLA;
  • advise and collaborate with MLA communities and committees on DEI-related issues;
  • encourage, recommend and contribute to DEI-related programs, events and resources for MLA members and the public;
  • recommend strategies to increase diversity in the profession;
  • lead special DEI-related projects as directed by the Board of Directors.

To that end, the committee activities may include:

  • liaising with the MLA Domain Hubs and Community Council to integrate the diverse views of MLA Caucuses into the broader MLA DEI vision, and to advise the community groups on DEI;
  • liaising with the Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee (PRRC) on strategies related to improving the diversity of the pipeline to the profession;
  • liaising with MLA headquarter staff to collect and analyze DEI data, and to create, update and guide the content of the MLA DEI microsite.

The DEI Committee composition should be inclusive and reflect the diversity of MLA membership. It includes:

  • 6 to 9 members at-large selected because of their expertise in DEI-related issues, who serve staggered three-year terms;
  • 1 chair-designate appointed from the pool of members at-large who will be serving their third year (or their second year if none are available);
  • the chair-designate becomes the chair the following year, and will serve a fourth year if applicable.

 *How MLA interprets diversity, equity and inclusion:

  • Diversity – ways that people are both alike and different; understanding, accepting, and valuing differences that include race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, political beliefs, language, culture, nationality, age, ability status, and religion
  • Equity – takes differences into account to ensure fair and impartial processes and outcomes, and equal opportunity
  • Inclusion – all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are intentionally valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; feel a sense of belonging; and can contribute fully to the association’s success.

NamePosition
Kelsa Bartley, AHIP
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Chair
Michael S. Fitts, Mr.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Chair-Designate
Jessica Sender, AHIP
Michigan State University
Past Chair
Alissa Fial
Marquette University
Member
Ahlam Saleh
University of Arizona
Member
Xiaoqian Zhang
School of Information Studies
Member
Moyosore Adegboye
Member
Chloe Hough, AHIP
Member
Molly K Maloney
University at Buffalo
Member
Tara Douglas-Williams, AHIP
Emory University
Board Liaison
Tomi Gunn
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Education: Education Steering Committee

Established November 2016, effective June 1, 2017, revised March 2020 and January 2024

The Education Steering Committee is the oversight and coordinating body for MLA education. 

The committee shall, in collaboration with the Director of Education and the Curriculum Committee:

  • set and share the vision for MLA education programming;
  • communicate with the Curriculum Committee, task forces, and ad hoc groups;
  • assess the performance of the Curriculum Committee, and other education task forces and ad hoc groups;
  • monitor MLA’s professional competencies and, when major revisions are required, recommend for approval by the Board the creation of a task force;
  • recommend for approval by the Board the creation and modification of education-related committees, task forces, or ad hoc groups;
  • coordinate education planning communication with other MLA entities including caucuses, and other groups;
  • conduct specific education projects and tasks that address MLA strategic goals; and
  • maintain an operations manual that accurately reflects its work.

The Education Steering Committee is not responsible for:

  • creation, approval, or implementation of individual educational offerings;
  • pricing and funding;
  • resource and operational management; or
  • marketing.

The Education Steering Committee consists of 8 to 12 members who are appointed because of their expertise in instruction, instructional design, assessment, and/or educational leadership.:

  • 6 to 9 members at-large who serve staggered three-year terms.
  • 1 chair serving a two-year term, previously appointed as chair-designate; if no chair-designate was available, a chair will be appointed from a pool of members at-large who are serving in either their third or second year;
  • 1 chair-designate serving a one-year term during the second year of the chair term, appointed from a pool of members at-large who are serving in either their 3rd or 2nd year; the chair-designate becomes the chair the following year for the two-year term; and
  • the Education Director as ex officio member.

NamePosition
Clara Fowler, AHIP
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Chair
Emily Vardell, AHIP
Emporia State University
Member
Sarah Cantrell, AHIP
Duke University
Member
Cynthia Chelf, AHIP
Mayo Clinic Libraries
Member
John W. Cyrus
VCU Libraries
Member
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Ex Officio
Brittany R. Heer
Butler University
Member
Sarah Wade
Campbell University
Member
Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Board Liaison
Debra Cavanaugh
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison, Director, Professional Development

Education: Curriculum Committee

Established June 2023, revised January 2024

The Curriculum Committee shall, under the direction of the Education Steering Committee and in collaboration with task forces, ad hoc groups, and the Director of Education:

  • identify and solicit educational offerings;
  • connect with other MLA entities including caucuses and other groups, to identify and collaborate on education offerings;
  • review and assess proposals to ensure they are high quality, current, and align with MLA’s professional competencies;
  • communicate goals, accomplishments, and recommendations with the Education Steering Committee; and
  • maintain an operations manual that accurately reflects its work.

The Curriculum Committee consists of 8 to 12 members who are appointed because of their expertise in instruction, instructional design, assessment, and/or educational leadership:

  • 6 to 10 members at-large who serve two-year terms.
  • 1 chair serving a one-year term, previously appointed as chair-designate; if no chair-designate was available, a chair will be appointed from a pool of members at-large who are serving in their second year; and
  • 1 chair-designate appointed from the pool of members at-large who will be serving their second year; chair-designate becomes the chair the following year and will serve a third year if applicable.

NamePosition
Shalu Gillum, AHIP
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Co-Chair
Julia Stumpff
Indiana University
Co-Chair
Terri Gotschall, AHIP
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Chair-designate
Jaime Friel Blanck, AHIP
National Institutes of Health
Member
Nicole Covone
Memorial Healthcare System
Member
Kathryn M. Houk
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Member
Misa Mi
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Member
Rebecca Anne Morin
Tufts University
Member
Angela N. Murrell
University of Arizona
Member
Neil Nero, AHIP
Cleveland Clinic
Member
Shelly Santos, AHIP
NewYork Presbyterian Queens Hospital
Member
Carol Shannon
University of Michigan
Member
Sonam Soni
Member
Angela Spencer, AHIP
Saint Louis University
Member
Annie Thompson
University of Southern California
Member
Rachel Whitney, AHIP
Medical University of South Carolina
Member
Debra Cavanaugh
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Education: Data Services Specialization Workgroup

Established June 2023, revised January 2024

The Data Services Specialization Workgroup is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Data Services Specialization under the oversight of the Education Steering Committee and in collaboration with the Curriculum Committee, ad hoc groups, and the Director of Education.

The workgroup shall

  • develop and ensure currency of the specialization competency;
  • develop and ensure currency of the specialization Level I & II requirements;
  • solicit and provide feedback on proposals for courses;
  • evaluate educational offerings and other materials for inclusion in the specialization;
  • ensure currency of educational offerings and other materials of the specialization;
  • communicate goals, accomplishments, and recommendations with the Education Steering Committee;
  • maintain an operations manual that accurately reflects its work.

The workgroup consists of 6 to 12 members who are appointed because of their expertise in curriculum development and knowledge of the training needs of the specific topic area.

  • 5 to 11 members at-large who serve a one-year terms with an option to extend for a second or third year;
  • 1 chair selected from one of the outgoing members who serves for one year with an option to serve a second year as chair; alternatively, any current member at-large can be appointed as chair.

NamePosition
Margaret Henderson, AHIP
Chair
Caitlin Bakker, AHIP
University of Regina
Member
Matthew C Bridgeman
Rutgers University
Member
Justin de la Cruz
Member
Julia Esparza, AHIP
LSU Health Shreveport
Member
Kristin Hitchcock, AHIP
The University of Chicago
Member
Anna Liss Jacobsen
Indiana University, Indianapolis
Member
Fred Willie Zametkin LaPolla
NYU Langone Medical Center
Member
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Education: Systematic Review Services Specialization Workgroup

Established June 2023

The Systematic Review Services Specialization Workgroup shall, in collaboration with the Education Steering Committee and the Director of Education:

TheSystematic Review Services Specialization is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Systematic Review Services Specialization under the oversight of the Education Steering Committee and in collaboration with the Curriculum Committee, ad hoc groups, and the Director of Education.

The workgroup shall

  • develop and ensure currency of the specialization competency;
  • develop and ensure currency of the specialization Level I & II requirements;
  • solicit and provide feedback on proposals for courses;
  • evaluate educational offerings and other materials for inclusion in the specialization;
  • ensure currency of educational offerings and other materials of the specialization;
  • communicate goals, accomplishments, and recommendations with the Education Steering Committee;
  • maintain an operations manual that accurately reflects its work.

The workgroup consists of 6 to 12 members who are appointed because of their expertise in curriculum development and knowledge of the training needs of the specific topic area.

  • 5 to 11 members at-large who serve a one-year terms with an option to extend for a second or third year;
  • 1 chair selected from one of the outgoing members who serves for one year with an option to serve a second year as chair; alternatively, any current member at-large can be appointed as chair.

NamePosition
Heather Healy, AHIP
University of Iowa Libraries
Chair
Traci J. Mays
Florida Gulf Coast University
Chair-designate
Emily Brennan
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Member
Emily Capellari
University of MI
Member
Margaret Jane Foster, AHIP
Texas A&M University
Member
Leila Ledbetter, AHIP
Duke University
Member
Stephanie Clare Roth, AHIP
Christiana Care
Member
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Director of Education

Education: New HSL Curriculum Project Workgroup

Established June 2023, revised January 2024

The New HLS Librarian Curriculum Project Workgroup shall, in collaboration with the Education Steering Committee and the Director of Education:The New Health Sciences Librarians Curriculum Workgroup is responsible for establishing and maintaining MLA curricula for librarians new to the profession of health sciences librarianship under the oversight of the Education Steering Committee and in collaboration with the Curriculum Committee, ad hoc groups, and the Director of Education.

The workgroup shall:

  • develop and ensure currency of learning outcomes for the curriculum;
  • develop timelines for launch of the curriculum;
  • evaluate educational offerings and other materials for inclusion in the curriculum;
  • solicit and provide feedback on proposals for educational offerings and other materials;
  • create certificate programs and course packages to serve specific audiences and needs;
  • ensure currency of courses, course packages, certificate programs, materials, and other elements of the curriculum;
  • collaborate with other entities to develop the curriculum;
  • communicate goals, accomplishments, and recommendations with the Education Steering Committee;
  • maintain an operations manual that accurately reflects its work.

The workgroup consists of 6 to 12 members who are appointed because of their expertise in curriculum development and knowledge of the training needs of the specific topic area:

  • 5 to 11 members at-large who serve a one-year terms with an option to extend for a second or third year;
  • 1 chair selected from one of the outgoing members who serves for one year with an option to serve a second year as chair; alternatively, any current member at-large can be appointed as chair.

NamePosition
Hannah F. Norton, AHIP
University of Florida
Cochair
Jodi L. Philbrick, AHIP
University of North Texas
Cochair
Kellie Brown
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
Member
Molly Knapp, AHIP
NNLM Training Office
Member
Robert M Shapiro, II
New Hanover Regional Medical Center, South East Area Health Education Center
Member
Barbara N Slover
Member
Darlene G Ward, AHIP
Illinois College of Optometry
Member
Sarah Wade
Campbell University
Education Steering Committee Liaison
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Director of Education

Finance Committee

Established November 2017

The Finance Committee shall review the MLA annual budget, the performance of MLA in meeting its budgeted revenues and expenses, the audit report, MLA’s investment policy and investments, and shall assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities.

The Finance Committee consists of:

  • the current Treasurer who will serve a chair;
  • the Immediate Past President;
  • the MLA Executive Director;
  • the Treasurer-Elect when that position is filled;
  • one or more members of the Board, for a period between one year and their time remaining on the Board;
  • one member at-large, for a period not to exceed three years.

NamePosition
Tony Nguyen, AHIP
Network of the National Library of Medicine
Treasurer
Kevin Baliozian
Medical Library Association
Executive Director
Melissa De Santis, AHIP
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Member
Andy Hickner
Weill Cornell Medicine
Board Representative
Shannon D Jones, AHIP, FMLA
Medical Univ. of South Carolina
Immediate Past President
Kristie Hammill
MCI USA Washington
Director of Finance

Grants and Scholarships Committee

Established January 1985; Revised February 1998; September 2005

The committee consists of at least seven members, two appointed annually for three-year terms. The chair normally remains for a fourth year in this office; the chair-designate is normally selected from third-year members. The immediate past president serves as a voting, ex officio member. Donors of MLA scholarships and awards are not eligible for membership on the committee. The committee shall:

  • administer grants and scholarships in the name of MLA
  • recommend to the board all policies relating to scholarships and grants made or sponsored by MLA
  • review periodically the appropriateness of existing MLA scholarships and grants
  • recommend modification, elimination, or suspension of existing scholarships and grants
  • make recommendations with respect to proposed new awards
  • coordinate fund-raising activities in support of scholarships and grants sponsored by the association
  • coordinate the work of juries appointed annually to select the recipients of the grants and scholarships
  • provide general guidance regarding the procedural aspects of selecting recipients of the grants and scholarships
  • prepare and submit an annual budget and midyear and annual reports

NamePosition
Jenessa Marie McElfresh, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Chair
Daisy De La Rosa
Florida International University
Chair Designate
Andrew Todd
Member
Majid Anwar, AHIP
Nova Southeastern University
Member
Jamie Furrh Quinn, AHIP
Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Member
Shannon D Jones, AHIP, FMLA
Medical Univ. of South Carolina
Board Liaison
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

History Committee

Established June 1977; Revised December 1984, September 1996, September 2005Name changed to History Committee from Oral History Committee in June 2022

The History Committee is the body that oversees the association’s history program in North American health sciences information, with a focus on the Medical Library Association and evolving historical events that impact the profession, and furthers MLA’s core values in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The committee shall:

  • coordinate all published and unpublished components of MLA’s history;
  • identify traditional and emerging formats for capturing histories across the association*;
  • determine criteria for submission of histories based on the specific format;
  • coordinate the selection of historical voices and stories;
  • support the training of interviewers, editors and other roles for the history program;
  • assist in promoting the oral history program to contributors, MLA members and the public;
  • help maintain the history website;
  • undertake special projects, as tasked by the board, that support the creation of and access to history in the health sciences;
  • prepare and submit annual objectives, budget, and midyear and annual reports.

The committee should be inclusive and reflect the diversity of MLA membership. It includes:

  • At least 5 members at-large who are selected because of their interest and expertise in the activities of the committee, appointed annually for staggered three-year terms;
  • 1 chair-designate preferably selected from the pool of members at-large, serving for one year;
  • 1 chair, serving for one year;
  • 1 immediate past chair, serving for one year;
  • Liaisons from MLA caucuses or other MLA committees as recommended by the chair-designate and appointed by the MLA President-Elect.
  • The chair of the committee may appoint individuals to specific project-related roles as required, from members of the committee or at-large.

NamePosition
Sally Gore
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Co-Chair
Teresa L. Knott, AHIP, FMLA
Virginia Commonwealth University
Co-Chair
Linné Girouard, AHIP, FMLA
Houston Methodist
Chair Designate
DeAnn Brame
Member
Amelia Brunskill
University of Illinois at Chicago
Member
Kathleen Amos, AHIP
JMLA Liaison
Daisy De La Rosa
Florida International University
Member
Brad Kuennen
Iowa State University
Member
William Olmstadt, AHIP
LSU Health Shreveport
Member
Emily J. Hurst
University of Maryland Baltimore
Board Liaison
Ximena Chrisagis
Accessibility and Disability Caucus Liaison
Jeremy Gunnoe
Howard University
LGBTQIA+ Caucus Liaison
Gregory Laynor
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Past Co-chair
Jennifer K. Lloyd, AHIP
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
History of the Health Sciences Caucus Liaison
Beverly Murphy
Duke University Med.Cntr.
AAMLA Caucus Liaison
Ruby L Nugent
National Jewish Health
Latinx Caucus Liaison
Brandon Pieczko
Indiana University
MLA Archives Task Force Liaison
Ansley Stuart
University of Louisville
Past Co-chair

JMLA Editorial Board

Established prior to September 1974; Revised April 1988, May 1989, July 1992, October 2012, February 2016; November 2019

The JMLA editorial board supports the JMLA editor in publishing JMLA. The board shall: 

  • carry out their roles in the publication of the JMLA in accordance with instructions from the editor – those roles may include providing advice, being an ambassador for JMLA, executing administrative tasks, managing a specific column, reviewing articles, and other tasks and projects as determined by the editor; and
  • regularly meet to evaluate, strategize, and plan

The JMLA editorial board is chaired by the JMLA editor. The board consists of volunteer editors appointed as needed by the JMLA editor, generally for three-year renewable terms. Their roles may include:

  • Senior editors: Experienced members, such as previous editors-in-chief, who may provide advice to the editor, spread awareness of the journal to readers and submitters, and perform such duties as may be prescribed from time to time by the editor
  • Associate editors: Editors who assist with the administrative and editorial tasks of the editor in chief (may also be referred to as coeditors or another title as appropriate)
  • Series editors: Editors with responsibility for particular columns or parts of the journal, such as reviews or obituaries
  • Peer reviewers consist of at least twenty-one reviewers, seven appointed annually for three-year terms in consultation with the editor of the JMLA. Peer reviewers shall act as referees for papers submitted for publication in the JMLA in accordance with instructions from the editor
  • Liaisons to MLA domain hubs: editors should encourage the solicitation of JMLA article submissions that reflect domain hub interests
  • and other tasks and projects as determined by the editor

NamePosition
Jill Boruff, AHIP
McGill University
Co-editor-in-Chief
Michelle Kraft, AHIP, FMLA
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Co-editor-in-Chief
Caitlin Bakker, AHIP
University of Regina
Assistant Editor
Thane Chambers
Assistant Editor
Andrea M. Hayes
Purdue University
Section Co-editor, Book Reviews
Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Section Editor, Book Reviews
Brenda Faye Green, FMLA
Section Editor, History Matters
Beverly Murphy
Duke University Med.Cntr.
Section Editor, In Memoriam
LaTeesa N. James
Section Co-editor, Resource Reviews
Mary C. Schleicher, AHIP
Cleveland Clinic
Section Co-editor, Resource Reviews
Matthew Nicholas Noe
Harvard Medical School
Section Editor, Social Media
Emily J. Hurst
University of Maryland Baltimore
Virtual Projects
Dominic Dankwah Agyei
University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)
Member
Elizabeth O. Ayorinde
UIUC/SIU-SOM
Member
Kelsa Bartley, AHIP
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Member
Jacob Bilek
East Tennessee State University
Member
Morgan A. Brynnan, AHIP
Member
Hsinliang Chen
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Member
Jill M Daby, AHIP
Member
Deborah Diana Divis, AHIP
Creighton University
Member
Jensen Alexander Fisher, AHIP
Rocky Vista University
Member
Carrie Forbes, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Jacqueline Freeman
University of Michigan - Taubman Health Sciences Library
Member
Dean Michael Giustini
University of British Columbia
Member
Marisol Hernandez
Member
Paula J Hess, AHIP
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Member
Melissa K Kahili-Heede
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Member
Liz Kellermeyer, AHIP
National Jewish Health
Member
Jherusha Lambert
Member
Essam Mansour
South Valley University (SVU)
Member
Aida Miro-Herrans
Member
Patricia Gonce Morton
University of Utah College of Nursing
Member
Carol L. Perryman
Texas Womans University
Member
Brandon Pieczko
Indiana University
Member
Amy Reyes
Member
Plato L. Smith, II
University of Florida
Member
Kathryn Vela
Member
Gloria E. Willson
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Member
Alicia V. Zuniga
Member
Andy Hickner
Weill Cornell Medicine
Board Liaison
Katie Arnold
Medical Library Association
Copy and Production Editor

Joseph Leiter NLM/MLA Lectureship Committee

Established January 1984; Revised September 1995; September 2005

The committee consists of an equal number of members from MLA and the National Library of Medicine appointed by the president of MLA. At least two of the appointed members, including one from the National Library of Medicine, will be appointed each year. The chair, selected from the two most senior members, would be the NLM appointee for the year in which the lecture would be held at NLM, and the MLA appointee the year in which the lecture will be given at the annual meeting. The chair of MLA's National Program Committee serves an an ex officio member during the year in which a lecture is given at the MLA annual meeting. The committee shall:

  • provide for the joint sponsorship by MLA and NLM of an intellectual dialog on subjects related to biomedical communications that will serve to stimulate intellectual liaison between NLM and MLA
  • determine the topic, form of presentation, and identity of sponsored speakers in accordance with the terms of the agreement; presentations may be, but are not limited to, individual lecturers, symposia, or panel discussions
  • make decisions on cosponsoring a presentation with funding from other organizations or individuals
  • prepare and submit an annual budget and midyear and annual reports

NamePosition
Ken Koyle
Chair - NLM Representative
Michele L. Mason-Coles
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
MLA Representative
Kate Flewelling, AHIP
Boston University
Member - MLA Representative
Andy Hickner
Weill Cornell Medicine
Board Liaison
Kevin Baliozian
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liasion
Peter B Seibert
NLM
NLM Representative

Membership Committee

Established prior to September 1974; Revised December 1980, December 1988, May 1990, May 1991, September 1999, February 2001, February 2005

The Core Membership Committee shall be composed of eleven members, two appointed annually for three-year terms. The chair normally remains for a fourth year; the chair designate is normally selected from second-year members.

The committee shall include a new member, a student member, a chapter representative, a section representative, a Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee representative; a graduate library school faculty member and five other core committee members included the chair. The section and chapter representatives will be appointed by their respective councils, the library school faculty member by the Medical Library Education Section, and the new/student member terms will be staggered.

The committee shall:

  • Review, recommend, and assist in the implementation of policies to promote membership in the association.
  • Assist with planning and evaluation of membership promotion efforts.
  • Assist with implementing specific membership development strategies, such as prospective member list development, telephone follow-up, and new member welcome and reception.
  • Prepare and submit annual objectives and budget; submit midyear and annual reports to the Board of Directors.

NamePosition
Jana Liebermann
Chair
Adorée Hatton Makusztak, AHIP
Loma Linda University
Chair-designate
Laura N. Haygood
Member
Diane Kearney, AHIP
Northern Virginia Community College
Member
Alia Spencer
Palm Beach State College
Member
Debra Trogdon-Livingston
Student Member
Alexandria Q Wilson, AHIP
University of Tennessee
Member
Kelsey Grabeel, AHIP
University of Tennessee
Member
Adela V. Justice, AHIP
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Member
Irene (Rena) Machowa Lubker, AHIP
Medical University of South Carolina
Board Liaison
Tomi Gunn
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Erin Wentz
MCPHS University
Community Council Liaison

MLAConnect Editorial Board

Established October 2012; revised November 2019
The MLAConnect editorial board supports the MLAConnect editor in publishing the MLAConnect content. The board shall:

  • carry out their roles in the publication of MLAConnect in accordance with instructions from the editor – those roles may include managing a column, reviewing article submissions, soliciting article publications, and writing articles
  • regularly meet to evaluate, strategize, and plan
  • the MLA executive director, or appointed MLA staff member, is an ex officio member of the MLAConnect editorial board

NamePosition
Christine Willis, AHIP
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Editor
Erin Dredge
Kansas City University
Hub Co-editor: Clinical Support
Terri Gotschall, AHIP
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Hub Co-editor: Information Services
Elizabeth G. Hinton, AHIP
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Hub Co-editor: Information Services
Jon Goodell
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Podcast Sound Editor
Margaret Easbey, AHIP
Cottage Health
Co-Editor, I Am MLA
Jackson Kramer Hoch
Virginia Tech Libraries
Co-Editor, I Am MLA
Sarah Jackson
LSU Health Shreveport
Hub Co-editor: Education
Erin Elizabeth Ware
LSU Health Shreveport
Hub Co-editor: Education
Joe Price
Galen College of Nursing
Hub Co-editor: Professionalism & Leadership
Regina Fisher Raboin
University of Mass Chan Medical School
Hub Co-editor: Professionalism and Leadership
Olivia A. Glotfelty-Scheuering, AHIP
UPMC Mercy
Co-Editor, Hospital Librarianship Column, HLC National Network
Ryan Norman, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Co-Editor, Hospital Librarianship Column, HLC National Network
Katie Arnold
Medical Library Association
Copy and Production Editor

National Program Committees

Established December 1976; Revised December 1987; November 2019

The Board of Directors establishes a new National Program Committee (NPC) to support the organization of each future MLA Annual Meeting, three years prior to its occurrence. Each committee terminates on December 31 following the corresponding annual meeting.

In years where the meeting is a joint meeting, the Board of Directors may modify the name of the committee (e.g., if the collaboration is with an international organization) and the rules of its composition.

The committee's primary responsibility is to assemble a quality program that aligns with the strategic objectives of MLA, and represents the diversity of interests of MLA members, in accordance with the guidelines of the Annual Meeting Planning Guide, and in collaboration with MLA headquarters staff. This includes:

  • developing the meeting theme
  • calling for and evaluating contributed papers
  • soliciting the participation of peer reviewers
  • identifying and inviting speakers
  • assisting MLA headquarters staff in making necessary local arrangements and to provide staffing for such activities as hospitality, via the Local Assistance Committee (LAC) subcommittee of the NPC

The committee contributes to other essential areas that are the responsibility of MLA headquarters staff, such as:

  • assisting with city iconic imagery
  • publicizing the meeting
  • creating the meeting schedule
  • identifying vendor interests
  • attending site visits as required

The committee is not responsible for:

  • general marketing
  • logistics
  • budgeting, including registration rates
  • exhibits
  • continuing education courses
  • activities and content other than those listed above (e.g., awards, receptions, business meeting, open forums, committee meetings, caucus gatherings)

The NPC consists of members who are appointed because of their expertise in program planning and their diverse representation of MLA interests and members, and includes:

  • one chair or two co-chairs, and one chair or two LAC co-chairs for the host city appointed by the President up to three years prior to the meeting
  • 8 to 12 members, including one  assigned as liaison to each domain hub appointed as part of the regular committee appointment cycle two years prior to the annual meeting
  • one representative of the Community Council appointed by the chair of Community Council
  • one representative of the Chapter Council appointed by the chair of Chapter Council
  • the executive director and members of the MLA headquarters staff appointed by them

Additional responsibilities include:

  • the LAC chair appoints a group of subcommittees to assist headquarters in making necessary local arrangements and to provide staffing for such activities as hospitality. The number of subcommittees and their type will vary from city to city. The chairs of these subcommittees, together with the local assistance chair, serve as the local steering committee
  • the liaison to each domain hub shares with the NPC the interests and latest trends occurring in member caucuses; they in turn solicit member caucuses for individuals to submit contributed sessions
  • the representatives of the Community and Chapter Councils are responsible for the channels of communication between the NPC on their respective councils, and for specific calls to action

Subcommittees

The local assistance chair appoints a group of subcommittees to assist headquarters in making necessary local arrangements and to provide staffing for such activities as hospitality. The number of subcommittees and their type will vary from city to city. The chairs of these subcommittees, together with the local assistance chair, serve as the local steering committee.

2023 National Program Committee

NamePosition
Nabi Hasan, PhD, PDF, FNEB, FSLA
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
SLA Program Committee Liaison
Andrew Shimp
Yale University
SLA Program Committee Liaison
Hannah Jeon
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison; Liaison to LAC
Jordan Burghardt
MCI USA for Special Libraries Association
SLA Staff Liaison
Monica Evans-Lombe
Special Libraries Association (SLA)
SLA Staff Liaison
Stuart Hales
Medical Library Association
SLA Staff Liasion

2024 National Program Committee

NamePosition
Liz Kellermeyer, AHIP
National Jewish Health
Co-Chair
Emily Vardell, AHIP
Emporia State University
Co-Chair
Laura Zeigen, AHIP
Oregon Health & Science University
Local Assistance Committee Co-chair
Sola Whitehead, AHIP
VA Portland Health Care System
Local Assistance Committee Co-chair
Shalu Gillum, AHIP
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Virtual Assistance Committee Chair
Brian L. Baker
Valley Children's Hospital
Member
Dawn Ellen Hackman, AHIP
San José State University
Member
Rosalind K Lett
The Infopreneurs, LLC
Member
Sylvia McAphee
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Member
Jaclyn Morales, AHIP
North Shore University Hospital
Member
David A. Nolfi, AHIP
Duquesne University
Member
Jenny Pierce
Temple University
Member
Ariel FitzGerald Pomputius, AHIP
University of Florida
Member
Melissa L Rethlefsen, AHIP
University of New Mexico
Member
Ashley Michelle Thomas
Harvard Medical School
Member
Amy Blevins
Indiana University School of Medicine
Board Liaison
Kevin Baliozian
Medical Library Association
Executive Director
Debra Cavanaugh
Medical Library Association
Director, Professional Development; Contributed Content Staff Liaison
Kate E. Corcoran
Medical Library Association
Chief Operating Officer; Staff Liaison
Hannah Jeon
Medical Library Association
Marketing Manager
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Manager of Executive Operations; Staff Liaison

2024 National Program Committee - Collection Development Workgroup

NamePosition
Alan Backer
UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus
Member
Megan Besaw Inman
East Carolina University
Member
Nicole Theis-Mahon, AHIP
University of Minnesota
Member
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Iris Kovar-Gough, AHIP
Michigan State University
Chair
Enrique Mares
Wolters Kluwer
Member
Jen Ostrosky
JoVE
Member
Emily Singley
Member

2024 National Program Committee - Leadership and Management Workgroup

NamePosition
Ann Cullen
Tufts University
Mary Beth McAteer, AHIP
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Member
Jolene M. Miller, AHIP
University of Toledo
Member
Jennifer C Westrick, AHIP
Library of Rush University Medical Center
Member
Mark Berendsen
Northwestern University
Chair
Elizabeth Downey
member
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Tim Peters
Central Michigan University
Member

2024 National Program Committee - Data Management and Services Workgroup

NamePosition
Elena Azadbakht
University of Nevada, Reno
Member
Jocelyn Swick-Jemison
Member
Kristen Adams
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Gabriele Hayden
University of Oregon Libraries
Mary Piorun, PhD, AHIP
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Member
Rebecca Reznik-Zellen
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Member

2025 National Program Committee

NamePosition
Emily Brennan
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
Co-chair
Mary Beth McAteer, AHIP
Virginia Mason Medical Center
Co-chair
Gisela M. Butera
National Institutes of Health
Member
Katherine Downton
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Member
Carrie Grinstead, AHIP
Member
Sarah E Katz, AHIP
University Of Delaware
Member
Karina Kletscher, AHIP
Creighton University
Member
Gail Kouame
University of South Alabama
Member
Erica Lake
Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 6
Member
Jaclyn O'Rorke
Tri-County Technical College
Member
Kimberly R. Powell
Emory University
Member
Christina M. Seeger, AHIP
SHSU-COM
Member
Lynn Warner
University of Cincinnati
Member
Wanda Whitney, AHIP
Member
Kevin Baliozian
Medical Library Association
Executive Director
Debra Cavanaugh
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison, CCWG Liaison
Kate E. Corcoran
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Barry Grant
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison, Special Content
Hannah Jeon
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison; Liaison to LAC
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison; Speaker Management

Nominating Committee

Established prior to September 1974 (from Article V, sec. 1–2 of the bylaws); Revised December 1987, January 1992

Nine Voting Members shall be elected annually to the committee. The immediate past president shall serve as ex officio, nonvoting chair of the committee. Members of the Board of Directors may not serve as voting members of the committee. All ten shall serve for a term beginning as soon as the votes of the mail election in which they were elected have been counted and ending when votes have been counted in the election using the ballot they prepared. Any vacancy arising in the offices of committee members shall be filled by the Board of Directors. No one shall serve on the committee as a voting member for more than one term during a period of five years. Each chapter and each section of the association shall submit to its council annually the name of one Voting Member, chosen in accordance with chapter or section bylaws, as a potential candidate for membership on the Nominating Committee; this submission shall be made to the appropriate council before its final assembly at the association's annual meeting. Each potential candidate shall prepare a biographical statement and a signed statement of willingness-to-serve if elected as a member of the committee. These statements shall accompany the names submitted. The Chapter Council and the Section Council, while assembled at the association's annual meeting, shall each select six candidates from the names submitted by the chapters and sections and shall present those names to the chair of the Nominating Committee immediately thereafter. The Board of Directors shall present to the chair of the Nominating Committee no later than September 25 the names of six Voting Members as its candidates and any additional names needed to achieve a minimum of nine candidates on the ballot, all with the accompaniments as stipulated in Section 2 of this Article. No person shall consent to being a potential candidate or a candidate for membership on the committee who is already such a potential candidate or candidate from some other unit of the association; no candidate for membership on the committee shall also be a candidate for an elective office of the association, or vice versa. The committee shall

  • prepare annually a slate of at least two nominees for president-elect and for each director elected by the membership at large whose term expires
  • accompany the slate with a biographical statement for each candidate, a photograph of the candidate, a written statement of the candidate's consent to serve if elected, and a statement prepared by the candidate describing his or her aims as an officer of the association
  • submit midyear and annual reports

NamePosition
Shannon D Jones, AHIP, FMLA
Medical Univ. of South Carolina
Chair
Naomi Bishop, AHIP
University of Arizona
Member
Helen-Ann Brown Epstein, AHIP, FMLA
Virtua Health
Member
Sandra G. Franklin, AHIP, FMLA
Emory University
Member
Jacqueline Freeman
University of Michigan - Taubman Health Sciences Library
Member
Jolene M. Miller, AHIP
University of Toledo
Member
Rachel Keiko Stark, AHIP
California State University, Sacramento
Member
Tracy C. Shields, AHIP
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Member
Nancy Shin
Johns Hopkins University
Member
Lin Wu, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee

Established December 2003 as ad hoc committee; approved as standing committee September 2006; charge revised 11/2014

The Committee consists of at least seven members, two appointed annually for three-year terms. If a third-year member is chosen for chair designate, that person may remain for a fourth year to serve as chair. The committee also has a board liaison and staff liaison that are non-voting members of the committee. Liaisons from the Chapter and Section Councils and the Medical Library Association’s Membership Committee and other MLA units may be appointed as nonvoting members as needed. The committee shall attract and retain individuals from diverse populations into the health sciences librarianship field. It should determine ways to offer mentoring, outreach, and training opportunities to organizations and to individuals already in the field, transitioning to new roles or seeking information about the field. Specifically, this standing committee is charged to:

  • Collaborate with local chapters to support relationships with career counselors and faculty advisors, especially those serving minority students, to promote health sciences librarianship as a viable career option.
  • Collaborate with local chapters to promote health sciences librarianship to library and information school educators to encourage the inclusion of health sciences courses and curriculums.
  • Collaborate with local chapters to partner with library/information schools to develop health sciences librarianship programs for distance learning, including Web-based courses, to aid those students who are geographically bound in an area without an ALA-accredited library/information science program.
  • Identify and implement strategies to inform other types of librarians and second-career-seeking individuals about health sciences librarianship.
  • Facilitate, staff and promote the annual Resume Clinic and provide additional career resources as needed.
  • Refine and promote the Mentor Database.
  • Collaborate with Special Interest Groups (SIGS) and other MLA groups to recruit and retain professionals.
  • Recommend new or update current career recruitment materials as needed.
  • Maintain inventory of MLA chapter and section recruitment efforts and encourage MLA chapters to conduct recruitment efforts at the local level.

NamePosition
Kimberly Loper, AHIP
University of Miami
Chair
Gregg A. Stevens, AHIP
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
Chair-designate
Heather K. Moberly, AHIP
Pennsylvania State University
Member
Megan Kimberley Nance
Yale University
Member
Ryan Norman, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Member
Lin Wu, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Member
Amy Chatfield
University of Southern California
Member
Heather J Martin, AHIP
Providence
Member
Tamara M. Nelson, AHIP
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Board Liaison
Tomi Gunn
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Amy L Corder
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
Community Council Liaison
Tara Douglas-Williams, AHIP
Emory University
DEI Committee Liaison
Beverly Murphy
Duke University Med.Cntr.
Chapter Council Liaison

Societal Issues Task Force

Established September 2022

The MLA Role in Societal Issues Task Force will create and recommend guidelines, objectives, and processes to address social justice and human rights issues to the MLA Board of Directors.

The guidelines, objectives, and processes shall:

  • Clarify how MLA selects issues it will address, taking into account the MLA mission in health sciences, the MLA audience of health sciences information professionals, the diversity of opinions of MLA members, MLA’s limited resources in volunteer and staff time and in budget, and MLA’s 501c(3) nonprofit status;
  • Further clarify the role of MLA caucuses who currently are encouraged to issue their own statements as part of MLA, the role of the DEI committee, and MLA as the overall organization;
  • Prioritize action-taking and practical impact over issuing or co-signing statements;
  • Define strategies for engaging MLA communities in the process, including subject matter experts, and for partnering with other organizations; and
  • Set expectations for response time and scope.

The Task Force shall include members appointed by the MLA President for a term ending with submitting the recommendations to the Board of Directors no later than May 31, 2023.

NamePosition

Special Program Committee for 2023 Collection Development/Resource Sharing

Established October 2021

The Special Program Committee (SPC) supports organization topical meetings (summits, symposia or other) that require it. Each SPC terminates no later than three months following the corresponding meeting.

The committee's primary responsibility is to assemble a quality program that aligns with the strategic objectives of MLA, in collaboration with MLA headquarters staff. This may include:

  • developing the meeting theme
  • calling for and evaluating contributed papers or other program submissions
  • soliciting the participation of peer reviewers
  • identifying and inviting speakers

The SPC consists of a diverse representation of individuals who are appointed because of their expertise in program planning and the topic area, and includes:

  • one chair or two co-chairs
  • 4 to 12 members as required based on the scope of the meeting
  • one representative of the National Program Committee (NPC) if the special program is part of or adjacent to the MLA annual conference
  • one representative of the Board of Directors
  • the executive director and/or members of the MLA headquarters staff appointed by them

Appointed individuals may be non-MLA members (e.g. experts, publishers or other vendors) if appropriate to achieve the program objectives.

The committee is not responsible for logistics, budgeting including registration rates, exhibits if applicable, marketing or communications, and generally any activity that isn’t directly related to the programing content.

NamePosition
Ramune K. Kubilius, AHIP
SLA Planning Liaison

Joint MLA/Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) Legislation Committee

Established 1985; revised December 1987, May 1991, February 2002 (effective May 2002), revisedJune 2020

The committee develops and promotes a joint legislative agenda both externally and internally that supports a consistent position on information policy issues, particularly those relevant to medical libraries and librarianship, and on governmental actions affecting medical libraries.

To leverage its reach and ability to educate Congress about relevant issues, members are appointed preferably from the districts and states of members of Congress sitting on committees addressing MLA and AAHSL’s legislative priorities (e.g., NIH and NLM funding)

MLA and AAHSL committee members are encouraged to routinely communicate public policy updates and activate their networks when needed (e.g., MLA chapter, MLA caucus, and AAHSL listservs)

An ad hoc working group is appointed to plan a Capitol Hill Day for the MLA membership two years before MLA’s annual meeting is held in DC.

MLA is represented on the task force by the president (one year), and four members at large with legislative experience (two serve three-year terms, two serve four-year terms). The executive director and a representative from the National Library of Medicine serve as nonvoting, ex officio members.

The Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL) is represented by the association's president, and four AAHSL members at large with legislative experience. AAHSL members serve four-year terms. MLA and AAHSL members at large may be appointed for a consecutive second term.

NamePosition
Margaret Ansell, AHIP
University of Florida
Chair, 11/1/2021 - 10/31/2023; AAHSL Representative
Ryan Harris, AHIP
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Chair Designate
Kevin Baliozian
Medical Library Association
MLA Executive Director
Amy Blevins
Indiana University School of Medicine
MLA President
Xan Y Goodman
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Member; MLA Representative
Caitlin Ann Pike, AHIP
Member; MLA Representative
Eric D. Albright, AHIP
Tufts University
Member - MLA Representative
Erinn Aspinall, AHIP
University of Minnesota
Member - MLA Representative
Jill Deaver
University of Alabama at Birmingham
AAHSL Representative
Teresa Zayas-Caban
National Institute of Health
NLM Representative
Nadine Dexter, AHIP
University of Central Florida
Andy Hickner
Weill Cornell Medicine
MLA Board Liaison

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Building a Better Future Strategic Goal Task Forces

The primary objective of the strategic goal is to understand MLA’s 125-year past to build a better future inclusive of all communities. The secondary objective is to further the knowledge and appreciation of MLA achievements and contributions.

In celebrating MLA’s 125th anniversary (May 2, 2023), the task forces will build upon MLA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice, leadership of health sciences libraries, and information professionals, now and in the future.

125-Year Retrospective Task Force

Established May 2021 to May 2024

The charge of the 125-Year Retrospective Task Force is to establish and lead initiatives that will

  • honor 125 years of MLA’s history with publications, events and initiatives that highlight MLA milestones, deepen our understanding of the experience of diverse communities over the course of MLA history, and ensure that all voices are represented within the historical narrative
  • support the quality of healthcare education, and research throughout the world
  • ensure that all voices are represented within the historical narrative

To that end, the task force will:

  • Collaborate with MLA’s caucuses and chapters to identify members who will contribute to the initiative, include community initiatives, activities, perspectives, and content;
  • Liaise with MLA editorial boards, program committees and other MLA entities to ensure broad inclusive and diverse participation, cohesiveness and alignment;
  • Partner with MLA headquarters for project management, coordination, communications, and other MLA resources as required.

NamePosition
Michelle R Lieggi, AHIP
Chair
Kathleen Amos, AHIP
Member
Shannon Compton, PhD, AHIP
Bay Path University
Member
Montie L. Dobbins, AHIP
LSUHSC Shreveport
Member
Suzanne Fricke, AHIP
Washington State University
Member
Brenda Faye Green, FMLA
Member
Mary A. Hyde, AHIP
Member
Michael R. Kronenfeld, AHIP, FMLA
A. T. Still University
Member
Christine Willis, AHIP
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Member
Sally Gore
University of Massachusetts Medical School

Most Notable Workgroup

Established May 2022; to May 2024

The Most Notable Workgroup will develop criteria and identify members who have made notable contributions to MLA since the centennial in 1998 (past 25 years) and who reflect MLA's core DEI values.

NamePosition

Vision 2048 Task Force

Established May 2021 to May 2024

The charge of the Vision 2048 Task Force is to envision the future (25 years) of the profession with community-driven activities and ideation that reflects the richness of MLA communities.

To that end, the task force will:

  • Collaborate with MLA’s caucuses and chapters to plan community initiatives, activities, perspectives, and content;
  • Liaise with MLA editorial boards, program committees and other MLA entities to ensure broad inclusive and diverse participation, cohesiveness, and alignment in the communication of the vision;
  • Partner with MLA headquarters for project management, coordination, communications, and other MLA resources as required.

NamePosition
Charlotte Beyer, AHIP
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Chair
Heidi Sue Adams
Logan Health
Member
Jane Blumenthal, AHIP, FMLA
Member
Roy Eugene Brown
Virginia Commonwealth University
Member
Janet Crum, AHIP
University of Arizona
Member
Helen-Ann Brown Epstein, AHIP, FMLA
Virtua Health
Member
Michelle Kraft, AHIP, FMLA
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Member
Joanne Gard Marshall, AHIP, FMLA
Member
M.J. Tooey, AHIP, FMLA
Member
Krystal Madkins
Vision 2048 Student Workgroup Liaison
Matthew Nicholas Noe
Harvard Medical School
Member
Carmela L Preciado
Vision 2048 Student Workgroup Liaison
Toni Yancey
Saint Elizabeths Hospital
Member

MLA Archives Task Force

Established May 2021 to May 2024

The charge of the MLA Archives Task Force is to define MLA’s strategy for an online repository of MLA historical intellectual property in order to enhance member access to the association’s rich intellectual property holdings.

To that end, the task force tasks may include:

  • Performing an environmental scan (what archives are where, include chapters, etc.)
  • Creation of a vision and plan
  • Identifying partners (e.g. for technology)
  • Collaborating with the National Library of Medicine (repository for MLA print archives)
  • Determining cost
  • Providing information to establish a fundraising case statement

NamePosition
Brandon Pieczko
Indiana University
Chair
A'Llyn Ettien, AHIP
Member
Susan Lessick, AHIP, FMLA
University of California, Irvine
Member
Amy Gische Lyons
University at Buffalo
Member
Lindsay Million, AHIP
HCA Healthcare
Member
Steven J. Moore, AHIP
Henry Ford Health
Member
Meredith I. Solomon, AHIP
Harvard Medical School
Member

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Awards and Honors Juries

Awards and honors juries serve under the auspices of the Awards Committee. Juries consist of an odd number of members with a minimum of three members appointed annually for one-year terms. One member is appointed as chair and serves as an ex officio member of the Awards Committee. Juries annually review nominations and applications for awards and honors and make recommendations to the committee.

Virginia L. and William K. Beatty Volunteer Service Award

NamePosition
A'Llyn Ettien, AHIP
Chair
Elizabeth Frakes, AHIP
University of Utah
Member
Natalee Dee Reese
Augusta University
Member
MENETE SHATONA, MRS
UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA
Member
Deedra Walton, AHIP
University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Estelle Brodman Award for the Academic Health Sciences Librarian of the Year

NamePosition
Virginia F. Desouky
West Virginia University
Chair
Dominic Dankwah Agyei
University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)
Member
Nell Aronoff
University at Buffalo
Member
Amy Ferguson
Parker University
Member
Merle Rosenzweig
University of Michigan
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Chapter Project of the Year

NamePosition
Danielle N. Linden, AHIP
Providence St. Joseph Hospital
Chair
Kelly R Gonzalez
Univ. of TX - SW Medical Ctr.
Member
Rebecca Kindon, AHIP
Upstate Medical University
Member
Carolyn Martin, AHIP
NNLM Region 5
Member
Roger Russell, Jr.
East Carolina University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Lois Ann Colaianni Award for Excellence and Achievement in Hospital Librarianship

NamePosition
Andrea Harrow, AHIP
University of Southern California
Chair
Lori A. Harding, AHIP
Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Knowledge Management Center
Member
Jennifer Schram, AHIP
Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire
Member
Priscilla L. Stephenson, AHIP, FMLA
Member
Heather Stevens
Cottage Health
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Consumer Health Librarian of the Year Award Jury

NamePosition
Megan M. Bell, AHIP
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Chair
Keydi Boss O'Hagan, AHIP
Jersey College
Member
Tiffany N. Chavis
University of Maryland Baltimore
Member
Laura C. Davison
University of Kentucky
Member
Deborah Farber, AHIP
California University of Science and Medicine
Member
Norice Lee
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Louise Darling Award for Distinguished Achievement in Collection Development in the Health Sciences

NamePosition
Jessica Sender, AHIP
Michigan State University
Chair
Jessica Jones
Virginia Commonwealth University
Member
Sloane G Kelley
NYITCOM at A-State
Member
Jenny Mills, AHIP
Member
Sara Pimental, AHIP
Kaiser Permanente
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Janet Doe Lectureship

NamePosition
Gerald J. Perry, AHIP, FMLA
University of Arizona
Chair
Lisa A. Marks, AHIP
Mayo Clinic Scottsdale
Member
Deborah Jane Rhue, AHIP
University of New Mexico
Member
Susan Steelman, AHIP
Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Member
JoLinda L. Thompson, AHIP
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Ida and George Eliot Prize

NamePosition
Lisa McGuire
University of Minnesota
Chair
Sonya Lemke, AHIP
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
Member
Amy Louise Masek, AHIP
Clarkson College
Member
Isabel Ramos-Wing
Mary Immaculate Hospital
Member
Toni Yancey
Saint Elizabeths Hospital
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Fellows and Honorary Members

NamePosition
Linda Walton, AHIP
Chair
Carolyn Ching Dennison, AHIP
University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Library
Member
Julia Esparza, AHIP
LSU Health Shreveport
Member
Elizabeth R. Lorbeer, AHIP
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Member
Bette S. Sydelko, AHIP
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Carla J. Funk Governmental Relations Award

NamePosition
Angela Barr, AHIP
Georgetown University
Chair
Frances Chu
Providence Health & Services
Member
Gale G. Hannigan, AHIP
Member
Yvonnada Maria McNeil, AHIP
ACOG
Member
Jean E. Riedlinger, AHIP
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

T. Mark Hodges International Service Award

NamePosition
Erin Elizabeth Ware
LSU Health Shreveport
Chair
Catherine D. King
Case Western Reserve University
Member
Stefanie Lapka, AHIP
University of Houston
Member
Andrea Wright
University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences
Member
Sarah Towner Wright
UNC-Chapel Hill
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Lucretia W. McClure Excellence in Education Award

NamePosition
Lauren Martiere Fletcher, AHIP
Brown University -Warren Alpert Medical School
Chair
Roy Eugene Brown
Virginia Commonwealth University
Member
Anna Crawford, AHIP
West Virginia University
Member
Elizabeth Moreton
UNC Chapel Hill
Member
Erica M. Ross, AHIP
Mayo Clinic
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Erich Meyerhoff Prize

NamePosition
Tara Brigham, AHIP
Mayo Clinic
Chair
Heather L. Brown
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Member
Kristine A Petre, AHIP
Moravian University
Member
Allison Piazza, AHIP
Weill Cornell Medicine
Member
Julia Marie Sarpy
Nova Southeastern University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Research Advancement in Health Sciences Librarianship Awards Jury

NamePosition
Jeannine Creazzo, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Chair
Marie T Ascher
New York Medical College
Member
Stephanie Henderson
University of Kentucky
Member
Kimberly Miller
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Member
Brooke Olson
University of Minnesota
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Daniel T. Richards Prize Jury

NamePosition
Megan Jaskowiak
Miami University
Chair
Dianne M Aldrich
Rocky Vista University
Member
Monifa Carter
NYU Langone Health / NYU Long Island School of Medicine
Member
Kelly R Gonzalez
Univ. of TX - SW Medical Ctr.
Member
Elizabeth Ten Have
Thomas Jefferson University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Rising Stars Award

NamePosition
Jessi Van Der Volgen, AHIP
University of Utah
Chair
Deborah L Lauseng
University of Illinois at Chicago
Member
Rikke Sarah Ogawa, AHIP
Member
Debra Werner
University of Chicago
Member
Michelle L Zafron, AHIP
University at Buffalo
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Rittenhouse Award

NamePosition
Amber Burtis
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Chair
Laura E Briggs
Member
Yuan Chi
Cochrane
Member
Carrie Forbes, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Mego Franks
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Frank Bradway Rogers Information Advancement Award

NamePosition
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

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Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships Juries

Juries serve under the auspices of the Grants and Scholarships Committee and annually review applications and provide recommendations to the committee for grants, scholarships, and fellowships to be awarded.

Ysabel Bertolucci MLA Annual Conference Support

NamePosition
CAROLANN CURRY
NNLM Region 5
Member
Samantha Guss
Virginia Commonwealth University
Member
G.J. Corey Harmon, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Heather Jett, AHIP
Mayo Clinic Libraries
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Naomi C. Broering Latinx Heritage Grant

NamePosition
Jason Burton
UCLA
Chair
Gary Scott Atwood
University of Vermont
Member
Mallory Blasingame
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Member
Zemirah Ngow, AHIP
UCSD
Member
Erika L. Sevetson
Brown University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Collection Development Professional Development Grant

NamePosition
Jennifer Smith, AHIP
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Chair
Ann Dyer, AHIP
Washington State University
Member
Stephanie M. Shippey, AHIP
Member
Deborah Thomas, AHIP
Washington University School of Medicine
Member
Mia S. White
Emory University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Continuing Education Grant

NamePosition
David Charles Duggar, AHIP
Chair
Janet Crum, AHIP
University of Arizona
Member
Natya Hans
University of Florida
Member
Paula J Hess, AHIP
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Member
Danielle N. Linden, AHIP
Providence St. Joseph Hospital
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Cunningham Memorial International Fellowship

NamePosition
Tiffany Garrett, AHIP
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Chair
Nancy J. Allee, AHIP
University of Michigan
Member
Lorraine Chun
New York College of Podiatric Medicine
Member
Gregory Laynor
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Member
Amy Nadell, AHIP
Banner Health
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

EBSCO MLA Annual Conference Support

NamePosition
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Financial Support Jury - Annual vConference and Exhibits

NamePosition
Robert T. Mackes, AHIP
Covidence
Member
Valerie G Prilop, AHIP
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Member
Molly Ingram Sanders
Reading Hospital/Tower Health
Member
Perry Tretbar Weidling
Member
Terrie R. Wheeler
Weill Cornell Medicine
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Financial Support Jury - CE Passport

NamePosition
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Eugene Garfield Research Fellowship

NamePosition
Nita K. Mailander, AHIP
Grand Canyon University
Chair
Hannah Burrows
UNC Chapel Hill
Member
Leslie Gascon, AHIP
Member
Xan Y Goodman
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Member
Jing Su
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Mary K. Haver Consumer Health Professional Development Grant

NamePosition
Pamela R Herring, AHIP
UCF College of Medicine
Chair
Jenn Monnin
West Virginia University
Member
Faith Steele, AHIP
Member
Jeanne Strausman, AHIP
NYIT/College of Osteopathic Medicine
Member
Mary Margaret Thomas
University of Iowa
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

MLA Hospital Libraries Professional Development Grant

NamePosition
Rachel Helbing, AHIP
University of Houston
Chair
Lindsay E Blake, AHIP
University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences
Member
Carole Ann Durst
National Jewish Health
Member
Helen-Ann Brown Epstein, AHIP, FMLA
Virtua Health
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

David A. Kronick and Charles W. Sargent Visiting Fellowship

NamePosition
Rachel Pinotti
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Chair
Jamie E Bloss, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Amy J. Edwards, AHIP
University of South Carolina
Member
Pam Lough
CDC Foundation
Member
Heidi Reis, AHIP
East Carolina University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Librarians Without Borders® Ursula Poland International Scholarship

NamePosition
Erin E. Reardon, AHIP
Emory University
Chair
Jeffrey T. Huber
University of Kentucky
Member
Mariana Lapidus
MCPHS University
Member
Sharon Leslie, AHIP
Emory University
Member
Jane Morgan-Daniel, AHIP
University of Florida
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Donald A. B. Lindberg Research Fellowship

NamePosition
Heather N. Holmes, AHIP
Medical University of South Carolina
Chair
Erica Brody
Member
Julie K. Gaines, AHIP
Augusta Univ/Univ of GA Medical Partnership
Member
Laurel Scheinfeld, AHIP
Stony Brook University
Member
Nakia Joye Woodward
East Tennessee State University
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

MLA Doctoral Fellowship

NamePosition
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

MLA Medical Informatics Career Development Grant

NamePosition
Meghan Hupe, AHIP
Georgetown University
Chair
Alanna Campbell, AHIP
NOSM University
Member
Elizabeth Berilla Kavanaugh, AHIP
Geisinger
Member
John D. Lovelace
PENNINGTON BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Member
Ellen Rothbaum, AHIP
St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

MLA Research, Development, and Demonstration Project Grant

NamePosition
Danielle N. Linden, AHIP
Providence St. Joseph Hospital
Chair
Lee Luniewski
Scripps Health - Mercy Hospital
Member
Maud Mundava, AHIP
A.T. Still University
Member
Barbara E. Ruggeri, AHIP
Advocate Aurora Health
Member
Elizabeth C. Whipple, AHIP
Indiana University School of Medicine
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

MLA Scholarships (including for Underrepresented Students)

NamePosition
Kathryn Vela
Chair
Jeannine Creazzo, AHIP
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Member
Emily J Glenn, AHIP
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Member
Amy Minix
Indiana University
Member
Riley J. Samuelson
University of Iowa Libraries
Member
Laurie Schwing
UPMC Central Pa.
Member
Lauren Amber Wheeler
University of Alabama Birmingham
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Research Training Institute Jury

NamePosition
Laura Menard
Northern Kentucky University
Chair
Rachel Hinrichs
Indiana University Indianapolis
Member
Margaret (Mardet) A. Hoogland, AHIP
University of Toledo
Member
Liz Kellermeyer, AHIP
National Jewish Health
Member
Judith Smith
University of Michigan
Member
Debra Cavanaugh
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

Harriet L. Steuernagel Continuing Education Grant Jury

NamePosition
Lorin K. Jackson
Medical University of South Carolina
Chair
Lisa A. Adriani, AHIP
Member
Lucy Carr Jones
Member
Claire B. Joseph, AHIP
Mount Sinai South Nassau
Member
Jan Rene Kuebel-Hernandez, AHIP
Member
Maria Lopez
Medical Library Association
Staff Liaison

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