I Am MLA: Karen O’Grady
Posted on | September 2, 2022 | No Comments
Our very own Membership Co-Chair, Karen O’Grady, was featured on the MLA: Blog.
Submitted by Karen O’Grady; edited by Elizabeth Hinton.
Institution: University of San Diego
Title: Nursing Librarian
Brief description of responsibilities:
I am the embedded librarian for the Hahn School of Nursing and the Beyster Institute for Nursing Research. Our nursing school is unique in that we have no undergraduate students, only master’s and doctoral students. Most of what I do is help students and faculty with their research: database searching, APA questions, nursing measurement and instrumentation, and copyright assistance.
Why is MLA important to you?
The classes offered by MLA are just excellent! I make sure to keep up on all the class offerings. I have learned so much! Also, I am the only medical librarian on my campus, so it is nice to be part of community that understands what I’m doing.
What was your first library job or first professional position?
My very first library job was working as a page at the San Francisco Public Library. I had not even started library school yet. I loved it, but then a friend of a friend asked me if I was interested in becoming a library assistant at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco, and that was it for me. I knew I wanted to become a medical librarian. I started my master’s degree at San Jose State in 2006 aiming for medical librarianship, and it has been an extremely rewarding career choice for me.
What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?
Far and away, the most fun and successful project this year has been the First Friday Forums (sponsored by ACRL’s Health Sciences Interest Group). Every other first Friday of the month, we invite academic medical librarians from all over the country to chime in on Zoom and discuss our successes, failures, tips, thoughts, and experiences. We keep it pretty loose and we don’t record it, which we think makes people more comfortable and chattier. Our participation increases every meeting, and we are receiving rave reviews.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues or trends in librarianship?
The most pressing issue for me personally is nursing librarianship becoming its own unique thing. As library patrons, nurses and nursing students are totally different from doctors or residents. They have different needs, and they ask questions in different ways. Nursing scholarship and nursing research have exploded recently, with nursing doctoral programs popping up everywhere. I feel strongly that medical librarians should strive to understand nurses more, and to treat them as respectfully as we treat doctors. I think everyone would agree that a hospital stay would be so much worse without the amazing work that nurses do. We owe them our gratitude and respect when they come to us with information needs.
What do you do in your spare time, for fun, or to relax?
“Run, swim, yoga, repeat” is my formula for a happy life!
What is the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?
I am listening to a book called, “The Once and Future Witches” by Alix E. Harrow. One of the main characters is a librarian, and much is made of her identity as a librarian. She is neither a harsh spinster nor a one-dimensional temptress wearing glasses. The book is historical fiction set just after the Salem witch trials. It has an ultra-feminist message, superior writing, and a thrilling storyline. It is the best book I have listened to in years.
Is there anything about you that others might be surprised to know?
I served in the Peace Corps (Cambodia 2013-2015). I joined when I was 42.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of completing the Alcatraz swim in the San Francisco Bay. I made several attempts and was pulled out of the water for being too slow on many occasions. The day I finally made it to shore was one of the best days of my life.
Read the original post at MLA: Blog I Am MLA:Karen O’Grady
Free NNLM Class Aug. 18, 8 am PDT/MST
Posted on | August 16, 2022 | No Comments
NNLM Region 2 is sponsoring a free class: Team Science: Increasing the Pipeline of Black, Indigenous, People of Color and Women Conducting Clinical Research
Go to NNLM and register for the class.
In this presentation Dr. Wiley will discuss the current state of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and women conducting clinical research and will outline the value of team science as a method of increasing opportunities and fostering collaborative projects.
You must login or create an NNLM account to register.
NNLM CONSUMER HEALTH CLASSES
Posted on | July 21, 2022 | No Comments
Hello everyone,
The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), has created a series of consumer health classes for anyone interested in consumer health information and outreach. CHIS On Demand is comprised of 5 separate classes which cover the critical, need-to-know content related to the 5 Level 1 CHIS competencies:
1) Know the Community
2) Know the Health Consumer
3) Knowledge of Subject Matter and Resources
4) Evaluation of Health Information
5) Communication, Reference, and Instruction
The series of classes can be completed in any order. You can take 1 or all the classes. Each is designed to take 1 hour to complete.
We also want you to know that NNLM will also help you in obtaining CHIS (Consumer Health Information Specialization) by covering the application fee for level 1 or level 2. This includes those renewing their CHIS.
Register for CHIS On Demand
Learn more about the CHIS Specialization and how to apply for NNLM to cover the application fees on the NNLM Specialization page.
Tags: CE (Continuing Education) > Consumer Health
Advisory Council Meetings for 2022-2023
Posted on | July 12, 2022 | No Comments
Greetings and welcome from your MLGSCA 2022-2023 Officers.
We will have our first MLGSCA Advisory Council (AC) Meeting this Thursday, July 14, from 10-11 am PT. All are encouraged to attend. The link to the meeting will be send to the email list.
Future AC meetings will be held monthly, on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 10-11 am PT. A link to the meeting and the agenda will be sent to the MLGSCA member list shortly before each meeting.
We looking forward to working with everyone this year!
From our By Laws:
Section 1. Advisory Council
The elected officers of this Chapter shall constitute the Advisory Council. The Archivist, Representative to the RML Advisory Committee, and Committee Chairs shall serve as ex- officio non-voting members of the Advisory Council.
Elected Officers of the Chapter:
Judy Kraemer, President
Angela Murrell, President-Elect
Rikke Ogawa, Past President
Janet Crum, Secretary
Kevin Pardon, Treasurer
Danielle Linden, MLA Chapter Council Rep
Mary White, MLA Chapter Council Rep-Alternative
NNLM R4 Connections: Stuck on a Cruise Ship – How to Help Aspiring Health Professionals Through HOSA
Posted on | June 29, 2022 | No Comments
The July NNLM Region 4 Connections webinar, Stuck on a Cruise Ship – How to Help Aspiring Health Professionals Through HOSA, is scheduled for July 14 from 12-1 MDT/11-12 PDT. Come hear K-12 librarians and school faculty describe their experiences as advisers to local chapters of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). This session is presented in association with the HOSA – Future Health Professionals and the National Library of Medicine to build digital medical literacy and give students NLM ambassador certification. Participants will receive access to free lesson plans and learn how to access credible, research-based online content.
NNLM R4 Connections webinars are free and open to all. Learn more/register here.
Join NNLM Region 4 for a talk on the health effects of racial microaggressions
Posted on | April 6, 2022 | No Comments
At the May 12 NNLM R4 Connections meeting (11:00 AM MST), Jaena Alabi will give a talk entitled, “Racial microaggressions: Their effects on mental and physical health.” The talk is free and open to all; register at https://nnlm.gov/training/class/r4-connections-racial-microaggressions-and-cultural-competence.
In this session, guest speaker Jaena Alabi will present a brief history of racial microaggressions research, focusing on the negative mental and physical health outcomes associated with experiencing subtle racism. Strategies for mitigating the negative effects of racial microaggressions, such as incorporating cultural competence into one’s practice of librarianship, will also be shared.
This session will be eligible for MLA CE credit (details TBD). Please join us!
NNLM Region 5 supporting MLA webinar
Posted on | April 6, 2022 | 1 Comment
This applies to the California members of MLGSCA.
NNLM Region 5 is happy to provide access for our network members to the following Medical Library Association webinar:
Librarians and Systematic Review Teams: Negotiating Roles and Recognition – April 13th, 11am – 12:30pm PDT | 10am – 11:30am AKDT | 8am – 9:30am HST | 7am – 8:30am SST | April 14th, 4am – 5:30am ChST.
If you would like to attend live or watch the recording later, please have each interested individual register here by April 12th to guarantee your spot.
Region 5 of the Network of the National Library of Medicine, includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, or U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States in the Pacific.
NNLM Region 5 MLA Virtual Conference Registration Award
Posted on | March 3, 2022 | No Comments
The Network of the National Library of Medicine Region 5 (NNLM Region 5), under cooperative agreement with the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), is excited to announce a new award designed to support Region 5 members’ attendance at the virtual MLA Annual Meeting. Organizations in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, U.S. Territories and Freely Associated States in the Pacific are eligible to apply.
MLA Virtual Conference Registration Award: Up to 20 members will receive a registration code for the virtual 2022 Medical Library Association (MLA) Annual Meeting. To apply you will complete a brief application, estimated to take 5-10 minutes. Awardees will be asked to report back on their MLA experience through participation in a future online Region 5 meeting or by writing a post on the Region 5 blog.
Application Deadline: March 18, 2022
This award supports the mission of the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) which is to provide U.S. researchers, health professionals, public health workforce, educators, and the public with equal access to biomedical and health information resources and data.
Questions? Contact Daina Dickman, Assistant Director at ddickman@uw.edu
Jillian Underwood-Jenkins receives MLGSCA scholarship
Posted on | February 16, 2022 | 1 Comment
Jillian Underwood-Jenkins is this year’s recipient of the MLGSCA scholarship. She is currently in the MLIS program at San Jose State University while working for the City of Oceanside in the City Clerk’s office as an information liaison between the public and the city. She is also a participant in a virtual internship with Judy Kraemer at St. Mary Hospital in Long Beach. In this role, Jillian has assisted Judy with various projects such as cataloging, and the refreshed design of the COVID-19 portal on the library website. Congratulations to Jillian on her continued studies and the advancement of her career!
MLA statement on the value of hospital libraries
Posted on | February 14, 2022 | No Comments
Our own Ellen Aaronson has a featured article on the MLANet blog about MLA’s new advocacy statement, “Partner with Hospital Libraries to Improve Patient Care.” Developed jointly by the Hospital Library Caucus and the MLA Board and endorsed by several national organizations, the statement aims to educate hospital administrators on the critical role of hospital libraries and librarians in improving patient care and reducing costs. Ellen’s article, “MLA Urges Administrators to Fund Hospital Libraries and Staff,” includes a link to the statement along with additional information about how it was developed and recommendations for how we can advocate for hospital libraries.
Congratulations, Ellen, and thank you for your work on behalf of hospital libraries and librarians!
Louise Darling Achievement Award deadline extended to March 15th
Posted on | February 11, 2022 | No Comments
The nomination deadline for the Louise Darling Achievement Award has been extended until March 15.
Purpose of Award
The purpose of the Louise Darling MLGSCA Achievement Award is to honor significant contributions to health sciences librarianship, as well as to the Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona.
Criteria for Award
1. Candidate’s contribution is significant towards the advancement of health sciences librarianship through the endeavors of the Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona.
2. Candidate’s contributions include, but are not limited to: service, publications, presentations, and projects.
3. Candidate must hold membership in MLGSCA at the time of election and be a member for a minimum of two years.
The award is usually presented by the President during the Spring Meeting and is announced in the Newsletter following the presentation. The recipient will receive $500.00 and a commemorative plaque. More information and a nomination form can be found at the MLGSCA website:
https://mlgsca.mlanet.org/beta/index.php/awards/louise-darling-achievement-award
NNLM Region 4 Professional Development Funds Available
Posted on | January 27, 2022 | No Comments
The January 13th NNLM R4 Connections meeting featured guest speaker John Bramble, who shared the “Funding Opportunities” that exist through NNLM Region 4 and shared examples of projects that have been funded.
Of special interest during the pandemic, is a New Award Type 4 for online conference registration costs for Region 4 members interested in attending an online workshop, conference, or meeting.
To watch a recording of the meeting and find out more about the funding and other opportunities for Arizona members of MLGSCA, check out the NNLM R4 blog post.
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