President's PageAutumn has arrived with winter close on our heels. The arrival of fall weather makes me nostalgic for the past. I reminisce fondly over the warm summer days and the CAHSLA picnic. In fact, I think fondly of many special moments in CAHSLA history. I recall getting trapped in an elevator full of librarians, waiting to board a riverboat in ankle deep water, and loosing a Frisbee on a rooftop. These moments have brought much laughter and togetherness. As CAHSLA members we have bonded in good times and bad.
Economically we are facing hard times both in our personal and professional lives. Gas prices were astronomical and although they have been going down, we are still experiencing financial difficulties. As librarians, we have always been resourceful people and although “going green” is the latest mantra of times, this is nothing new to us. We CAHSLA members share our collections and our ideas and our support.
We had a very successful opening meeting in September with a powerful speaker for the LAM Foundation and a number of new attendees, several of whom followed up by becoming members. A CAHSLA membership is just about the best bargain money can buy.
The Program committee has some great plans for us. Coming together for CAHSLA meetings benefits us in both tangible and intangible ways. Sharing our ideas and resources helps us cope in the workplace. Our kinship helps us cope emotionally with the difficulties in our lives. Regina Hartman and her committee will bring us together for our next meeting in December.
I hope to see everyone there to celebrate the holidays, contribute books to a needy non-profit organization and to revel in the kinship we share.
Valerie Purvis
Midwest Chapter/MLA 2008 Annual Conference, Troy, MI
Those of us who attended the Midwest Chapter, Medical Library Association meeting in
Ms. Ebbert showed the FISH movie filmed at the Pike Place Fish Company in
This was a thoroughly entertaining, thought provoking, and motivating session that asks us “Who are you being while you’re doing what you’re doing?”
For more information about Deena Ebbert, visit http://www.propellergirl.com/.
Leslie Schick
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M.J. Tooey, Executive Director of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library at the University of Maryland-Baltimore and former MLA President was the plenary speaker on Monday October 20. Her presentation, “Vital Signs, Bottom Lines: Remaining Relevant in Interesting Times” stressed the importance of libraries remaining vibrant in today’s uncertain times.
M.J. began her address by talking about the bottom line; “what’s left over after everything is done.” She spoke about author Jim Collins’ (Good to Great and the Social Sectors) perspective that, in the world of non-profits, we must reject the idea that greatness is to become like a business. One has to differentiate between businesses and the social sector because libraries are not motivated by profit. Members from the audience shouted out what they value in a library and the conclusion was that library values do not make money. Money is only an input; it is not a measure of greatness. The essence of the bottom line, according to Tooey, is to one, attract believers, time, and money; two, build strength and a great organization; three, demonstrate results through mission success; and finally, build a brand and reputation. People should love libraries because they are valuable. Tooey urged us to “toot our own horns.”
Tooey then went on to talk about three Chinese curses: may you live in interesting times, may you come to the attention of those in authority and may you find what you are looking for.
Curse one, may you live in interesting times, touched on the points of change (such as access/print/electronic subscriptions), new roles (patient safety, outreach, health literacy), external and internal influences (economy), and opportunity/risk.
For curse two, may you come to the attention of those in authority; Tooey spoke about knowing and meeting the leaders in our organizations. Librarians must learn about the issues and interests of our organization’s leaders, talk their talk and be good listeners. She urged the audience to prepare an elevator speech in case the opportunity arises to share the library’s message on the spot. Tooey stressed that we cannot be invisible to the leaders in our organization, because our cost centers are not invisible.
Finally, during the discussion of the third curse, may you find what you are looking for. Tooey noted that it is indeed a curse if what we are looking for is to remain the same. It is a curse if what we are looking for is someone to save us.
Tying her presentation to the theme of the conference (Vital Signs: Keeping you and your library vibrant and healthy), M.J. declared these vital signs for medical libraries: agility, flexibility, innovate thinking, openness, fearlessness, and being proud.
The parting words of advice for medical libraries and librarians from M.J. Tooey were: invest in your future, learn new things, get ideas from colleagues, do research and collect evidence, rediscover our passion in why we chose the field, have outside interests, work to live don’t live to work, and belong to communities of likeminded people. Be the change you want to see in the world. Be the kind of friend you would like to have. Survive and thrive!
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Presenting with a Passion. Professor. Corinne Stavish, Director, Technical and Professional Communication, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield,Michigan
Certain phrases can stop us in our tracks. In general, no one ever wants to hear “IRS audit.” I always thought that the phrase librarians never wanted to hear included “journal price increase,” “banned book, or “Patriot Act.” But I learned an important new lesson at the Midwest Chapter meeting when I attended Professor Corinne Stavish’s concurrent session “Presenting with a Passion.” Stavish, Director, Technical and Professional Communication, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan could have titled her presentation, to paraphrase former first lady, Nancy Reagan, “Just say no to PowerPoint!”
It is difficult to comprehend that a professor whose specialties are communication and literature, with a strong interest in Biblical literature and storytelling, could turn an audience into the stereotypic scene from the Frankenstein film of the towns folk with torches, pitchforks and pointed sticks storming the castle door wanting to stop the mad scientist from continuing in his evil plan to change humanity. Apparently Stavish’s rejection of the cult of PowerPoint presentations in academia is just the poke in the eye that some need to pull out their pitchforks from the closet.
It was my perception of the session that Stavish wanted the audience to consider that a PowerPoint presentation should not be considered “the talk.” For many when using PowerPoint, the default is to merely read what has been condensed into the few bullet points on the screen. Stavish made the argument, I thought, that often the PowerPoint presentation becomes a barrier to discourse and education. It is sometimes convenient to organize one’s thoughts with a PowerPoint, but the presentation format can give the audience, especially an undergraduate student, the impression that “this is all there is” to the topic. According to Stavish, instructors stand behind the technology instead of getting into the mix of the classroom and instigating discussion and discourse.
In our uncritical adoption of this technology for all of our classes, lectures or presentations, we have relinquished our responsibility to engage, challenge, and communicate with the audience. We deny the audience the opportunity to think outside of the box, if seemingly, all of the information is contained on the slide in front of them (i.e. the little box). When we rely totally on this one method of instructing, according to Stavish, we are no longer using technology as a tool to supplement the presentation.
In conclusion, Dr. Stavish offered these three maxims to consider when using visual support: Because it can be done, does not mean this should be done! Because it is popular does not mean that it is good. If it is not an asset, do not create a liability. Stavish brought out a great deal of passionate thought from the audience through this powerful lecture thereby brilliantly achieving her stated goal.
Lisa McCormick
CAHSLA Executive Board Transition Meeting Minutes
Wednesday August 27, 2008, Pratt Library, 4:00 – 5:15 PM
Attendees: Cathy Constance, Regina Hartman, Barbarie Hill, Lisa McCormick, Meredith Orlowski and Val Purvis
· Life Membership certificates for Carol Mayor and Don Smith were signed by Val
· Confirmed that all Board members have copies of the newest Bylaws/Procedures. No update of these documents is required for this year.
· Any important files were passed on
· Regina reported the future meeting plans:
o First (Membership) meeting will be at UC’s new HSL on September 18. We want to increase our membership this year so members are encouraged to bring guests!
o SWON is having a (first time) meeting for health sciences libraries on September 15
o December is our Holiday party – does anyone have ideas for a venue?
o January/February – a possible meeting at the Lloyd Library. Lloyd was recently renovated and it is supposed to be quite nice
o Late March/April a business meeting
o June – our end of year picnic
o Carol Baker is interested in bringing back COCLS meetings – maybe we can have them at St. Elizabeth’s? The first one could be around late October or early November (not to conflict with MidWest Chapter MLA on 10/17)
· If anyone has any ideas for new meeting venues, pass them onto Regina
· Cathy reported our budget: $3,604
· Jane Thompson handed over 6 boxes of Archives to Val because Jane no longer has room to store them. We need to consider finding the Archives a permanent home somewhere and ask Jane if she wants to continue to be the Archivist for CAHSLA.
Center for the History of the Health Professions
The Center for the History of the Health Professions in the Health Sciences Library is now open. We all remember the old location in Wherry Hall, which flourished under the leadership of Billie Broaddus who retired a few years ago. This past August, we moved (at least partially) into the new Medical Sciences Building. So far we have completed Phase I: the construction of the Stanley J. Lucas Boardroom, a foyer, two office areas and displays. The Boardroom features the Cantagalli Jars displayed in our original cases that were beautifully refinished. Currently in our display space we are featuring former Professor of Dermatology, Dr. Leon Goldman’s Collection of Medicine in Art. Additionally we have on exhibit the Mascagni Anatomy Book, said to be the largest medical book in the world. We also have a display on Daniel Drake. The Boardroom is a perfect space for small meetings and lectures.
Phase II will begin in the months ahead. Eventually we will be able to bring all of the archives, books and objects out of storage from Wherry Hall and build more extensive display and research space.
We would love for you to pay us a visit. For a tour, please call Doris Haag (558-5123) or Steph Bricking (558-2275) to schedule a time.
CAHSLA Colleagues
Misc.Calling all ethnic librarians and library staff!
Submitted by Rosalyn Smith (Jewish HSL):
Cincinnati Ethnic Librarians & Staff (CELS) is an informal group that is open to librarians and library staff from underrepresented ethnic groups that are employed in all library settings. The meetings are free and are usually held on the second or third Thursday each month from 6-7:30pm. For more information, please visit http://www.swonlibraries.org/cels
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On October 17th, the Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library was dedicated with a ceremony, library tours and reception in the soaring atrium of the recently opened Center for Academic and Research Excellence (CARE)/Crawley Building. Dr. Harrison was UC senior vice president and provost for health affairs from 1986 to 2002. A highlight of the dedication included the exhibit of paintings and sculptures by Wolfgang Ritschel, MD, PhD, professor emeritus of pharmacokinetics and professor emeritus of pharmacology at UC, “Learned in Science, Explored in Art: An Exhibit of Paintings and Sculpture.” Victoria Montavon, PhD, dean and university librarian and Leslie Schick, director of the DCH-HSL were on hand to welcome dignitaries and guests. “The new library will extend 45,000 square feet over multiple floors and will include a computer lab, electronic classroom and study space.” For more details, see UC Names Health Sciences Library After Local Physician http://healthnews.uc.edu/news/?/6682/ and Festivities Mark Official Opening of CARE/
Kudos
Peggy Frondorf (Tri-Health) and Barbarie Hill (CCHMC) joined chief nursing officer Julie Holt of
Travels
Barbarie Hill (Children's) and her husband went to Queens, NYC this month to join with many friends and family members in witnessing and celebrating her son Jason's wedding. Barbarie's second son Duncan was best man and 3-year-old granddaughter was flower girl, though a bit of stage fright appeared at the crucial moment. The reception was notable for the enthusiastic samba and meringue dancing reflecting the bride's South American origins.
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Submitted by Dorothy Gilroy (retired):
Maury and I spent the month of June in England. We used BritRail and local buses and traveled the periphery of the country. Visited many museums and libraries; learned more about royalty, WW II, Churchill, Cadbury candy and other exciting things! Went to Hadrian's Wall, the northern extent of the Roman Empire in AD 122. While there a guide told us he knew Americans thought they had invented recycling but it wasn't true. Hadrian's Wall was originally 16 to 20 feet tall but is now only 3 or 4 feet. The guide explained that the majority of the wall had simply been recycled and pointed to the nearby stone cottages and "fences"! Lots of fun and good memories.
From the Literature and the 'Net
From: Medical Libraries Discussion List on behalf of Judith Siess, Information Bridges Intl
Subject: A future without libraries? A radical new idea
This is only my opinion and has been posted to many lists for feedback. (Sorry about any duplicate posts you may receive). I can envision a future without libraries. Yes, without libraries...but with more librarians. Why?
1. More and more resources are online. Even ones formerly available only in print are now also online. And many are available only online.
2. Users increasingly want resources only if they are online. They don't want to have to go tot the library to answer their questions.
3. Is it fiscally responsible to require users to spend their valuable time to come to the library?
4. Is it fiscally responsible to allow users to spend their valuable time looking for information online when they a) do not know where to search, b) do not know how to search (effectively), and c) probably do not know how to determine if the information they find is correct or reliable?
So, I can see a future without physical libraries but with librarians embedded within the units of the organization. These librarians would be professionally trained (degreed) not only in librarianship, with an emphasis on customer service, but also in the subject matter of the users.
This would be a reasonable scenario for corporate, medical, law, and non-profit organizational libraries. It could also work in school libraries with classroom collections and a librarian that visits each classroom on a frequent schedule (or as requested) to teach and answer questions and help with research projects. This system could
even work with academic institutions, with the distribution of the main library (which often serves as a sort of archives where 98 percent of the books never leave the shelves) to departmental collections and librarians in each department.
I know that this is a radical departure from current practice. However, I am at a point in my career (almost retired) where I am free to look back and forward at the same time, leading to this type of thinking.
What do YOU think of my idea? In order to not clog up the lists, please direct all replies to me offlist (jsiess@ibi-opl.com) and I will definitely summarize them for the list later. (I will also post this to other lists for their ideas.)
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From: MEDLIB-L on behalf of Dina McKelvey MCKELD1@MMC.ORG
Hi all - I actually had a book vanish and months later got a call from a PA in Florida who had just received it as a gift from a drug rep. The rep had bought it from Amazon from a used bookseller in Tennessee. How it got there from Biddeford, Maine, I'll never know!
The Krafty Librarian, Thursday, July 31, 2008
Journals and Cell Phones
... The communication industry and the publishing industry might be secretly run by the same people ...
Similar to Rollover Minutes, Fav 5, and Nights and Weekend plans, there is tiered pricing, institutional pricing, FTE pricing, number of beds pricing, etc. Both industries offer a dizzying variety of bundles and packages to try and get you to buy more. Trying to hook it all up to provide online access on campus as well as off campus not only requires some finesse but also requires you to read the fine print in the license agreements. According the fine print, Company A defines nights on the Nights and Weekend plan to start at 9:00pm while Company B defines nights starting 8:00pm unless you pay extra for nights to start at 7:00. Journal Publisher A defines a single location as one building, buildings next door are separate locations and more money. Journal Publish B defines a single location as any building within the same city limits as long as it does not have an independent administration. Like cell phone coverage, access to electronic journals varies with the publisher and can be unpredictable and spotty. Can it be accessible off campus? If so, via proxy, Athens, or password? Can you view all electronic content or is just some available? What about accessing epub ahead of print, back issues, videos, slides, podcasts, and meeting abstracts? God forbid if you have problems and need tech support or have a question about subscriptions. Just like the cable and phone company, journal customer support is less than stellar and their contact information is a mystery to find. If you do happen to reach a live person you better have your customer or account number ready because for some reason they don’t know what it is, can't find it, and won’t call up your information to help you. Usually problems are chalked up to user error, networking error, or failure to pay your bill (even though you did). Do they ever read the notes they type on their computers from your 60 help desk calls, or are the keyboard sounds you hear the result of them sending an email to a friend? Mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcy rear their ugly in head in both industries. AT&T bought Cingular but good luck trying to get their two systems and departments to talk and work together at all, let alone seamlessly. I have yet to figure out why on AT&T’s site I can log in and view my account under home phone and see my wireless account (originally Cingular) but I can’t log in to "view your wireless account" and view my wireless bill on the same AT&T site. LWW recently published three new Circulation specialty journals, but it is unknown whether those journals will be in Ovid’s LWW Total Access Package because they are working with the publisher on the rights to do so. Uh, isn’t the publisher and Ovid within the same company? Wiley recently shook the hornet’s nest when they migrated recently acquired Blackwell Synergy to InterScience.
... Ok, there may be some of you that might say I am paranoid, but I know, "The Truth is Out There."
The Best Academic Library Program in North America Is ...
Bragging rights for having the best library-science program in the United States and Canada — if a market-research-firm survey limited to 75 universities confers bragging rights — belongs to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Illinois’s Graduate School of Library and Information Science got the most votes in Research and Markets’ annual survey of academic libraries. The company, which is based in Ireland, asked survey participants to list the top five academic library-science programs in North America, on the basis of scholarly output and effectiveness in preparing professional librarians for practice. After the Illinois school, the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tied for second place.
How much do libraries spend to get online access to books, journals, and other content? The libraries in the survey averaged $456,238. Major research universities spent a lot more, however. They averaged nearly $3.5-million.—Josh Fischman
CAHSLA Calendar
December ?? CAHSLA Christmas party
January 22, 2009 SWON Health Care Group meeting. 3:00-5:00 p.m. at SWON office in Blue Ash
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