From Deborah Lauseng, 2009 Midwest Chapter President
Health Sciences Libraries, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Mid-October was very busy for a number of people, particularly those preparing for "Vital Signs," the joint Midwest Chapter/MLA and Michigan Health Sciences Libraries Association annual conference. Between October 17 and 21, we gathered in Troy, Michigan, to learn about keeping our libraries vibrant and healthy. We all have benefited from the energies and efforts of this year's Conference Coordinator Ellen O'Donnell and Local Arrangements Chair Sandra Martin and their many planning committee teams (with more than 40 members) and countless volunteers. We also gained essential information from the conference speakers, paper and poster presenters, and CE instructors. Thank you one and all for challenging us to look at our work with a fresh perspective, be innovative and creative, consider strategies for growth, and take away vital insights from colleagues to be applied in our own workplaces.
This year two events really stood out for me, the First Time Attendee Reception followed by the Welcome Reception. The two receptions blended very nicely together as we listened to the music of Motown. Saturday evening provided me a chance to meet new members and catch up with colleagues who I haven't seen since last year. These connections are one of the reasons I value my membership in the Midwest Chapter.
Now on to what is exciting to me as I take on the role as President...connections. Connections between the previous and present board as we transition and build upon the accomplishments of the previous year. Connections between our print archives and our web-based information. Connections made through communication between current members and potential members. Connections made through promoting health sciences librarianship.
Following Mary Markland's leadership, the Executive Board will be writing goals to help us convert ideas and plans into accomplishments. Though specific goals for both the board and standing committees will not be formalized until our spring board meeting, we are looking at: finalizing our policy and procedures manual using a wiki format, reviewing our archive collection and creating an electronic copy, building relationships with member states through active state liaisons, using blogs to communicate activities of our membership, considering how to support continuing education opportunities for members, and promoting the chapter and health sciences librarianship through use of our new portable banner at state meetings and local library schools.
As we set goals and build connections, I encourage you to be involved. We are all the Midwest Chapter.