Compiled by Amber Burtis
Morris Library, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL
Gerald Dujsik, MALS, AHIP, retired July 7, 2009, as director of Learning Resources for the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). He served 23 years at ICO and 39 years in the profession. He served as Representative at Large and Membership Secretary to the chapter.
Carole Gilbert spent the summer teaching an acquisitions course for the library technician program at Oakland Community College in Auburn Hills, MI. She says of her experience: "It's a very diverse group, with students from ages 19 to mid-50's, some with lots of library experience, some with none. Some sent by their library directors to learn new skills, a couple with MLS degrees updating theirs, and one from Zimbabwe who has taught himself to speak and write English. He wants to finish the LTA course, get his BA, and then MLS. All while fighting the visa battle. I have several interested in public libraries, several in school libraries and one interested in medical libraries. It's been lots of work finding a textbook, developing the class and trying to stay two steps ahead of the class, but I'm having a ball!"
Elaine Hicks, MLIS student at the University of Illinois, was awarded the MLA scholarship at the annual meeting in Honolulu. Her interests include using both library and public health education skills to strategically identify and engage public health workers, individuals and communities to locate, use and analyze health information.
Barb Knight is the new assistant director of the Harley E. French Library of the Health Sciences at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
Mary Schleicher graduated with an MLIS from Kent State University in May 2009 and was hired as a medical librarian at the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Library in July. She says she's looking forward to the Midwest Chapter's Annual Conference in Columbus.
Elaine Skopelja, MLS, AHIP, received the Indiana Health Sciences Librarians Association's OVATION Award for her contribution to the association. Elaine is a faculty member of the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Ruti Volk, librarian and manager of the Patient Education Resource Center at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Mardigian Wellness Resource Center Cardiovascular Center in Ann Arbor, MI, is the 2009 recipient of the Consumer and Patient Health Information Section (CAPHIS) of MLA Outstanding Consumer Health Information Service Award. See her acceptance speech here.