From Deborah L. Lauseng, 2009 Midwest Chapter President
Health Sciences Libraries, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Though it seems hard to believe that preparations for fall are under way, the signs are clear-the new residents are on the job, the medical students are back in class and soon students will be evident across campus. It would be nice to slow time down and savor more of summer!
But the fall momentum is on, moving toward a new year of working with physicians and faculty and an opportunity to build new connections outside the library. Are you ready to implement ideas gathered from professional contacts or reading? Are you considering new methods for distributing relevant information to your users? Have you developed new instructional resources using current technology tools?
Or are you wishing you were more equipped for the ever-changing hospital and academic environment around you? Consider building the momentum though CE opportunities at the 2009 Midwest Chapter Conference from October 2-6 in Columbus, OH. Topics include library advocacy, strategic planning, emergency preparedness, searching skills, critical appraisal, distance education and emerging technologies.
Carol Powell and her Continuing Education Committee have done an excellent job assembling an outstanding group of experts as instructors. You can find CE details here. Beyond the eleven CE courses, the conference offers many opportunities for making professional contacts, sharing information and developing new plans--just the thing for gaining momentum!
Should your momentum already be in motion, consider sharing what you are involved in with your Midwest Chapter colleagues. Of course we all look forward to learning from each other at the chapter meeting, though there are other options for sharing. Two options are through ConnectMidwest and MIDLINE.
At any point you can submit a blog post to Clare Leibfarth, our ConnectMidwest editor or Jason Young, our MIDLINE editor. Another option for sharing and continuing the chapter's momentum is by volunteering to serve on a Midwest Chapter committee. Soon incoming president Elaine Skopelja will be contacting individual members about contributing through committee involvement. Seriously consider saying "yes!" Be a part of the momentum.
Anticipate being part of the fall momentum both in your local institution and among colleagues in Columbus. Hope to see you soon!