A Chapter of the Medical Library Association

Name: Jennifer Silverman

Institution:  Wilson Dental Library. University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA

Title: Health Sciences Librarian

Brief description of what you do/your responsibilities at your institution. 

I am the liaison librarian to the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. I am very involved with instruction with the school's Evidence-Based Dentistry (dental version of EBP) course and helping to support the school's Problem-Based Learning curriculum. Along with my colleague, the Head of the Wilson Dental Library, I manage and post to our library's Instagram and present at monthly Dental Faculty Association meetings. I also serve on many committees as part of the larger USC Libraries, including recently being elected as President-Elect to our Library Faculty Council.

Why is MLGSCA important to you?

MLGSCA allows me to meet and connect with other medical librarians in the So Cal region. I never get tired of spending time with other librarians at in-person events, so I really love that MLGSCA provides opportunities for local librarians to come together.

Why did you become a librarian?

I originally wanted to be a teacher. I went to college intending to teach, but things did not work out once I started student teaching. While I was an undergrad at San Diego State University (SDSU), I had a job as a student worker at the library and realized I enjoyed helping people find resources. This experience landed me a Library Assistant job at a school district and my supervisor was the District Librarian. She convinced me to go to library school and now I've been a librarian for 12 years. I have realized that librarianship still provides plenty of opportunities for me to use my teaching skills.

What was your first library job or professional position?

As I mentioned, my very first library job was as a student worker at SDSU's library while I was an undergraduate. I specifically worked in the "Current Periodicals & Microforms Center," so I will always have a soft spot for microfiche. My first professional position was as a Librarian I at San Diego Public Library. At SDPL you can be hired as a Librarian I before you have completed your degree as long as you have completed a certain number of units, so I was a professional librarian before I officially had my degree.

What is your advice to someone new to medical librarianship?

Volunteer! The main reason I was hired at SDPL so quickly is because I was volunteering there while I was still in school. Volunteering is the best way to get experience in any kind of library environment you hope to work in. Medical Librarianship does require you to be familiar with certain databases and terminology so it is helpful to join medical librarianship organizations like MLGSCA or take free online courses like the ones offered by NNLM.

What is something you have on your bucket list?

I'm a big Disney nerd so definitely some Disney experiences like visiting Aulani or Disney Parks in Asia.

What is the best thing you have read/watched/listened to recently?

I recently rewatched all 6 seasons of the TV show Lost. Although it ended in 2010, it still holds up pretty well. It was fun to rewatch and I forgot most of the mysteries, so it was like watching it for the first time!

Describe yourself in five words

Sarcastic, Funny, Outgoing, Sensitive, Helpful

Written by Becca Gates; photos by Sunny McGowan

L-R: Stephen Clancy (retired, UCI), Becca Gates (UCI), Rachel Maggio (Chapman), Ivan Portillo (Chapman), Beth Autin (Sharp), Sunny McGowan (Scripps), Emily Zimmermann (Ketchum), Dot Winslow (ATSU), Carol Schechter (Providence)  

A group of MLGSCA members gathered on Thursday, March 27^th for a tour of the Health Sciences Library at Chapman University Rinker Health Sciences campus guided by Library Director, Ivan Portillo. Ivan was supported during the tour by his colleagues in the library in providing the group with information about the development of the library spaces and initiatives.

The tour began in the entrance to the library area—also called the Health Sciences Study Commons—with Ivan providing context for the space’s history and development.

Tour attendees were particularly interested in the large study rooms and spaces all equipped with Apple TVs available for the students to use. The library also displays QR codes for their digital collections and profiles recent faculty publications and achievements.

We were particularly excited about a kiosk that dispenses short stories for users at the click of a button. The kiosk sits in a large study area of the library alongside nice couches, desks, and study carrels. 

After exploring the library space, we ventured over to the campus center where the library has a desk and office area for students to ask questions and get support. The tour also walked around and admired the bright and well decorated campus center. We ended the experience in a larger classroom that the library uses for instruction/workshops.

As the tour wrapped up, many of us came away inspired by the Chapman health sciences library spaces and considering how we might integrate ideas from the space in our own institutions.

To keep the fun going, we made our way over to Brio Italian Grille at the Irvine Spectrum Center for a post-tour social. We enjoyed the afternoon while sitting on the patio at the restaurant with good food, drinks, weather, and conversations!

L-R: Ivan, Sunny, Carol, Becca, Emily, Dot, Rae, Beth, Stephen, and Zem Ngow (UCSD)

Building Belonging: Fostering Community and Fairness in Action

We are highlighting the important community building actions that are underway thanks to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEI-A) efforts in health sciences libraries, particularly within the Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona. These libraries are making great strides in fostering inclusive, accessible spaces, and we hope this page sparks positive discussions that further advance initiatives that foster belonging in our field.

Today our first highlight is from our chapter president!

Andrea Harrow (she/her/hers), Clinical Librarian at Keck Medical Center & Norris Medical Library, University of Southern California

Please feel free to tell us a bit more about you. How are you involved in the MLGSCA? How long have you been working in medical libraries?

I am currently serving as President of MLGSCA, and have been working in medical libraries since 2004.

Tell us about your library. Tell us about the size of your institution. Who are your primary library users? What are their information needs?

I am a clinical librarian working in a medical center affiliated with an academic health sciences library. USC has 19 physical libraries with about 180 librarians and library staff assisting around 50,000 students (undergrad and graduate). We have about 15 librarians and staff working in the Norris Medical Library. My primary users are practicing clinicians who seek assistance with research, education, and scholarly communication.

Describe your DEI-A Efforts that you wish to highlight.

Yes, I thought it was important to share my project and address the current anti-DEI climate we are now facing as we ask ourselves whether we should remove all traces of DEIA terminology and adopt new language toward community building and belonging. Does adopting new terminology accurately describe movements and initiatives, or does it restrict our academic freedoms and freedom of speech? Our library has received instruction to ensure equal access opportunities to all events. Our collections represent diverse voices and world cultures, our students and faculty, and their research interests. I have an interest in health information literacy and understanding the causes of health disparities, including societal influences that create and widen these disparities. One of our librarians created a research guide for LGBTQIA+ health. Last year, I decided to create a new research guide for Health equity, diversity and inclusion. It is not fully completed, but I do not mind sharing.

Link to the research guide: https://libguides.usc.edu/health-edi

What were your goals for this project? How successful were you at achieving your goals?

The aim was to gather essential and useful resources for assessing social determinants of health, and actions taken to increase health equity and lessen disparities. PubMed search strategies and information are also provided.

What impact did you notice? Did you get any feedback from your community?

Over the past 6 months the research guide has 636 views, which averages between three to four views a day. Our family medicine department and clinical affairs requested searches relating to older adults, and I showed them that page on the guide. They really liked the Social Determinants of Health resources, and we are now working on an Elder Justice library reading list. Community building in action!

Do you have any plans for the future? Anything you would have done differently? Any advice for other librarians interested in a similar project?

I encourage our members, including library staff, to create and share a research guide for a health topic you feel passionately about. It's a great way to connect with your users, and each other. Thank you for this opportunity to share!

Do you have a project relating to DEI-A or fostering community and belonging that you would like to share? Please do so using this linked form.

Meet the slate of candidates for the MLGSCA 2025 Election!

The election will run March 10, 2025 to March 24, 2025 via electronic ballot.  Please watch the email you used to join MLGSCA with for your ballot.

President-Elect (3-year term)

David Bickford

David has been a member of both MLGSCA and MLA since 2014. At the regional level, he has served as Awards Committee chair since 2020 and has been a member since 2023 of both the Nominating Committee and the Government Relations and Bylaws Committee. At the national level, he has been a member of the MLA Awards Committee since 2022. David holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Brown University and Master of Science in Library Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Treasurer (2-year term)

Carrie Cullen

Hello, I’m Carrie Cullen, MLIS, AHIP (Senior). Since 2020, I have worked at the University of California, Irvine as the Research Librarian for Physical Sciences. I am a member of our evidence synthesis team and support reference and instruction in the health sciences. Previously, I was the Graduate Medical Education Librarian at the University of South Florida (USF). I have proudly served as MLGSCA treasurer since 2023 and if confirmed, I would be honored to continue for another term. 

MLGSCA Activities

• MLGSCA Treasurer and Finance Committee member, 2023 - present

• MLGSCA member, 2019 - present

Medical Library Association Activities

• Research Caucus member, 2022 - present

• Systematic Review Caucus member, 2022 - present

• Medical Library Education Caucus member, 2021 - present

• Social Justice & Health Disparities Caucus member, 2021 -  present

• MLA member, 2015 - present

Education

• Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, University of South Florida, 2017

• Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, 2007

Secretary (1-year term)

Victoria Caine

I have been working in the role of health sciences librarian since January 2024 at the University of Arizona-Phoenix Biomedical Campus library. I am passionate about evidence-based medicine, data management, and bioinformatics. This year, my goal is to receive my Systematic Review Services Specialization Level I through MLA. In my spare time, I love playing roller derby, walking my 2 pugs, and learning guitar. 

• MLGSCA Chapter Involvement: I have assisted the Membership Committee with composing the "I am MLGSCA" blog posts, planning the holiday social, and ideas for member recruitment. 

• Medical Library Association (MLA) Involvement: As a newer health sciences librarian, I am getting more involved in MLA. Currently, I am participating in the MLA book club and mentorship program. 

• Section/Caucus: Member of: Clinical Librarians and Evidence Based Practice, Collection Development, Medical Informatics, New Members, Research, Resource Sharing, and Technology in Education 

• Education: Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona. Master of Arts in International Leadership and Community Development from Crown College. 

Nominating Committee (2-year term, 2 positions)

Victoria Flores

Rebecca Birr

Note on President 

Andrea Harrow was elected in 2024 for a 3-year term, but had to step up into the President position due to a vacancy. She will be continuing her 3-year term in 2025-2026 as President.

The Award Committee is pleased to announce the following awards for spring of 2025.

Angela Murrell of the University of Arizona has received the Louise Darling MLGSCA Achievement Award, which honors significant contributions to health sciences librarianship, as well as to the Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona. Angela is currently serving as past president of the chapter and has been involved in chapter leadership for several years of service in positions in both California and Arizona. Angela will receive a $500 stipend and a commemorative plaque in association with this award.

Jennifer Silverman of the University of Southern California has received the MLGSCA Professional Development Award. Jennifer will receive a $500 stipend to assist with attending the annual conference of the Medical Library Association in Pittsburgh.

Sara Flournoy of Chapman University has been selected for the MLGSCA Student Scholarship. Sara will receive a $1500 scholarship towards her graduate education at San Jose State University.

Congratulations to Angela, Jennifer, and Sara for these well-deserved awards. In addition, the Awards Committee wishes to announce a change in the deadline for the Professional Development Award. Previously, there have been two deadlines: February 15 and September 15. These has since been consolidated into a single deadline of February 15. After that deadline has passed, any unused funds may be awarded on a case-by-case basis until the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Please contact Awards Committee chair David Bickford with any questions.

Name: Melissa Wagner

Written by Melissa Wagner

On Thursday, February 20th we had 14 attendees join us for MLGSCA’s Tour of the Mayo Clinic Phoenix Campus Libraries. The group included members, prospective members, and a student! The tour began at Building 1, which houses the Mayo Clinic hospital and one of two Staff Libraries.

The new Phoenix Campus Staff Library opened in April 2023. Staff have 24/7 badge access to this popular space which also includes several collaboration rooms. 

It was a beautiful afternoon to do the 2 mile round trip tour of all three campus libraries!

Our second stop was at the Patient Library and Research Center, found in Building 3. Sydni Abrahamsen explained how this is one of Mayo Clinic’s two Patient Libraries in Arizona that with a Consumer Health focus that offer reliable health information to patients and community members.

This antique ambulance, purchased by Will and Charlie Mayo, is found in the lobby of Building 3, directly across from the Patient Library.

We ended at the Integrated Education and Research Building, which now houses our Learning Resource Center, the library serving the College of Medicine and Science.  

Students have access to a Sectra table to study anatomy. 

Mayo Clinic Values

The day ended with a fabulous dinner at White Chocolate Grill. This was a great group and we're looking forward to planning our next MLGSCA AZ outing!

Name: Lauren Carter

Institution: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)

Title: Library Services Associate

Brief description of what you do at your institution

I provide basic research assistance to students, staff, and faculty from a variety of health science programs at the Phoenix Bioscience Core. However, most of the time I'm working on projects like displays, passive programming activities, and recently, cataloging our new special collection (more on that later!).

Why is MLGSCA important to you?

As a recent MLIS graduate who is actively job hunting, MLGSCA is a great resource to meet other health science library professionals -- and to find out about job openings! :-)

Why did you become a librarian?

My mom, an academic librarian, encouraged me to work in my college library during undergrad, and I loved it. After graduating, I briefly worked in a corporate job (just three months!) before realizing it wasn’t for me. I missed working in the library, so I decided to pursue library work again. I worked in a public library for a while, and eventually landed at the College of Medicine-Phoenix where I decided to pursue my MLIS.

What was your first library job or professional position?

My first library job was as a student worker at Mesa Community College. Later, during my MLIS, I returned as an intern, and after graduating, I was invited back as an Adjunct Faculty Librarian. So I'm hugely thankful to MCC for being the place where I fell in love with library work, and now also being the first place I get to call myself a Librarian. :-)

What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?

As I mentioned before, I’ve been cataloging a large donation of antique and rare medical books from a local pediatric neurologist, with some texts dating back to the 1600s! It’s been fascinating to work with these historic books and to play a role in the planning and curatorial decisions for the new special collection.

What is something you have on your bucket list?

I would love to visit New Orleans! I love jazz and spooky vibes so it's been on my list for a while.

What do you do in your spare time for fun, or to relax?

For fun, I love going to concerts, traveling, and exploring art museums. My best friend works in the local arts, so she always takes me to the coolest new exhibitions! :~) To relax, I’m usually at home reading or watching TV with my partner and our cat.

What is the best thing you have read/watched/listened to recently?

Severance! I'm obsessed.

Join the Chapter Leadership Team! Open Officer Positions Now Available

Are you ready to take your professional involvement to the next level and help shape the future of MLGSCA? We’re excited to announce open officer positions on the Advisory Council (AC), and we encourage passionate and dedicated members like you to apply!

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of each position’s responsibilities. If you’re interested in any of these positions, reach out to the Nominating Chair to learn more or submit your nomination today!

Send nominations or self-nominations to the Nominating Committee chair, Angela at angelamurrell@arizona.edu by Feb 14, 2025.

Becoming a Chapter officer is a unique opportunity to:

• Learn more about MLGSCA while directly giving back to strategic operations
• Develop your leadership skills.
• Build lasting connections with other librarians in our region

Open Positions:

President-Elect (3-year term)

Prepare to lead while playing a vital role in MLGSCA’s strategic affairs. This individual assists the President in planning and organizing programs, including monthly Coffee Chats, and supports Chapter initiatives outlined in the Bylaws. Additionally, they act as President in their absence and take on special projects as assigned by the AC.

President *Special Position (2-year term)

Usually, the President-Elect steps up as President, but due to changes this year, we have a 2-year position of President/Immediate Past President position open. The President presides over all meetings, represents the Chapter, appoints an Archivist, and submits an Annual Report to MLA Headquarters. They also fulfill other responsibilities as outlined in the Bylaws. This position includes one year as President, followed by one year as Immediate Past President.

Secretary (1-year term)

Help keep MLGSCA organized and informed! This position is a great entry position for new librarians and/or new MLGSCA members. The Secretary notifies members of Business and Advisory Council (AC) meetings, records and distributes meeting minutes, and publishes an annual list of committee chairs and members. They may take on special projects as assigned by the AC.

Treasurer (2-year term)

The Treasurer is responsible for managing and safeguarding the chapter’s finances. Their duties include receiving and accounting for all funds, preparing quarterly financial reports, and serving as an ex-officio member of the Finance Committee. They also coordinate finances for the 2026 Joint Meeting, ensuring smooth financial planning for the event.

MLGSCA Nominating Committee (2-year term) 2 positions

Membership annually elects two representatives to join the Nominating Committee. They help shape the future of Chapter leadership by preparing the annual slate of nominees for open officer positions, managing the election process, and recommending a Voting Member for the MLA Nominating Committee.

Send nominations or self-nominations to the Nominating Committee chair, Angela at angelamurrell@arizona.edu by Feb 14, 2025.

Name: Becca Gates