A Chapter of the Medical Library Association

Name: David Bickford
Institution: University of Arizona, Phoenix
Title: Director, Arizona Health Sciences Library

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

I lead a multi-institutional team providing information access and services to students, faculty, and staff of the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University at the Phoenix Bioscience Core. Duties include instructional outreach to the academic communities of both institutions, management of library operations, coordination with each institution's main campus library, compliance with accreditation requirements, and collaboration with peer libraries and professional organizations.

Why is MLGSCA important to you?

MLGSCA provides a regional chapter that is just the right size to become involved in committee work and hold offices. It offers me an immediate way to test ideas and make contacts that can then lead to greater involvement at the national level through MLA.

What was your first library job or professional position?

My first library job was as a clerk in the small public library of my hometown in New York. My first professional position was a librarian in the Business and Science department of the old Phoenix Central Library.

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

Prior to my current position, I was in charge of library resources and services at University of Phoenix. That was during the institution's rapid expansion to a nationwide network of campuses and online programs. Because the university was operating in multiple states, we had to comply with multiple sets of accreditation and licensing requirements. That meant a lot of travel. Sometimes I spent as much time flying around the country and going to meetings as I did running my own library.

What do you consider to be the most pressing issues or trends in librarianship?

When I began my career, library resources (mostly books back then) were closely related to library space. A library's square footage was mostly determined by how many volumes it had. Now, resources (mostly digital now) and space are almost completely separate domains. Balancing how much time to devote to each one and explaining the differing needs in each area to leadership is likely to be a challenge for all library leaders.

What is something you have on your bucket list?

To visit all 50 states. I've been stalled at 44 for a while now.

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

I recently enjoyed a book called "Half American" by Matthew Delmont. It's a fast-paced and fact-packed account of the African-American experience during World War II. In terms of movies, my favorite recent find has been "The Wolf's Call," a French submarine thriller.

What are you most proud of?

In early adulthood, I responded to a breakup by cashing in my accumulated frequent flier miles, flying to Bangkok, and spending a week at a Thai cooking school. It might have been a little self-indulgent, but flying around the world and trying a new adventure was just right for restoring my confidence.