Name: Lisa Marks
Institution: Mayo Clinic - AZ
Title: Director of Library Services
Brief description of what you do/your responsibilities at your institution.
I am responsible for the 5 libraries within Mayo Clinic in Arizona. We have 2 staff libraries, 2 patient/consumer health libraries and 1 library for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. If you look at the Mayo Clinic logo, the 3 shields represent Practice, Education and Research, the Libraries offer support to all 3 shields.
Why is MLGSCA important to you?
MLGSCA is important to me because it is my local professional organization being a chapter of the larger organization - MLA. I have made many "frolleagues" over the years through MLGSCA and it's been a wonderful opportunity to work with many of them in many different ways.
Why did you become a librarian?
I worked for Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) throughout college so earning my MLS seemed like the next logical thing to do once I'd earned my Bachelors degree. I had every intention to go back to work for LAPL as a Librarian however, a hiring freeze was in place when I graduated from San Jose State. I needed a job and just fell into medical librarianship and I've been working in this area ever since.
What is your advice to someone new to medical librarianship?
Get involved in this group of terrific folks! MLGSCA is a great place to get your feet wet in a professional association. Ask for a mentor, both locally and at the national level with MLA. Don't be afraid to ask questions - easier said than done, I know - but medical librarians are a great group of people who want to share their knowledge and expertise.
What do you consider to be the most pressing issues or trends in librarianship?
Keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology! Lots of us were concerned about libraries/librarians relevancy when the internet came to be - yes, I've been around that long ;) and now I feel the same about AI as technology is changing again. Having said that, like with the internet, we'll all learn and adjust as we always do and more than likely, down the line, become the place for folks to learn about AI.
What is something you have on your bucket list?
A bit corny I suppose but I'd like to visit all the Presidential Libraries - so far I've been to 6!
What do you do in your spare time for fun, or to relax?
Read, of course, and in the past few years or so, I took up crocheting again. It had been quite a long time but had a good reason to pick it up again - we have a group here making "chemo hats" for our cancer patients so that was my impetus to pick up a crochet hook again.
What is the best thing you have read/watched/listened to recently?
I really enjoy "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix. I tend to binge each new season then seem to wait an eternity for the next one! Now waiting on next season of Bridgerton!
Describe yourself in five words.
A Chapter of the Medical Library Association