Professional Development
Professional organizations and continuing education resources relevant to Kentucky-based health sciences librarians.
See a snapshot of recent MLIS job postings from San Jose State University!
Professional Development
Organizations
The Medical Library Association is the main professional organization for health information professionals. Home to multiple resources, communities, and professional development opportunities. They are an excellent resource to learn more about health sciences library careers.
Professional Standards:
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Competencies for Health Information Professionals
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Code of Ethics for Health Information Professionals
Distinguish Yourself
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Specializations - available for Consumer Health Information, Data Services, and Systematic Review Services.
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AHIP Certification - full certification requires five years of professional experience, but provisional certification is available for early-career professionals.
Resources
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Hospital Library Caucus LibGuide - includes standards of practice for hospital libraries, advocacy resources, and how-tos on various aspects of hospital librarianship, such as literature searching and collection development.
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MEDLID-ED - portal for free and paid continuing education webinars and courses.
The regional chapter of the Medical Library Association to which Kentucky belongs. Hosts an annual virtual conference, and members receive access to a Wiki with additional resources.
The ACRL's interest group for academic health sciences librarians. Hosts webinars and maintains a LibGuide on health sciences library issues like evidence-based practice, information literacy in the health sciences, evidence synthesis, and research data services.
The primary organization for library professionals across settings in Kentucky.
Professional Development Opportunities
Network of the National Library of Medicine
The Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) is a network of seven regional health sciences libraries affiliated with the National Library of Medicine. Resources include:
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Free Training Opportunities - webinars and courses on a variety of health information topics.
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Region 1 - the regional medical library supporting Kentucky. Offers funding opportunities and DOCLINE support.
Finding Free Webinars
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MEDLIB-EL - offers both free and paid webinars and courses, but specific to health information professionals.
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Free Professional Development Opportunities - compiled by Arkansas State University.
Courses and Longer-Term Programs
Health Sciences Librarianship Journals
Open Access Titles
Additional Journals
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Health Information and Libraries Journal - more general focus on health information issues.