It’s amazing how quickly time passes. I know from chatting with HLA members that workloads have increased and libraries seem to be busier than ever before. It highlights just how important health libraries are and how the various roles and activities undertaken support organisations and their information governance needs.
At HLA we have had some changes. After many years of involvement Ann Ritchie has stepped off the HLA Committee to pursue other interests. Ann has held several roles at HLA including Convenor and National Manager. We cannot thank Ann enough for her time and enthusiasm, and all she has given over many years. Her passion for health libraries is embedded within HLA and we hope to continue much of the work Ann pioneered. Thankfully Ann won’t be too far away and is willing to be pestered still when needed!
We are excited to welcome Michele Gaca to the role of HLA National Manager. Michele has worked in health libraries for many years and is ready to hit the ground running on some HLA projects. This includes some work on strengthening NSQHS accreditation for hospital libraries and work around the HLA guidelines. Welcome aboard Michele!
The Global HIDDIN Workforce Census will be run again soon. The Census aims to capture the data about the specialist digital health workforce, including health librarians. This is vital to ensure we are counted as part of the Health Information Workforce. When released please take the time to fill it in and be counted. Together we are stronger and we can demonstrate this through research such as the Census.
HLA is committed to supporting ongoing Professional Development. Many online sessions have already taken place but more are coming. Pop these dates in your diaries and register now:
June 13-15: Asia-Pacific Health, Law and Special Libraries Conference - https://www.alia.org.au/Web/Web/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=HLSC
(Held over 3 lunchtimes – packed full of health content)
June 21: Visual design made easy (with Canva) - https://hla.alia.org.au/visual-design-made-easy-with-canva/
July 25: AI Tools for Information Professionals - https://hla.alia.org.au/ai-tools-for-information-professionals/
Aug 2: An introduction to measuring research impact: how and why we use social media to increase research impact - https://hla.alia.org.au/an-introduction-to-measuring-research-impact-how-and-why-we-use-social-media-to-increase-research-impact-02-aug-23/
Aug 15: Automation Tool Workshop: Improving the speed of designing and writing a systematic review -
October 19-20: HLA/HLi Joint Conference (Face to Face in Melbourne): https://hla.alia.org.au/call-for-abstracts-hla-hli-joint-conference/
(***Abstract submission open***)
See you online or face to face soon!
Gemma