Wow what a busy few months HLA have had – I’m sure you are no different? The sunshine breaking through the clouds lifts me up to push through to the end of the year. Hopefully you have some energy left too?
Some advocacy work has been occurring behind the scenes with HLA and the wider ALIA community on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Library and other information services was up for review and a submission was put forward from ALIA. The proposed changes now include the specialisation of health librarian. We know that health librarians play a pivotal role in ensuring clinicians use evidence-based information to inform their practice which in turn impacts on patient outcomes. Being recognised as specialty helps us advocate for the work we do. To further explore this work please visit: https://consult.abs.gov.au/standards-and-classifications/anzsco-comprehensive-review-round-1/
HLA is also working with ALIA on a few other submissions so stay tuned for further information. The aim is to advocate at national and state levels which may impact and influence the roles and tasks of health libraries for the betterment of all.
Our amazing and long serving Treasurer Sharon Karasmanis is looking to step away from the HLA Executive and enjoy all the offerings retirement brings. If you are keen to join HLA in this capacity we would love to hear from you. Please email gemma.siemensma@gh.org.au with a brief paragraph about yourself and what you feel you can bring to the HLA Executive. Don’t forget to include your personal ALIA membership number too.
HLA is committed to supporting ongoing Professional Development. There have been some incredible online sessions and workshops this year and we thank those who have taken time out of their busy days to present to us and share their knowledge. To round out the year we invite you to beautiful Melbourne where we are having our annual conference in conjunction with Health Libraries Inc. The theme is “Evolving - Digital literacy, Digital health, Digital scholarship”. As you will have experienced, demand for digital tools, content and skills continues to be a driving force behind ongoing change in health libraries. This conference will celebrate examples of change and transformation.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Melbourne soon!
Gemma