Evolving - Digital literacy, Digital health, Digital scholarship was the theme of this year’s HLA/HLI Conference which was held in October in beautiful Melbourne. Delegates were treated to a wealth of information and knowledge from various speakers on a range of topics. A shout out to the organising committee who put in months of work to see this come to fruition. We can’t thank you enough for all your time and effort. A huge thanks to our sponsors as well who made this event possible and our speakers who generously gave their time.
In recent weeks the summary report of the Specialist Digital Health Workforce 2023 has been released which highlights the pivotal role health librarians play in the wider health informatics, digital data, information and knowledge space. The health system is increasingly reliant on this workforce to realise benefits from large health IT investments and to create value from increasing volumes of electronic health data. Being counted with others in the health information workforce data is essential to advocate for health librarians and to demonstrate the unique role we play within health organisations.
We are looking for people to join the HLA Executive committee, in particular people with an interest in Awards and Finance. 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. The HLA Executive are an incredible group of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help advance health libraries in Australia. Joining the committee helps make new connections and opens you up to endless opportunities and networks so please consider popping your hand up – it’s definitely worth it!
A new Artificial Intelligence in Health Library & Information Services Community of Practice has just started so if you are keen to join this or other communities of practice please visit the HLA website for more information. Work is continuing on the Professional Development calendar for 2024 so hopefully we will see you online soon – please get in touch if you have suggestions for events or if you are willing to be a guest speaker!
Enjoy a well deserved rest over the festive season and I look forward to working together next year to highlight the amazing work of health libraries in Australia.
Gemma