International Anyone?
submitted by Donna Flake

For many years, I have been heavily involved with the International Cooperation Committee of MLA. The pleasures and rewards of this work have been tremendously important to me. I want to encourage you to pay the $10 extra above the regular MLA dues to join this dynamic and fascinating section of MLA. [editor's note: Donna asked that this be in the last issue of NW Notes - and I apologize for the delay in getting her article published. As a past MLA Representative to Canada, I heartily endorse all her comments and would encourage anyone with even a vague interest in international issues to join this section]

About the International Cooperation Section of MLA

The International Cooperation Section of MLA was established in 1989. (Prior to this there was an International Cooperation Committee of MLA.) This group of members from over 25 countries value the international sharing of ideas and resources and the coming together of librarians from different lands.

 

Some of the work of this section includes:

A sister library program
A Job Exchange Committee
Providing an annual International Reception at MLA.

MLA consults with the chairman of the International Cooperation Section when selecting several of its appointments including:

MLA Representative to EAHIL
MLA Representative to Canada

This section's newsletter is excellent and highlights international medical librarians' work around the globe. The web site is fascinating and provides a good overview of section activities.

Carole Gall is the current chairman of the International Cooperation Section of MLA. She can be contacted at cfgall@iupui.edu or phone: 317/274-1411.

Two of the 1998-1999 goals of the ICS include:

* global connectivity
* information technology transfer

I want to share with you how my work with the section has improved my life:

My first involvement with the International Cooperation Committee (forerunner of the International Cooperation Section), was being asked to join when I returned from a six month medical library job exchange in England in 1984. I was delighted to join this dynamic and passionate group of librarians who cared deeply about the cause of international cooperation. In 1989, the International Cooperation Committee was dissolved, and the new International Cooperation Section came into existence.

One result of my international efforts was that in 1986, in 1988, and in 1992, I visited England to present papers or poster sessions at the Medical, Health, and Welfare Librarians Group (which was recently renamed the Health Librarians Group). In 1991, I was asked to present the keynote address at the Second Annual CD-ROM Conference in Tokyo.

Over the years, I have done a great deal of work with the International Cooperation Section. Twice I served as a member of the Cunningham Fellow Selection Jury and once as Itinerary Chair for the Cunningham Fellow. Twice, Cunningham Fellows stayed with me in Wilmington, North Carolina. From 1993 until 1998, I chaired the Job Exchange Committee of the International Cooperation Section.

In 1995, MLA appointed me as their representative to EAHIL. (The European Association of Health Information and Libraries.) I feel this happened as a result of my persistent interest and involvement in the International Cooperation Section of the Medical Library Association. So now new opportunities for international cooperation and travel have opened up for me. Since 1995, I attended EAHIL conferences in Prague (1995), Coimbra, Portugal (1996), Budapest (1997), and Utrecht, the Netherlands (1998). In 1999, I will attend the EAHIL meeting in Tartu, Estonia, and I am currently on the Program Planning Committee for this meeting.

In 2000, I will attend the 8th International Congress of Medical Librarianship in London (this is a joint meeting with EAHIL) and I am on the Scientific Program Committee for this meeting too.

Indeed, MLA's International Cooperation Committee broadened my horizons. But more importantly, my international experiences have made my life profoundly more meaningful, more exciting, and more joyful. I tell you all of this to say: Reach Out To The World! It all starts with just $10 by joining the International Cooperation Section of MLA!

Join the International Cooperation Section - Get Involved - Travel Abroad!

Donna Flake, Coastal AHEC
2131 South 17th Street
PO Box 9025
Wilmington, NC 28402
910/343-2180  910/762-7600 (fax)

Donna Flake is Co-Chair of the Membership Committee of International Cooperation Section, along with Pamela Lee of Hong Kong.

Northwest Notes / 20(1) Jan.-Mar. 1999 / April 22, 1999