MLANet
submitted by Scott Garrison, MLANET Editor

Greetings to all members of the profession,

Expectations for MLANET continue to grow rapidly. One of our goals is to continually enhance and refine MLANET in order to help you use it as efficiently and effectively as possible.

We have launched the first of two surveys that will provide us with information regarding your web access and computer capabilities, and MLANET views and opinions. This Spring 1998 Survey is completed.                                    

Watch for the second survey, which will appear in August and concentrate on future developments and projects. This will assist in prioritizing the needs of the MLA membership.

Please participate in the next MLANET SURVEY and make your voice heard. And do not forget to promote this survey to your colleagues -- the more feedback we gather, the more accurate the future can be charted.      

Thank you!

MLA Award for Excellence and Achievement in Hospital Librarianship
submitted by Michelynn McKnight

Know a great hospital librarian?

That's who you should nominate for the MLA Award for Excellence and Achievement in Hospital Librarianship, our highest award in hospital librarianship. We award it each year to someone who has made significant contributions to the profession. They may have produced a definitive publication in hospital librarianship, shown exceptional leadership, or contributed through teaching, research advocacy or use of innovative technology. Often the winner is in mid-career.

Nominees must have worked in a hospital library for at least five years and we prefer that they be MLA members.

Nomination petitions are due November 1, 1998. Get a nomination form from Beth Ruddy, MLA Research and Professional Recognition Coordinator, MLA, Suite 300, Six North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60602; Phone: 312/419-9094; Fax: 312/419-8950; Email:

Karen Curtis, Awards Committee Chair
Michael Kronenfeld, Chair, Jury for the Award for Excellence and
Achievement in Hospital Librarianship

MLA Publications Ranked as Outstanding
submitted by Carla J. Funk

In the June 15, 1998 issue of Library Journal, two of MLA's publication during 1997 were ranked as the library profession's most outstanding literature. They include:

   Alternative Medicine Resource Guide by Francine Feuerman and Marsha J. Handel.
  Collection Development and Assessment in Health Sciences Libraries by Daniel T. Richards and Dottie Eakin.

MLA Headquarters sent all MLA titles published between January 1997 and March 1998 to ALA for potential inclusion in the year's best list.

We congratulate these authors and appreciate the heightened visibility that their excellent books and MLA have received in the broader library community through mention in LJ.