Who we are:

• A chapter of the Medical Library Association serving Arizona and California (south of Fresno)
• Around 300 health science librarians and information professionals

What we do:

• Facilitate cooperation among medical and allied health science libraries
• Assist in developing library resources
• Promote continuing education for health sciences librarians

MLGSCA is the vital NET for health information professionals!

~Networking~

~Education~

~Technology~

2020 MLGSCA Solidarity Statement

The MLGSCA Solidarity Statement was created by the MLGSCA Solidarity Statement Taskforce members Naomi Bishop, Kelli Hines, Judy Kraemer, and Robin Schiff.

June 25, 2020

The Medical Library Group of Southern California and Arizona (MLGSCA) condemns racism.

MLGSCA stands in solidarity with and voices support for our Black members, our members of color, and members of the MLA African American Medical Librarians Alliance (AAMLS) Caucus (Statement June 1, 2020) with regard to protests as a result of killings by police in the United States.

MLGSCA condemns the actions by the Minneapolis Police Department and killings of Black people by police. We also acknowledge white supremacy, systems of oppression, and institutionalized forms of racism that discriminate against Blacks and African Americans and create disparities in healthcare and medicine.

Racism is a public health crisis. We recognize the communities of color in Arizona and Southern California are disproportionately affected by inequities based in racism. Learning about racism in medicine and understanding our own privileges and biases are initial steps we can take as we advocate for change in MLGSCA, medical librarianship, and healthcare. The Anti-Racism and Critical Librarianship resource suggestions compiled by the AAMLS as listed on the MLA Hospital Library Caucus Statement are a useful starting point.

The MLGSCA Advisory Council encourages MLGSCA members to speak up and unite to enact change in our profession, our communities, and our nation. We must all learn about Anti-racism, engage in constructive conversations about racism in medicine and libraries, and act to create positive change.

We will continue this conversation with our membership about how we can address racism in our profession and in our communities.

Your MLGSCA Advisory Council

ARCHIVIST

Marsha Kmec
Health Sciences Librarian
Mission Hospital
27700 Medical Center Road
MOB Suite 122
Library
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Marsha dot Kmec at stjoe dot org

NN/LM PSR ADVISORY COMMITTEE REP

Irene Lovas
Health Sciences Library
Olive View/UCLA Medical Center
14445 Olive View Dr.
Sylmar, CA, 91342
818-364-4241
ilovas at sbcglobal dot net

Additional Important Contact Information

MLA Credentialing Committee Liaison (AHIP)

Kathy Zeblisky
Phoenix Children's Hospital
1919 E Thomas Rd,
Phoenix, AZ  85016
P 602 933-4248
F 602 933-4249
kzeblisky at phoenixchildrens dot com

Quint Meeting Chair

Rebecca (Becky) Birr
Health Sciences Library
Maricopa Integrated Health System
2601 E. Roosevelt St.
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-344-5197 v
602-344-1944 f
rebecca dot birr at mihs dot org

MLGSCA Mailbox

Steve Clancy
Medical Librarian Science Library
UC Irvine
Irvine, CA
949-824-7309 v
sclancy at uci dot edu

Internal Auditor

Deborah Klein
dklein14 at verizon dot net 

Financial Advisor

Heidi White
Vavrinek, Trine, Day and Co., LLP
8270 Aspen Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
909-466-4410 v
909-466-4431 f

AHIP First-Time Applicant Award

Purpose:

To encourage members of the MLGSCA Chapter to apply for membership in the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP).

Award:

Participant will be reimbursed for the AHIP application fee ($200 Academy Member level or above, or $135 Provisional member level).

Eligibility:

• Current member of MLGSCA Chapter and of MLA (National) as of AHIP application.
• First time applicant for AHIP membership at any level.
• Completed AHIP documentation and payment submitted to the Medical Library Association and AHIP membership successfully awarded.

Terms:

• One award covering the application fee for AHIP membership will be available to MLGSCA members.
• AHIP membership must have been awarded within the past 12 months of the application deadline. Applications must be received by July 31.

Application Process:

Submit the following via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Awards Committee Chair.

Preferably as one PDF:

• Letter of Application stating briefly why you are applying for AHIP membership and how it will assist your professional goals.
• Copy of their letter of acceptance into the Academy of Health Information Professionals.
• Proof of payment to MLA - AHIP
• Proof of MLA membership
• Proof of MLGSCA membership

Award winners are only eligible to win the award once.

The Awardee will be determined by a random drawing of all applications received that meet all the criteria. Each application will be numbered in order as it is received, and an Internet random number generator will be used to select the winning application.

Timeline:

• Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
• Award winner will be randomly selected (all applications will be numbered based on the order in which they are received).
• Award recipients will be acknowledged in the MLGSCA blog, social media, and at the Chapter’s Spring Meeting.