Rethinking programs: a peer-reviewed video program
The Medical Library Association, Inc. (MLA), held its 113th Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN, May 14–26, 2011 at the Hilton Minneapolis. The meeting theme was Rethink.
Poster Session I: Board #51 | Date: Sunday, May 15, 2011
Julia Esparza, AHIP, Clinical Medical Librarian, Department of Medical Library Science, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center–Shreveport; Stephanie Fulton, AHIP, Associate Director, Research Medical Library, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center–Houston; Jodi L. Philbrick, Course Coordinator, Department of Library and Information Sciences Health Informatics, University of North Texas–Denton; Nancy J. Allee, AHIP, Deputy Director, Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor; Carrie L. Iwema, Information Specialist, Molecular Biology, Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; Shannon D. Jones, AHIP, Associate Director, Research and Education, Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University–Richmond; Mindy Robinson-Paquette, Senior Information Specialist, Scientific Information and Library Service, Sanofi-Aventis, Malvern, PA
Objective: A program report discussing the implementation of an innovative program session at MLA ’11 by the Cancer Librarians
Section with other sections and special interest groups (SIGs). There were three primary objectives: (1) to increase participation by organization members who cannot attend a national annual meeting, (2) to demonstrate the process implemented to select videos for peer-reviewed video supplements at a national meeting, and (3) to assess the success of the member participation using this innovative program format.
Methods: Program representatives from sections and SIGs determined the appropriate length and number of videos to supplement the traditional contributed paper presentations. Determination of video repository was made through examination of free resources with established reliability and security. Representatives tested the system for security and ease of use by the prospective video contributors. In consultation with MLA’s executive leadership, a proper copyright release was created. National models within the organization were used to develop the criteria for peer review. Email and newsletter calls to participate were sent to organization members. A determination to award prizes was made to encourage submissions of those reluctant to share their stories.
Results: As a first-time program, the technical issues involved with developing a mechanism for videos to be submitted, determining formats for the videos to be submitted, and obtaining submissions proved to be challenging. The peer-reviewed criteria involving audience participation may be useful for others to implement in planning programs of this kind in the future. By asking those attending the session to vote on the video submissions, the session program planners hope to see many attendees at the session providing feedback.
Conclusions: This new model of session programming could be used for future program sessions to encourage involvement of those who are unable to attend the session but have valuable
