The Evolution of MLA’s Professional Competencies
The Medical Library Association (MLA) has been a driving force in shaping the careers of health information professionals for over a century. At the heart of this endeavor lies the association’s ongoing efforts to define and refine the competencies required for success in this dynamic field. Over the past twenty-five years, MLA has undertaken two major revisions of its professional competencies, each reflecting the changing landscape of healthcare information management.
The 1996 “Platform for Change”
In 1996, MLA unveiled its “Platform for Change,” a landmark educational policy statement that outlined the core competencies for health sciences librarians. This document, grounded in the association’s vision for the profession, emphasized the need for lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the adept navigation of rapidly evolving information technologies.
The “Platform for Change” identified six key competency areas: 1) information services, 2) information resources, 3) information management, 4) professional development and leadership, 5) communication and outreach, and 6) research. These areas were designed to equip health information professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
The 2007 Competency Revision
Building upon the foundation laid by the “Platform for Change,” MLA revisited its competency framework in 2007, resulting in the “Competencies for Lifelong Learning and Professional Success.” This updated statement reflected the association’s commitment to ensuring its members were prepared to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
The 2007 competencies retained the core themes of the previous iteration, but with a greater emphasis on emerging trends and technologies. The revised competencies focused on areas such as evidence-based practice, informatics, and the integration of health information into clinical workflows. Additionally, the competencies highlighted the importance of leadership development and the ability to demonstrate the value of health information services to both internal and external stakeholders.
The 2017 Competency Revision
In 2017, MLA once again undertook a comprehensive review of its professional competencies, resulting in the “Medical Library Association Competencies for Lifelong Learning and Professional Success 2017.” This latest revision built upon the previous iterations, further refining the competency framework to reflect the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare information management.
The 2017 competencies maintained the overarching structure of the 2007 version, but incorporated new elements to address emerging trends. These included competencies related to data management, digital scholarship, and the assessment of information services. The revised competencies also emphasized the importance of developing specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as informatics, research data management, and consumer health information.
The Impact of MLA Competencies on Career Development
The evolution of MLA’s professional competencies has had a profound impact on the career development of health information professionals over the past twenty-five years.
Shaping Educational Curricula
The competencies have served as a guiding framework for academic institutions offering degrees and certificates in health sciences librarianship and informatics. Educators have leveraged the MLA competencies to design curricula that ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field.
As a result, students entering the profession have a solid foundation in core competencies, as well as exposure to emerging trends and technologies. This has enabled them to hit the ground running in their careers, contributing to the overall advancement of the health information profession.
Informing Continuing Education Opportunities
In addition to influencing academic programs, the MLA competencies have also shaped the association’s continuing education offerings. MLA has developed a robust portfolio of workshops, webinars, and online courses that address the specific competency areas outlined in the association’s statements.
These professional development opportunities have allowed practicing health information professionals to continuously update their skills and knowledge, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in an evolving field. By aligning continuing education with the MLA competencies, the association has empowered its members to take charge of their career growth and meet the changing needs of their organizations.
Guiding Career Paths and Specialization
The MLA competencies have also served as a roadmap for health information professionals as they navigate their career paths. The competencies have enabled individuals to identify areas of strength, as well as opportunities for growth and specialization.
For example, a health information professional interested in informatics may focus on developing competencies related to data management, system design, and information architecture. Conversely, someone drawn to consumer health may prioritize developing skills in health literacy, community outreach, and the delivery of patient-centered information.
By providing a clear framework for professional development, the MLA competencies have allowed health information professionals to tailor their careers to their unique interests and the evolving needs of their organizations.
Fostering Leadership and Advocacy
The MLA competencies have also been instrumental in fostering leadership and advocacy within the health information profession. The inclusion of competencies related to professional development, communication, and outreach has encouraged health information professionals to take on active roles within the association and their communities.
MLA members have leveraged the competencies to champion the value of health information services, both within their institutions and to external stakeholders. This advocacy has helped to elevate the profile of the profession and secure the recognition of health information professionals as essential members of the healthcare team.
Moreover, the competencies have inspired MLA members to seek out leadership opportunities, such as serving on committees, task forces, and the association’s Board of Directors. These experiences have enabled health information professionals to develop the skills and confidence necessary to drive change and shape the future of the field.
The Ongoing Evolution of MLA’s Communities
Alongside the revisions to its professional competencies, MLA has also undergone a significant transformation in its community structure over the past twenty-five years. This evolution has been designed to better support the professional development and engagement of its members.
The Transition from Sections and Special Interest Groups
Historically, MLA’s community structure was organized around sections and special interest groups (SIGs), which provided forums for members to connect and collaborate around specific areas of interest or practice. However, as the profession evolved, this structure was deemed increasingly inadequate in meeting the needs of MLA’s diverse membership.
The Establishment of Caucuses and Domain Hubs
In response, MLA embarked on a strategic initiative to rethink its community model. This resulted in the creation of caucuses, which replaced the previous sections and SIGs. Caucuses were designed to be more flexible and responsive to member needs, allowing for the formation of new groups and the dissolution of outdated ones as the profession continued to evolve.
To further enhance the coordination and collaboration across caucuses, MLA also introduced the concept of domain hubs. These hubs were envisioned as centers of expertise and leadership, facilitating project management and the sharing of best practices among related caucuses.
Challenges and Ongoing Refinement
The implementation of the new community structure, however, has not been without its challenges. The transition process has required extensive planning, communication, and member engagement to ensure a successful outcome.
Moreover, the domain hubs have not yet met the initial expectations, and MLA continues to refine the model to better serve the needs of its members. Ongoing efforts are focused on improving the alignment between the community structure and the association’s strategic priorities, as well as fostering greater member participation and leadership development.
The Importance of Member Engagement
Throughout this evolution, MLA has recognized the critical importance of member engagement and leadership. The association has made it a strategic goal to empower its members to take an active role in shaping the future of the profession.
By providing opportunities for members to serve on committees, task forces, and the Community Council, MLA has aimed to cultivate a sense of ownership and investment in the association’s initiatives. This, in turn, has helped to ensure that the community structure and professional competencies remain responsive to the evolving needs of health information professionals.
Conclusion
The past twenty-five years have witnessed a transformative journey for the Medical Library Association and its professional competencies. Through its steadfast commitment to defining and refining the core skills and knowledge required for success in the health information field, MLA has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of its members.
The evolution of the MLA competencies has had a profound impact on the education, continuing professional development, and career trajectories of health information professionals. By aligning academic programs, continuing education offerings, and individual specialization with the association’s competency framework, MLA has empowered its members to stay at the forefront of an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Furthermore, the association’s ongoing efforts to restructure its community model have aimed to foster greater member engagement, leadership, and collaboration. As MLA navigates the complexities of this transition, it remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the professional development and advocacy of health information professionals.
Looking ahead, it is clear that the next twenty-five years will bring additional revisions to the MLA competencies and continued refinements to the association’s community structure. However, one thing remains constant: the unwavering dedication of MLA to ensuring that health information professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in their careers and positively impact the communities they serve.
For more information on the Medical Library Association and its professional development initiatives, please visit the association’s website at https://www.mlanet.org/.
