Medical Library Association | Public Policy : Press Releases

Press Releases

What's New: June 2006

MLA Releases Three New, Disease-Specific Consumer Brochures

An Abundance of Promotional Ideas Shine at 2006 MLA Swap and Shop

MLA Releases Three New, Disease-Specific Consumer Brochures

The Medical Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that three new, disease-specific versions of its popular Deciphering Medspeak brochure are now available. The new brochures focus on breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Each disease-specific brochure a medical glossary of terms, the top Websites recommended for finding information on the diseases, and "Rx riddles," a prescription shorthand guide.

The three disease-specific Deciphering Medspeak brochures are available for purchase individually or in sets. Individual brochures can be purchased in quantities of 50 for $22.00 for MLA members and $30.00 for nonmembers. Sets of 3 can be purchased in quantities of 25 for $33.00 for members and $45.00 for nonmembers and in quantities of 50 for $64.00 for members and $72.00 for nonmembers. MLA will continue to sell the English and Spanish versions of the original Deciphering Medspeak brochure in quantities of 50 for $22.00 for members and $30.00 for nonmembers. See the full series of Medspeak brochures online.

To order brochures, visit the MLANET store or contact Tom Pacetti at mlafa@mlahq.org; 312.419.9094 x19.

MLA, a nonprofit, educational organization, comprises health sciences information professionals with more than 4,500 members worldwide. Through its programs and services, MLA provides lifelong educational opportunities, supports a knowledgebase of health information research, and works with a global network of partners to promote the importance of quality information for improved health to the health care community and the public.

For more information, please contact Evelyn Shaevel , mlaedo1@mlahq.org, 312.419.9094 x15.

An Abundance of Promotional Ideas Shine at 2006 MLA Swap and Shop

Medical librarians drew attention to their organizations in creative and innovative ways as showcased in the 2006 MLA Swap and Shop at MLA '06 in Phoenix, AZ, in May. Open throughout MLA's annual meeting, the Swap and Shop gave attendees the opportunity to share library marketing ideas and samples with colleagues and discuss marketing tactics with representatives from MLA's public relations firm Public Communications, Inc. (PCI). This year's entries included promotional materials ranging from bookmarks to temporary tattoos.

The 2006 "Best in Show" prize was awarded to Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, for its campaign promoting the new library identity for its thirty-four affiliated libraries throughout the state. The use of simple, yet compelling graphics invites visitors to "Click" and "Connect" to access all Kaiser Permanente libraries. The campaign was supported by posters, pens, buttons, and the aforementioned temporary tattoos.

MLA congratulates this year's Swap and Shop winners and thank all of those who participated. Entries were categorized and judged by PCI representatives for creativity, accomplishment of stated goals, and best use of available budget and resources. The winners are:

Best in Show

Kaiser Pemanente, Oakland CA
For promoting exploration of their library by encouraging their audience to "Click" and "Connect"

Medical Center/Hospital Libraries: Professional Outreach

First Place: Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center Hospital Library, Seattle, WA for its use of a 1725 Andreas Basileau Vesalius illustration on a flyer to capture interest in their library.
Second Place: Medical Library, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY for their, "Spirit of Excellence" promotional campaign.

Academic Libraries: One-time Event

First place: Biomedical Library, University of Pennsylvania-Philadelphia for their library's use of "4-11: Medical Information Day," as a springboard for marketing their library.
Second Place: Lane Medical Library, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, for the promotion of their centennial celebration.

Academic Libraries: Ongoing Consumer Campaigns

First Place: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library-Columbia for faculty participation in a local radio show, "Health, Wealth, and Happiness."
Second Place: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ for promoting their efforts in helping area senior citizens find reliable health information on the internet.

Academic Libraries: Ongoing Professional Campaigns

First Place: Emerson Library, Webster University, St. Louis, MO for their outreach to students at their institution.
Second Place: Library and Center for Knowledge Management, University of California-San Francisco for creating three downloadable browser toolbars to promote their library.