MLA 2024 Fellowship and Honorary Membership Recipients
MLA fellowship is awarded to MLA members for sustained and outstanding contributions to health sciences librarianship and to the advancement of the purposes of MLA. The newest MLA Fellow is Chris Shaffer, AHIP, FMLA.
Shaffer has been an active member of the Medical Library Association since 1996, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the organization. With over 30 years of experience as a professional librarian, Shaffer has held numerous leadership positions within MLA and related chapters, totaling at least 21 years of service. Noteworthy roles include Treasurer of the Midwest Chapter/MLA, various positions within MLA’s Board of Directors, and involvement in organizations such as the National Library of Medicine and the New England Journal of Medicine’s Library Advisory Board. Shaffer’s dedication to advancing information science is further evident through his participation in initiatives like the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Higher Education Leadership Initiative for Open Scholarship and his mentorship contributions to the NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Program.
Shaffer’s extensive scholarship and professional reputation underscore his expertise and impact in the field. With nearly 30 invited presentations, numerous publications, and notable roles in prestigious organizations such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the National Library of Medicine, Shaffer’s contributions have left a lasting mark on medical librarianship and research. Additionally, his leadership roles within committees like the Mobilizing Computable Biomedical Knowledge Steering Committee highlight his ability to collaborate effectively on complex projects and initiatives.
On behalf of the membership, we extend our gratitude to Shaffer for exemplary leadership as the MLA Parliamentarian. His composure and grace during the 2023 extensive four-hour Business Meeting enabled us to grasp and value the intricacies of the MLA Bylaws revision.
From time to time, the Board of Directors feels it’s important to honor those who contribute substantially to the association and the field of health science information while not actually being a member of MLA. The most recent recipient of MLA Honorary Membership is Mary M. Langman.
Langman had been an indispensable figure within the Medical Library Association for almost 35 years, playing a pivotal role in numerous key programs and initiatives. Her dedication and expertise, particularly in governmental relations and advocacy, have significantly advanced medical librarianship and the Association itself. Despite her retirement from MLA in January 2024, her profound impact will resonate for years to come. Langman’s unparalleled understanding of MLA’s mission and values, coupled with her exceptional organizational skills and warm personality, have made her a trusted mentor and leader.
Langman’s legacy is marked by her unwavering commitment to MLA’s success and her ability to guide and inspire generations of medical librarians. Her role as a key liaison and her expertise in navigating legislative priorities have been instrumental in shaping MLA’s advocacy efforts and securing funding for crucial projects. Her leadership, clarity of thought, and genuine passion for the Association have left an indelible mark, earning her widespread admiration and appreciation from colleagues and peers alike.
MLA is now accepting nominations for the 2025 awards. Consider nominating a colleague who has provided outstanding contributions to the health sciences library and information profession.