Revisiting we are MLA: an exploration of member engagement and commitment with the Medical Library Association’s caucuses

In 2019 the Medical Library Association (MLA) transitioned to a community structure composed of caucuses. Four years after the transition, the 2023-2024 MLA Rising Stars cohort was asked to investigate how the caucuses were currently functioning and any challenges to their sustainability. This Special Paper will describe the study conducted by the Rising Stars cohort, and its research findings. Preliminary recommendations include greater standardization of annual reporting, additional guidance and discussion forums for caucus leadership, and an increase in events focused on professional development, networking, and information sharing such as those held during Experience MLA.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of the Medical Library Association JMLA
Published
2026-02-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2026.2183
Primary Topic
Health Sciences Research and Education
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Revisiting we are MLA: an exploration of member engagement and commitment with the Medical Library Association’s caucuses

Rachel Whitney, Michelle Keba Knecht, Kimberly Powell, Rachel Walden
Journal of the Medical Library Association JMLA
Health Sciences Research and Education
article

Revisiting we are MLA: an exploration of member engagement and commitment with the Medical Library Association’s caucuses

Rachel Whitney, Michelle Keba Knecht, Kimberly Powell, Rachel Walden
article en

Abstract

In 2019 the Medical Library Association (MLA) transitioned to a community structure composed of caucuses. Four years after the transition, the 2023-2024 MLA Rising Stars cohort was asked to investigate how the caucuses were currently functioning and any challenges to their sustainability. This Special Paper will describe the study conducted by the Rising Stars cohort, and its research findings. Preliminary recommendations include greater standardization of annual reporting, additional guidance and discussion forums for caucus leadership, and an increase in events focused on professional development, networking, and information sharing such as those held during Experience MLA.

Journal of the Medical Library Association JMLAVol. 114(1)
Medical University of South Carolina (US), Vanderbilt University (US), Florida Atlantic University (US), Auburn University (US)
Vanderbilt University, Florida Atlantic University, Universidad del Atlántico
Openalex Percentile: Top 56%
Health Sciences Research and Education
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.