(via Darell Schmick, Director of Library Services at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine)
The Medical Library Association is seeking chapter submissions for its upcoming publication Accreditation in Health Sciences. This title is part of the Medical Library Association Books Series, to be published by Rowman & Littlefield, 2022. The editor is Darell Schmick, MLS, MBA, AHIP, Founding Director of Library Services, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine.
We are looking for original work that has not been published elsewhere, of a length between 3,000-5,000 words. The contributor selection process begins on September 1, 2021. All contributors will be notified by September 1, 2021. Final manuscripts on April 1, 2022. An overview of the book appears below.
Supporting an institution’s accreditation efforts can be a time-consuming challenge for any library and library staff. Be prepared to know what metrics to track, what information to best convey and to whom, and how to utilize this institution-wide effort to illustrate the library’s value both internally and externally.
Library professionals will want to have this guide handy if they need to convey any data to an accrediting agency on behalf of their institution. This book will cover all elements of health sciences libraries, and be written in a way to highlight theories and best practices, rather than specific steps that can easily be outdated with any agency update. In a time when librarians are asked to do more with less, this is especially targeted towards the solo, small team, and/or start up library team to simply and optimize the accreditation experience. Special chapters that discuss strategy to advance the library’s story will serve as a way to illustrate value and advocate for a sufficiently funded library.
Suggested Topics for Submission
The following is not intended to be exhaustive or restrictive, but rather an outline of what can be contributed to the book. Potential authors are encouraged to submit suggestions they believe would make great additions.
- executing coherent plans for institutional support
- working with the library team before, during, and after the accreditation process
- debriefing – what worked, what didn’t, what can be improved upon
- sustaining partnerships between the accreditation process, staying in the conversation
- evidence based case studies of library involvement during the accreditation process
Please submit a brief, 200-300 word chapter proposal to the editor, at ddschmick@NOORDACOM.ORG, no later than Sunday, August 15, 2021. As noted earlier, all contributors will receive notification on the status of their submission by Wednesday, September 1. Please e-mail the editor with any questions.