Panel Discussions

Special Topic Panel Discussions

Digital Knowledge Infrastructure: A Conversation About Current Challenges and Future Trends

Thursday, October 3, 1:30-2:30 pm in the Capitol II Ballroom

Moderated by Abe Wheeler MLIS AHIP (MSU Libraries)

Getting good quality evidence-based scientific information to our patrons necessitates collaboration and forward thinking. Libraries work with internal structures, organizational administrations, and vendors to quickly and effectively connect our users with the information they need in the format they require it. This panel will be a broad discussion about the future trends and current challenges in digital knowledge infrastructure broadly - as it impacts information systems, educational paradigms, our organizations, our patrons, and the vendors we work with to provide information.

Panelists:

  • Eric Branger, Director of Product Stregy, Wolters Kluwer
  • Barbara Platts MLIS, Hospital Librarian, Munson Healthcare
  • Michael Shields BS, Digital Strategist, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
  • Ranti Junus MLIS, Electronic Resources & Systems Librarian, Michigan State University Libraries

Beyond Cultural Competence: Diversity in Library and Health Sciences

Friday, October 4, 10:30-11:30 am in the Capitol I Ballroom

Moderated By Shannon Jones MLIS, MEd AHIP (The Medical University of South Carolina Libraries & Conference Keynote Speaker)

The exclusion (whether purposeful or not) of diverse candidate and populations affects every level of health research, practice, and librarianship, from the demographics of intake in library and medical schools to the selection of participants for drug trials and the design of health-related apps. This panel will discuss some of the ways that a lack of diversity impacts our work as librarians and the work of the clinicians and researchers that we serve, as well as some steps that institutions are taking to address existing imbalances in health sciences related fields.

Panelists:

  • Dr. Renee Canady, Assistant Professor, Masters of Public Health program, Michigan State University
  • Dr. Elahe Crockett, Program Director of REPID Program, Michigan State University
  • Dr. stef shuster, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Michigan State University
  • Sharon Williams, retired librarian, Hurley Medical Center (Flint)