A Brief History: The 1990's

leader.jpg (11888 bytes) The start of the 1990s brought a survey to test members' perceptions on the size and other characteristics of the Chapter. Our Strategic Plan was adopted and a scholarship program was set up. A second joint meeting with MidContinental Chapter was held in 1992.

A complete revision of the Bylaws, partly to conform with MLA recommendations, was undertaken in 1990 under Ruth Pape. They became effective in 1994. Incorporation in Illinois, under MLA guidelines, will be completed later in the year.

Careful review of the financial structure of the Chapter culminated in the recommendations of a dues increase to $10.00; if approved, this will take place in 1995.

Areas of interest identified by the Board through a "Technology of Participation" session in 1993 will guide the Chapter's activities in implementation of MLA'S PLATFORM FOR CHANGE. All will be reported in a rejuvenated MIDLINE.

Understanding our past is basic to preparing for our future. Our purposes of stimulating interest in health science libraries and librarianship, sponsoring further education, encouraging interlibrary cooperation, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and discussion of mutual problems and concerns, and acquainting people with MLA have remained constant for over 44 years. The makeup of our membership has changed: hospital and allied health librarians have increased in numbers and are no longer always in the shadow of academic librarians; many have developed as leaders. Because we serve the same health science clientele (perhaps at different times) with many of the same tools and cooperative arrangements, the mutuality of our concerns has grown, and differences diminished. It can be said that all now inhabit the "library without walls." By pulling together, we can face the future with confidence.

Facts
1990	- MC/MLA 40th anniversary at the Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, MN; theme- "Information Leadership: Winning Strategies" - Chapter's Archives Committee completed and updated 1977 Chapter historical chronology
1995	- Dues increase to $10.00 - Membership stands at 509, a decrease of 12% from 1994; 82% of all Chapter members are MLA members -far exceeding the MLA requirement that at least 50% of all Chapter members must be MLA members- - Ohio -113 members- and Illinois -111 members- have the highest membership numbers - Chapter begins MCMLA-L listserv; first list owner is Jan Mixter, Loyola Unviersity of Chicago; MIDLINE begins being disseminated electronically
1997-98	- Meeting in Des Moines, IA theme: "Kaleidoscope" -Awards Committee established as a Standing Committee -MC/MLA begins celebrating its history to coincide with the centennial of the Medical Library Association

The Midwest Chapter will continue to deal with many of the same subjects encountered in previous years, but changing times will often require new methods or solutions. Just as it did in the past, we can expect it to remain on the "cutting edge" in interpreting new concepts ("total quality management," "health care reform") and technologies ("Internet," "the information superhighway") impacting on health science librarianship, and of concern to our members. And, in the century's last decade, new generations of members will be forming strong personal and professional ties, within our vital Chapter.