Submitted by Clare Leibfarth
Affinity Medical Center Medical Library, Massillon, OH
The Ohio Health Sciences Library Association held its spring meeting on April 4, 2008 at the Medical Heritage Center at The Ohio State University. This year's continuing education course was "Health Literacy: Start Spreading the News" presented by Janet Petty, Craig Memorial Library, Dayton and Sandra Cornett, AHEC Health Literacy Program, Columbus. The course focused on low health literacy issues, promotion of health literacy, and selection and writing of easy-to-read health materials. The hands-on clear health communication and Fry Readability Graph exercises were particularly illuminating.
The business meeting was held over lunch. President Michelle Kraft recognized the current Executive Committee members for their service. Newly elected officers for the 2008-2009 term are Jackie Harris, President-Elect, and Fern Cheek, Secretary. The chapter bylaws will need to be changed to add the position of Midwest Chapter State Liaison as an appointed OHSLA office. Lisa McCormick is the current liaison. Maryann Mlodzik has been appointed state coordinator for emergency preparedness. Marilyn Roe reported for the Hospital Library Advocacy Committee. The deadline for nominations for the new Administrator of the Year award is June 30, 2008. The committee has provided a library services checklist to the Ohio State Medical Association for use by CME accreditation site surveyors. They are also preparing a packet for new hospital librarians. Holly Burt gave the Greater Midwest Region report noting that with the new contract year beginning in April, new funding will become available. Marlene Porter reported on the progress of planning for the 2009 Midwest Chapter annual conference to be held at the Hyatt on Capitol Square which will be hosted by OHSLA October 3-6, 2009.