Thursday, May 12, 2016
For the first time in 15 years, the Medical Library Association (MLA) is returning to Canada for their annual meeting, drawing together the largest gathering of medical librarians and health information professionals at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC)from May 13-18. With an estimated 2,400 industry professionals expected in attendance, this year’s premier industry meeting is slated to infuse the local economy with approximately $6.8 million in hospitality spending.
This year marks MLA’s 116th Annual Meeting and Exhibition, and it is being hosted as a joint event with the Canadian Health Libraries Association/Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada (CHLA/ABSC), and the International Clinical Librarian Conference (ICLC). Attendees will engage in interdisciplinary educational sessions, as well as a three-day exhibition featuring approximately 100 exhibitors from around the globe. A roster of notable keynote speakers, as well as paper and poster presentations are also part of the dynamic six-day agenda and theme for this year, “Mosaic: Be Part of the Big Picture,” which embraces the range of skills, knowledge, and roles that professionals in the industry bring to their organizations.
In addition to world-class education and networking opportunities, MLA is also focusing efforts on an annual meeting initiative that supports the local community charged with hosting the yearly event. This year, the group is shining a light on First Nations communities in Ontario and sending hundreds of books to children, encouraging them to seek careers as health professionals. This program, in partnership with Club Amick and the Southern Ontario Library Service, has identified approximately 225 titles to be part of special collections that will be housed in up to five schools, primarily in northern Ontario.
“Toronto couldn’t be a more fitting location for the theme of this year’s event, as our city truly is a mosaic of vibrant cultures and people,” said Barry Smith, President and CEO of MTCC. “I wish MLA a highly productive and memorable annual meeting, and I commend them for also using their time in Ontario as an opportunity to put a spotlight on First Nations children in our province.”
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