MAC Messages Number 100:
July/August 2003

MLA Task Force on Informationist Specialists in Context: Evoluation of the Informationist Concept
By Diane Wolf, Task Force Chair

The October 2000 Chapter meeting about the informationist concept was the beginning of spirited discussion among our colleagues around the country. In 2002, MLA sponsored a conference at the National Library of Medicine, a Web discussion, and an open forum at the Annual Meeting, all devoted to this concept. Following those meetings, the MLA Board accepted an action agenda drafted by the Informationist Task Force. The action agenda spoke of the information specialist working in the context of a clinical or research setting. Given the debate over the word, "informationist," a decision was made to use the phrase, "information specialist in context."

At the winter 2003 meeting, the MLA Board established a Task Force on Information Specialists in Context (ISIC) to coordinate implementation of the Informationist Action Agenda http://www.mlanet.org/research/informationist/pdf/
informationist_action_agenda_200209.pdf. The Task Force will identify the duties and qualifications of a Consultant on Information Specialists in Context to act as a project manager for this initiative. Then the Task Force will work with the consultant to:

• seek sources of funding, develop and evaluate model ISIC services and training programs, and prepare background documentation and compile information for publications
• contribute to publications and the Informationist Web site on MLANET
• solicit, recommend and fund one or more model programs
• seek partnerships with organizations sharing this interest; and communicate with academic, health care and industry leaders about progress
• promote involvement by MLA units in achieving the agenda
• develop a program for the 2004 annual meeting to report to members on progress implementing the Action Agenda
• prepare final report in 2005

The Task Force met at the MLA Annual Meeting to review the possible role and qualifications of the consultant. Future meetings will be conducted by email and conference call. There will be an opportunity for MLA members to hear from the consultant and the task force at the MLA annual meeting in Washington. If you are interested in the continuing evolution of the informationist concept, please look for future announcements of an open forum to be held in Washington next year.

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