MAC Messages Number 86:
March/April 2001

As we cope with the day-to-day realities of the busy workplace, it is easy to lose site of the importance of making time for research, the "systematic inquiry into a problem, with the goal of gathering evidence to produce new knowledge." This definition is taken from MLA's policy statement, "Using Scientific Evidence to Improve Information Practice," available on the web at http://www.mlanet.org/research/science1.html. MLA's document envisions research as a "foundation for excellence in health information practice, for new and expanded roles for health science librarians, and for attracting excellent people to the profession." As a group, we demonstrate our communal commitment to the practice and profession of health science librarianship in many ways. Have you made a personal commitment to your role as a researcher?

As Research Liaison for the MAC Professional Development Committee, I would like to encourage you to think seriously about the many possibilities for contributions you can make to help fulfill MLA's vision. If you are currently involved in a research project, please send the details to me and I'll make sure your MAC colleagues are made aware of your efforts. If you need some help getting started with the research process, you might want to look at the variety of resources and information offered on MLANET (http://www.mlanet.org/research/). Finally, if you have any ideas for ways that the Professional Development Committee can help promote research work, including useful CE classes, please contact me. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

Linda Collins, Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #7585, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7585. 919/966-0957. Email: lcollins@email.unc.edu

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