Memorable Medical Librarians

By sheila | May 29, 2008

I always say that if had not become an educator, I would have been a librarian.

I vividly remember how excited I was to have my own River Forest Public Library card. It was about the size of a credit card, manila colored with a little metal plate that was embossed with my own library card number. When I checked my books out I would proudly hand my card to the librarian. She would slide my card into slot in the bottom of a small press, place a special sign-out paper over the plate, lower a large green lever over the paper, which she shoved down with the heal of her hand, to imprint my library card number. Then she removed the imprinted paper from the press and placed it in special file at the front desk. I patiently waited as the ritual was repeated for each of my library books. When all my books were checked out, the librarian would return my precious library card to me for safe keeping; until I returned in two weeks, when my books were due and the ritual would be repeated.

Now, the check out process is a quick scan, but I relish my childhood memories! I also enjoyed making memories on June 19th, at Medical Library Association conference “Connections: BridgingGaps” at the Hyatt Hotel in Chicago.

“The Medical Library Association (MLA) is a nonprofit, educational organization with more than 4,000 health sciences information professional members and partners worldwide. MLA provides lifelong educational opportunities, supports a knowledgebase of health information research, and works with a global network of partners to promote the importance of quality information for improved health to the health care community and the public.”*

I was honored by another invitation from the Rittenhouse Book Distributor “Family” to sign What Color Is Your Brain? books at their exhibit booth. I knew I would enjoy “Blue Brain” camaraderie with President, Clark Morrel; Executive Director Sales & Marketing, Nicole Gallo; National Field Manager, Jewel Manazy; Executive Director of Technology Services, Meg White; and Executive Director, Library Services, Wendy Bahnsen.

When, I arrived at the booth after having breakfast with my publisher,
John Bond, V.P.Health Care Books and Journals,(above)
the medical librarians were already lined up.(below)

Once again, Jewel out did himself. He masterfully and meticulous devised a display
of What Color Is Your Brain? books, which he crowned with a stunning book
signing announcement poster. Clark and I proudly posed next to the display
for a “Memorable Medical Librarian Moment.”(below)

I met friendly and fascinating librarian who work in hospitals, universities,
medical and dental schools and science research centers.

Clark Morrel said,”The customers so appreciate your spending time with them,
and autographing a copy of your book. There is nothing like a group of
librarians to start the groundswell!”

I’m sure Pauline E. Hicks, M.S., Ph.D.
from Florida A & M University
College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
initiated the groundswell.

Pauline (left) graciously
escorted other librarians
over to the booth to meet me and
receive an autographed copy of
my book during and after
the official book signing.

I appreciated the opportunity
to meet and visit with so many
delightful librarians.

I hope each one is enjoying his or her
copy of What Color Is Your Brain?
and sharing their Brain Color knowledge
with their colleagues and patrons.

Visit your local librarian…
Happy Reading!