Changing the Conference Game for Students: Developing the MAC Student Vision Program

Abstract

Objectives: The Membership and Recruitment Committee of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter (MAC) of the Medical Library Association wanted to improve MLS student participation at the chapter’s annual meeting. The committee also wanted to meet one of its objectives to help increase awareness of medical librarianship. Methods: The Student Vision Scholarship and Program was established by the MAC Membership and Recruitment Committee for the 2010 MAC meeting in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The scholarship included complimentary registration for the meeting. Programming included matching students with an experienced mentor and a speed resume clinic/mentoring session with nine library directors. Students were also encouraged to submit poster or paper abstracts to be presented at the meeting. The program was advertised to local library school students in North Carolina, as well as throughout the MAC region. A sub-committee comprised of Membership and Recruitment committee members was formed to evaluate student applications for the scholarship.