1. Recruiting Medical Students into Health Sciences Librarianship:
Pursuing the
Informationist Concept
through a Dual Degree Model

2. The Need for Informationists
Over 54% of current MLA members are over 50
Medical librarians are working in an increasingly complex field
In response, we need medical informationists:
Individuals who have biomedical content expertise as well as an understanding of information and library science

3. The Dual Degree Program
MD/MSLS or MD/MSIS
Complete 2 years toward MD
During third “research” year, complete MSLS or MSIS
(in one or two years)
MS paper must meet Duke requirements for 3rd-year thesis
Return to Duke to complete MD

4. The Project Goals Funding received from IMLS ($392,295)
Recruit 4 students from Duke into the dual degree program
2 to begin Fall 2006
2 to begin Fall 2007
Test the feasibility of this model for increasing the number of medical informationists

5. The Project Team At UNC: At Duke: Barbara Wildemuth, Professor
Claudia Gollop, Assoc. Professor
Peggy Schaeffer, Project Coordinator
At Duke:
Pat Thibodeau, Director, DUMC Library
Robert James, Assoc. Dir., Public Services, DUMC Library

6. Project Evaluation
Evaluate the viability of this approach, in terms of:
Student performance
Student satisfaction
Effects on career plans of participants

7. Timetable Recruitment Admit/advise participating students
12/05
3/06
6/06
9/06
12/06
3/07
6/07
9/07
12/07
3/08
6/08
9/08
Recruitment
Admit/advise participating students
Identify faculty mentors and learning experiences
Develop marketing materials and project website
Support for first cohort of students
Support for second cohort of students
Assessment of first cohort *
Assessment of second cohort

8. Questions?