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Published May 19, 2022 | Version v6.0.0
Conference Presentation Open

Local Informal Network Support and Shared Expertise: the 20-year experience of CAMA

Description

Lightning talk presentation made during the virtual SLA Midwest Symposium on June 10, 2022 about CAMA (Chicago Area Medical Archivists), including milestones from its 20 year history. / Presentation also made on-site (with minor updates) during the Midwest/Medical Library Association meeting on October 24, 2022 under the alternate title: "20 Years of Local Informal Network Support and Shared Expertise: Chicago Area Medical Archivists (CAMA)".

Abstract

The Illinois group, Chicago Area Medical Archivists (CAMA) is an informal group, based in the greater Chicagoland area, that was formed in 2002. As an informal network of colleagues, CAMA has provided support for both novice and experienced information professionals charged with organizing their institutions archives or answering internal and external medical history questions, often in addition to other duties. As an informal, open membership group of librarians, archivists, healthcare professionals, and others interested in Chicago area medical history, CAMA complements other professional membership organizations. Members work at various health and clinical specialty associations, academic medical centers, universities, hospitals, and are local historians as well as independent researchers. This presentation, updating and expanding on a poster first presented in 2019 at the Health Science Librarians of Illinois conference *, spotlighted some of the more measurable milestones of the group, such as its long-standing annual medical history symposia. Examples were shared of ways the loosely structured network has been able to persist and thrive over the years, in providing concrete information support and a venue for its members of varied backgrounds who have shared their skills, knowledge, and expertise. Participation of CAMA members in the Chicago Collections Consortium was also highlighted. Could CAMA be useful to special librarians and could its model work for other information groups? Perhaps this presentation will provide some ideas or inspiration.

Acknowledgements

Wheaton, Nathalie

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2022 SLA about CAMA June.pdf
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Additional details

Created:
March 30, 2023
Modified:
March 30, 2023