Why Recognize and Remember Past Veterinary Medical Librarians?

Since the establishment of the Veterinary Medical Libraries Group in 1973, veterinary medical and animal health librarians have constituted a relatively small, but active group.They are united by the common purposes of supporting instruction, research and clinical services as well as organizing, promoting, and preserving literature on veterinary medicine and related animal health topics.

Based in libraries serving 33 schools of veterinary medicine or other animal related organizations across the United States and Canada, many individuals have contributed greatly to their home institutions. In addition, they have fostered resource sharing and cooperation among colleagues over the years. Notable Veterinary Medical Librarians was established to recognize the accomplishments of those dedicated librarians. Given the number of influential librarians who have already retired or passed away and others who will do in coming years, 2010 seems an appropriate time to initiate a means of honoring their many contributions.

The idea behind the creation of Notables grew out a discussion with Vicki Croft concerning her recent interest in conducting interviews of veterinary librarians in coordination with MLA’s Oral History Project. It seemed like Notables could both recognize our colleagues’ accomplishments as well as serve as a platform for promoting oral histories and accessing other information concerning these distinguished veterinary librarians.

As a result, an ad hoc Committee on Notable Veterinary Medical Librarians was formed in fall of 2009. It currently consists of Vicki Croft (MLA oral history program), Gretchen Stephens (VMLS archivist), and Susanne Whitaker (secretary-treasurer, American Veterinary Medical History Society), with the valued assistance of Alison Bobal (VMLS Web Coordinator).

We anticipate that Notables will be a long-term program. Once retrospective profiles have been compiled for past colleagues, additional librarians will be added as they retire or are otherwise identified in the future.

For further information and comments, please contact Susanne Whitaker (skw2@cornell.edu).