Gabe Rios, MLIS
May 22, 2025 Washington's upheaval isn't just political theater—it's rippling through every corner of our health sciences ecosystem. Our libraries, our universities, our research institutions. The stress fractures are showing everywhere you look. We need to name what we're all feeling: We are not ok. Our librarians are burned out. Research funding feels precarious. Medicaid funding is in jeopardy, and medical misinformation is rampant. The very foundations of scientific inquiry—the bedrock our profession exists to support—are under unprecedented strain. But here's what crisis teaches us: resilience isn't just about weathering the storm. It's about using the disruption to build something stronger. While others retreat, we lean in. While programs crumble, we create networks. While funding disappears, we prove our indispensable value. This is our moment to show why health sciences libraries aren't just nice to have—we're essential infrastructure for human health and scientific progress. NLM Sponsorship of the NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Program Concludes For over two decades, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) has been a cornerstone in developing the next generation of leaders in academic health sciences libraries through its steadfast support of the NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Program. Since 2002, NLM’s sponsorship and vision have enabled the program to provide immersive mentorship, innovative curriculum, and essential professional development opportunities to emerging library leaders. The impact has been profound: most fellows report that the program exceeded their expectations, strengthened their confidence, and directly supported their advancement into director and other senior leadership roles. The relationships and skills fostered through the program have shaped the leadership pipeline for our field and set a standard for excellence. NLM support for the program is being phased out in response to evolving federal funding priorities. AAHSL and the academic health sciences library community wish to recognize the NLM’s foundational role in shaping the next generation of library leaders. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities. The AAHSL Board has committed to funding the Leadership Fellows Program through the 2025-2026 year from its reserves, ensuring continuity for the next cohort. During this time, the Future Leadership Committee (FLC) will explore new models to meet the evolving leadership development needs of our membership. There are plans to pause the program in 2026-2027 to reimagine it, focusing on cost-effectiveness and adapting to the changing needs of academic health sciences libraries. Meanwhile, the leadership programs continue to innovate, having just completed a successful professional coaching pilot and announcing new leadership scholarships for 2025. While the sunset of NLM support presents real challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the FLC to re-envision its model for the Leadership Fellows Program and continue its legacy of preparing future leaders in academic health sciences libraries. We extend our deepest gratitude to the National Library of Medicine for its extraordinary partnership and investment in our community. Their legacy will continue in the achievements of the many leaders whose careers were launched and shaped by this transformative program. Thank you, NLM, for your vision, leadership, and lasting impact. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee worked to revise its name and charge to most effectively continue our mission while being inclusive of AAHSL member institutions and potential constraints they face. The new name is the Belonging and Community Engagement Committee. The new charge is available on AAHSL's website. The Joint Legislation Committee (JLC) continues to review and forward letters of support to the AASHL Board for signature. Recent letters AAHSL signed included:
The JLC has also forwarded information to AAHSL members to contact their Senators and Representatives about a Dear Colleague letter on the topic of baseline funding for NIH. The Program and Education Committee has been busy this year, finding new ways to help our members grow and stay connected in 2025. After looking over everyone’s feedback from the Annual Meeting, the committee kicked off the search for our next Matheson Lecture speaker—making sure this signature event keeps bringing in top-notch voices from our field. I’m pleased to report that the committee has confirmed Dr. Elizabeth S. Chen, PhD, FACMI, from Brown University as the 2025 Matheson Lecturer. Dr. Chen will speak on the afternoon of October 29. Our monthly eSalons are still a big hit for director-level networking and swapping ideas. This year, we’ve tackled all kinds of real-world topics, like:
These sessions give directors a chance to share stories, talk through new challenges, and brainstorm strategies that actually work in today’s fast-changing academic health sciences world. On May 16, our Scholarly Communications Committee hosted an open forum for librarians from member institutions to share their experiences and challenges in scholarly communications amid significant changes at the federal level. This event built on previous sessions held for AASHL directors, offering a timely opportunity for our community to discuss the evolving landscape and its impact on our work. The Assessment and Statistics Committee released the data for the 47th Annual Statistics of Medical School Libraries in the United States and Canada in March, 2025. There were three surveys this year: The Annual/Descriptive Survey, the Salary Survey, and the Resources/Services Survey. Of the surveys:
Congratulations to all who submitted. AAHSL members can use our statistics portal to justify staffing levels, increase content budgets, and benchmark services with peers. As I wrap up this newsletter, I just want to say thank you for being part of this community and for showing up for each other during these challenging times. Even with all the changes and uncertainty, your dedication and creativity keep our field moving forward. We’ll keep sharing updates, new ideas, and opportunities to connect - so stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have thoughts or want to get involved. Take care of yourselves and each other, and we’ll see you at the next eSalon! “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien
Gabe Rios AAHSL President
March 3, 2025 Dear AAHSL Colleagues, As I reflect on the rapidly evolving political landscape, I am reminded of the critical role our association plays in advancing the role of academic health sciences libraries in supporting medical education, research, and healthcare through strategic leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. The Board’s February meeting in Louisville, KY, focused intently on addressing the recent White House executive actions impacting academic health sciences environments. While these developments demand careful consideration, our discussions were dynamic and productive, building on the momentum from our November meeting. The Program & Education Committee’s survey from the 2024 Annual Meeting revealed strong support for the 1.5-day format, which we will continue in 2025. A notable adjustment arose from member feedback: 40% of respondents indicated they would not attend if the meeting coincided with Halloween. To honor our commitment to inclusivity and family-friendly scheduling, we will conclude the 2025 meeting a day earlier. While this creates a brief gap for those attending AAMC, we remain dedicated to our partnership with AAMC. The Board engaged in a thoughtful discussion about governmental impacts on AAHSL’s DEI goals. As an association representing institutions—not individuals—we emphasize fiduciary responsibility to member organizations while upholding our core values. This distinction guides our advocacy strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities in varied states and the broader mission of advancing health sciences libraries. Following the Board meeting, we hosted a learning session on February 21 addressing challenges posed by governmental actions to information access and funding. With 100 attendees exceeding our Zoom capacity, we’ve expanded our subscription for future sessions, including the next one on March 14. These forums underscore our collective strength in navigating uncertainty and sharing expertise. As we face shifting political and operational landscapes, AAHSL remains steadfast in its mission. I urge you to stay connected through our committees, email lists, and upcoming events. Together, we will continue to advocate for the needs of our institutions and foster a resilient, collaborative community. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your commitment and active membership within the AAHSL community. As we navigate these challenges, let us continue to face them with courage and unity, drawing strength from our collective efforts and shared purpose. Mark Your Calendar! 2025 Annual Meeting – October 28-30, 2025 – San Antonio, Texas Wednesday, October 29 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, October 30 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Recent Actions and Committee Updates AAHSL recently supported a request to endorse the AAMC’s Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research’s Recommendation for 1.) a funding boost for NIH; and 2.) legislative language preventing the administration from moving forward with changes to Facilities and Administrative (F&A) cost reimbursement (15% F&A cost cap). Read more. Future Leadership Committee: The Future Leadership Committee reviewed the 10-year Leadership Fellows Program Evaluation report, acknowledging its comprehensive analysis. Discussions included NLM funding options and plans to renew the Professional Coaching initiative for a second year, contingent on securing NNLM funding. A poster abstract was submitted for presentation at MLA 2025 for the theme Bridging Tradition and Innovation. Titled ‘Professional Coaching: A Bridge to the Future,’ the poster will present the development and elements of the pilot program, and intent to evaluate at its conclusion in March 2025. Program and Education Committee: The Committee is actively planning for 2025. The eSalon series continues to be popular, with the committee members serving as facilitators for these director-focused sessions. Council of Faculty and Academic Societies (CFAS): Some members have asked about receiving updates from CFAS. Reminder, this affinity group from AAMC represents academic medicine faculty and academic societies within the AAMC’s governance and leadership structures. AAHSL is a member of this affinity group. You can individually subscribe. Explore the AAHSL Calendar for upcoming in-person and virtual events. AAHSL Membership reported at the Board Meeting: Reminders
Thanks,
Gabe Rios AAHSL President December 16, 2024 As I settle into my role as your AAHSL President, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to serve our vibrant community. Reflecting on our recent Annual Meeting in Atlanta, I am reminded of the invaluable connections we fostered and the rich discussions we shared. AAHSL November 2024 Meeting This year’s gathering was a resounding success, thanks to the hard work of our Program and Education Committee, which delivered an outstanding program that included an extra half day of learning and networking. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues from across the country. One of the standout moments was a workshop organized by our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Led by Lisa Fenn, Senior Director of Belonging, Diversity, and Equity for Emory Libraries, the session titled "Fostering an Inclusive Environment for Academic Health Sciences Library Staff" left a lasting impression on me. Lisa’s insights on concepts such as “position,” “disposition,” and “growth mindset” sparked thoughtful reflections among attendees and for me. On Friday, we delved into important topics surrounding the onboarding and education of staff new to health sciences. The panel presentations on artificial intelligence and open science were particularly enlightening, showcasing innovative approaches that are shaping our field. A highlight of the meeting was the AAHSL/GIR Matheson Lecture delivered by Dr. Melissa Boneta Davis. Her groundbreaking work on genetic and environmental factors influencing cancer outcomes in diverse populations, especially those of African ancestry, was both inspiring and thought-provoking. Dr. Davis’s efforts to create novel reference genomes and improve treatment strategies through diverse data integration are paving the way for future advancements in our field. We look forward to sharing a recording of her lecture on the AAHSL website early next year. Oppenheimer Cornerstone Award I am thrilled to announce that our very own Executive Director, Louise Miller, received the prestigious 2024 Oppenheimer Cornerstone Award. Over her 16 years with AAHSL, Louise has been a pillar of support and guidance for our organization. Her thoughtfulness, professionalism, and problem-solving skills have greatly contributed to our success. Congratulations to Louise on this well-deserved recognition and her new role as Senior Vice President at SBI Association Management! Leadership Development As we look toward the future, I want to highlight some exciting initiatives within AAHSL. The NLM/AAHSL Leadership Fellows Program is entering its 22nd year, continuing to prepare emerging leaders for academic health sciences environments. In celebration of its 20 years of success, we have conducted a comprehensive evaluation spanning from 2013 to 2023, with results expected soon. Additionally, recognizing the growing number of new library directors in our association, the New and Interim Directors Committee sponsored a symposium this year that welcomed 20 new and interim directors into a learning cohort beginning at the annual meeting and continuing over the next year. Looking Ahead During our business meeting in October, I shared my commitment to reviewing and updating the 2020 AAHSL Strategic Plan. This update will reflect significant changes since then, including adaptations to post-pandemic work environments, advancements in generative AI, developments in computed biomedical knowledge, and addressing the polarization of health information. We are already gearing up for our next Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, scheduled for Fall 2025! Thank you to all AAHSL board members, staff, and committee members for your hard work and dedication to our mission. Together, we will continue to strengthen our association and enhance the impact of academic health sciences libraries. Wishing you all a joyful start to 2025!
Gabe Rios AAHSL President |
