Developing Leaders for Hospital Librarianship

Abstract

The Associate Fellowship Program at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) is a competitive program designed to prepare future health sciences library leaders. It consists of a curriculum and training phase, site visits, two practica, projects, and an optional second year. Former Associates who went on to be hospital librarians reported they benefited especially from the professional contacts made during their time in the program and from learning practical information on NLM's databases, services and programs. After participating in the program many Associates have gone on to assume leadership positions in health libraries. More information on the program is available on the web at <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/about/training/associate/index.html>.

Key Words:

• Internship
• fellowship
• medical librarianship
• education and training
• professional development
• leadership
• National Library of Medicine (U.S.)