Welcome to the future: challenges and opportunities discussed in the Vision 2048 Task Force Open Forums 2021-2023

Abstract

In preparation of the 125th anniversary of the Medical Library Association, between 2021 and 2022 the Board of Directors established four different task forces to document the story of MLA's past, present, and future as part of the strategic goal of Building a Better Future. The Vision 2048 Task Force sought to bring together members from across the association to chart the future of health sciences librarianship. In 2021, the task force was assembled with members from across the association with varying backgrounds and experience. Early on, the task force focused their work on encouraging conversations within the membership via a series of open forums centered around the overall future of health sciences librarianship including emerging issues critical to effective professional practice, how to prepare the next generation of health sciences librarians, and suggestions of how can MLA adapt to move the profession forward. In an effort to have conversations which were inclusive across as many communities as possible, these open forums were hosted both in-person as well as in a virtual environment. This article documents challenges and opportunities discussed by members during the open forum conversations. As the MLA membership looks toward the future, themes identified within these discussions can help to guide a path forward as health sciences librarianship continues to adapt to meet the needs of the communities we serve.