Benedictine Hospital Librarian in the Spotlight:
20+ Years and Evolving Roles

Mary Evans, M.S., M.L.S., AHIP, was originally trained as a chemist and subsequently received her library degree from SUNY Albany. Now a Senior Member of the Academy of Health Information Professionals, she has been the Medical Librarian at Benedictine Hospital for over 20 years. Her current roles at the hospital are bringing the library and its knowledge-based resources into a more visible public role. Sunday, September 26 will find her participating in a men’s health event, Tune Up for Life, at the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston.

In addition to this very public appearance, Mary is actively participating in different hospital committees and initiatives. She is Co-Chair of the Hospital Education & Research Council, a member of the Collaborative Practice Council, and a member of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Committee. She is involved in the implementation of evidence-based practice within Patient Care Services where her scientific background can be an important asset. Having participated in a full day continuing education class in evidence-based practice at the MLA Conference in Washington in May, she will share her knowledge with other hospital librarians at the November HSLP meeting. Mary has been Committee Chair of the Hospital Library Services Program Advisory Committee in the past and worked diligently to create the minimum standards criteria for the program as well as select the initial electronic resources offered. Her commitment to outreach and the 24/7 virtual hospital library as well as providing expert knowledge and searching support is highlighted by the prominent Health Library web page link on the Benedictine Hospital web site.

By Patricia Carroll-Mathes, Hospital Libraries Services Manager

Southeastern News Online is published bi-monthly by SENYLRC staff.