Reflections of our Vision Science Caucus Journey: The Road from SIG to Caucus

Background: When Medical Library Association (MLA) transformed the organization to be more supportive, inclusive, and accessible for all members, the opportunity for special interest groups (SIGs) to dissolve or transform into caucuses gave the Vision Science Librarians Special Interest Group (VS-SIG) a renewed purpose. We embarked on a journey to become a formal caucus as we believed the group could make valuable contributions to the mission and goals of MLA. Unlike other SIGs, the VS-SIG did not have fundamental organizational structures in place, and this made VS-SIG appear to be very insular. Reconnecting, renewing, and reflecting were drivers to our success!

Description: Throughout 2020 and 2021, VSC held multiple online meetings to determine how the group could transform into an MLA Caucus and increase participation within MLA. Communication via the listserv with weekly updates happened to keep members informed, and we offered members various opportunities to provide input along the strategic plan process. It was important to include members in the process as we wanted everyone’s perspective and their voices to be represented in our strategic plan. VSC engaged more with MLA and participated in the MLA Open Forum Month. VSC scheduled their meeting to accommodate international participation, and librarians from Australia and India attended. VSC continues to grow and improve on the foundational structure to have a solid caucus that will provide its members with a place to grow, gain important professional insight and experience, and network.

Conclusion: The renewing of our commitment to MLA and the transformation from a SIG to a Caucus was a positive experience for us. Reflecting on our history, exploring how members view us, connecting to our larger entities, and contemplating where we’d like to be as a caucus in the future, helped members to reconnect. Our strategic plan process has enlightened our caucus by allowing all voices to be heard, all ideas to be incorporated, and is aligned with the larger MLA strategic plan. We feel empowered to create the future we want to see, and our members are
engaged to work our plan. This has been a valuable lesson for us all!