Language

English

Publication Date

10-23-2025

Journal

Journal of the Medical Library Association

DOI

10.5195/jmla.2025.2071

PMID

41229663

PMCID

PMC12604059

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

10-23-2025

Abstract

Background: The Early Career Librarians Initiative of the South Central Chapter of the Medical Library Association (ECLI) offered a webinar series that addressed topics of interest to new professionals such as networking, goal setting, and salary negotiation. Additionally, the ECLI assessed participant feedback on the series through a program evaluation survey.

Case presentation: ECLI partnered with the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM), Region 3, to offer six webinars over the course of two years. Attendees were asked to complete a survey. Quantitative results were analyzed, and qualitative free-text responses were thematically coded. A total of 567 people attended the webinars, and 154 completed the survey. Four major themes emerged as the most useful aspects of the webinar series: practical tips, encouragement, and real-life experience.

Conclusion: Early career librarians often feel overwhelmed and are interested in guidance on career planning and building professional soft skills. This highly attended webinar series and positive evaluation feedback, demonstrates the value of providing accessible online professional development opportunities for early career and transitioning librarians, offering valuable information and support in key areas of need.

Keywords

Female, Humans, Librarians, Libraries, Medical, Professional Competence, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States, Career development, continuing education, early career librarian, ECLI, emerging librarian, health science librarian, information overload, library professional, medical librarian, onboarding overload, professional development, sense of community, transitioning librarian

Published Open-Access

yes

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