Language
English
Publication Date
5-19-2026
Abstract
The MLA Latinx Caucus began an oral history project featuring its members. Using a collaborative, community-based approach, the project brings together medical library professionals to share their experiences and reflect on cultural identity, professional growth, and collective advocacy. This poster describes the development of this significant project. Background: In Fall 2025 one of the caucus leaders shared that they had a robust oral history project at their library organization, and had learned oral history processes and standards. This began the idea of forming an oral history project at the MLA caucus level. Lessons learned from the MLA AAMLA Caucus showed that finding historical information on Black and African American medical librarians was arduous; therefore, it is essential to gather and organize all currently available information to create a comprehensive record. This initiative will serve a dual purpose: leaving a legacy for future librarians to trace their roots, and providing a replicable framework for other underrepresented groups to map their own histories. Description: Within the caucus, an oral history task force was formed. Next, an online collaborative space was created where caucus members from across the country, representing different institutions and communities, began drafting their responses to the prepared, open-ended questions. Question categories included: The Beginning: Joining & Motivation; Core Work: Contributions & Challenges; and Legacy & Future Vision. Examples of specific questions within these themes covered early roles, specific accomplishments, overcoming hurdles, and lasting impacts. The caucus also invited an oral history expert to share resources and best practices with the task force. The stories and information collected have shown to be invaluable in highlighting the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx medical librarians. The strategies and practices in this project can also be used as a model for other MLA caucuses or professional groups to document and preserve their collective histories. Conclusion: By capturing the oral histories of caucus members, we are creating a "time capsule" of our unique contributions and cultural perspectives. To date, the majority of current and ex-caucus leaders have completed their oral histories, and numerous caucus members have also contributed theirs. In creating this oral history project, the caucus seeks to ensure that the narratives of Hispanic/Latinx medical librarians are preserved, made accessible to future generations, and used to strengthen professional visibility, mentorship, and community engagement within medical librarianship. This project also aims to create and cultivate a collaborative culture among members, fostering ongoing support and a sense of community that can help and inspire future generations of medical librarians.
Keywords
Medical Librarian, Health Sciences Librarian, Oral History, Latinx, Latino, Latina, Hispanic
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Justice, Adela; Kennedy, Brandon; Diaz, Jessica; et al., "Cultura, Collaborations, and Chisme: The Latinx Caucus’ Oral History Project" (2026). Library Staff Publications. 109.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/library_docs/109