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A Statement in Affirmation of Our Core Values

by the Faculty and Staff of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah

The faculty and staff of the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library (EHSL) publicly assert and stand in support of the 2017 Medical Library Association (MLA) Statement affirming our core professional values.  Quoting from the MLA Statement,

 “…access to information facilitates scientific collaboration, provides researchers with easier access to scientific research and data, strengthens biomedical research, and leads to better patient care. Patients who have access to necessary health information are empowered to play an active role in their health care and realize better health outcomes. The free movement of scientists worldwide contributes to a diverse and inclusive research environment in the best interest of all.”

Our core values as health sciences library professionals, as reiterated in the MLA statement referenced above, include:

  • reliance on scientific evidence;
  • access to information, integrity, transparency, and reproducibility in scientific research;
  • global public awareness of and access to high-quality health information, especially for underserved communities;
  • lifelong learning and professional development;
  • advancement of peer-reviewed health information research and evidence-based practice;
  • global community engagement and collaboration within and outside our profession;
  • adherence to high ethical standards; and
  • commitment to diversity and inclusion to strengthen our communities internally and externally.

These values are part and parcel of who we are and what we do as health sciences library professionals.

Further, EHSL supports the University of Utah’s recent statements (Executive Order and Support for International Community) affirming the University’s support for our international students, staff, faculty, and colleagues. In our EHSL Diversity and Inclusion Policy, we state and affirm that:

We are here to assist anyone who seeks access to health information without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, status as a disabled individual, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran’s status.”

To these ends, we commit to ensure that EHSL provides a space of learning where all voices are heard. We commit to challenging ourselves and others to explore and respect difference. Most of all, we will continue with equity and justice to assist all who seek access to health information.

Medical Library Association Statements:

University of Utah Statements: