For many MLA members, the fellowship means meeting and sharing thoughts about library practices and culture with health sciences librarians from all over the globe. For others, the fellowship may not hold much significance at all. The 2002 fellow, Yuan Lin, represents the Central Library at West China University in Chengdu City. MLA would like to enhance the fellowship experience by exposing more members to the visiting fellow. By becoming a volunteer host, you can share in this unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange.
Fellows visit many different sizes and types of medical libraries.
Host libraries and librarians are needed to help train and orient the fellows to local libraries and cities. Fellows are given a living stipend, so there is no financial burden on the host. Established in 1967 with a bequest from the estate of Eileen R. Cunningham, the MLA Cunningham fellowship assists the education and training of health sciences librarians from countries outside the United States and Canada. Since 1972, more than thirty-three fellows have participated in Cunningham fellowships. The program continues to train and motivate international librarians with the latest practices in the health sciences profession.