The increasing globalization of health librarianship: a brief survey of international trends and activities.
OBJECTIVE
Throughout his career, Leslie Morton was interested in international developments in health librarianship. In memory of the work he did in this field, the authors examine current developments in international health librarianship and describe some current themes.


METHODS
The authors draw from their combined experience in international activities and the published information available from selected library associations and related organizations.


RESULTS
Although many of the major health library associations around the world are tackling agendas specific to their own country, issues of international concern are emerging in common. These are grouped around globalization, partnerships and co-operation, electronic access, especially open access, and working with the developing world in a number of different ways. Of course, the basis of all of these initiatives is to improve the health of the population by providing the best possible access to materials.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional associations can provide a useful institutional infrastructure for addressing issues of international interest. Librarians should encourage their associations to develop these international initiatives and to seek out new and innovative ways to work together across international boundaries.
Madge
Bruce
B
The British Medical Association, London, UK. Bruce.madge@bma.org.uk
Plutchak
T Scott
TS
D001315:Australia; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000592:standards*; D007391:International Cooperation; D007843:Latin America; D016245:Librarians; D007992:Libraries, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007996:Library Associations / Q000458:organization & administration; D016243:Library Collection Development / Q000592:standards*; D007998:Library Science; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D024382:Professional Role; D017749:Total Quality Management; D006113:United Kingdom; D014481:United States