October is National Medical Librarians Month. It’s a time when staff at the Bio-Medical Library can reflect upon their work – with accomplishments related to health literacy research, journal publishing, inspiring collections, and student achievement.  

It is also time for Bio-Medical Library staff to connect with students, faculty, and researchers in new ways – and to have fun in the process. We invite you to celebrate with us by participating in the following events and activities.

Meet your librarian at pop-up library tables
October 19 and 29, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Stop by our pop-up library tables on October 19 and 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., just outside of Freshii on the second floor (tunnel level) of the Phillips-Wangensteen Building.  

At the pop-up library tables, you can connect with librarians and ask questions about library resources and services. You can even test your skills at identifying (somewhat horrifying) medical artifacts of the past and answering health fact or fiction questions.

Dress Up Fred Contest
Now through October 31

Many of you may familiar with our skeleton, Fred. Fred will be joining in the celebration of National Medical Librarians by serving as a model for the library’s Dress Up Fred Contest.

Fred will be available to meet you and your friends at our pop-up table events (October 19 and 29,11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) for a spontaneous costuming event. He will also be available at a time of your choice. To secure your Dress Up Fred timeslot and review contest rules, visit our online registration form. Groups of up to three University of Minnesota students are welcome to participate.

Photos of Fred will be shared on the Bio-Medical Library’s Facebook page. The costume with the most likes on Facebook, online votes, and in-house votes wins. Prizes will be awarded for best medical/health related theme and best spooky/Halloween related theme. Prizes will be awarded to each winning participant.

You can like your favorite costume on our Facebook page, vote online, or submit your in-house vote at the 2nd floor Service Desk in the Bio-Medical Library. The last day to submit votes is Friday, October 30.  

Winners will be announced on Halloween, Saturday, October 31.

The celebration continues

October is the official National Medical Librarians Month, but we celebrate the work of the Bio-Medical Library every day. Whether you are completing a systematic review, needing one-on-one research assistance, or wanting personalized library instruction, be sure to connect with us. We really do provide the right information at the right time in the right place to improve health.