When millions saw footage of George Floyd's murder by police during the COVID-19 pandemic where marginalized groups had higher death rates, increased awareness and action arose because Black people are treated differently in the United States. Many libraries subsequently created statements and committees to commit to reduce inequities in libraries; however, Black bodies are still being harmed. Therefore, this editorial details the Start and End with I concept and provides concrete steps for making change. It is time to center the voices that have been dismissed and ignored for too long. Are you willing to do what it takes? ARTICLE HISTORY
Unpaid family caregivers play a critical role in the care of older adults with visual impairments. Caring for older adults with visual impairments requires much time and energy, often resulting in psychological stress and reduced quality of life for the unpaid caregiver. However, there is a paucity of data on the impact of caregiving on quality of life and related outcomes among these caregivers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review examining issues of quality of life, health, stress, burden, and barriers among unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments. The study also aimed to summarize interventions for addressing these issues. This study followed the Arksey and O’Malley five-stage approach for scoping reviews. We performed a search of published peer-reviewed articles available in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers conducted the screening of titles, abstracts, and full-texts. A total of 24 articles were eligible for full-text screening from the 452 records identified, and 5 articles met the final inclusion criteria. The following four themes were identified: (1) prevalence of quality of life–related barriers among unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments; (2) adverse events among unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments; (3) interventions for unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments; and (4) potential impacts of intervention on unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments. These findings point to a lack of interventions for unpaid caregivers of older adults with visual impairments, despite the prevalence of quality of life–related barriers and adverse events in this population. This study aligns with the social model of disability as it relates to the failure of the system to meet the needs of older adults with visual impairments. Research addressing these issues is urgently needed.
Three new librarians highlight their varied pathways into health sciences librarianship and offer insight into how they are navigating the challenges and successes of being new to the profession. The authors define a new health sciences librarian as a person who has fewer than five years of experience in health sciences librarianship specifically, having either recently graduated from library school or entered the health sciences from another type of librarianship. Jamia Williams speaks about her journey from new MLS graduate to health science librarian; Kelsa Bartley details her transition from library professional to health science librarian; and Jahala Simuel shares her experiences moving from academic librarian to health science librarian. This commentary provides strategies, tips, and tricks that new health sciences librarians may use to hone their craft and explore opportunities for professional development.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the African American Medical Librarians Alliance (AAMLA) Caucus of the Medical Library Association formed a weekly virtual forum known as the “Chat & Chew.” The purpose of these weekly check-ins was to build community and provide support amidst a series of unprecedented health crises adversely affecting Black Americans, including the coronavirus pandemic and the long-standing issue of police killings and brutality. In coming together for these weekly check-ins, group participants benefited by actively practicing self-care and exchanging ideas and information with colleagues across the country. Each gathering incorporated various presentations and discussions, including topics related to self-care and wellness, microaggressions and stigmatization in the workplace, virtual technologies, plant care, book discussions, and opportunities to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion work. This chapter provides successes for member engagement and best practices that made the program sustainable throughout 2020 and beyond.
Unpaid family caregivers play a critical role in the care of older adults with visual impairments (VI). Caring for older adults with VI requires much time and energy, often resulting in psychological stress and reduced quality of life (QoL). However, there is a paucity of data on the impact of caregiving on QoL and related outcomes among these caregivers. The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review examining issues of QoL, health, stress, burden, and barriers among unpaid caregivers of older adults (i.e. aged 60 years or more) with VI. The study aimed to summarize interventions for addressing these issues. This study followed the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) five stage approach for scoping reviews. We performed a search of published peer-reviewed articles available in PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers conducted the screening of titles, abstracts, and full-texts. Of the 452 records identified, 24 were eligible for full-text screening and five articles met the final inclusion criteria. The following four themes were identified: (1) prevalence of QoL-related barriers among unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI; (2) adverse events among unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI; (3) interventions for unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI; and (4) potential impacts of intervention on unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI. These findings reveal a lack of interventions for unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI, despite the prevalence of QoL-related barriers and adverse events. Research addressing these issues are urgently needed.
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