NNLM Member Liaison Spotlight

Posted by Liz Morris on June 21st, 2024 Posted in: Blog

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We are pleased to feature this guest blog post from David G. Keddle. David is the liaison for NNLM member organization Southern California Permanente Medical Group/Woodland Hills Medical Center in California. David is also a valued member of the Region 5 Community Engagement subcommittee, and we hope you enjoy learning more about him!

How did you become a health sciences librarian? 

My interest in libraries started when I was a junior in high school as I took a class on libraries and worked for an hour a day at the Howell High School Library in Michigan. I so totally enjoyed the experience that I continued my education in college.

What is your favorite part about your current role?

Helping Kaiser members in better understanding their new diagnosis from their physician. This helps the member to ask questions the next time they see their physician.

What is KP Pride? Why is it important to you? What activities have you planned for Pride month?

KP Pride is a business resource/employee group for both LGBTQI+ individuals and allies.

I provide KP Pride activities for all of the Southern California region. We will have [Pride month] activities in the following locations: West Hollywood, San Diego, Palm Springs, Woodland Hills, Oxnard, Ventura and San Bernadino area.

I have a dedicated section in the Woodland Hills, Health Sciences Library on LGBTQI+  materials. I use MedlinePlus, Google Scholar and our own clinical library databases in my work.

You recently gave a presentation on Allyship at the Medical Library Association annual conference. What were some key ideas you focused on?

During my presentation I covered the many programs and presentations that I have done over the years at the Woodland Hills Medical Center, including the LGBTQI+ Summit and annual Town Hall presentation on LGBTQI+ subjects. Earlier this month we did a Town Hall on LGBTQI+ bullying.

I talked about having a safe place for LGBTQI+ individuals and families to be able to share their thoughts and frustrations about LGBTQI+ topics. The space is totally safe and the discussion is never shared with anyone.

My major reason for promoting LGBTQI+ support is that every LGBTQI+ individual needs to have a place where they can share any topic or topics and know that Kaiser Permanente supports all LGBTQI+ individuals totally. No restrictions on loving who you want to love.

If you’d like us to feature your work or organization on our blog, let us know at nnlm@uw.edu!