evaluation boards for MLA's publication and credentialing programs. Ad hoc committees are appointed for a special purpose and are discharged when their tasks are completed. From time to time, special task forces are appointed for a specific study. Activities Advocacy Advocacy efforts for librarians and the library profession take many forms within MLA: Resources are provided to help hospital librarians communicate with other leaders in their institutions about the true value of librarians and library services, including Advocacy Toolbox: A Practical Guide to Communicating Your Value. The MLA Governmental Relations Committee is charged with developing consistency in the Association's position on information policy issues, and on governmental actions affecting medical libraries. Legislative updates on topics such as funding for library programs and services; health care reform, and copyright issues are provided. The MLA Vital Pathways Task Force reviews existing data and trends in the status of hospital librarians, collects data on the links between libraries and quality and financial outcomes, and develops action plans to influence hospital decision-makers and key leaders in the health care field. Career development MLA offers career services for health sciences information professionals, students attending library school programs, and those interested in learning more about a career as a medical librarian. MLA offers programs to improve the knowledge and skills of its members and provide continuing education and credentialing to its members. Cunningham fellowship The Cunningham Fellowship is an award for health sciences librarians from countries outside the United States and Canada. The award provides for attendance at the MLA annual meeting and observation and supervised work in one or more medical libraries in the United States or Canada. Publications and website Journal of the Medical Library Association MLA's quarterly, peer-reviewed scholarly journal. Vols. 90- 2002- Bulletin of the Medical Library Association Vols. 1 to 89; 1911 to 2001 Biomedical Digital Libraries (2003-2007) MLA-FOCUS A bimonthly electronic newsletter for MLA members. MLA News A monthly newsletter for members and subscribers that includes news about the profession; articles that impart practical, on-the-job wisdom; and information about MLA products and services. Books Books written by medical librarians on subjects of interest to medical librarians and other health information professionals. BibKits Selective, annotated bibliographies of discrete subject areas in the health sciences literature. DocKits Collections of representative, unedited library documents from a variety of institutions that illustrate the range of approaches to library management. The association's website includes information