Build Confidence in Patient Conversations This Health Literacy Month

Mary Ann Williams, MSLS

Clear communication is vital to quality health care. The Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is committed to helping providers and researchers strengthen their skills and raise awareness of health literacy during Health Literacy Month in October.

The HSHSL’s Health Literacy Guide offers resources for both health care providers and patients. Explore tools to assess health literacy, write in plain language, explain numerical concepts, and locate reliable information in other languages.

This fall, the library will host two online workshops led by Mary Ann Williams, MSLS, research and education librarian. These interactive sessions focus on practical strategies for communicating clearly and effectively with patients.

Upcoming workshops

Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Clear Health Communication
Do your patients fully understand the information you share with them? Research shows that providers often overestimate patient comprehension. Low health literacy is linked to higher mortality, increased hospitalizations, and poor chronic disease management. This workshop introduces the basics of health literacy and clear communication, along with tools for creating easy-to-read materials.

  • Oct. 16, 2025 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Online
  • Nov. 4, 2025 | 9:30 to 11 a.m. | Online

Health Information Resources for Culturally Diverse Patients
Looking to improve communication with patients whose first language is not English? This session highlights patient education materials in multiple languages and examines how using these resources can strengthen compliance and outcomes.

  • Nov. 6, 2025 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Online
  • Nov. 11, 2025 | 10 to 11:30 a.m. | Online

đź“… Register for a workshop today to sharpen your communication skills and make a lasting impact on patient care.

 

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Historical Collections: Founder’s Week Historical Treasures Tour Stop

Photograph of the reading room of Historical collections, a large table is covered with books, photographs, and archival items displayed with labels, a woman stands next to the table pointing to a scrapbook, around the outside of the circular room are windows and bookcases with booksAs part of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Founders Week celebration, students, staff, and faculty are invited to visit five historical sites on campus Oct. 21 between noon and 2 p.m. HSHSL’s own Historical Collections will be one of the tour stops that day.

Historical Collections of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is an archival repository for the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). The physical and digital collections document the history and accomplishments of the graduate, dental, medical, nursing, pharmacy, and social work schools at UMB. In addition, the collections tell the history of the health sciences and human services in Baltimore generally. The repository holds unique manuscript collections and selected primary source documents dating to the University’s early nineteenth century origins. Historical Collections also houses the HSHSL’s rare book collections, featuring significant works in the health sciences and social fields.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with items from each of the schools to learn more about UMB’s 19th century origins. To learn more about the collections check out the webpage or read the Historical Insights blog posts. The Collections are open to the public; if you cannot attend on Oct. 21 but are still interested in learning more about the collections or seeing the repository contact Tara Wink, Historical Collections Librarian and Archivist.

For more information about the Historical Treasurers tour check out the Founders Week events page and check out the event’s flyer for campus tour stops.  

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UMB HSHSL Welcomes Dennis Nangle as Assistant Dean for Resource Development and Access

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Nangle, MLS, as Assistant Dean for Resource Development and Access, effective October 6, 2025. 

In this leadership position, Dennis will:  

  • Lead the faculty and staff within the Resources Development and Access Division 
  • Launch strategic initiatives to enhance resource access 
  • Champion and promote the value and visibility of the HSHSL’s Collection 
  • Ensure and enhance access to UMB’s historical collections and the UMB Digital Archive  

Dennis brings a dynamic blend of relevant federal, state, and cultural involvement to this position. Several highlights from his vita are provided below as examples of his breadth of experience in the field:  

  • Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS): Senior Program Officer managing a $65 million federal grant program across 20 state library agencies 
  • Spearheaded national programs like the National Book Festival and National Student Poets Program 
  • Maryland State Library Agency: Contributed to statewide library development 
  • Cirque du Soleil: Added a creative edge to his portfolio 
  • University System of Maryland: Began his library career at University of Maryland University College (now called University of Maryland Global Campus)  

Dennis earned a master’s in library science from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD and a bachelor’s degree in English from Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH.  

He succeeds Patricia Hinegardner who retired as Assistant Dean for Resource Development and Access in April 2025. 

This appointment marks a promising new chapter for UMB, HSHSL leadership.  

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Launch Your Career in Clinical Data Management: Join Us Sept. 26

SCDM Live: Society for Clinical Data Management, academic event, Sept. 26, 2025, 9 a.m. to noon.

Sept. 26, 2025, 9 a.m. to noon
HSHSL, Fifth Floor, Gladhill Boardroom

Registration

Curious about careers that combine health, research, and data? Join the Society for Clinical Data Management for a free event designed for students, trainees, and early-career professionals.

You will hear from professionals in the field about how they got started, what their daily work looks like, and which skills are most valuable. During breaks, enjoy refreshments and connect with industry leaders in a welcoming, informal setting.

Clinical data management is an essential part of clinical research, and it is quickly evolving into the field of clinical data science. Come learn how new technologies and analytics are reshaping the work and where your skills could fit in.

Schedule

  • 9–10 a.m. – Unlocking Opportunities in Clinical Data Management – A Career Guide for Future Professionals
    Speakers: Dawn Kaminski, Vice President, BD Operations, eClinical Solutions; Stephen Cameron, Director, Clinical Data Science, ICON

  • 10–10:10 a.m. – Career Path Insights
    Speaker: Eun-Shim Nahm, Professor and Associate Dean, PhD Program, UMSON

  • 10:10–10:30 a.m. – The Evolution to Clinical Data Science
    Speaker: Patrick Nadolny, Global Head, Clinical Data Management, Sanofi

  • 10:30–11 a.m. – Networking and coffee break

  • 11–11:10 a.m. – Certifications
    Speaker: Ward Lemaire, Head of Data Management and Central Monitoring, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine

  • 11:10–11:40 a.m. – Panel: Leadership Insights on Career Paths and Key Skills
    Moderator: Manny Vazquez, Senior Director, Clinical Data Strategy, Veeva Systems
    Panelists:

    • Carol Schaffer, Director, Program Lead, Pfizer

    • Eun-Shim Nahm, UMSON

    • Deepak Kallubundi, Executive Director, Fortrea

    • Jonathan Andrus, Co-CEO, CRIO

    • Tanya du Plessis, Chief Data Strategist, Bioforum

  • 11:40 a.m.–noon – Networking

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Hello Fall! Highlights from HSHSL’s September Newsletter

It’s a new season, and the September HSHSL Connective Issues has arrived! Whether you are returning or new to campus, there is something here for everyone. Inside you will find:

  • A message from our dean with updates on library renovations, signage improvements and other exciting developments.

  • A chance to Meet Your Librarians! Stop by the Weise Gallery, enjoy a treat, and get to know the people behind your resources.

  • Tips for new students to help you hit the ground running this semester.

  • A fresh calendar for 2026, “Botanical Marvels,” drawn from our Historical Collections. Prepare to be wowed!

  • Campuswide streaming access through Academic Video Online with learning resources when you need them.

  • Details about the NNLM Disaster Preparedness Forum, fall hours, our current gallery exhibit, employee news and more.

Scroll through the newsletter to see the stories, events and resources we are excited to share this fall, and learn how HSHSL can help make your academic year smoother, richer, and more connected.

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Come See the HSHSL at the Campus Involvement Fair!

HSHSL will be at the Campus Involvement Fair (formerly Fall Fest) on Friday, Sept. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the School of Nursing Lawn. Look for our tent and stop by to say hello!

Discover how the HSHSL can support you during your time at UMB, and pick up some fun and useful swag while you’re here.

We can’t wait to meet you!

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Campus Network Issues

There are widespread network problems across campus today, Tuesday, Sept. 9, following a planned firewall upgrade that did not go as expected. You may experience slow campus webpages, interruptions with Eduroam or VPN access, and printing failures.

The HSHSL recommends avoiding printing at this time. If you do need assistance, please ask at the Information Services desk and we will do our best to help, but printing is currently slow for staff as well.

CITS is aware of the issue and is working to resolve it. We will update this message once the problem has been corrected.

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8th Annual Vaccination Clinic at the HSHSL!

It’s time again for the HSHSL and School of Pharmacy Vaccination Clinic.  As always, vaccines are for UMB campus employees and students. The 1-day clinic will be held Thursday, October 9 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in the Weise Gallery on the first floor of the Library. 

This year’s clinic will include vaccines for the flu (including high dose flu shots for those above 65 years of age), COVID-19 (please note new federal guidance is pending regarding age recommendations), Pneumonia, RSV (ABRYSVO), shingles, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). Participants may sign up for any and all available vaccines needed, but please note that some vaccinations may require a co-pay. Co-pay is by credit card only. 

To make sure the clinic has enough vaccinations and for shorter wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. There will be some walk-up appointments available but we cannot guarantee vaccines without an appointment. Our clinic partner, Safeway, will be managing appointments using their vaccine scheduler.  To date, Safeway is planning on offering both Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines but this may be subject to availability. 

After signing up for an appointment, please look for a confirmation email from Safeway for additional information on what to bring to the appointment and how to reschedule or cancel as the HSHSL will be unable to alter appointments.   

Please bring printed copies of your  photo ID and  of the front and back of your insurance cards (medical and pharmacy, if you have both) to your appointment and we look forward to seeing you at the clinic on October 9! 

 

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Meet Your Librarians!

Have you met your school’s liaison librarian? What about our data librarians? This is your chance! Join us for “Meet Your Librarians” in the HSHSL Weise Gallery.

Event Details
đź“… Thursday, Sept. 25
đź•› Noon to 2 p.m.
📍 Weise Gallery, Health Sciences and Human Services Library

Our librarians are here to support your success. They can help you find literature for class projects, navigate databases, manage citations, or explore data resources. Stop by, say hello, and learn how they can make your academic life easier.

We’ll also have treats for everyone who drops by.

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Perennial: Artists from Goxxip Girl Collective Explore Rebirth and Resilience

Sept. 15 – Nov. 7, 2025
HSHSL, Weise Gallery, First Floor

Perennial celebrates the breadth and talent of select artists from the Goxxip Girl Collective. Bringing together work that explores rebirth and resilience, Perennial converges on themes of repetition. The natural world cycles through pattern, color, seasonality, or narrative. Similar to perennial plants that return each year, artists return to their practices through repetition, adaptation, and exploration to create.

The Goxxip Girl Collective is a collaborative initiative founded by a group of artists from Maryland. Our vision is to create an inclusive space that celebrates the distinct talents of every member. We’re dedicated to crafting a platform that nurtures creativity, sparks inspiration, and promotes collective progress. Through meaningful programming, greater accessibility, and a supportive community, we strive to bring about positive change within Baltimore.

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