Megan Inman, MLIS 
Collection Development Librarian 
Laupus Health Sciences Library 
East Carolina University 

Editor’s note: This month, we are celebrating Megan Inman, who joined the Doody’s Library Board of Advisors in 2024.     

Where do you currently work and what is your position? 

Currently, I am the Collection Development Librarian at East Carolina University’s William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library. 

Provide a brief description of your library and its services. 

William E. Laupus Health Sciences Library is one of three libraries at East Carolina University. The health sciences library primarily serves the health sciences campus with over 4,000 students. Our library supports multiple programs including our medical school, dental school, college of nursing, and college of allied health sciences. 

Where and when did you start in health sciences librarianship? What brought you to the profession? 

My career in librarianship began in 2008 as a liaison librarian to the College of Allied Health Sciences at Laupus Health Sciences Library. I have always enjoyed the health sciences field and grew up with a love of libraries. Pairing my interest with medicine and librarianship seemed a natural fit. 

Share two of the most important issues facing the profession today and why they’re important to address? 

One of the most important issues that I face in my current position revolves around the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and our electronic resources. More and more resources are incorporating AI into their products, and it is critical that librarians in collection development and e-resource management understand the best methods of use for these products and issues that might occur in licensing such resources on behalf of their institutions. 

Another issue that we face involves the cost of resources and the ever-increasing rate of inflation. Often users and administrators are not aware of the cost of library resources. It is critical that we share the impact of the collection on the library with library stakeholders. 

What is one innovation, product, or service in your library that you’re excited about? 

The libraries’ Open Access Publishing Support Fund is a great opportunity that was established to reduce barriers found in open access publishing. The fund offers support to faculty, staff, and graduate students who choose open access publishing. 

Why do you serve on the Library Board of Advisors? 

Although I am new to the Library Board of Advisors, I think it is a great opportunity to work with others in the area of collection development. 

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Doody’s services are a great way to enhance collection development in a variety of library settings.