Jamie Conklin, MLIS
Health Sciences Librarian and Liaison to Nursing
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill 

Editor’s note: This month, we are celebrating Jamie Conklin, who served as a List Selector for the Menopause & Perimenopausal Care DSTL in 2025. Thank you, Jamie!    

Provide a brief description of your library and its services, and your role within it. 

The Health Sciences Library is part of the University Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Located adjacent to the Health Affairs Schools and UNC Medical Center, it supports teaching, research, and patient care and strives to be an indispensable partner in connecting people with information. In my role, I serve as the liaison to the School of Nursing and the Department of Psychiatry and contribute to our systematic review team. I meet with students, faculty, and staff to discuss research projects and evidence-based patient care, helping to frame the scope of an investigation, search the literature, and identify and address gaps. 

How did you get started in health sciences librarianship? What brought you to the profession? 

I found my way into health sciences librarianship through a series of fortunate events. While in college, I took a part-time job at a public library and realized I had found my calling. I completed degrees in biology and library and information science, which led to a science librarian position in an academic setting. During that time, I had the opportunity to serve as a temporary nursing liaison librarian. I discovered that nursing students and instructors are passionate about providing the best care, and I enjoyed partnering with them to find and evaluate the best available evidence. Since then, I have continued in nursing liaison roles across universities, and I still find this work deeply rewarding. 

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

Two important areas where librarians can apply their expertise today are educating around AI and ensuring access to trusted health information. As information professionals, we can help people understand how generative AI and large language models work and explore the possibilities and limitations of using these research tools. At the same time, we continue to play a critical role in connecting our communities with credible health information. Access to reliable sources on public health topics supports safe and healthy communities, making it essential for librarians to partner with others to promote access for all.  

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

Our University Library recently launched an AI Studio to support the campus community in learning about generative AI and its responsible use. In addition to a physical space, the Studio includes an online platform where UNC affiliates can log in with their university credentials to access multiple large language models and create their own agents at no cost. I’ve found it exciting to be part of the team developing and delivering educational programming around generative AI, with sessions on topics such as prompting, copyright, ethics, and study skills.   

What aspects of your work keep you most professionally motivated? 

Definitely the people! I work with students, researchers, instructors, and clinicians across the Health Affairs Schools and the UNC Medical Center, and they are committed to what they do and are generous in sharing their knowledge. I’m also motivated by my own curiosity; I enjoy synthesizing information and helping others make sense of complex topics. I’m energized by being part of a team where I am continually learning from others while also contributing my own expertise. 

Why did you participate as a DSTL List Selector? 

I participated as a DSTL List Selector for several reasons, and I’m very glad I did! Having worked on several evidence syntheses in perimenopausal care, I was already interested in the topic and knew it was one that could benefit from greater attention. I was also drawn to the opportunity to engage with book content, especially since most of my day-to-day work focuses on journal literature. Additionally, a colleague who had previously served as a Selector spoke very highly of the experience. Finally, it offered another chance to satisfy my curiosity and to synthesize and organize information for the benefit of others—all while working with a small team equally invested in the process. 

A recent book you’ve enjoyed or anything else you’d like to share? 

While compiling our list on perimenopausal care, I checked out several relevant books from my public library. I found Menopause: A Comic Treatment, edited by MK Czerwiec and part of the Graphic Medicine Series, to be especially insightful, accessible, and supportive in its approach. It offers a range of perspectives on the experience of perimenopause. For more recommendations, readers can explore our complete list.