The Medical Library Association (MLA) is a nonprofit educational organization with more than 3,400 health-sciences information professional members.

"[1] Its charter members included four librarians: Marcia C. Noyes, Margaret R. Charlton, Elizabeth Thies-Meyer, and Charles Perry Fisher, and four physicians: George M. Gould, John L. Rothrock, E. H. Brigham, and William Browning.

These chapters provide a vital link to the programs and services of the association; they are open to both MLA members and non-members.

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.

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.

Attendees at MLA's annual meeting present and discuss scholarly papers, applied research, and issues in health sciences information management.

Professionals with specific interests in related fields such as medical informatics come together to address topics of timely importance.

Since 2020, MLA annual meetings have offered virtual or hybrid participation options for members unable to attend in person.