Life in 2023 is stressful! For some, the holiday season is joyful and magical. For others, there is little peace to be found in the hustle and bustle of the season. The last few years have been extraordinarily difficult. Add in all the additional holiday stressors and the risk for burnout, physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse increase. (1)

Holiday stress affects a significant portion of the population, with over half of Americans experiencing emotions like sadness and loneliness during this time. According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of individuals report increased stress during the holidays. (2) The findings suggest that lack of time and money, commercialism/hype, and the pressures associated with gift giving are some of the primary sources of increased stress. Additionally, perceived obligations to meet expectations and create a positive, joyful experience for family members adds to holiday stress with approximately half of individuals reporting feeling pressure to make sure family members are happy. (3) 

The first step to coping with holiday stress may be to manage expectations. The holidays are filled with expectations fueled by commercial and social media resources which may be unrealistic. These expectations can increase comparisons between our experiences and others’ and can exacerbate holiday stress or trigger emotional distress. It is important we determine our own expectations for the holidays and find value in our personal experience . (3)
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While managing expectations is a great first step, it still does not remove all the sources of holiday stress. Vanderbilt University Medical Center recommends these 10 healthy ways to manage the negative stress you might experience during the holiday season: 
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1. Keep it all in perspective. Holidays don’t have to be perfect... The focus needs to be on spending time celebrating and connecting with those you love. 
2. Make space. Make a deal with yourself to spend 15 minutes alone, without distractions, more than once a day.... You don’t have to be “on” all the time, and 15 minutes can recharge you more than you realize. 
3. Use a buffer. Spouses, partners, friends, and loved ones can be sources of tension, but they can also be sources of protection. Make a deal with a trusted person to intervene if necessary.... Set up “secret” signals beforehand in case the person might miss the cue to step in and help out. 
4. Eat. Try not to skip meals, and don’t try to “diet.” You will just get irritable and be low on energy to handle unavoidable stress. Use moderation but don’t deprive yourself. The holidays are not an excuse to throw healthy behaviors out the window, but there is nothing wrong with a cookie every now and then. 
5. Drink more water. Stay hydrated. Alcohol is wet, but it is not hydrating and it tends to have lots of calories. It is also a depressant, so you will pay for whatever immediate “benefit” you have from alcohol with feeling lethargic and moody later. 
6. Sleep. Sleep patterns tend to get thrown off when you are not on a schedule during the holidays. Try to go to sleep at a reasonable hour and make rest a priority. Sleepy people can be stressed out people. 
7. Exercise. Research shows a strong link between exercise and mood. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can give you time away from the chaos at home and help buffer you against stress. 
8. Stay connected. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out friends, attend religious or social events, or volunteer your time to help others. Relationships are healing, and they are one of the best methods of fighting stress. 
9. Acknowledge your feelings. Sadness is not uncommon during the holidays due to distance from family or friends, loss of loved ones, or unexpected disappointments. Forcing yourself to be happy will only increase your sadness and build resentment. The key is to take breaks from sadness or grief. Use healthy distractions, social interaction, or be creative (e.g., writing, music, art) to express emotions in productive ways that don’t drag you down and may help you sort out next steps. 
10. Seek professional help. If you experience persistent sadness or anxiety, are unable to sleep, have physical complaints, feel irritable or helpless, or lose enjoyment of and motivation to do activities, seek support from a mental health professional. You can develop a plan for facing the stress of the holidays, strengthen coping skills, and have a safe place to unload and move through whatever tensions you experience. (4) 

 
Many people experience mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, especially during the holidays. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day. These centers are supported by local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress. Call or text 988, if you or a loved one needs to connect with mental health professionals at the Lifeline network. (5)

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JOB SUMMARY
The George A. Smathers Libraries seek a creative, energetic, service-oriented librarian to support the research, education and service goals of the Borland Health Sciences Library (Borland). Borland is the Jacksonville branch of the Health Science Center Libraries, part of the University of Florida’s George A. Smathers Libraries. The Health Sciences Librarian provides support through reference assistance, in-depth information consultations, instruction, and outreach for the students, residents, faculty, and staff of the UF Health Jacksonville campus and its Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. This 12-month, tenure-track faculty position serves as a member of the Health Science Center Libraries faculty, and is responsible for special projects as assigned, such as development of web-based resources, service evaluation, collaboration on evidence syntheses, and collection reviews. Additionally, the Health Sciences Librarian assists with oversight of circulation and interlibrary loan functions for the branch.
The Smathers Libraries are committed to creating a thoughtful, equitable, and inclusive culture that provides space for innovation and creativity. We offer a fulfilling work experience that allows for collaboration, growth, and development, as well as shared perspectives. The libraries encourage broad participation in reaching decisions, and consequently the Health Sciences Librarian will contribute to discussions, provide input, and serve on various committees and teams. The Health Sciences Librarian will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion.
To support all colleagues, students, faculty, and staff, and foster excellence in a diverse and collaborative society, the libraries actively seek candidates who bring culturally rich lived experiences and are excited to work with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and perspectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide librarian services to the students, faculty, and staff in the Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy at UF Health Jacksonville. Librarian services include instruction, consultation, collection development, and other client-centered services as appropriate.
• Design, deliver, and market educational programming on such topics as database searching, educational support tools, and new resources and technologies of interest and benefit to students, residents, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with UF Health Jacksonville faculty on information-related projects, including curriculum development and complex evidence syntheses.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging educational technologies and library trends, and their effective application in health sciences libraries.
• Participate in developing and implementing outreach services and marketing strategies for Borland.
• In the absence of the Director, provide professional oversight to the Borland Access Services unit (circulation and interlibrary loan).
• Collect and report statistics of services provided.
• Actively engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, support diverse communities, and create a welcoming environment for all.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to meet the criteria for tenure and promotion, including research, publication, and professional service activities.

Application Process
To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
• a written statement regarding “What is the librarian’s role in an academic health center with active clinical and teaching missions?” (250 words)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on November 29, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as received. Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Requisition 529214. Failure to submit the required documents may result in the application not being considered. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Joe Piazza, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at jpiazza@ufl.edu.
Requirements
Research indicates that applicants from underrepresented groups are hesitant to apply for positions if they do not meet all the preferred qualifications. We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleague develop the preferred skills. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to communicate how their work and other experiences satisfy the required qualifications in ways that may not be obvious.
Required:

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty.
• Appointment at the Associate University Librarian rank requires eight years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated interest in providing information services to, and collaborating with, health sciences students, educators, researchers, and clinicians.
• Experience using health-related information resources such as PubMed and CINAHL.
• Strong commitment to client-focused service.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills including oral and written communication.
• Initiative, flexibility, and the ability to adapt and work creatively in a complex, rapidly changing academic environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with students, faculty, administrators, and the general public.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to Gainesville (no more than every other month).
• Demonstrated commitment to including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender, sexual orientation, and/or perspectives in research, teaching, service, or other work.
• Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in the departmental by-laws.

Preferred:

• Experience working in an academic health sciences library, hospital library, or clinical environment.
• Experience designing and delivering instruction.
• Undergraduate or advanced degree in a health or life science.

SALARY
$61,112 minimum salary at the Assistant University Librarian rank
$70,684 minimum salary at the Associate University Librarian rank
The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials          
The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and worklife support. Learn more.
WORK SCHEDULE:  Departments may approve up to two days per week to be worked elsewhere as part of an agreed-upon hybrid schedule.

Click here for more information and to apply. 

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FHSLA's CE committee is busy planning for this year's events. Mary Kate Haver discusses the benefits of being a member and volunteering on a FHSLA committee. 

FHSLA – Pathway to Co-Chair, Continuing Education Committee


As a member of the Florida Health Sciences Library Association since 2008, I have enjoyed a multitude of volunteer opportunities. From member of the Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), President (2018-2019), Co-Chair FHSLA-TBLC Collaboration, and now Co-Chair Continuing Education (CE) Committee, I am fortunate to have worked with so many wonderful FHSLA colleagues. Their willingness to step-up, listen, question, collaborate, mentor, and say “Yes, let’s try this” is the foundation of this organization.


Like to learn more about FHSLA?
Please contact me, Ardis Hanson, Co-Chair CE Committee; Stephanie Harris, Membership Chair; or Jorge Perez, President. We will be happy to share details of volunteer roles that can work for you and your schedule. Through these opportunities you can:
· Increase your network of professional librarians,
· enhance your skill set via continuing education (e.g. copyright, systematic reviews, etc.)
· gain authorship experience (e.g. blog posts, book reviews, journal articles, presentations, etc.) · pursue credentialing for the Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) - Medical Library Association (MLA), and
· advance your career through leadership roles in state, regional, and national medical library associations.


FHSLA can open the door to many professional medical librarianship opportunities!