The Cabells team always has a wonderful time at the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) annual conference – the 2025 gathering held last week in Pittsburgh was no exception. From thoughtful conversations with librarians and faculty to scenic views high above the city, the conference offered the perfect balance of insight and inspiration.
We were thrilled to connect in person with so many members of the medical library community. We were especially encouraged by conversations with librarians and researchers who use our tools and rely on them to support their publishing decisions. Many librarians shared their appreciation of the time Journalytics saves them by simplifying the process of identifying legitimate, relevant journals for faculty and students.
In addition, as more institutions emphasize publication requirements for promotion and tenure, early-career scholars as well as experienced academics with little publication history are increasingly expected to navigate complex publishing ecosystems. Hearing how Cabells helps provide that direction, whether through Predatory Reports’ red flags or the confidence Journalytics offers in choosing the right journal, was very rewarding. It was clear from these conversations that trusted and efficient tools and proactive education are more important than ever.
Another recurring theme in our conversations was the continued and growing concern over predatory journals. We heard from many attendees who are supporting those early-career researchers and new-to-publishing veterans mentioned above. There is a real need for accessible tools and education to help these authors learn how to recognize and avoid deceptive outlets and understand the importance of doing so. We’re proud to be an important part of that support system.
Beyond the exhibit hall, we took some time to enjoy the Steel City. Highlights included a Pittsburgh Pirates game at beautiful PNC Park and the Duquesne Incline and its working museum, which provided an awesome primer on the city’s industrial and cultural history. Finally, the view (and food) from the Grandview Saloon next to the Incline on Mt. Washington was ridiculous. It was a pleasure to discuss the day’s proceedings over dinner with the Pittsburgh skyline next to us.
We left MLA 2025 energized by the enthusiasm and dedication of medical librarians and administrators, especially those advocating for publishing literacy and research integrity. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and shared your thoughts with us—we thoroughly enjoyed the time together and look forward to continuing these important conversations throughout the year.
