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MLA BibKits

Proposal Guidelines

MLA BibKits are selective, annotated bibliographies of discrete subject areas in the health sciences literature. The bibliography is considered a guide to the topic rather than a compendium, and thus is selective rather than comprehensive. Annotations should be evaluative, rather than merely descriptive, and should be based on the compiler's examination.

Individuals interested in compiling a BibKit for publication by the Medical Library Association must submit a formal proposal to the Books Panel.

To top of page Proposal

Potential BibKit authors should submit the following information in a written proposal.

1. Statement of the author's qualifications, limited to a one-page summary of related work experience, committee activities, publications/presentations, and education or training.

2. A brief narrative of one to two pages that explains

  • the need for the BibKit
  • the purpose of the BibKit
  • the scope of the BibKit
  • the intended audience
  • the benefits and unique features of the BibKit; how it differs from similar publications

3. A detailed outline that includes

  • an introduction
  • a table of contents
  • three to five sample citations, with annotations
  • the estimated length of the completed BibKit
  • the estimated time required to complete the project

To top of page Submission and Review of Proposals

Proposals should be emailed to MLA's director of publications. Complete proposals are forwarded to members of the Books Panel for evaluation. The deadline is open-ended, however the panel meets annually in May to review proposals in person (deadline for review in May is April 1). Other times of the year, evalutions are conducted by phone or email.

The decision to accept or reject a proposal is influenced by many factors, including the need for such a publication; its potential market; the author's qualifications (subject knowledge and writing skills); estimated production and marketing costs; and estimated sales. Comments and decisions on proposals are transmitted to prospective authors after the final review.

To top of page Approved Proposals

The Books Panel will provide compilers of approved proposals with production guidelines and a letter of agreement from MLA headquarters specifying the rights (including the receipt of author royalties) and responsibilities of the compilers and MLA regarding published BibKits. MLA letters of agreement are typically mailed to compilers within thirty days after a proposal's acceptance.

To top of page Author Contract

A letter of agreement between the author and MLA is signed only after the proposal is accepted by the Books Panel.

To top of page Manuscript Review and Production

The completed BibKit will be reviewed by editorial staff at MLA headquarters. Only the table of contents and introduction will be proofread; the remaining documents will be reviewed briefly for production quality. MLA's Publications Department coordinates the production, printing, and marketing of the kit. This process takes approximately three to four weeks.

To top of page For More Information

For more information, contact MLA's director of publications, at MLA headquarters, 65 East Wacker Place, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60601-7246; 312.419.9094; fax, 312.419.8950.

MLA BibKits
BibKit Production Guidelines

MLA headquarters staff coordinates the production process, essentially the reproduction of camera-ready copy, spiral bound in a sturdy cover. The production process takes approximately two to four weeks.

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