Medical Library Association Conference Abstract Data, 2012 and 2014

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine the rate of abstracts presented at the Medical Library Association (MLA) annual meetings that are later published as journal articles. The primary objective was to replicate a prior study in order to see if the publication rate has changed between 2002 and 2014. The secondary objective was to investigate predictor factors that influence the rate of publication. Methods: Two authors independently coded abstracts of presentations and posters delivered at the 2012 and 2014 MLA annual meetings to identify factors associated with publication. Post-conference publication of abstracts as journal articles was determined using a literature search and online survey sent to first authors. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in the publication rate, and logistic regression was used to assess the influence of abstract factors on publication. Results: The combined publication rate for the 2012 and 2014 annual meetings was 21.8% (137/628 abstracts), which is a statistically significant decrease compared to the previously reported rate for 2002 and 2003 (27.6%, 122/442). The odds that an abstract would later be published as a journal article increased if the abstract was multi-institutional or if it was research, specifically surveys or mixed methods research. Conclusions: The lower publication rate of MLA conference abstracts may be due to an increased number of abstracts that were accepted or a more competitive submission process for journals. MLA could increase the publication rate by encouraging and enabling multi-institutional research projects among its members.