Health Literacy, Programming, and Consumer Health Information
See also:
- Libraries Connecting You to Coverage: Affordable Care Act
- Libraries Connecting You to Coverage: Medicaid
- Opioid Crisis Response
Promoting Healthy Communities: A Health Information Initiative
Access to current and reliable health information is imperative for the well-being of all Americans, and public libraries are frequently a "go-to" resource as people navigate complex issues of health care, insurance, aging and more. A new nationwide initiative from the Public Library Association (PLA) and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) will increase public library workers’ knowledge and skills related to consumer health services. PLA and NNLM are assessing health information needs among public librarians and share free resources and professional development opportunities that will help public library staff better serve their patrons’ consumer health needs.
Resources
Regional Medical Library Membership
Membership in your National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) Regional Medical Library is free and provides you with access to training, funding, and materials to keep your library programming strong and keep your community healthy. Read more in a letter from 2017–2018 PLA President Pam Sandlian Smith and a brochure about the benefits of membership.
Online Learning
Putting the Consumer Health Information Specialization to Work in Public Libraries
A FREE on-demand webinar
Panelists: Carolyn Martin, Bobbi Newman, Erin Donlan, Susan Kroll, Debbie Stanton & Scott Allen
Education about consumer health services and programming can help public librarians stay current and develop new programs and services for their communities. This on-demand webinar provides an overview of educational programs available via the National Network of Libraries of Medicine about consumer health and specific health topics. These programs can help librarians get the Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS) credential, which brings an additional, recognized level of expertise to their libraries and helps them connect with community partners. This on-demand webinar reviews CHIS requirements and benefits and showcases specific projects and programs that public library staff have developed with the knowledge they gained from consumer health educational experiences. More…
PLA Health Interest Group
Join PLA’s Health interest group (login required*) to connect with members interested in increasing their knowledge and skills related to consumer health services and programming to help patrons better navigate complex health issues. Please note that participation in PLA interest groups is limited to PLA personal members and login is required.
*You will be asked to login with your ALA website login and password to confirm your current PLA personal membership. If you’ve forgotten your login information, you'll be able to retrieve your username/password or create a login if you don't have one from the "Login" page.
