Collaborating with Public Libraries, Public Health Departments, and Rural Hospitals to Provide Consumer Health Information Services

Abstract

ABSTRACT East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine Library (ETSUQCOML) developed a training program to enable public libraries, public health workers, and rural hospital staff to be consumer health information providers. Four NN/LM-developed classes were taught to public libraries. Regional public library directors were invaluable in obtaining the concurrence of their boards for release time for class attendance. Classes were also developed for the public health workforce and rural hospital staff. Five-hundred thirty-three students attended the classes. Fifty-two public library workers will receive the MLA's Consumer Health Information Specialist certification. Thirty-one public libraries have joined NN/LM. All ordered MedlinePlus marketing materials for their libraries from InformationRx. org.