Consumer Health Staff Training in a Public Library Setting

Abstract

The vast array of health information resources available to consumers has made the role of public librarians, as evaluators and providers of reliable health information, more important than ever. As part of its focus on consumer health information services at its main library and 18 urban neighborhood locations, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CPL) has developed a plan for ongoing staff training to ensure consistent, high-quality consumer health assistance. This column outlines how Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh identified staff training as a priority; researched the needs of its community and staff; tailored training to identified needs; developed staff competencies for measurement after completion of training; and implemented its training curriculum.

Key Words:

• Consumer health information
• public libraries
• staff development