Developing an Online Consumer Health Course for Public Library Staff

Abstract

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region (NNLM GMR) received funding to support the evaluation and development of an asynchronous consumer health information course. Requirements of this project included: incorporating recommendations from NNLM instructors, National Library of Medicine staff and public library staff; piloting the revised course with a nationwide cohort; incorporating feedback from the pilot; and delivering a second instance of the revised course. The revised course meets existing requirements for public library certification and for Level 1 certification of the Medical Library Association’s Consumer Health Information Specialization.

Keywords:

• Public libraries
• consumer health
• asynchronous

Additional information

Funding

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, under Grant Number 1UG4LM012346 with the University of Iowa.

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth Kiscaden

Elizabeth Kiscaden, MLIS, AHIP, is the Associate Director for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region.

Bobbi Newman

Bobbi Newman, MLIS, MA, is the Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region.

Margot Malachowski

Margot Malachowski, MLS, AHIP, is an Education and Outreach Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, New England Region.

Carolyn Martin

Carolyn Martin, MLS, AHIP, is the Consumer Health Coordinator for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region.