ALA releases free library programming toolkit for library workers to support online health literacy and selects twelve libraries for pilot program

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) announces 12 libraries selected for the Digital Pathways: Online Health Literacy Programming for Adults initiative, a pilot program that supports libraries' online health literacy programming during a nine-month implementation period.

The selected libraries will receive a new free guide from ALA, developed with a team of national advisors in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare, which will help library workers to reduce disparities in healthcare access and foster active engagement in personal health management for adults.

The guide offers practical, detailed examples of successful and innovative programs drawn from diverse public library settings. The examples illustrate how libraries can effectively adapt these program models by leveraging local partnerships, enhancing digital and eHealth literacy, optimizing accessible spaces, and employing inclusive and culturally responsive outreach practices.

“Digital Pathways: Online Health Literacy Programming for Adults”, a guide for libraries, contains information on understanding online health literacy and telehealth, lessons on video visits and privacy, best practices, and replicable programming ideas with budget tiers and assessment tools to adapt with confidence. The 100-page guide also explores what library workers can and cannot do in non-clinical settings.

Download the guide here. 

Each library will receive an $8,000 stipend to cover costs associated with implementing programs from the guide, along with personal development resources and access to a community of practice for peer sharing and learning.

The selected libraries are:

• Alpena County (Mich.) George N. Fletcher Public Library
• Billings (Mont.) Public Library
• Cambria County Library, Johnstown, Pa.
• Campbell County Public Library, Fort Thomas, Ky.
• Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library
• Kenai (Alaska) Community Library
• Liberty (Maine) Library
• Memphis (Tenn.) Library Foundation
• Milwaukee (Wis.) Public Library
• Pottsboro (Texas) Library
• Western Allegheny Community Library, Oakdale, Pa.
• Whiting (Ind.) Public Library

“Digital Pathways: Online Health Literacy Programming for Adults Guide” was created in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare and library thought-leaders, including Marlowe Bogino, medical librarian, Christiana Care Health Libraries; Phoebe Chastain, capability manager, UnitedHealthcare; Arlisa Harris, director, Forrest City Public Library; Dr. Kate Mercer, engineering liaison librarian, University of Waterloo Library; Brian Russell, deputy director, ALA Public Programs Office; Dr. Witt Salley, adult and teen services librarian, Montgomery County Public Libraries.

To learn more about the program and to download the free programming guide, please visit https://www.ala.org/tools/programming/digitalpathways.

This project is developed with the support of UnitedHealthcare.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For nearly 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

About the ALA Public Programs Office

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation, and connection in communities of all types. Learn more at www.ala.org/ppo.