Putting the Consumer Health Information Specialization to Work in Public Libraries

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.

Originally presented November 1, 2017.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will:

• Be aware of and inspired by examples of health literacy programs at other public libraries;
• Be more knowledgeable of and understand the value of the CHIS certification and how it will help assist their community members with their health information needs; and
• Be aware of professional development opportunities associated with PLA’s new initiative on health literacy, specifically the stipend application opportunity for the PLA preconference.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF, 42 pgs.)
• ALA's Libraries Tranform Health Literacy Toolkit
• Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts
• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM)
• NNLM YouTube Channel
• NNLM Training Schedule (some of which qualify for CHIS and are free)
• Medical Library Association
• Consumer Health Information Specialization (CHIS)
• CHIS Course List
• Health On the Net Foundation
• FDA information on Medical Devices
• FDA information on Mobile Medical Applications
• MedlinePlus topic page on Evaluating Health Information
• NLM Learn About Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is open to everyone interested in health literacy and assisting with the health information and program needs of their community.

Panelists

Carolyn Martin is a consumer health coordinator at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Pacific Northwest Region.

Bobbi Newman is a librarian, writer, and an international speaker. She is a community engagement and outreach specialist at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, where she helps public libraries meet the health information needs of their communities. She is the author of the award-winning blog, Librarian by Day, and in 2011 was named a Mover and Shaker by Library Journal. She has served on national initiatives from ALA, LITA, OITP, Pew, and NISO.

Erin Donlan is an information services librarian at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin, Ill.

Susan Kroll works part time in Adult Services at the Charlevoix Public Library in Michigan. She retired from being the director of the Health Sciences Library at Ohio State University, where she was for 25 years.

Debbie Stanton is director of the Washington (Iowa) Free Public Library.

Scott G. Allen is a deputy director at PLA, where he is responsible for DigitalLearn.org as well as programs on family engagement, equity and diversity, fundraising, and more. Scott’s work has supported both public libraries and pediatricians, having spent over 20 years working for the American Academy of Pediatrics in various capacities. He’s excited to be working with public libraries on a health-related initiative.