Libraries

These resources will help you begin or expand your educational and community health literacy activities with libraries.Libraries of all types, including public and medical libraries, are important partners in community-based health literacy efforts. Many libraries support basic literacy programs for children and adults. Librarians provide health information to patrons through a variety of methods—including helping with public Internet access and searching, printing resources, referring patrons to local health services, and distributing and posting information. The resources on this page can help librarians and other information professionals recognize and respond to community members’ health information and communication needs. The resources may also help other individuals and organizations identify common interests and opportunities to work with libraries.

Health Information and Library Professionals

• Find a Literacy Program (ProLiteracy)
• Health Literacy Missouri Library (Health Literacy Missouri 2011)
• Health Literacy Studies at the Harvard School of Public Health (Harvard School of Public Health 2011)
• Medical Library Association Health Information Literacy web pages (2011)
• National Library of Medicine Consumer Health Information Specialization Classes (2016)
• National Network of Libraries of Medicine Class on Promoting Health Literacy through Easy-to-Read Materials (Refugee Health Information Network 2011)