Experiencing the Association of Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) Conference

Posted by aprilwright on November 6th, 2025 Posted in: Uncategorized

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Commitment to Addressing Health Reference Questions in Rural Public Libraries: Experiencing the Association of Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) Conference

November 20, 2025 is National Rural Health Day.  To begin this observance, NNLM Region 1 welcomes a blog post one of our rural public library members.   

The public library is often a first stop for information of all kinds, and health-related inquiries are no exception. Patrons walk through our doors seeking everything from reliable information on a recent diagnosis to advice on understanding medical jargon or finding local health resources. Answering these health reference questions is a vital, yet delicate, aspect of public librarianship.

The Information Imperative

In an age of information overload, particularly online, the need for neutral, authoritative information is critical. The library serves as a trusted, non-judgmental space where individuals can access vetted resources. We don’t provide medical advice or diagnoses—that’s the role of healthcare professionals. Our role is to empower patrons with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions and engage effectively with their own doctors.
When a patron asks a health question, a librarian’s approach is guided by core principles:

• Empathy and Discretion: Health concerns are deeply personal. We listen with an open mind and ensure confidentiality.

• Focus on Resources: Our job is to point patrons toward reliable, evidence-based sources like MedlinePlus, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) websites, or authoritative consumer health databases, not to interpret medical information ourselves.

• Understanding Limitations: We clarify that the information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical consultation.

A Commitment to Community Wellness
To better equip ourselves for these interactions and ensure we are providing the highest quality of service, ongoing professional development is essential. I am honored to share that I recently received funding from NNLM (the Network of the National Library of Medicine) to attend a Health Reference Express preconference session and the 2025 Association of Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL) Conference.

This grant underscores the commitment of the NNLM and organizations like ARSL to supporting local libraries as key partners in fostering community health and wellness. The skills and knowledge gained from this session directly translates into better service for our patrons, helping them navigate complex health information with greater confidence and understanding.

In the public library, every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. By responsibly answering health reference questions and leveraging expert training, we help build healthier, more informed communities, one reliable source at a time.
Enhancing Our Expertise: NNLM and ARSL

This generous support from the NNLM was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge of specialized health information resources and best practices for delivering health literacy programs in a community setting. Attending the ARSL preconference provided valuable insights tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small and rural libraries, where access to specialized health institutions might be limited.
The NNLM grant provided access to the comprehensive ARSL conference agenda, allowing for participation in several highly relevant professional development sessions that complemented the health information focus.

One notable session was an insightful presentation on “Inclusive Data Practices,” led by Stacey Wedlake. This course provided practical, research-based strategies for identifying and addressing gaps in existing library data. By following the real-world experiences of three rural librarians, attendees learned how to better understand why certain data points are missing and subsequently use that knowledge to more effectively meet the diverse needs of their respective communities.

Additionally, I attended an informative session titled “Leveraging Community Partnerships for Events,” presented by Kristen Smith. This program focused on strategic collaboration, offering guidance on evaluating potential partnerships. A key takeaway was learning how to discern when and how to commit to collaborative opportunities (“saying ‘yes'”) while prudently managing the operational capacity and well-being of library staff.
These sessions provided a wealth of actionable knowledge that will contribute significantly to the library’s operational efficiency and its commitment to inclusive, community-centered service. From specialized health reference skills to practical strategies for inclusive data management and effective community collaboration, the insights gained at the ARSL conference will directly translate into improved services and resources for our patrons. We remain dedicated to empowering our community with reliable information and fostering a healthier, more informed Laurel, Delaware.

Stacy Lane, MMLIS is a librarian at the Laurel Public Library, Laurel, DE.

Sources of Rural Health Information

Rural Health Information Hub

NNLM Reading Club: Rural Health

Medline Plus: Rural Health Concerns

Medical Library Association Top Health Websites