Boost Your Health Reference Skills with This Free On-Demand Course

Posted by liaison on March 5th, 2025 Posted in: #CC/Academic List, #Public/K-12 List, Public Libraries, Webinars and Training

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As a library professional, you are often the first point of contact for patrons seeking information on a wide range of topics, including health-related inquiries. Handling these questions effectively requires a unique set of skills that combines communication, confidentiality, and an understanding of the resources available. If you’re working in a public or academic library, or in another information profession, our free on-demand course, Health Reference Express: Communication and Confidentiality Essentials for Library Workers, is designed to help you refine your health reference interview skills.

The course is broken down into the following sections:

• Pre-Test – Gauge your current knowledge and understanding of health reference services.
• Lesson 1: Confidentiality and Privacy in Health Reference – Learn how the ALA Library Bill of Rights, ALA Code of Ethics, and the MLA Code of Ethics for Health Science Librarianship can help you navigate ethical considerations while assisting patrons.
• Lesson 2: Conducting a Health Reference Interview – Walk through the five steps of conducting a health reference interview to effectively communicate with patrons and ask the right questions.
• Lesson 3: Navigating Tricky Health Reference Situations: Explore real-world scenarios, such as answering health questions over the phone, dealing with language barriers, and how to respond when patrons are seeking medical advice.
• Post-Test – Assess what you’ve learned after the course.

Who Should Take This Course?
Whether you work in a public or academic library, or in other information professions, this training will help enhance your ability to respond to health inquiries with sensitivity and accuracy.

Ready to Enhance Your Skills?
Sign up today to access this free on-demand course and take your health reference service skills to the next level. Questions? Reach out to Molly Knapp.