Faces of NNLM Region 4: David Brown

Posted in: #CC/Academic List, #Health Interest List, #Health Sciences List, #Public/K-12 List, All Members

---

For National Medical Librarians Month, we will be shining a light on David Brown, Public Health Engagement Specialist for NNLM Region 4. Below is an interview with Mr. Brown about his experience being a medical librarian.

Can you give us the elevator-speech rundown of your medical librarian career?

I am newer to the profession of medical librarianship. I started out as a professor of public health at several universities and colleges around the United States. Once I realized that many health inequities and disparities came from a lack of health literacy, I decided to investigate the field of library science. I was fortunate to work at an institution that offered a health science library and librarian on a satellite campus. I was able to befriend this individual and then decided to complete my MLIS degree. I completed my MLIS degree in 2015. I then went to work as a librarian. I started at a hospital and medical school as a volunteer faculty. I then moved to being a director of library services at a for-profit health sciences institution that focused on Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Veterinary Technology. Currently, I still teach in public health and health education as well as being the public health engagement specialist for Region 4.

What are your research interests or top work activities?

I enjoy topics surrounding health literacy, access to health care and health information, advocacy issues, mixed methodologies for investigating social problems, instrument design and validation and issues around diversity, equity and inclusion.

What prompted you to become a medical librarian?

Wanting to make a difference in the health literacy sphere and to teach others how to find, utilize and analyze health materials and information.

What is your favorite librarian tool?

I enjoy using the reference interview to help people find relevant information and materials related to their search.

What do you think are the most important challenges that medical librarians face?

Staying current and relevant in the field. “Dr. Google” and other technology has been doing a good job of making people feel like they can find information without the assistance of trained professionals. As a profession, we need to continue to combat misinformation and help assure people they are finding the most relevant and appropriate materials for their health information.